Chapter 37: Zhao Ningxuan and Zhao Ningxiang

Zhao Yuhui looked at Wang Changsheng and said warmly, "It's been a few years, Changsheng, and you've grown taller. But why are you only at the fifth level of Qi Refinement? Ningxiang is already at the sixth."

Wang Changsheng bowed respectfully to Zhao Yuhui and said, "Greetings, Great-aunt. I've been serving as a Heavenly Master in the mortal world for the past few years, which has slowed down my cultivation."

"Cousin Changsheng, by the time we meet again, I should have advanced to the seventh level of Qi Refinement," Zhao Ningxiang said with a giggle, a hint of pride in her beautiful eyes.

She was sixteen years old and had already reached the sixth level of Qi Refinement, making her the top cultivator among the "Ning" generation of the Zhao family.

"You girl, if you weren't eating meals made from first-tier, mid-grade spiritual grain every day, would you have reached the sixth level of Qi Refinement so quickly?" Zhao Yuhui scolded with a stern expression, her tone strict. "Cultivation is like sailing against the current; you must never become arrogant or complacent. It's not too late to be proud once you've entered the Foundation Establishment stage." Despite her strict words, everyone could hear the underlying fondness.

Zhao Ningxiang stuck out her tongue and nodded. "Grandmother, I will remember your teachings. Ningxiang greets Great-uncle, Cousin-uncle, and Cousin-aunt."

"Ningxuan greets Great-uncle, Cousin-uncle, and Cousin-aunt," the young scholar quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

"Speaking of which, I haven't seen Ningxuan and Ningxiang in a long time. I can't believe how much they've grown," Wang Mingyuan said with a smile. He took out a small yellow knife and a blue short sword, both spiritual artifacts with a constant shimmer of spiritual light on their surfaces. "These two spiritual artifacts are a small token of our affection from your Cousin-uncle and Cousin-aunt. Please don't dislike them."

"Oh, this..." Zhao Ningxiang didn't immediately take the spiritual artifacts; she looked at Zhao Yuhui.

"Since your Cousin-uncle gave them to you, go ahead and accept them!" With Zhao Yuhui's permission, Zhao Ningxuan and Zhao Ningxiang thanked them and accepted the spiritual artifacts.

"Changsheng, come over here to Great-aunt," Zhao Yuhui beckoned to Wang Changsheng. "You haven't visited Great-aunt in three years. Come let Great-aunt have a good look at you."

"Although I couldn't come to wish Great-aunt a happy birthday, I've always thought of you. Seeing that you're still in such good spirits puts my mind at ease," Wang Changsheng said sincerely as he walked over.

He spoke from the heart; Zhao Yuhui had always been exceptionally kind to him, even more so than his own grandmother.

Zhao Yuhui took Wang Changsheng's right hand and nodded. "My good child, Great-aunt's affection for you hasn't been in vain. Of all people your father could have sent to the mortal world, he chose you. Otherwise, you wouldn't still be at the fifth level of Qi Refinement."

Wang Mingyuan gave a wry smile and said, "Aunt, I had no choice."

She waved her hand. "Alright, this is your Wang family's business, and I can't interfere. I've already had Ziheng prepare food and wine. Let's eat and talk."

"Changsheng, tell Great-aunt about your experiences these past few years," Zhao Yuhui said, pulling Wang Changsheng to walk outside. Wang Yaozu and the others followed behind.

Wang Changsheng recounted his experiences from the past three years. Of course, he didn't mention a single word about the Mysterious Gold Vein, referring to it instead as a spiritual vein.

On the way to Butterfly Valley, Wang Mingyuan had repeatedly instructed Wang Changsheng to refer to the Mysterious Gold Vein as a spiritual vein.

Hearing that Wang Changsheng had discovered a spiritual vein, a hint of surprise flashed in Zhao Yuhui's cloudy eyes. She didn't press for details on the spiritual vein's use.

Wang Mingyuan and Zhao Ziheng walked side-by-side, quietly reminiscing about old times.

