Feng Xian'er was already waiting in front of the bamboo cottage.
She wore a pale purple robe that day.
Her long hair was loosely pinned up with a jade hairpin, lending her a little less languor and a little more gentleness.
At the sight of Long Yan'er, she gave a kindly smile.
"Little girl, come here and let your master have a look."
Long Yan'er was not shy around strangers. She skipped over, tilted her little face up, and called sweetly, "Hello, Master Feng."
Feng Xian'er bent down and picked her up, looked her over, and even made a point of touching her forehead. "A good root bone. You're a promising little seedling for cultivation. You're just a little young. Start by meditating and nourishing your qi with me. I'll formally teach you alchemy in another two years."
"Thank you, Master Feng."
Long Yan'er planted a smacking kiss on Feng Xian'er's cheek, making her phoenix eyes curve into crescents.
Watching from the side, Lin Shisan was filled with emotion.
This master he had picked up acted with the speed of wind and the force of thunder toward others, killing without hesitation, yet she was so gentle with children.
"Master, Yan'er has a little question."
Long Yan'er's solemn manner left both Feng Xian'er and Lin Shisan puzzled. The little girl had a question?
"Yes, ask away, Yan'er. Ask whenever you have a question. That's what an honest, good child does."
Feng Xian'er also became solemn, fully playing along with Long Yan'er's seriousness.
"Um..."
Long Yan'er's dark eyes rolled around as she looked at Feng Xian'er before her, then at the puzzled Lin Shisan beside them.
"Master, Yan'er is your nominal disciple, which means you're Yan'er's master."
"Of course. Starting today, Yan'er is my nominal disciple, and I'm Yan'er's master."
Feng Xian'er