"No need, no need. Dispense with the formalities."
At some point, Tai Fuwei had appeared behind them, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. His manner was exceedingly gentle.
Tai Pei'er dropped her earlier demeanor and called out obediently:
"Ancestor."
"Mm."
Tai Fuwei acknowledged her, then said:
"Don't just stand there. Come inside and have a chat."
With that, he ambled toward the inner hall, his hands still clasped behind his back.
"Let's go."
Tai Pei'er gestured with her lips and led Jiang Yang after him.
Although the Tai lived extravagantly, Tai Fuwei himself lived very simply. Or perhaps, having attained divine powers, he no longer cared for worldly pleasures. In any case, his quarters were small and sparsely furnished, with an air of quiet seclusion.
"Sit."
Tai Fuwei swept his broad sleeve aside and took the seat of honor, speaking gently to the two before him.
Tai Pei'er's eyes darted at his words, and she pouted.
"With our ancestor here, how could we presume to sit?"
"Hahaha."
Tai Fuwei threw back his head and laughed, pointing loosely at her a few times.
"You little imp. I'm not standing on empty ceremony with you. Today, there are no superiors or inferiors, only old and young. Both of you, sit."
Only then did Tai Pei'er bow in satisfaction. Jiang Yang followed her lead and cupped his hands.
"Thank you, True Person."
Once they had taken their seats on either side, Tai Fuwei spoke.
"Hearing of someone is never quite like meeting them. Eight years since I last saw you, young friend, and your bearing and immortal grace have only surpassed what they once were."
Jiang Yang smiled at the appropriate moment and said softly:
"You flatter me, True Person. What prompted those words?"
Tai Fuwei glanced at Tai Pei'er seated