In the harsh, survival-of-the-fittest world of cultivators, most family disciples would venture out to refine themselves, seeking personal growth and experience.
Along the way, depending on their luck and fortune, each would encounter opportunities unique to them.
These could be heavenly materials and treasures, various spirit herbs and medicinal plants, or perhaps a secluded spirit domain left behind by some mighty cultivator.
Such opportunities were rare in a millennium. Even mid-tier artifacts were considered priceless in these cultivation families, and high-tier artifacts were nearly impossible to come by.
Take Feng Xi, for example. Even her protective artifact was of high-grade quality, let alone the weapons and treasures she casually displayed.
Song He felt a tightness in his chest as he thought of Feng Xi’s proud and haughty demeanor.
“The Beiling Demon Abyss… who knows what kind of place it is. That girl’s soul may have already been corrupted by demonic energy. If she encountered such opportunities, who knows what unspeakable acts she might have done?”
“Hmph! And you have the face to say that? You know better than anyone why Xi’er was expelled from the Feng family in the first place.”
Mrs. Zhuang’s eyes burned as she stared down at Song He.
In his gray robe, the silent head of the Feng family, Feng Yize, finally spoke.
“In that matter, the Feng family did indeed wrong her. Now that she has returned, there’s no need to dwell on it further.”
Song He’s expression became complicated, as if he wanted to speak but held back.
“Mother cares for her, I understand. But she’s been away for so long. Now that she’s returned, she is like a completely different person. The once obedient girl in white, who wore her innocence like a crown, is now a captivating enchantress, dressing provocatively and behaving without the constraints of traditional decorum.”
Mrs. Zhuang had thought Song He might finally have a pang of conscience, perhaps seeking to apologize, but instead, he judged his own daughter so harshly.
She remembered the girl who used to present her homemade buns, dressed in white with a radiant, innocent smile, calling her grandmother lovingly.
“Grandmother, Xi’er made these buns herself and wants you to be the first to taste them,” the young Feng Xi had said.
Now, hearing Song He’s description, Mrs. Zhuang could hardly reconcile the image of the innocent girl with the proud and audacious woman he painted.
“You come to the Steward Hall, are you here to slander Xi’er in front of me and her masters?” Mrs. Zhuang frowned.
Song He was momentarily at a loss and quickly tried to explain.
“No, Mother, that’s not what I meant…”
“Enough. Speak less. Mother, this Young Lord from Yangzhou is still in our Jingzhou Feng family. Since Xi’er offended him, we should give some account of the matter.”
Feng Yize’s expression grew stern. He rose and turned to the white-robed woman and the two expressionless middle-aged men.
“You came out here not just because Xi’er returned, did you?” His voice carried gravity, hinting at deeper intentions.
The white-robed woman smiled faintly and patted the shoulder of a man in green robes beside her.
“Enough, don’t be so serious. Her return is a good thing. Nothing has happened yet, so don’t frown.”
The man in green sighed helplessly.
“Exactly! Nothing has happened; there’s still room for change.”
“Yize, since she has returned, let her come to the sect tomorrow to cultivate as before. For us old ones, it’s been peaceful. Now is the time to properly instruct her,” another middle-aged man said.
Mrs. Zhuang, Song He, and Feng Yize exchanged complex expressions, a mixture of seriousness, tension, and indescribable emotions that defied simple words.
“Even without you as her masters, Xi’er’s achievements are her own fortune,” Mrs. Zhuang murmured.
At that moment, a swirl of black mist appeared in the Steward Hall, coalescing into the form of an elderly Taoist with white hair.
“Hahaha… why gather here without inviting me, the Celestial Master!” His hoarse, resonant voice echoed.
Everyone’s expressions shifted, eyes wide with surprise as they looked at the newcomer.
“Hmph, old ghost, what are you here for? The Feng family has already done as you wished. She just returned; what else could you possibly want?” Mrs. Zhuang’s voice trembled with restrained anger.