Since beginning her cultivation, Liu Mei's growth had shot up like a young bamboo after rain. She already stood a few centimeters taller than when Xuefeng had last seen her.
"Of course," he said warmly, ruffling her hair, "how could I forget about my favorite little friend in the clan?"
"Heh, I'm not that little anymore." Mei giggled, straightening her back and standing flush against him. She held her hand above her head, measuring herself against his chest as though presenting proof. "See? I've grown this much!"
Xuefeng chuckled. "Mm… I'd say you're well on your way to becoming a fine and beautiful lady."
"Of course! I'll be as pretty as Sister Tianshi," Mei declared with an impish grin before slipping from his side and latching herself onto Tianshi's arm instead.
Seizing the moment, Xuefeng turned toward the pair of figures watching from the garden's edge. "Hello, Mother." His steps carried him to Mu Lan, and he wrapped her in a brief but sincere hug.
