After everyone's concerted efforts and division of labor, they finally managed to make a decent lunch.
Although the rice was slightly mushy, the beef a bit overcooked, the vegetables slightly undercooked, and the seasoning a little off, it was quite good for the first attempt at cooking, especially for the inexperienced younger generation of the Xiao Clan in the wilderness. Everyone enjoyed their meal.
But most importantly, the process of cooking made everyone feel like they were celebrating an event together, allowing everyone to fully engage on their activity without feeling exhausted.
"It feels like we're celebrating the New Year," Xiao Xun'er commented softly, and others nodded in agreement.
Inside the ring, Yao Chen heard the unfamiliar term "New Year" and couldn't understand its meaning, so she asked her disciple.
(Xiao Yan, what does "New Year" mean?)
Upon hearing Yao Chen's inquiry, Xiao Yan immediately explained in his mind.
(It was a suggestion I made to my father when I was young. At the beginning of each year, we would shut down all the family's business and gather together to prepare New Year decorations and banquets. It's the only time when everyone doesn't have to worry about work or other matters and can focus on spending time with their families.)
Xiao Yan spoke and smiled slightly.
(It was originally meant to strengthen the cohesion of the family, but everyone liked it, so the tradition continued. We do it every year now.)
After listening to Xiao Yan's description, Yao Chen felt a surge of envy in her heart.
To not consider anything else and spend time with one's family for at least one day a year. How long can one stay with their family throughout their life?
The new year event that Xiao Yan established was undoubtedly a way for the Xiao Clan members to know clearly that they still have a home, a place of peace. No matter how tough the year may be, there are people eagerly awaiting their return on that day of reunion.
Yao Chen fully believed that even though the Xiao Clan's power was much smaller compared to other major families on the continent, the Xiao Clan was undoubtedly much happier and harmonious than most of them combined.
For Xiao Yan to be born into the Xiao Clan- No, it should be said that for the Xiao Clan to have a descendant like Xiao Yan, it was undoubtedly the greatest fortune the Xiao Clan had in many years.
Looking at the lively Xiao Clan younger generation enjoying their meal, Yao Chen's heart was gradually filled with a touch of melancholy and sadness.
(Xiao Yan...)
(Yes?)
(You must cherish the scene before you.)
Yao Chen earnestly cautioned her new disciple.
Happy childhood memories such as this are precious, and no amount of money can buy them back. That was something that came from Yao Chen's personal experience.
Xiao Yan also sensed the emotions conveyed in Yao Chen's words and smiled slightly in response.
(This disciple understands.)
After finishing lunch, everyone cleaned up the kitchen utensils and took a short rest before starting their afternoon combat training.
During the combat training, Yao Chen inside the ring couldn't help but marvel at the terrifying combat power of the Xiao Clan younger generation, which was completely mismatched with their Dou Qi levels.
With their combat skills, even a Dou Shi (Battle Master, 3rd Level) would hesitate to guarantee a victory against these young girls and boys who weren't even at the Dou Zhe (2nd Level) level.
It was truly terrifying...
Perhaps it was due to the change in environment, but everyone's training had become more proactive compared to before, and evening had unknowingly arrived.
"It's time," Xiao Yan stretched his sore arms, and the others also wore expressions of exhaustion.
Xiao Yan waved his hand and encouraged everyone, "Hold on a little longer, let's make dinner together. After eating, we'll soak in the hot springs!"
"Yes!!"
As soon as they heard about soaking in the hot springs, the tired group became excited once again and energetically started preparing dinner.
With the cooking experience from lunch, dinner was relatively simpler.
Everyone gathered around the campfire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames in the night, all wearing cheerful smiles.
Observing this scene, Yao Chen couldn't help but feel envious.
If only she were one of those young girls, able to participate in such activities. It would be so wonderful.
However, after experiencing so much hardship and becoming overly mature, even if she could go back to that age, she could no longer experience the same joy as these children.
After a pleasant and harmonious dinner, everyone cleaned up the pots and pans. Xiao Yan shed his mature demeanor and raised his fist with full vigor.
"Now then! It's time for the hot springs!"
"Ooooohhh!!!!"
As Xiao Yan gave the order, the boys, regardless of the presence of a few girls nearby, led by Xiao Ning, quickly stripped off their clothes and jumped directly into the hot springs, much to the disgust of the girls led by Xiao Mei on the shore.
"These boys, really..."
"Xun'er, let's go wash over there."
Xiao Yan softly spoke to Xiao Xun'er, who nodded and called the girls to go to the other side of the enclosure.
At that moment, Xiao Yan shouted in a voice that everyone could hear, "Don't just focus on enjoying yourselves, we're here for training! Even while soaking in the hot springs, pay attention to cultivating your Dou Qi!"
"Understood!"
Xiao Yan's words immediately received a resounding response, but it didn't give him a sense of superiority over the others. It simply brought a warm feeling deep within his heart.
The warmth brought by family was incomparable to any treasures or exotic items, without a doubt.
Xiao Yan removed his clothes and entered the hot spring to cultivate his Dou Qi. After a moment, he felt a sense of surprise and doubt in his heart, speaking to Yao Chen in his mind.
(Senior Yao, the effect of this Foundation Building Elixir is too remarkable, isn't it?)
(Hmph, what did you expect?) Yao Chen snorted proudly and continued, (But part of the reason is that you have a special physique, and your ability to absorb medicinal power is much faster than others. It's only natural that the effect is remarkable.)
(Is that so...)
Upon hearing Yao Chen's words, Xiao Yan frowned slightly.
Immediately, Yao Chen could clearly sense that Xiao Yan deliberately slowed down his cultivation speed, which also slowed down the absorption of medicinal power in his body.
This kid...
Yao Chen couldn't help but furrow her brows.
It was obvious that Xiao Yan intentionally did this to avoid absorbing too much medicinal power and affecting others after hearing her words.
Even if you take care of your family, it shouldn't go to this extent, right?
You are the one who prepared the elixir, you are the one who found the place to gather it all, so it's only natural that you take a larger share, isn't it?
But as Yao Chen looked at the people around Xiao Yan playing and frolicking with him, she decided to hold back the reprimand she was about to utter.
Perhaps it was precisely because of this that the children of the Xiao Clan trusted Xiao Yan so much.
Xiao Yan always adhered to his own beliefs and the righteous path in his heart, regardless of whether anyone knew or watched. He tirelessly did what he should do to the best of his ability.
He was truly determined to walk his path of righteousness in this world.
Thinking of this, Yao Chen couldn't help but smile helplessly in her heart.
It doesn't matter.
Since this is the path chosen by her disciple, as his teacher, Yao Chen will naturally support him to the end. Xiao Yan is deserving of it.
Even if any troubles arise, Yao Chen will have his back.
After all, she is Yao Chen!
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