Anissa had finally left the room after spending the majority of the night crying in Feng Zhiming’s arms. It had been years since she last shed tears, a vulnerability she hadn’t displayed since childhood. Naturally, such an emotional outpouring left her feeling embarrassed and exposed.
Feng Zhiming, now alone in the room, stood shirtless before the mirror, examining the bruises on his back. Despite his prodigious abilities, the unrestrained force of a Spiritual Awakening cultivator had left its mark on him. However, these injuries were of little consequence. With a mere thought, the bruises began to fade, healing almost instantly.
To a mortal, it might seem strange for someone nearing a century in age to cry and throw a tantrum. But in the world of cultivators, a hundred years was still the age of adolescence, akin to a mortal just approaching adulthood. The cultivation process, where years could be spent in isolation, often stunted emotional growth. Social interactions became awkward, and emotional outbursts were not uncommon, even in those who had lived for decades.
He shrugged off these thoughts as he donned his blue cultivator robes, preparing to step out of his quarters. As he opened the door, he found Zhuge Yue leaning against the frame, nearly toppling into him. She had been eavesdropping, hoping to catch a hint of Anissa’s state.
“Can I help you, little Yue?” Feng Zhiming asked with a teasing smirk, adopting the nickname he had overheard one of the maids use.
Zhuge Yue quickly straightened up, her face trying to maintain a façade of indifference. “I was just passing by and wondered if big sister was awake yet,” she replied, glancing away to hide her concern.
Feng Zhiming nearly chuckled at her attempt to appear nonchalant. This little girl, so concerned with keeping up appearances, was trying to mask her true intentions.
“Well, I could take you to her, but I’m feeling rather hungry at the moment,” Feng Zhiming said, hinting at his need for breakfast.
Without missing a beat, Zhuge Yue grabbed his hand and began dragging him towards the dining hall. She might have been small, but her determination was evident.
Once they reached the hall, she stood in the center and commanded, “Feed this man immediately!”
The servants sprang into action, not daring to take her words lightly. In no time, they filled a table meant for twenty cultivators with an assortment of dishes. Feng Zhiming, not one to waste time when food was involved, began his feast.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
Was this a waste of time? Perhaps to some. But to Feng Zhiming, success was measured by whether he was alive and enjoying the present moment. He devoured the meal with remarkable speed, much to Zhuge Yue’s satisfaction.
However, her expectant gaze made it clear she had other plans once the meal was done. “How can a meal be complete without tea?” Feng Zhiming remarked, clearly intending to prolong the situation.
Zhuge Yue’s patience was starting to wear thin, but she arranged for tea without protest. She watched him intently, hoping he would drink quickly.
But Feng Zhiming, ever the trickster, slowed down his sips, savoring each one even more under her gaze. After what felt like an eternity to her, he finally finished.
“Good tea, good tea,” he declared, placing the cup down.
Zhuge Yue’s eyes lit up. “Now it’s ti—”
“Time for a nap, how astute,” Feng Zhiming interrupted, feigning seriousness.
Zhuge Yue’s cheeks puffed up in frustration, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “I’m joking, it’s a joke!” Feng Zhiming quickly reassured her, not wanting to upset her further. “Come along,” he added, leading her towards one of the private lakes within the Zhuge Clan estate.
As they approached the lake, they saw Anissa practicing her Ocean Splitting sword forms on the water’s surface. Her movements were fluid, almost as if the water itself responded to her commands. The sight was mesmerizing, a true testament to her skill.
“Let’s wait until she finishes,” Feng Zhiming suggested, taking a seat by the lakeside. Zhuge Yue, her eyes wide with admiration, sat beside him, completely captivated by Anissa’s graceful display.
They watched in silence for about twenty minutes, until Anissa completed her forms and settled into a lotus position on the water, beginning a prayer. Feng Zhiming listened closely as she softly uttered, “Praise to the Forgotten One and his infinite wisdom.”
It was clear that Anissa was not aware of their presence; her devotion to the Forgotten One was genuine, a private act of reverence. Feng Zhiming leaned over and whispered something to Zhuge Yue, who responded in confusion, “But I can’t walk on water.”
With a gentle push, Feng Zhiming sent Zhuge Yue towards the water. She gasped but quickly realized she wasn’t sinking. “Naturally, if I say you can walk on water, you can walk on water,” Feng Zhiming said with a smile, subtly reinforcing the surface beneath her feet with his spiritual energy.
Zhuge Yue, delighted by this new experience, began to run towards Anissa, her excitement evident in her wide smile. As Anissa finished her prayer, she felt the small girl approach and playfully wrapped her arms around her. “Surprise, big sister!” Zhuge Yue exclaimed.
Anissa smiled warmly, lifting her little sister into a hug. “Little sister, you’re so stealthy; you managed to sneak up on me,” she said affectionately.
Feng Zhiming watched the scene with satisfaction. This was the first time Anissa had openly called Zhuge Yue her little sister, a sign that she had found some peace after the previous night’s emotional turmoil.
“My dear master, are you ready to depart for Wildland City?” Feng Zhiming called out from his seat.