Chapter 19: Trust That Resonates
Through the collective effort of everyone, they finally managed to prepare a decent lunch.
Although the rice was slightly burnt, the beef was a bit overcooked, the vegetables were slightly underdone, and the seasoning was somewhat off.
But for the Xiao family juniors who were cooking for the first time, and that too in the wild, it was already quite commendable. Everyone enjoyed the meal happily.
Of course, the most important part was that the process of cooking made everyone feel like they were celebrating together, allowing everyone to participate without feeling fatigued.
"It feels just like celebrating the New Year," Xiao Xun'er commented softly, and the others nodded in agreement.
Hearing the unfamiliar term "New Year" from within the ring, Yao Chen pondered for a while but couldn't understand its meaning, so she asked her disciple.
("Brat, what does 'New Year' mean?")
In response to Yao Chen's question, Xiao Yan explained in his mind.
("When I was young, I suggested to my father that at the beginning of each year, all family businesses should be halted, and all family members should gather together to prepare for the New Year and organize a feast. This would be a time when no one had to think about work or other matters and could focus solely on spending time with their family.")
Xiao Yan spoke with a slight smile.
("Originally, it was just meant to strengthen the cohesion of the family, but everyone grew fond of it. Since then, it became a tradition that we follow every year.")
After hearing Xiao Yan's explanation, Yao Chen couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration.
A day where one sets aside all concerns and simply reunites with family to spend time together.
In life, how much time in a year can one truly spend with their family?
The day Xiao Yan established was undoubtedly one that ensured Xiao family members knew they had a home, a place to belong. No matter how challenging the year might have been, there were people eagerly awaiting their return on this special day.
Yao Chen firmly believed that even if the Xiao family's power was a hundred or even a thousand times smaller than other families on the continent, the Xiao family was undoubtedly far happier than many grand families.
For Xiao Yan to be born into the Xiao family—or rather, for the Xiao family to have Xiao Yan—was unquestionably the family's greatest fortune over the years.
Watching the Xiao family juniors laughing and chatting with bowls in their hands, Yao Chen felt a twinge of emotion well up in her heart.
("Yan brat.")
("Hmm?")
("You must cherish this moment before your eyes.")
Yao Chen sincerely advised.
Memories are precious treasures that no amount of money can buy back.
This was something Yao Chen had experienced personally.
Xiao Yan could sense the deep emotions in Yao Chen's words. He smiled faintly and replied.
("I understand, Senior Yao.")
---
After lunch, everyone cleaned up the cooking utensils. After a short rest, they began their afternoon combat training.
During the training, Yao Chen, from within the ring, once again marveled at the terrifying combat strength of the Xiao family juniors, which was completely disproportionate to their Dou Qi levels.
At this level of combat skill, even a Dou Shi wouldn't dare guarantee a victory against these youths who hadn't yet become Dou Practitioners.
It was simply astonishing.
Perhaps it was because of the new environment, but the group trained even more enthusiastically than before. Without realizing it, the sun began to set.
"It's time," Xiao Yan said, stretching his sore arms. The others were also visibly exhausted.
Waving his hand, Xiao Yan encouraged everyone.
"Everyone, hang in there a little longer. Let's make dinner together. After we eat, we can enjoy the hot springs!"
"Yeah!!!"
Hearing the mention of hot springs, the fatigued group became excited again and enthusiastically prepared dinner.
With the experience from lunchtime, making dinner was relatively simpler.
Everyone sat around the campfire, the flames illuminating their faces in the night, each of them beaming with joyful smiles.
Watching this scene, Yao Chen's heart was filled with envy.
How wonderful it would be if she were also one of these young girls and could participate in this joyous moment.
However, after going through so much hardship and maturing beyond measure, even if she could return to their age, she would no longer be able to experience the same happiness as these children.
---
After the harmonious and joyful dinner, the group cleaned up the pots and utensils. Xiao Yan shed his usual maturity and energetically raised his fist.
"Alright! It's time for the hot springs!"
"Yeahhh!!!"
With Xiao Yan's command, the boys, led by Xiao Ning, rushed to strip off their clothes and jump into the hot springs, much to the dismay of the girls, led by Xiao Mei.
"These boys are just..." Xiao Mei muttered in disdain.
"Xun'er, you girls should go over there," Xiao Yan gently said to Xiao Xun'er. She nodded softly and led the girls to the other side, which was partitioned off.
At this moment, Xiao Yan shouted loudly so everyone could hear.
"Don't just enjoy yourselves; remember, this is a training session. Even while soaking in the hot springs, focus on cultivating your Dou Qi!"
"Understood~~~"
The unanimous response didn't give Xiao Yan a sense of superiority over the group but instead warmed his heart.
The warmth brought by family was undoubtedly incomparable to any treasure.
Xiao Yan removed his clothes, entered the hot spring, and began cultivating his Dou Qi. Shortly after, he felt a peculiar sensation and asked Yao Chen in his mind.
("Senior Yao, the effects of the Foundation Establishment spiritual liquid seem too remarkable?")
("Hmph~ What did you expect?") Yao Chen snorted proudly before continuing. ("Though, part of the reason is your special physique. Your body's ability to absorb medicinal energy is faster than others, so the effects are naturally more pronounced.")
("I see...")
Hearing this, Xiao Yan furrowed his brows slightly.
Yao Chen then noticed that Xiao Yan deliberately slowed his cultivation, reducing the absorption of medicinal energy.
This brat...
Yao Chen frowned.
It was obvious that Xiao Yan, upon hearing her words, had chosen to slow down to avoid absorbing too much energy and leaving less for others.
No matter how much he cared for his family, wasn't this a bit excessive?
The resources were prepared by him, the place was found by him—it would only be natural for him to take a larger share.
However, watching the people around Xiao Yan who laughed and joked with him, Yao Chen held back the reprimand she had been about to voice.
Perhaps it was this very selflessness that earned Xiao Yan the trust of the Xiao family juniors.
Xiao Yan had always adhered to his inner beliefs and principles, regardless of whether anyone was watching or aware. He consistently did what he thought was right and necessary.
He genuinely wished to walk the path of righteousness in this world.
Realizing this, Yao Chen chuckled helplessly to herself.
No matter.
Since this was the path her disciple had chosen, as his teacher, she would naturally support it to the end. Xiao Yan was worthy of such support.
Even if trouble arose, She would back him up.
After all, she was Yao Chen.
---
(End of Chapter)
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