CHAPTER 44: CHAPTER 44: I JUST MISSED YOU

At the moment Lu Chengfeng received the jade pendant, he could clearly feel the golden light deep within his mind’s eye beginning to burn like a flame.

Compared to the last time, this time the flame was extremely intense, to the point where his forehead felt a bit scorching and prickling.

A wave of irrepressible joy and excitement surged up in his heart instantly. A gift from an Elder of Profound Crane Peak could significantly boost his strength in a short time.

"The three elites within our sect have all reached Elder level strength. It won’t be long before I am no less than any of my peers."

After several twists and turns, he finally saw the clouds parting to reveal the moonlight. Lu Chengfeng felt like drinking sweet dew, unable to hide the smile on his face.

Seeing him so happy after receiving the jade pendant, the chubby-cheeked little girl Die’Er couldn’t help but smile, secretly thinking, "It seems this guy really likes Lady Qiu, but it’s a pity he’s a bit too lustful."

Standing beside them, Cai Zhang was somewhat helpless upon seeing his older martial brother’s uncontrollable joy after receiving the pendant, thinking that his martial brother truly had a fondness for married women, happy even before anything was accomplished.

"Since you have exchanged tokens, you are now the son-in-law." the little girl crisply said, "It’s already late today, son-in-law, you should go back early to rest, to regain your strength, and be ready for the beast tide in the sect."

After the agreement was reached, Die’Er’s attitude toward Lu Chengfeng had clearly softened significantly. No longer aggressive and sharp-tongued as before, she now displayed more politeness and consideration.

Lu Chengfeng finally came to his senses, carefully placing the jade pendant into his sleeve pouch, then clasped his hands in salute, "Thank you, Miss Die’Er. Please convey my greetings to Lady Qiutong, and let her know I will come to take her home as soon as I’ve finished the tasks in the sect."

"No need to be formal, son-in-law. This is just Die’Er’s duty." Die’Er smiled slightly, dimples appearing on her cheeks, "In the future, just call me Die’Er. Rest assured, I will convey your words to the lady without missing a single one."

Lu Chengfeng took two deep breaths, barely calming himself down, "Thank you, Miss Die’Er. It’s late, you should also return quickly. I’ll take my leave now."

Die’Er bowed to him, smiled faintly, then turned and left.

Lu Chengfeng watched her figure gradually disappear into the dim night, a gust of wind blew past, but his chest was warm, his eyes full of heat.

"Senior Brother, snap out of it!" Cai Zhang called out from the side, "You wouldn’t have taken a liking to that little girl too, would you? Staring at her back like that?"

Lu Chengfeng flicked his finger, flicking Cai Zhang’s forehead, "What nonsense are you saying? Your senior brother here only likes widows and married women, hahaha..."

He could no longer contain his joy, bursting into laughter.

"Senior Brother, you’re burning bridges after crossing the river..." Cai Zhang muttered sullenly, rubbing his forehead where he had been knocked.

"Haha, find some time tomorrow to go to Bixiao Peak. I’ll arrange for Suyi to leave some pills for you. Just go and collect them." Lu Chengfeng said this as he turned and walked in large strides toward Bixiao Peak.

"How can I..." Cai Zhang feigned a couple of polite words, hadn’t even finished speaking when Lu Chengfeng said, "If you don’t want them, I’ll take them back."

"I do, of course I do. This is a testament to your happy union, Senior Brother. If I don’t accept, wouldn’t I be letting down you and Lady Qiutong?" Cai Zhang replied hastily.

"You ah!" Lu Chengfeng chuckled and shook his head, this guy could come up with any excuse, totally different from the silent gourd-like presence he had on the mountain before.

"You’ve been busy these past few days, running back and forth, owing a lot of favors, especially during the beast tide, where everything in the sect is so busy, yet you run around for my private matters. I, your senior brother, have it all in mind."

"We grew up together as fellow disciples, and a few pills are just a small token of thanks. Whenever you have free time, visit Bixiao Peak often, and if you encounter any difficulties, feel free to seek me out."

Lu Chengfeng’s words were very sincere. Though Cai Zhang couldn’t see his expression clearly in the gradually darkening sky, he knew that his senior brother had marked down the debt of gratitude.

"Hehe, Senior Brother, what are you saying? Like you said, we are fellow brothers, running errands is nothing..."

Cai Zhang also felt some joy. Having no family in the sect, it was actually Lu Chengfeng, the senior brother, who took good care of him when they were learning arts on Bixiao Peak.

After this experience, their friendship took a step further, bringing him an unspeakable joy.

After exchanging a few more words, they each went to their own respective lodgings at Houde Square.

At this moment, Lu Chengfeng truly was like an arrow returning home, impatient to return to his room to start meditating in seclusion, rapidly digesting the gift from the Elder of Profound Crane Peak.

Without considering his strength, he executed his lightweight technique to the fullest, rushing forward against the slightly cool night wind.

By the time he reached the foot of Bixiao Peak, night had completely fallen. Lu Chengfeng saw a faint yellow light in the distance, and his steps gradually came to a halt, feeling a little dazed.

Even at night, he could see a woman in a red dress, covered by a white satin cloak embroidered with golden butterflies, standing gracefully with a lantern at the Guest Welcoming Pavilion at the foot of the mountain, gazing into the distance.

The evening wind at this moment was somewhat strong, causing the hem of her dress to flutter, even lifting her cloak slightly. The lantern in her hand swayed, casting a flickering dim light.

Lu Chengfeng’s initial agitation and impatience vanished without a trace, feeling a surge of warmth fill his heart, his eyes slightly heated.

He gathered momentum and quickly approached.

"Husband, you’re back?" As Lu Chengfeng drew near, Luo Suyi also saw him, her delicate face instantly revealing a look of pleasant surprise, taking two quick steps forward.

Lu Chengfeng first took the lantern with his left hand, then pulled her into his arms, tenderly saying, "Why are you waiting for me at the foot of the mountain in the middle of the night? It’s cold at night, and not safe. How can I be at ease with you like this?"

Held tightly in his arms, the chilly night wind was blocked, Luo Suyi felt the man’s chest warmth like a furnace, becoming a bit infatuated.

"Senior Brother Luo Yong said he saw you returning to the mountain, but then you went with Junior Brother Cai Zhang midway. I thought you’d definitely come back tonight, and figured you might not have a lantern. The mountain road is hard to traverse, I was a bit worried about you." Luo Suyi pressed her face against his shoulder, her arms wrapped around his waist, clinging tightly to him.

"Silly woman, my Inner Power Cultivation has reached the Tenth Layer. Even at night, I can see clearly, no need for your concern." Sensing her attachment, Lu Chengfeng realized the beast tide ordeal still frightened her, comforting her gently.

"I... I just missed you..."

Hearing her soft words in his ear, Lu Chengfeng couldn’t say anything more, handing the lantern over to Li Mo, who had been protecting Luo Suyi nearby. He noticed this junior brother earlier, but didn’t have the chance to speak.

He then scooped up his beloved wife by her waist, letting her wrap her arms around his neck, tightly holding her in his embrace, "Junior Brother, thank you for watching over Suyi. I’ll go ahead first."

His friendship with Li Mo was the deepest among all the brothers. There was no need for formalities, he simply greeted and headed up the mountain.