Chapter 764: Plans For the Future |
The three beasts moved towards the fire, standing around while waiting for Ming Yue to serve dinner. Soon enough, three different plates of boar meat were placed in front of them.
Ming Yue and Hongyu each had a bowl of roasted boar meat, vegetables, and rice.
And once everyone was served, they started to eat.
It was quiet as everyone ate around the fire, enjoying the food and the peacefulness of it all. The meal was simple but this was food that they had procured themselves and that made it much more delicious.
"Hm, a visitor?"
Everyone turned their attention towards the entrance of the clearing, hearing a set of footsteps coming their way.
"Who could be here at a time like this?"
Ming Yue stood up, staring forward at this sudden guest. She suddenly looked surprised before smiling.
It was none other than the former elder of the Eternal Blade Sect and Cui Fen's husband. He carried a simple sword by his hip and a basket in one of his hands.
"Cui Fen wanted me to deliver a few things to you!" he told her.
Walking up to her, he handed over the basket to Ming Yue, who looked at it, feeling the hefty weight.
"They're gifts from some of the market stall owners. Even though you refused any payment from them, they weren't going to let you teach their children empty-handed", he said.
She flipped the cover of the basket over, finding it filled to the brim with goods. There was fresh produce, meat, pastries, and much more.
"This... this is too much", she muttered.
Elder Fei chuckled.
"What are you talking about? Not only are their children being taken care of for the day, they're being taught by someone as famous as you. At this rate, you might as well start a school!"
Ming Yue set the basket down while shaking her head.
"I'm not good enough for that. And those children, I've been teaching them on a whim, there was no need to give all of this", she replied.
"Nonsense! You're more than qualified to do such."
He shook his head before looking over at Hongyu and the other beasts, waving to them.
"I must've interrupted your meal, I suppose I should get going now.", he said, turning to leave.
Ming Yue quickly walked to his side.
"Let me walk you back to the city, I haven't spoken with you in a while."
Elder Fei was taken aback but accepted nonetheless.
"Heh, there's nothing wrong with that, please."
"Please."
Ming Yue turned around, quietly motioning Hongyu to watch the house. The girl nodded and started picking up after herself.
The pair soon left the clearing, walking down a dirt path that was illuminated by the night sky.
"Your home is still as pleasant as ever, I suppose you have no desire to live elsewhere? ", Elder Fei asked.
Ming Yue shook her head.
"No, as nice as cities are, I prefer the peace", she answered.
"Heh, to each their own... To think the young girl I saw all those years ago has grown so much. You... you're going to be twenty-six soon, right?"
"In a few months yes."
"Right, do you plan on pushing forward?" he asked, "Pushing towards the Heaven Realm?"
"Not yet, I... I want to spend a bit more time with Hongyu", she replied.
"I still can't believe it, sacrificing your own lifespan to reach a higher cultivation level. You did defeat the Ascetic but at what cost?"
There was a conflicted expression on his face, he feared for her wellbeing after all. However, Ming Yue could only smile in the face of this news.
"I've already consulted with the Grand Elder about this. Reaching the Heaven Realm will repair some of that damage at least. And he was confident that I'll be able to reach it within a hundred years", she told him.
"Even then... you're far too young to be making such a sacrifice. You're inherently crippling your own potential!"
Despite his words, Ming Yue didn't seem bothered by it.
"I made that choice, better to do so than to be in fear of him until my death."
"I..."
"I understand you're worried Elder Fei but I am happy with what I have."
He had nothing else to say though his face still showed how bothered he was.
"How is Aunt Cui? Rou'er? Fei Xian and his beloved?" she asked, changing the topic.
His face suddenly changed at the mention of his family.
"Ergh, they're doing well."
He seemed somewhat embarrassed, scratching the back of his head.
"Actually, Cui Fen and I, we're going to have a child. And so is Fei Xian and his wife! In fact, it could be this month or next month that she gives birth!" he said excitedly.
"Really? Congratulations, I should prepare something for you! A gift of some sort", she said.
Elder Fei just laughed as he looked at her.
"Gifts? Saving our lives is enough for us. better yet, you should come to the celebrations! We're having one soon and Rou'er will be there too! By then, she'll have come back from her experiential training!" he told her.
Ming Yue smiled, feeling a bit of excitement even.
With their conversation underway, the gentle glow coming from the nightlife of Luan City started to peak over the trees. Soon enough, the city was in sight and Ming Yue walked the Elder back to the city gates.
As they stood there, looking at each other, she saw how much older he had become. the wrinkles on his face had continued to grow more visible. There was even a few gray hairs on his head. And despite the simple clothes, he still had that dignified air around him.
"You should come by and visit the tea shop, you know our doors will always be open", he said to her.
Ming Yue just smiled and nodded.
"I know."
"Right, at some point you're going to end up like one of those hermits, oblivious to the outside world! Alright, alright, don't forget! I'll be coming by to remind you of the party alright?!"
"Of course, I'll be waiting for the invitation."
Elder Fei waved goodbye before walking into the city and Ming Yue watched him until he was no longer in sight. And then, she returned to her home, flying back and returning in a matter of minutes.
Upon her arrival, she saw Hongyu and the other three beasts, waiting by the campfire. The moment she came back, they immediately stood up, coming up to greet her.
"Did anything happen?" she asked.
Hongyu shook her head.
"No, but everything has been cleaned", the little girl told her.
"Alright then, I suppose a little sparring is in order, no?"
The moment Hongyu heard her say "sparring" her eyes almost sparkled. She placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, ready to take it out at a moment's notice.
Ming Yue just laughed.
"Hahaha, I think you're the only one who enjoys sparring this much", she said.
But while saying this, she brought out Blood Moon, unsheathing it.
"Now then, it won't just be you but Xiao Yin, Hei Yue, and Liang Wei are joining as well!"
Upon hearing their names getting called, the three beasts suddenly looked up in surprise. But Ming Yue just looked at them.
"What? There's nothing wrong with a bit of exercise after a meal, no?" she asked.
They seemed a bit unwilling, practically dragging their feet. But as they stood by Hongyu, face to face with Ming Yue, their attitude slowly changed. Breaking out of their drowsy state, they suddenly bared their fangs and readied themselves for a fight.
Hongyu unsheathed her sword, pointing it straight at her.
As for Ming Yue, she brandished Blood Moon, letting it shine under the moonlight.
"Let's begin."
