A few days later.
In a small forest clearing, lush grass swayed gently in the breeze. The air echoed with the sounds of collisions.
Boom! Boom!
Two gold and white figures chased each other across the grass, wielding wooden swords as heavy as iron. They swung and blocked with rapid movements.
Under a tree by the clearing, Bibi Dong, dressed in a purple dress, sat cross-legged on the grass, a gentle smile on her face.
She appeared graceful and serene, her blue necklace adding a touch of elegance.
In front of her, a basket of fruit and a box of snacks were laid out.
She was calmly preparing fruit slices and arranging the pastries from the box.
Her movements were so practiced that she could peel the fruit skin perfectly, even without looking.
Her purple eyes sparkled as she gazed at the two siblings practicing swordsmanship, her expression peaceful.
The wind lifted strands of golden hair, and the sunshine enveloped her and the children, bringing a warmth that reached deep into her heart.
In the past two years, Bibi Dong's favorite thing was spending time with her two children.
Whatever they did, as long as they were there, she felt at ease and joyful.
Even the desire to grow stronger and seek revenge was pushed aside by this.
Whoosh! Boom!
On the thick grass, the wooden swords of Qian Renxue and Qian Renjue clashed.
Qian Renjue's purple eyes glowed with white light.
With the Eye of Insight, his swordsmanship had improved rapidly, yet he still couldn't defeat his little teacher.
Qian Renxue's strikes grew more fierce, her superior insight and familiarity with swordsmanship easily breaking through his attacks.
With a flick of her wrist, her sword turned into a dozen shadows.
Clang!
Qian Renjue swept aside the sword veil, but Qian Renxue had already withdrawn her sword.
Seizing the moment when Qian Renzhu had just finished swinging and hadn't yet recovered his strength, she pressed her sword toward him.
With a flick, she deflected his guard and pointed her sword at his throat.
Having no choice, Qian Renjue leaped backward and, only when Qian Renxue didn't pursue, safely stood his ground.
He touched his neck with amazement and smiled.
"Sister, you've gotten even stronger."
"Your progress is good too," Qian Renxue replied with a knowing smile, the white light fading from her eyes.
A strand of golden hair drifted down.
"Haha…" Qian Renjue laughed heartily but then froze, staring at two golden buttons on his collar that had suddenly fallen off.
Plop!
Qian Renxue couldn't help but giggle at how quickly his expression changed.
"Jue, you still need to train hard!"
With a gentle smile, she tapped his forehead with her sword hilt.
"Got it," Qian Renjue muttered, squatting down to pick up the buttons.
Qian Renxue stepped forward, smiling warmly, and held out her soft hand.
"Let's go."
"Mm!"
Qian Renjue looked up and smiled, taking her hand as they walked together toward the tree.
"Mom!"
Arriving under the tree, Qian Renjue sat down beside Bibi Dong, wrapping his arm around hers and leaning his head on her shoulder, inhaling the faint fragrance.
"Mm," Bibi Dong responded softly, tilting her head slightly to rub against him, her gentle gaze resting on Qian Renxue.
Dressed in a light yellow gown, Qian Renxue's skirt was elegant and flowing, revealing a bit of her ankle.
Bibi Dong smiled warmly.
"Xiao Xue, you've grown taller again. We'll have to measure your height next time."
"Thank you, Mom," Qian Renxue said, her cheeks tinged pink as she sat down beside Bibi Dong.
Mimicking Qian Renzhu, she leaned gently against her mother's shoulder, savoring the moment.
Bibi Dong lifted her hand, affectionately stroking Qian Renxue's face.
Her eyes held none of the disdain from the past.
This daughter was so much like her.
Feeling the warmth and weight on her shoulders, Bibi Dong's heart was at peace.
"I brought some fruit and freshly made pastries for you. Try them."
Bibi Dong smiled gracefully as she fed Qian Renxue a slice of pineapple and turned to Qian Renjue.
"Jue, take off your jacket so I can sew your buttons back on."
"Okay!"
Qian Renjue stuffed his mouth with fruit and quickly removed his jacket, placing it on Bibi Dong's lap.
Laughing, he leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"Thanks, Mom!"
Bibi Dong rolled her eyes, her cheek slightly sticky from the kiss and smelling of fruit.
She pulled out a needle and thread, matching the colors before carefully sewing.
"Mom, have some too," Qian Renjue said eagerly, offering fruit and pastries to both sides.
"Sister, try this. It's better than what Dad makes."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt a chill in the air, and a cold laugh rang in his ears.
Qian Renxue, who had just taken the pastry, froze mid-bite.
"Hmph."
Bibi Dong gripped the needle tightly.
"Mom?"
Qian Renjue immediately sat up straight, feeling guilty as he looked at her.
Bibi Dong held the needle before his eyes, her smile cold, her voice soft but tinged with threat.
"Renjue, I'll let it go this time. But don't mention him in front of me again, understand?"
"Y-yes… I won't," Qian Renzhu nodded hurriedly.
"Remember, I've given you many chances already."
The needle lightly grazed his cheek as Bibi Dong's voice softened.
"Don't upset Mom, okay?"
"Jue understand," Qian Renzhu gulped, nodding gently.
"Good boy." Bibi Dong's smile returned, and she affectionately tapped his cheek before returning to her sewing.
But there was a fleeting shadow of gloom, resentment, and regret in her eyes.
The stronger she became, the further she felt from her children.
Qian Renxue's smile faded.
Her lips parted, but the pastry in her mouth suddenly became hard to swallow. Bibi Dong still couldn't forget that event.
Qian Renxue understood.
Qian Renjue touched his cheek where the needle had grazed and where his mother's lips had kissed him, his expression complicated.
He leaned back against her shoulder.
Even if parental love was divided, Qian Renjue was still content. He couldn't bear to lose either part.
Qian Renxue quietly leaned against Bibi Dong's shoulder as well, gently nuzzling as if she wanted to hold on to the moment.
…
After their morning sword practice and study, Qian Renxue and Qian Renjue bid farewell to Bibi Dong and returned home.
The afternoon was for cultivating soul power.
As the sun set, Qian Xunji arrived, pushing a cart, his smile brighter than usual. He brought a very important news
'The target had almost been locked in.'
He hoped this gift could allow the divided love to coexist.