"My dear."
Zagonnas, fearing that Cendrarsa might say too much, immediately pulled her into his embrace.
"Life in this world is filled with gatherings and separations, birth and death. These are all commonplace occurrences that we cannot control; we can only hope to remain steadfast in our own paths. After the Lantern Festival, you and your mother can return home with me—I wish to visit my family as well."
"Mm, alright."
Cendrarsa nodded, ultimately refraining from saying anything further.
With the New Year's Eve fast approaching, the village was adorned with festive decorations, and every household began preparations for the celebration.
The academy had just concluded its final class of the year, officially beginning the holiday.
During these days, the poisonous phoenix successfully infiltrated the village's most enigmatic organization, casually munching on sunflower seeds while engaging in idle chatter.
"Have you heard? Dave has gone on another blind date, this time with a widow from an upstream village—a woman with a child. Apparently, Dave has taken quite a liking to her, and his mother is beside herself with worry," said the village chief's wife with a note of intrigue.
"What's wrong with a widow? Her child is already self-sufficient, and the widow is rather attractive," another villager chimed in.
"Well, if we're talking about good marriages, we must mention the daughter of Fat Aunt's family. Her husband has skills as a blacksmith; he'll never have to worry about a livelihood," another villager added.
"That's certainly true—my son-in-law is well-regarded across ten villages," Fat Aunt said proudly, puffing up with satisfaction as she gave a thumbs up.
The poisonous phoenix shook her head, unimpressed.
"If we're discussing admirable sons-in-law, mine is the best. He's handsome and well-educated."
"Hey! Sister, that's not something I want to hear. My son-in-law not only excels in blacksmithing but also works as a carpenter."
"Hmph! My son-in-law can cook and chop wood!" The poisonous phoenix rolled her eyes.
"My son-in-law can hunt."
"My son-in-law can hunt as well."
"My son-in-law is so bold, he dares to walk through graveyards at night!"
"My son-in-law is even bolder—he could sleep in a graveyard!"
"You…" Fat Aunt, known as the village's champion debater, was taken aback to find someone daring to challenge her. She tossed her sunflower seeds aside, placing her hands on her hips as she stood up.
The poisonous phoenix, not one to back down easily, was notorious in the southern regions for her sharp tongue.
This argument raged on from afternoon until dusk.
By the time Cendrarsa closed the clinic and returned home, the poisonous phoenix's expression was sullen as she sat there dejectedly.
"Mother, I heard you lost your argument this afternoon with Fat Aunt. You couldn't out-debate her?" Cendrarsa teased the poisonous phoenix while serving rice.
Zagonnas set the chopsticks down with a smile, adding, "It's alright—losing to Fat Aunt isn't shameful."
"Let me tell you, I have never lost an argument, but she cheats!" The poisonous phoenix's annoyance only heightened with the mention.
"How did she cheat? Was it about how impressive each of your sons-in-law is?"
"Exactly! I was about to win, but then that cheater claimed her son-in-law would eat shit and I—I…"
"Pfft, hahahahaha!"
The poisonous phoenix looked up at Zagonnas with a pitiful expression, while Cendrarsa was nearly laughing so hard she couldn't hold her bowl.
"My son-in-law isn't foolish—he wouldn't eat shit!"
Although Zagonnas didn't laugh aloud, a smile couldn't help but tug at the corners of his mouth.
Just then, while Cendrarsa was still laughing uncontrollably, there came a knock on the courtyard door.
"I'll see who it is."
Finding it hard to eat anymore, Cendrarsa set down her chopsticks and dashed out of the house.
As she opened the door, there stood a young man of about sixteen or seventeen, with rosy lips and white teeth, exceptionally handsome under the glow of the red lanterns.
Suddenly, Cendrarsa's long-quiet system buzzed to life with a brilliant light in her mind.
"Master, the male lead of this novel has appeared."
"Who?"
"Zagonnas's junior apprentice, the only son of Randolph, and the future world's mightiest swordsman, Skoll."
"…"
Cendrarsa was momentarily stunned; she never expected to encounter Skoll here.
"Excuse me, is this Mr. Zagonnas's residence?"
"Ah, yes. And you are?"
"I…"
"Wife, who is it?"
Seeing the prolonged silence outside, Zagonnas also stepped out.
Upon seeing the young man at the door, his joyful expression vanished instantly.
"Senior Brother."
Before Cendrarsa, Skoll suddenly knelt on the ground, his youthful face a mix of distress and shame.
"What are you doing here? Who sent you?" Zagonnas remained still, his demeanour dark and unwelcoming.
Cendrarsa, sensing the awkward situation, quickly bent down to help Skoll rise.
"Get up; the ground is cold. Whatever you have to say, let's discuss it inside."
"Senior Brother, I beg you, please come home."
Skoll remained kneeling, his voice choked with emotion, tears brimming in his eyes.
"Leave."
With that curt command, Zagonnas turned and re-entered the house.
Cendrarsa stood there, feeling helpless and unsure of how to proceed.
"Wah…"
Skoll could no longer hold back his tears, bowing his head as he began to sob.
Cendrarsa spun around in place, tugging at her hair in frustration before returning to help Skoll up.
"Please, just stand up. He won't hear you crying here, okay?"
"Are you… my sister-in-law?"
"Uh, yes, yes! Listen to your sister-in-law, now get up."
Cendrarsa felt a headache approaching. Her original plan was to deal with that old scoundrel Randolph after the New Year, then return as if nothing had happened.
Who would have thought Skoll would show up at such a critical moment? If he revealed Zagonnas's identity, what would she do then?
Skoll couldn't discern Cendrarsa's thoughts, but finding her kind and familiar, he finally stood up.
Wanting to give the two brothers some privacy, Cendrarsa exchanged a knowing glance with the poisonous phoenix inside, then turned to the sullen Zagonnas at the dinner table and said softly, "Husband, my mother and I will visit your student's home to check on his grandmother; you two can chat."
With that, Cendrarsa pulled the bewildered poisonous phoenix along as they left.
When only Zagonnas and Skoll remained in the dining room, Zagonnas fixed his gaze back onto his junior apprentice's face.
"I have severed ties with the Sword Sect; why are you here?"
"Senior Brother, things at home have fallen into chaos. My father has gone mad, attacking members of the Demon Sect without restraint. Many of our guests and disciples, unable to endure his obstinacy, have left. The Wen family of Jiangnan has begun to oppress us, and those sects who once supported us have turned against us.
Right now, the Sword Sect is in shambles, on the verge of collapse. I truly don't know what to do anymore.
Senior Brother, I'm begging you—please return with me."
Tears once again welled up in Skoll's eyes.
Zagonnas sighed, turning his gaze away again.
"Isn't the New Year approaching? Have you visited your master's grave yet?"
"My mother, my mother…"
Skoll's voice trailed off, unable to finish.