Chapter 12: A Reunion in the Ethereal Mists

Upon returning from the eerie valley, another half a month had passed. Zhang Xiaofan had been in the Azure Ethereal Conclave for exactly three years. His bamboo-chopping days were finally over, though the results he submitted at the end were enough to make him blush with embarrassment.

Because of that bewildering trip to the valley, Zhang Xiaofan often felt dizzy and weak, his energy and blood depleted, making him unusually fatigued in the following half a month.

He secretly speculated that it might have been due to the significant blood loss he dimly remembered during his disoriented state. But upon checking, he found no wounds on his body, leaving him anxious and too afraid to ask his master, so he kept it to himself.

Though he said nothing, his body spoke volumes. In the past, even at his worst, he could chop down two large black-jointed bamboos. Now, after just a few swings, he was panting and sweating, unable to chop even one in half a day.

This was not surprising. That day in the valley, the Immortalbane Nexus had almost drained half of his vital essence. Had it not been for his robust constitution, he would have been bedridden. Yet, regaining his former bamboo-chopping prowess was now a mere pipe dream.

This condition persisted until, half a month later, Zhang Xiaofan felt a slight improvement, with his energy and spirit gradually returning. By then, his bamboo-chopping assignment had ended.

On the final day, under the watchful eyes of Senior Brother Song Daren and others, Zhang Xiaofan exerted all his strength and managed to chop down one black-jointed bamboo before time ran out.

Song Daren and the others exchanged glances, speechless, until Tian Ling’er stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and laughed, “Xiaofan, it’s okay. With just a fraction of my abilities, you did quite well.”

Zhang Xiaofan could only force a bitter smile.

During dinner, the entire Great Bamboo Peak gathered in the dining hall. As Tian Yijian and Su Ru sat down, Song Daren first reported Zhang Xiaofan’s situation. Tian Yijian let out a cold laugh, not even glancing at Zhang Xiaofan.

Su Ru smiled, “Ah, Xiaofan, you’ve been with us at Great Bamboo Peak for three years already!”

Zhang Xiaofan quickly replied, “Yes, Mistress.”

Su Ru sighed lightly, “Time flies! It feels like just yesterday when you arrived.” She paused, then raised her voice, addressing the other six disciples, “Don’t you feel the same?”

The disciples straightened up, responding in unison, “Yes!”

Su Ru harrumphed, “Your little brother has grown, but none of you have made any progress in these three years. Are you trying to drive me and your master to an early grave?”

No one dared to speak, but all eyes turned to Song Daren. Under the pressure of his fellow disciples, Song Daren reluctantly said, “Mistress, don’t worry. We will strive harder this time!”

Su Ru’s face clearly showed her disbelief, and she was about to speak when Tian Yijian interrupted, “Old Six.”

Du Bishu stiffened, looking up in surprise, “Master, you called me?”

Tian Yijian said indifferently, “I’ve noticed you dancing around with pots and pans in the kitchen during your free time. What’s going on?”

Du Bishu blushed, stammering, “Master, how did you see that?”

Su Ru chimed in, “Bishu, what’s happening?”

After a moment of hesitation, Du Bishu mumbled, “I was trying to see if I could make those things move…”

The crowd was taken aback. The ability to “animate objects” was a fundamental step in cultivating treasures in the Azure Ethereal Conclave, requiring one to reach the fourth layer of the Jade Purity Realm of the Tai Chi Xuan Qing Dao.

Tian Yijian nodded, though his expression remained unchanged, a hint of joy flickered in his eyes. “How is it going?”

Du Bishu whispered, “It… it seems to have moved a little.”

A wave of excitement swept through the room. Lu Daixin, who was sitting next to him, clapped his shoulder, beaming.

Su Ru, also smiling broadly, asked, “Good job, Bishu! When did this happen?”

Encouraged by the positive reaction, Du Bishu relaxed and explained, “Just recently, while I was practicing in my room, I noticed a cup on the table move under my mental control. I wondered if I had broken through to the third layer.” He chuckled, a bit embarrassed, “But I wasn’t sure, so I tested it often. I didn’t expect Master to find out.”

Tian Yijian smiled, “The difference between the third and fourth layers of the Jade Purity Realm is significant, but the initial breakthrough doesn’t show many obvious signs. You’re quick-witted, and though you started late, you’ve caught up.”

Everyone congratulated him, and Tian Ling’er interjected, “Sixth Brother, have you decided which treasure to cultivate?”

Du Bishu blinked, “Not yet. I just confirmed with Master that I’ve reached the fourth layer. I haven’t thought about it much.”

Su Ru reassured him, “Take your time. But you know your master; he never forces you to choose a particular magical sword. Follow your heart and find the materials you need.”

Zhang Xiaofan, watching enviously, saw Du Bishu’s radiant smile and heard Tian Yijian say, “Old Six.”

Du Bishu responded, “Master.”

Tian Yijian continued, “According to our tradition, disciples who reach the fourth layer of the Tai Chi Xuan Qing Dao must leave the mountain to travel and seek materials for their treasures. Whether you find a spiritual treasure depends on your fate and luck. Prepare yourself; you’ll leave in a few days.”

Du Bishu hesitated, his eyes filled with both reluctance and joy, “Yes.” Then, remembering something, he added, “But Master, I’m usually the one responsible for the kitchen. Who will take over after I leave?”

Lu Daixin laughed, “Worry not, there’s always me. I can handle it; we won’t starve.”

Du Bishu and the others laughed, but Tian Ling’er teased, “Fifth Brother, you should be ashamed! The food you cook gave me nightmares as a child!”

Lu Daixin blushed, and the room erupted in laughter. After it subsided, Tian Yijian calmly said, “Let the Seventh do the kitchen work from now on.”