Soon after, the group entered a spacious and brightly lit hall. A round wooden table was set within, laden with over a dozen aromatic dishes that stimulated the appetite.

Zhao Yuhui took her seat first, motioning for Wang Changsheng to sit beside her. The others then followed suit.

"Changsheng, Great-aunt knew you were coming, so I specifically had them prepare your favorite sweet and sour white-scaled fish," Zhao Yuhui said, pointing to a dish and motioning for Wang Changsheng to start eating. "Eat more; look how thin you are."

"Cousin Changsheng, only you get this special treatment!" Zhao Ningxiang said with a slight pout. "White-scaled fish are low-grade spiritual fish, but they need to be raised for at least two years before they can be eaten. The white-scaled fish in the spiritual fish pond are all raised for sale. I wanted to eat some a few days ago, but Grandmother wouldn't let me!" She spoke enviously of Wang Changsheng's special privilege.

"What are you saying, you girl?" Zhao Ziheng glared, scolding her unceremoniously. "Mother dotes on you plenty. What's wrong with your cousin having a white-scaled fish when he rarely visits? When you visit your Cousin-uncle's house, and he treats you to snow cloud chickens, why don't you complain then?"

Hearing this, Zhao Ningxiang immediately pouted, lowered her head, and looked utterly wronged.

"Cousin Ziheng, Ningxiang didn't mean anything by it. Please don't blame her," Wang Mingyuan interjected, trying to smooth things over.

Wang Yaozu nodded. "Exactly, Ziheng. It's rare for our family to gather for a meal. Why are you getting upset with the child? Let's eat! Ningxiang, Great-uncle brought two newly hatched snow cloud chickens this time. I'll give them to you after dinner."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ningxiang's face lit up with a smile.

Wang Changsheng ate his meal while listening to the elders chat. He only spoke when Zhao Yuhui specifically addressed him.

Zhao Ningxiang was more lively, interjecting occasionally with comments that made everyone laugh heartily, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

"Ah, it's a pity Yuzhi passed away so early. If only she were still here," Zhao Yuhui suddenly sighed, putting down her chopsticks as something came to mind.

Zhao Yuzhi, Wang Changsheng's grandmother, had been very close to Zhao Yuhui.

At these words, everyone's smiles faded.

"Mingyuan, don't mind your aunt's nagging. You are the head of the family, and setting a good example is important, but you shouldn't make things too hard on your own son. And Qing'er, Mingyuan only has you as his proper wife; you must strive to expand the Wang family's lineage. Before she passed, Yuzhi always hoped you would have many children and a full household." Zhao Yuhui spoke earnestly.

Wang Mingyuan nodded. "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. I know what to do."

"Your niece-in-law will carefully follow Aunt's teachings."

Zhao Yuhui nodded with satisfaction and turned to Wang Yaozu. "Yaozu, you're getting on in years. You should enjoy your leisure. Clan affairs are important, but your health is even more so. When Yuzhi was alive, she often complained to me that you were so busy with clan matters you'd forget to eat. You're getting old; it's time to let go and not overwork yourself."

Wang Yaozu felt a warmth in his heart at these words. He nodded and said, "You're right, eldest sister. I will take good care of myself. You shouldn't overexert yourself either."

Zhao Yuhui shook her head. "I won't get tired. I've handed all clan affairs over to Ziheng, and he's doing a good job. Everything, big or small, is handled systematically."

Wang Yaozu's expression shifted, and he asked Wang Changsheng, "Changsheng, are you full?"

"Yes, I am."

"If you're full, go play with your cousins! Didn't you say on the way here that it's been a long time since you played with them?"

"Ningxuan, Ningxiang, take Changsheng to the spiritual fish pond to fish! Let Changsheng catch a few white-scaled fish to take back."

"Yes, Grandmother. Father, Great-uncle, Cousin-uncle, Cousin-aunt, we're full. Please enjoy your meal," Zhao Ningxuan and Zhao Ningxiang readily agreed, then led Wang Changsheng away.