CHAPTER 636: SEPARATELY 636

The next day, the three children refused the ride offered by Tan Shaoting. They went to their respective peaks on their own, leaving Tan Shaoting slightly disappointed.

He knew that from now on, the children would have to find their way in the world, growing up independently.

In the future, even if he was by their side, he wouldn’t interfere much.

Tomorrow, he would also set off. Initially, he thought of finding a way back within the Sect’s Scripture Pavilion, but after the incidents at the Trial Tower, if it truly couldn’t be solved, he would carry the burden for the kids.

He knew that now everyone suspected he had entered the top level; otherwise, so many wouldn’t be paying attention to him.

Moreover, regarding what his son said, he guessed it must be related to him somehow. If that’s the case, he must find that piece of purple stone.

With the children not around today, Tan Shaoting truly felt uneasy, wondering if they would adapt to the change.

Qi Hong and Qi Wen joined the Spirit Plant Peak. The steward, considering their young age, arranged for them to stay together.

"You are young, just at the Qi Refining First Layer. You can hire someone to do the labor with Spirit Stones. Although you might not earn Spirit Stones this year, you can progress here and learn knowledge unavailable outside, which is the hardest part."

Deacon Wang, a middle-aged man at the Qi Refining Seventh Layer, probably found it impossible to reach Foundation Establishment, so being a steward here was the best choice.

He was over sixty, having witnessed much, but yesterday, he was truly impressed by the two children. Even his hardened heart would show kindness when facing them.

"Thank you, Deacon Wang, for your guidance."

"You both must work hard—you have three spiritual roots. Although cultivation won’t be swift, with effort, success will come."

The siblings were each given three acres of spirit field. Each field came with a house, serving their cultivation needs.

They had already decided yesterday to hire labor with Spirit Stones.

"Deacon Wang, we are unfamiliar with this place. Could you recommend a Senior Brother to help us?"

Deacon Wang was quite pleased with how sensible the children were.

"I will find someone to assist you."

He summoned a young man who seemed honest and dependable using a Sound Transmission Talisman.

He explained the situation to him.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Huang."

"No problem. I’ll start right away."

Qi Hong and Qi Wen smiled as they saw off Deacon Wang, then stood by the field watching as Senior Brother Huang made gestures, plowed, sowed seeds, and finally used the Cloud Rain Technique to irrigate.

This six-acre field took a whole day to work on.

Both of them gave Senior Brother Huang two Spirit Stones each.

They also exchanged Sound Transmission Talismans, "Contact me if you have any uncertainties."

The two thanked Senior Brother Huang. Seeing how young they were, he even helped with the Dust Removal Technique to tidy their two houses before leaving, saving them significant effort.

Yesterday, they had purchased two array sets each from the workshop, which was just right.

It was their first time leaving their father and brother, so they decided to stay together.

Their rings contained plenty of food, including packed meals from the cafeteria and Spirit Food bought from the workshop.

"I wonder how Dad and Big Brother are doing."

"Big Brother will be fine, but Dad might face some danger when he goes out."

"Dad will be alright."

Qi Yan also had a busy day. He had his separate residence. Today, he truly saw how people practiced swordsmanship.

Qi Yan stood on the side watching, even mimicking the moves.

To be honest, his performance caught the eye of the Peak Master of Sword One Peak, who appreciated his talent and specifically instructed the stewards to take care of him.

Tan Shaoting was early at the gate the next day, waiting.

He wasn’t the earliest to arrive, but since he knew no one, he didn’t join the conversations.

The father and his three sons all had their own plans and were preparing for the journey back.

Su Yuanyuan also found the siblings Zeng Hongling and Zeng Yaozu.

"Yuanyuan, you really came? I knew you’d come looking for me."

"I have nothing pressing at the moment. When have you all planned to set off?"

"Had you arrived half a month later, we’d have already departed. But I don’t wish to leave now. However, my grandpa and the others have already decided."

"Anyone else going?"

"Yes, six people with Wei Guangxiang. They provided the information."

"Quite a large group this time?"

"Yes, my dad and grandpa aren’t going."

Su Yuanyuan wondered if Zeng Yaozu had truly given up. Could that be possible? Ever since he could remember, it had been his pursuit. Could he really accept letting go?

"Ever since returning, my grandpa hasn’t been well. Yuanyuan, honestly, I think he’s too obsessed.

Nowadays, I don’t believe in immortality anymore."

Su Yuanyuan nodded in agreement. She also didn’t believe it. Her thoughts were simple—living that long, would it really be good?

In a lifetime, people do foolish things. Should we remember them all? That would be too painful. Then what would be the meaning of immortality?

They arrived at the inn, with Su Yuanyuan unwilling to stay at someone else’s house, especially unfamiliar ones.

"My place is spacious," Zeng Hongling muttered.

"Too troublesome."

"If I visited you, I’d definitely stay at your place."

"Alright, you’re welcome anytime."

"My brother will return tonight. He’d be especially pleased to know you’re here."

Su Yuanyuan just smiled, preferring no burden. Knowing Zeng Yixin had feelings for her, she was even more reluctant to engage with him.

"I’ll show you around here these days?"

"Where to?"

Once they were inside, Zeng Hongling came closer to Su Yuanyuan, feeling more comfortable, not knowing why, but being near Su Yuanyuan made her feel at peace.

In a daze for a moment, "Let me tell you, there’s quite a bit going on here, often with transactions."

Zeng Hongling said with a wink and a nod.

Su Yuanyuan understood, "That sounds interesting. Let’s broaden our horizons."

"Definitely, Yixin knows people there, and we can go together."

"You won’t be disallowed, right?"

Zeng Hongling’s smile was unnatural, "How could that be? Let me ask when I’m back; this time my grandpa and dad will surely agree."

Su Yuanyuan knew the girl was looking out for her, appreciating her kindness, and smiled, nodding.

She didn’t understand the local dialect here but hadn’t intended to do anything just yet.

The weather here was truly something to get used to. After organizing her luggage, she waited for the Zeng siblings.

Wondering when Wei Guangxiang and his group would arrive. In fact, traveling together was good.

They likely knew who she was, but would taking her with them be fine? Weren’t they afraid of her turning against them? Quite self-assured, indeed?