Everyone was surprised, and Lu Daixin exclaimed, “Master, the Seventh is still young…”

Tian Yijian glanced at Zhang Xiaofan, who hastily said, “Master, don’t worry. I’ve often helped Sixth Brother in the kitchen, and I can manage.”

Tian Yijian nodded, waving his hand, “Eat!”

Three days later, Du Bishu packed up and left the mountain, having settled the kitchen duties.

Among the senior brothers, Du Bishu was the youngest and most lively, and Zhang Xiaofan was closest to him. His departure left Zhang Xiaofan feeling quite lonely, and the Great Bamboo Peak seemed a bit more desolate.

Soon, Zhang Xiaofan began his second task in the Azure Ethereal Conclave—cooking.

On his first official cooking day, he spent the morning in the kitchen, washing rice and vegetables, bustling about until noon. When Tian Yijian and the others entered the dining hall, they found the table set as usual, with Zhang Xiaofan sitting nervously at the end, hands clasped, clearly tense.

As everyone sat down, Tian Yijian remained silent, but Su Ru looked at Zhang Xiaofan and smiled, “Xiaofan, how was your first cooking experience?”

Zhang Xiaofan opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words. Tian Yijian grunted, “Eat.”

The disciples picked up their chopsticks and took a bite.

Silence filled the dining hall.

Zhang Xiaofan, on edge, sweat pouring down his forehead, stammered, “Master, Brothers, I… I did a poor job, you… you…”

“Wow, this is delicious!” Tian Ling’er suddenly exclaimed, grabbing another piece of bamboo shoot. Zhang Xiaofan was stunned to see the joyful faces of his brothers, nodding in approval and praising his cooking.

“Who knew Little Brother had such a talent, impressive, impressive!”

“Mmm, better than Fifth’s, no, better than Fifth and Sixth combined, hah!”

Even Tian Yijian took several bites, nodding and smiling. Zhang Xiaofan felt a sense of satisfaction.

From then on, Zhang Xiaofan continued to work in the kitchen. Though he hadn’t shown much aptitude for cultivation, he had a natural talent for cooking. His dishes were delicious, far surpassing others. The slightest nod of approval from Tian Yijian was enough to make him happy.

Half a year passed, and the once-in-sixty-years “Seven Pulse Martial Arts Competition” was approaching. Not only Su Ru but also Tian Yijian began to urge the disciples to focus on their cultivation. No one disturbed Zhang Xiaofan, as they held no great expectations for him.

Zhang Xiaofan didn’t mind, finding joy in the kitchen, busily cooking and practicing the “Great Vajra Prajna Sutra” late into the night. He had a companion in the gray monkey he brought back from the valley, whom he named Xiao Hui. They became close, and the name, like his own, was simple and unassuming.

Since starting in the kitchen, Xiao Hui would often follow him, stealing bits of food, and grew plumper over the months. However, Xiao Hui had an enemy on the Great Bamboo Peak—the large yellow dog, Da Huang, raised by Tian Yijian.

For some reason, Da Huang always disliked Xiao Hui, barking at him whenever they met. Over time, Da Huang grudgingly accepted Xiao Hui but still growled menacingly, often scaring Xiao Hui into hiding.

As autumn turned to winter, the weather on the Great Bamboo Peak grew colder. Only Tian Yijian and Su Ru, with their advanced cultivation, were unaffected, while the other disciples added layers of clothing.

One day, with the sun shining warmly, Zhang Xiaofan finished his kitchen duties and stepped outside, stretching and sitting under a pine tree, enjoying the sunlight.

After a while, as he was dozing off, he heard barking. Opening his eyes, he saw Da Huang basking in the sun, and Xiao Hui cautiously approaching Da Huang.

Curious, Zhang Xiaofan watched intently. Normally, Da Huang and Xiao Hui’s relationship was strained, but today, Xiao Hui was unusually brave. Zhang Xiaofan watched with bated breath.

Xiao Hui drew closer, and Da Huang, sensing the presence, turned and bared his teeth, barking loudly.

Xiao Hui flinched, clearly still afraid, but his eyes darted, and he lifted his right hand, waving it in front of Da Huang.

Da Huang initially ignored Xiao Hui, barking nonstop, but then sniffed the air, focusing on Xiao Hui’s hand. He stopped barking, his eyes fixed on Xiao Hui’s hand, wagging his tail and showing a friendly demeanor.

Zhang Xiaofan, astonished, laughed silently, noticing the bone in Xiao Hui’s hand, its aroma wafting through the air. It was meant for soup, as Da Huang loved bones. Unbeknownst to him, Xiao Hui had stolen a bone to befriend Da Huang.

Xiao Hui tossed the bone, and Da Huang, drooling, grabbed it, gnawing happily. Xiao Hui, encouraged, approached Da Huang, tentatively touching his head.

Da Huang growled softly, and Xiao Hui withdrew his hand, but soon tried again. This time, Da Huang was too busy with the bone, and Xiao Hui petted his fur, Da Huang cooing contentedly.

Zhang Xiaofan watched, dumbfounded, thinking he needed to hide the bones better.

Suddenly, a whizzing sound overhead, and two white lights sped from the west. Da Huang barked, but Xiao Hui comforted him, and he quieted down.

The lights landed in front of the “Hall of Tranquility,” revealing two figures: one tall and elegant, and the other a teenager, about fifteen or sixteen.

Zhang Xiaofan, breathless, felt a forgotten sadness well up inside, recognizing the lonely figure.

“Jingyu?” He stood, his voice hoarse, calling out.

The teenager turned, eyes wide, mouth agape, but in the end, only two words escaped his lips.

“Xiaofan!”