Du Hong's elder brother is named Du Yi, the legitimate young master of the Floating Pavilion.

If it weren't for Du Hong's scheming betrayal, with their father's support, Du Yi would have already secured the position of Pavilion Master without a hitch, though perhaps a bit too smoothly for his liking.

Rong Zheng, who usually chirped away like a sparrow in the mountains, found herself at a rare loss for words when mentioning this name.

It was her sword that struck, blood splattering like flowers, staining half of her smoke-blue robe.

Rong Zheng recounted that the struggle between the brothers, Du Hong and Du Yi, had almost come to light. However, with the old Pavilion Master still around, Du Hong couldn't go too far.

He knew he was merely being used by his father as a test for his elder brother. The old Pavilion Master had high hopes for his firstborn, satisfied in every aspect except for his belief that his eldest son was too merciful, which would be a disadvantage when he ascended to the position of Pavilion Master.

The pavilion naturally divided into two factions. The majority supported the young master, while those supporting Du Hong included Rong Zheng and others who had been suppressed by the old Pavilion Master for years.

All of Rong Zheng's knowledge about Du Yi came from Du Hong: his character, his habits, his attitude towards Du Hong...

Du Hong always told her what he wanted her to know, never directly addressing what she wanted to know.

In the first couple of years by Du Hong's side, Rong Zheng spoke the least she ever had in her life.

Looking back, it was quite strange. How could an outgoing and cheerful person suddenly become so silent and reserved in front of someone?

"I only remember that Du Yi and Du Hong didn't look much alike. His voice was gentle, and he had a mole near his left eyebrow."

Rong Zheng gestured on her own face with her fingers.

She was baffled as to why someone she barely knew appeared in her dreams.

Tao Mian poured all the rice from his hand to the yellow chicken, pondering alongside her.

"The dream given to you by the Bone-Illuminating Mirror is definitely not without reason."

The Immortal pinched his chin, tilting his head.

"Ah," he suddenly thought of something, knocking his palm with his fist, "could it be that the person who saved you back then was actually Du Yi, but for some reason, you forgot him and mistakenly followed Du Hong, eventually killing your savior?"

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"..." Rong Zheng was silent for a moment before speaking, "Little Tao, are you trying to curse me? Can you think of something better for my life? And you, with your crow's mouth, Immortal..."

"No, no," Tao Mian quickly backtracked, "that would make Little Hua's life too tragic. Losing both parents in childhood and then her benefactor in her youth, you'd only have your Shi Fu left."

"…"

"Your fate is a bit tough, huh? Someday, I'll calculate it for you and see if it can be softened. Even Shi Fu is afraid of being jinxed."

"…………"

After some banter, Tao Mian finally remembered to ask his disciple something.

"So, what did you dream about him?"

"I..." The usually articulate Rong Zheng hesitated, seemingly trying to find a reasonable explanation for the dream, "I dreamed of an especially large loquat tree, and he was standing with his back to me..."

"And then?"

"Then I woke up. Maybe I just craved loquats too much."

"…"

Tao Mian couldn't help but rub his forehead.

"Perhaps the Bone-Illuminating Mirror didn't want you to be overwhelmed, so it decided to take it slow."

The Immortal advised his disciple not to rush. Retrieving memories is like walking against the flow of time, consuming a lot of energy and blood.

Rong Zheng nodded absentmindedly, seemingly still immersed in the dream from the Bone-Illuminating Mirror.

Tao Mian let her be, not overly persuading.

After all, there's no stopping it.

The Immortal had his own plans, believing that even if the Bone-Illuminating Mirror took its time, half a month would be enough for Rong Zheng to recover her memories.

This was a personal matter for his disciple, and as her Shi Fu, he decided not to interfere.

Meddling too much only annoys people.

Of course, laziness might also be a factor.

After dinner, Rong Zheng drifted back to her room like a wandering spirit, while Tao Mian boiled a pot of hot water, mixed it with cold water in a basin, and slowly washed the dishes.

Tonight, Rong Zheng decided to go to bed early, so Tao Mian took over her share of the chores.

After washing the dishes, he cleaned his hands and returned to his sleeping quarters.

In the quiet of the night, Tao Mian picked up a scripture from beside his pillow, opened to the first page he had already read fifty times, and read two columns vertically.

As if struck by a punch to the head, Tao Mian fell asleep instantly, the book dropping to the floor, extinguishing the candle flame with the gust it created.

Unexpectedly, the Little Tao Immortal, who intended to stay out of it, was also drawn into the dream of the Bone-Illuminating Mirror.

He saw a thick fog obscuring his vision, the distant scenery blurred, but the sounds of vendors hawking their wares occasionally reached his ears, suggesting he was in a bustling market.

Tao Mian was intrigued, parting the mist with his hands, and finally, the vibrant scene of the marketplace unfolded before him like a painting. As an outsider, he had inadvertently wandered into this unknown realm.

A gentle yet firm tug pulled at his clothing. Tao Mian looked down.

A little girl, only reaching his thigh, was tugging at his outer garment. Her face was smudged with dirt, and her clothes were oversized and ill-fitting, likely something she had picked up from somewhere to wear.

The color of her clothes was equally lifeless and dull. With her grayish robe, gray face, and underdeveloped height, the child resembled a gray mouse secretly wearing human clothes.

Tao Mian could only discern from the shape of her eyes and nose that this "big gray mouse" before him was his Fifth Disciple, Rong Zheng.

"Little Hua, how are you..."

Before Tao Mian could finish his sentence, Rong Zheng raised a finger to her lips, the only part of her face with any color, and shushed him with a frown.

She seemed to be hiding from someone, acting furtively. Her large eyes darted around, clearly up to no good.

His Fifth Disciple was indeed... mischievous from a young age.

Rong Zheng held onto Tao Mian's garment, pulling him along towards a certain direction.

Tao Mian, amused, decided to play along. Watching the child's serious face was entertaining. He didn't ask any questions, letting Rong Zheng lead him through the crowd until they stopped at a secluded corner.

Here, only a few bamboo baskets were stacked, along with some old benches and a wobbly table.

Two figures, one tall and one short, stood facing each other.

Tao Mian watched with interest. He enjoyed being around children; their little minds always had strange and endearing thoughts.

Unfortunately, except for Gu Yuan, who grew up by his side, the rest of his disciples matured too quickly, depriving him of the joy of innocent companionship.

Rong Zheng, too, acted like a little adult, but the cautious expression on her young face was quite amusing.

"I have a deal to make with you."

Little Rong Zheng suddenly spoke in a low voice.

?

Tao Mian was puzzled but still smiled.

"What kind of deal?"

"You become my father."

??

The question marks on Tao Mian's forehead were almost tangible.

Though Rong Zheng spoke earnestly, Tao Mian firmly declined.

"Let's not. I don't casually become someone's father."

Rong Zheng's response was even more shocking.

"I'm not trying to swindle your money!" She waved her hands defensively, "I want your life."

"…"