Haha... We Meet Again

Deep in the Sunset Forest, after more than a month of construction, the core of Linyuan Pavilion was complete. Work was still underway on the outer grounds.

Craftsmen from the Defense Clan were busy laying walls and raising beams. Hammering carried across the site, mingling with the creak of saws and shouted calls until the whole forest seemed to bustle. The main hall was finished, with side halls, a training ground, a dining hall, and dormitories all in place. The complex was spacious in layout and grand in scale.

Xiao Wu stood at the gate holding Jade Guga. She gazed up at the buildings and stared for a long moment.

"It's so big!"

Jade Guga tipped up its little head too. The tiny leaf on top swayed as it answered softly, "So big, guga."

Xiao Wu looked down at it and smiled. "You think so too?"

"Mm, guga." Jade Guga pressed its little head against her and snuggled in.

Guga waddled up from behind and took the lead, a note of pride in its voice. "Follow me, guga."

Xiao Wu laughed. "You're showing us the way?"

"Of course, guga." Guga kept waddling ahead, then added, "Hurry up, guga."

Xiao Wu followed, looking around as she walked. The bluestone path was smooth and clean. The main hall's sweeping eaves cast crisp shadows in the sunlight, and the training ground had been packed firm. It was craftsmanship worthy of the Defense Clan.

At the entrance to the main hall, Niu Gao was sitting inside with a cup of tea. Bai He and Yang Wudi were there too, each holding a cup as they discussed the expansion. When Niu Gao saw Lin Yuan come in with the others, he set down his tea and stood.

"Xiao Wu, these are elders of Linyuan Pavilion.