This was not a complaint; rather, Xu Jin was all too aware that Xu Dajiang had given his all for him.
"Dad, Jiang'er, you eat too."
As Xu Jin boasted, he saw Xu Dajiang and Xu Jiang nodding but not eating, and without idling his hands, he continued to eat while feeding them both.
Experience from previous visits had made it clear to Xu Jin that if he didn't feed them, the father and son would definitely not eat.
They were planning to save the food for Xu Jin.
After just a few bites, Xu Dajiang found an excuse to move aside, unwilling to partake more of the fine meal.
Once they had finished eating, his sister Xu Jiang fetched water from the nearby river. "Brother, lie on this rock, and I'll wash and comb your hair for you. Look at your hair; it's a mess."
Embarrassed, Xu Jin complied with a nod and obediently lay down.
The second problem after traversing through time was dealing with long hair.
Xu Jin, who used to sport a buzz cut, was at a loss when faced with long hair.
Although there had been some progress in managing it recently, it was still a chaotic mess.
Every time his sister Xu Jiang came over, she would wash and comb his hair.
Under the large willow tree, with sparse sunlight, Xu Jin lay on the large bluestone while his sister Xu Jiang'er, with a small wooden comb in hand and a face full of care, combed his hair as a gentle breeze fluttered around them.
At that moment of peace, Xu Jin had never felt such tranquility in either his past or present life.
Having a sister was quite a blessing, Xu Jin thought.
Such a slender and gentle sister was a rare find, even with a lantern.
Soon, Xu Jiang had tidied Xu Jin's long hair into a neat bundle. Xu Jin himself felt refreshingly clear-headed.
"How's the Star Pointing going, Jin'er?" At that moment, Dad Xu Dajiang, who had been avoiding the scene, came over.
"It's not yet done," Xu Jin said gloomily. "I feel like I'm close, but then the illness strikes again."
"Ah!"
Xu Dajiang sighed deeply, his eyes revealing not a hint of disappointment but rather a look full of heartache and pain.
Even his sister Xu Jiang's expression tightened with worry. "What do we do? Brother's Star Pointing session is approaching..."
With a stern glance from Xu Dajiang, Jiang'er pursed her lips. "Your brother isn't lacking in effort. I feel that with a bit more work, in these last few days, surely it will succeed."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Jiang'er nodded vigorously.
After speaking, Xu Dajiang pulled out a small cloth bag from his bosom. "Jin'er, here are two taels and three maces of silver. Buy yourself some good food to nourish your body. Don't be frugal; you need to eat well to have the energy to practice your Star Pointing properly.
I have plenty of strength right now and can earn silver!"
"Yes, that's right. I can also earn money by sewing and washing clothes," chimed in Jiang'er eagerly.
Xu Jin mumbled to himself and ultimately accepted the small cloth bag.
"Dad, Jiang'er, take care on your way."
Back in his room, Xu Jin felt a mixture of emotions.
Would that Star Exorcism Ceremony actually work to send him back?
And if it did succeed?
He felt a bit reluctant to leave his sister behind.
After much contemplation, Xu Jin got up and requested leave from the Instructor who taught Star Martial Six Arts. With enough silver, it was time to gather the items needed for the Star Exorcism Ceremony.
First things first, to survive.
His predecessor probably died of an illness; after three months in this life, and adding in his past years, Xu Jin was still in his twenties and had not lived enough.
During these past months, Xu Jin had carefully investigated the prices and details of the items he needed.
After making his rounds, he had purchased the necessary incense, oil lamp, and copper bell and entered a Jade Shop; the Manager had recognized him from several previous inquiries.
"Young man, back again!"
"Manager, I've come to buy the Jade. You kept it for me, right?"
"Kept it for you, five taels of silver."
"Manager, see how sincere I am; give me a discount. I'll be a regular customer," Xu Jin said with a smile.
Poor; every bit saved matters.
The Manager looked at Xu Jin, thought for a moment, then passed the Jade over to Xu Jin on a tray. "Truly sincere, young man. Four taels and eight maces; that's the greatest discount I can offer."
"Thank you!"
Having acquired nearly everything needed for the Star Exorcism Ceremony, the next step was to arrange any potential affairs and find a secluded place to establish the altar and perform the star exorcism.