Bishui Manor.
Actually, it was just a well-named place; it was a small School of Agriculture courtyard where many Old Man resided for their retirement.
Far from the worldly clamor, close to the beauty of nature.
“Bi Shui Manor Retirement Home?”
Zhou You stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the archway ahead, beyond which lay lush green fields.
Xiao Chen quickly explained, “Second Master, you may not know, but Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother are quite old. Although Father purchased a large amount of Medicinal Pill to nourish their Qi and Blood, they still need quiet recuperation.”
His parents were ordinary people to begin with, and when he left, they were already over thirty.
Even though Master Niu Dali had indeed left behind wealth, the Zhou Family was unaware of Cultivation.
It was only after the family prospered that his Elder brother, Zhou Chao, found ways to Cultivate.
For an ordinary person to live to such an age was truly remarkable.
After a hundred years of such management, the Zhou Family is what it is today.
Zhou You nodded, then turned back, “Aren’t you leaving yet?”
Lu Renjia was startled, “I have something to discuss with Zhou Guniang, and I need her answer.”
Zhou You was puzzled, “What are you discussing?”
Xiao Chen then reacted, “He said he could let me be a Guest Elder of the Yaoguang Sect. My strength is meager; how could I have such ability?”
Lu Renjia quickly said, “Guniang is too modest; I have witnessed your capabilities.”
Recalling how that Blood Shadow Wolf was instantly slain, he was still quite shocked.
If such a person were to join the Yaoguang Sect because of him, his own status would likely rise, and perhaps even the Sect Leader would take notice of him.
From then on, hooking up with a beautiful and wealthy woman and reaching the Peak of life—just thinking about it made him excited.
Zhou You was slightly surprised. Even though he didn't know much about those Sects, he imagined that the identity of a Guest Elder must be quite good. However, why hadn't he seen any talent in Xiao Chen?
She was just at the third Heaven of Fan Blood Realm, weaker than him!
“This is strange.”
Zhou You re-examined Xiao Chen, thinking to himself, “What in the world is he talking nonsense about? Don't I know whether Xiao Chen is strong or not?”
At this thought, his heart grew even more confused.
Then he thought that with his meager skills, it would be better to act cautiously in the future. Otherwise, once exposed, it would definitely be a dead end.
Zhou You smiled, “If you have that idea, just make your own decision.”
Xiao Chen blinked, a little bewildered.
Born of humble origins, how did she suddenly qualify to become a Guest Elder of the Yaoguang Sect?
Ah, her brain suddenly felt a little itchy; she really couldn't figure it out.
Lu Renjia cupped his hands politely, “Guniang, please don't rush to refuse. I'll wait here at the village entrance. If you have any thoughts, just let me know anytime.”
By now, the sky was already pitch black.
His thinking was simple: being so close, if anything happened, he could just shout for help. Surely, the kind Zhou Guniang wouldn't ignore him?
Zhou You ignored him and walked straight ahead.
Xiao Chen hesitated for a moment, then quickly said, “Then I’ll leave the carriage for you as a temporary dwelling.”
A moment later, the two arrived at one of the small School of Agriculture courtyards.
The courtyard was not large, with three main rooms, a kitchen, and a utility room.
“Great Grandfather, Great Grandmother, come quickly and see who I’ve brought!”
As Zhou You’s left foot crossed the courtyard gate, Xiao Chen had already excitedly run inside.
Under the candlelight, someone rose and walked out with large strides, “Xiao Chen? Why are you still so impetuous?”
An Old Man with white eyebrows and beard emerged.
Zhou You met the other’s gaze, “Father?”
The face was somewhat familiar, but he didn’t recognize him.
The Old Man with white eyebrows and beard paused, trying hard to discern the young man before him in the dim candlelight.
At this moment, his brain was working rapidly.
When did he get another son? It didn't make sense; he considered himself quite upright.
Was it Xiao Cui’s? Or Xiao Hua’s?
If he wasn't truly his own son, why did his face seem a little familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before?
Xiao Chen burst out laughing, “Second Master, this is my Grandfather.”
Zhou You suddenly understood, “Oh, Elder Brother.”
Zhou Chao was startled, “Little brother, who are you? And Xiao Chen, what do you call him?”
Xiao Chen quickly said, “He’s Second Master; he just came back today.”
Zhou Chao was surprised, quickly stepped forward, and examined him carefully, “Are you really little brother? Zhou You?”
Zhou You nodded. They had been separated for too long, so long that they were completely strangers to each other.
He had left when he was nine, and at that time, his Elder Brother was only twenty.
“Xiao You? Xiao You is back? Cough, cough, cough.”
A coughing sound came from inside the room.
Zhou You quickly bypassed Zhou Chao and hurried into the bedroom. In one bedroom, there were two beds, and on them sat two emaciated Old Man. At this age, their Qi and Blood were depleted, and their faces were covered in skin like withered tree bark.
“Father, Mother.”
Zhou You's voice trembled slightly. With their decaying appearance, if he had returned even a few days later, he might not have seen them.
“Xiao You, come here.”
Zhou Mu, with teary eyes, raised her withered Right Hand.
Zhou You quickly walked over and knelt beside her leg.
The unfamiliarity in his eyes could not override the true Bloodline affection; that feeling was still very strong.
Zhou Mu choked, her voice trembling, “We’ve seen him… Old Man, we still saw him.”
Zhou Father raised his Right Hand to wipe away tears from the corners of his eyes, “Yes, we finally saw him.”
Zhou Chao stood at the bedroom doorway, his eyes red, feeling as if it were a dream.
This departure had lasted a hundred years!
Not to mention his parents, even he himself had aged beyond recognition.
The two Old Man eagerly inquired about what had happened over the years, and Zhou Chao’s answer…
…was extremely simple.
“Diligently Cultivating, with no other concerns.”
Recalling that mountain Peak, once he went up, he never came down.
All his eating, drinking, and bodily functions were done up there. Every time a stranger came, he wanted to thank their ancestors for eight generations.
As for his youngest son, who was over a hundred years old yet still maintained such a youthful state, the two Old Man were filled with emotion, saying only that his Cultivation had been successful, and his leaving home at a young age was not in vain.
“Son, do you have a favored woman? Your Elder Brother already has children and grandchildren; in a few more years, there might even be great-grandchildren.”
“Focused on Cultivating, no time for contact.”
Was it no time?
It was truly no opportunity!
Zhou You was teary-eyed; who knew how monotonous his life truly was? Every time he thought of this, he was filled with grievance. Besides, living on a mountaintop with an Old Man, he felt too embarrassed to use his Right Hand.
How to relieve spring fever? Only by drawing his sword.
Every time spring came, his sword-drawing speed would increase significantly.
“Elder Brother, you need to arrange something for your younger brother,” Zhou Mu worried again.
“Mother, I know. I'll have Zhou An look for suitable young women of similar age in Qingping City later.”