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Two hours later, the tall wooden doors of the back hall creaked open, and Tian Buyi led Zhang Xiaofan back into the main hall of Shoujing Hall.
The once-bustling dining area was now quiet and mostly empty. The other disciples had long since returned to their respective duties or rooms.
Only Su Ru remained, seated with poise and elegance at the long table. Her posture was graceful, her bearing noble, and despite her maturity, there was an undeniable charm in her every movement.
Her skin had the soft glow of a woman who cultivated both the Dao and her heart a serene beauty that shone from within.
Zhang Xiaofan glanced at her briefly.
Though he quickly averted his gaze out of respect, a thought still rose unbidden in his mind.
Master is… truly fortunate.
She was not only beautiful and elegant but also gentle in nature and fiercely loyal. In the memories of his previous life, he recalled that Su Ru, after Tian Buyi's death, had chosen to end her own life in mourning a quiet, tragic act that spoke volumes about her devotion. She was no ordinary woman.
Burying the thought, Zhang Xiaofan stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Master, Master's Wife," he said respectfully, "I've gained some new understanding from your teachings. I would like to return to my room to reflect and refine my comprehension."
Tian Buyi, standing beside him with arms folded, tried to maintain a stern expression. But the corners of his mouth twitched slightly, betraying the joy he could hardly contain.
"New understanding, is it?" he repeated with a deliberately calm tone. "Hmm. Good, good. That's how cultivation should be diligent, reflective."
But the gleam in his eyes pride, joy, and excitement was impossible to hide.
"Very well. Go," he said, waving a hand.
"Disciple takes his leave," Zhang Xiaofan replied with another bow, before turning and walking steadily out of the hall, his figure soon disappearing beyond the bamboo-lined path that led to his small courtyard.
As soon as his silhouette vanished beyond the door, Tian Buyi could no longer hold back.
"Ha! Hahaha!"
He threw his head back and laughed heartily, the deep sound echoing off the wooden beams of the hall. His shoulders shook with mirth, and even his usually dignified beard quivered.
"I never thought… never in all my years, that I....Tian Buyi....would one day receive such a heaven-defying disciple!"
He slapped his own thigh and laughed even louder.
Su Ru reached over and gently squeezed his hand, her smile warm and genuine. "Yes, husband. You've truly found a treasure."
Her eyes softened with admiration. "In just three months, Xiaofan has reached the third level of the Jade Purity Scripture… That kind of talent… it's nearly unheard of."
She paused for a moment and added thoughtfully, "Even Shuiyue's prized disciple, Lu Xueqi, whom she's so proud of, only reached the first level in six weeks. Xiaofan's progress isn't just fast...it's astounding."
Tian Buyi stroked his beard with satisfaction, his chest puffed out like a rooster finally ready to crow.
"Shuiyue always acts so high and mighty. Every time we meet, she shows off that Lu Xueqi girl like she's the number one genius in Qingyun. Hmph!" He scoffed. "Now I'd like to see the look on her face when she hears about Zhang Xiaofan!"
Su Ru chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Let's not be too hasty. In the Seven Clan Martial Arts Competition five years from now, while Xiaofan may not claim first place....after all, Qi Hao of Longshou Peak has been cultivating diligently for a hundred years....he'll surely make it into the top four. That alone will be a tremendous honor for our Dazhu Peak."
"Hmph, top four?" Tian Buyi's eyes sparkled with fire. "I think he can go even further. Don't underestimate this boy. He's steady, intelligent, and his potential seems limitless."
He took a deep breath, then turned abruptly toward the door.
"I can't wait five years!" he declared, practically trembling with excitement. "I've waited centuries for a disciple like this...now that I have one, I won't waste another moment!"
He turned to Su Ru, his voice brimming with glee. "I'm going to Tongtian Peak right now! I'll report this personally to Senior Brother—the Sect Leader himself!"
Su Ru gave his sleeve a playful tug. "You just want to show off, admit it!"
Tian Buyi snorted, "Is there anything wrong with that?"
His expression turned serious for a moment. "For hundreds of years, others have mocked me behind my back. 'Tian Buyi of Dazhu Peak...the peak of mediocrity,' they'd say. But now, it's different. Now, I have Zhang Xiaofan!"
Without waiting for a reply, he stepped outside into the open air. With a flick of his sleeve, a red light surged forth from his storage pouch—his flying sword, Red Flame, appeared with a blaze of spiritual light.
With practiced ease, he leapt onto the sword. Wind billowed around him, his long robes fluttering like banners.
"Su Ru, I'll be back before dusk!" he called out, grinning like a boy.
Then, with a streak of crimson light, Tian Buyi shot into the sky, soaring across the vast blue heavens toward Tongtian Peak, the tallest and most sacred of Qingyun Mountain's seven peaks.
Su Ru stood silently at the doorway, watching his figure disappear into the clouds. Her smile lingered, full of warmth.
She murmured to herself, "It seems… our Dazhu Peak's time has finally come."
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