Xie Yuncheng handed the money notes to Rong Jiaojiao: "Little sister, what my brother means is that these money notes are for you as a thank you for your help."

Rong Jiaojiao refused, feeling that she had already gotten a good deal.

Of course, this was also because he was a soldier and his brother's comrade-in-arms; if it were anyone else, she would have taken a cut.

After much back and forth, Rong Zhigao finally said, "How about we just have Xie Yuncheng treat us to a meal and that's it!"

Xie Yuncheng immediately looked at Rong Jiaojiao, who then looked at her parents. After they nodded, Rong Jiaojiao said, "Then I'll trouble you, Brother Xie, to spend the money."

Xie Yuncheng said happily, as if he had encountered some great joy, "No need to spend money, no need to spend money, let's go eat now!"

The Rong family had no objections: "Okay, let's go now."

When they arrived in town, they went to the same state-run restaurant as the night before. Xie Yuncheng whispered something to the waiter, who then nodded repeatedly with a happy expression.

A short while later, Xie Yuncheng gave the money and tickets before returning to his seat.

After chatting for a while, a sumptuous meal was prepared, and the waiter thoughtfully brought it to the table.

It's obvious what benefits Xie Yuncheng promised the chef and waiters; otherwise, they wouldn't be receiving such good treatment.

The meal didn't last long before Rong Zhigao and Xie Yuncheng had to return to the camp headquarters, and they had to part ways when they arrived at the guesthouse.

Rong Zhigao rubbed Rong Jiaojiao's head and said, "Jiaojiao, come visit your brother again when you have time, okay?"

Rong Jiaojiao nodded: "Brother, let me know when you've finished eating, and I'll send you more."

Before, it was inconvenient to send things because we lived far away, but now that we live close by, it's quick to send anything we want.

"Okay, thank you, little sister!"

Everyone waved goodbye.

Back at the guesthouse, Rong Jiaojiao couldn't wait to part ways with her parents. She was eager to acknowledge the ancient sword as her master and see if she could find out its rank after doing so.

Back in her room, Rong Jiaojiao closed the door and took out the ancient sword.

He sat cross-legged, placed the sword in front of him, closed his eyes, and began to circulate the spiritual energy within his body.

The spiritual energy flowed slowly and gradually gathered on the sword.

She could feel the spiritual power contained within the sword resonating with her own.

"Buzz—" The sword emitted a soft sound, as if responding to her spiritual power.

Rong Jiaojiao opened her eyes and saw the sword trembling slightly, and the patterns on the scabbard shimmering with a faint light.

She quickly dripped a few drops of blood onto the sword, simultaneously casting the incantation of "recognizing the sword as its master," chanting incantations. Streams of blood seeped into the sword, and the light on the sword gradually softened, as if it were absorbing her blood.

"Buzz—" The sword emitted a soft sound again, its light shining brightly for a moment before slowly receding.

Rong Jiaojiao could feel that the spiritual power within the sword had completely merged with her own, and she had successfully recognized the sword as her master.

She gently grasped the hilt of the sword, slowly drew the blade, and the sword flashed with a cold light, a powerful sword aura rushing towards her.

"This sword must be at least a mid-grade magic weapon, right?" Rong Jiaojiao murmured to herself, her heart filled with joy.

After successfully recognizing the sword as her master, she could feel that the spiritual power contained within the sword was more stable and perfectly integrated with her own spiritual power, as if the sword were a part of her body.

Seeing her happy, Zi Ling was also happy for her master. She asked, "Master, what is the name of this sword?"

"Let's call this sword 'Lingyuan' from now on," Rong Jiaojiao said softly, giving the sword a name.

She felt that the name not only matched the spirit of a sword, but also had a sense of mystery.

"Lingyuan, it sounds nice!" Ziling thought it was very similar to her own name.

Rong Jiaojiao stood up, stretched, and said with a satisfied look on her face: "Alright, the sword has successfully recognized its master. Now it's time to cultivate diligently and unleash its full power."

He picked up Zi Ling and began to cultivate cross-legged...

The next day, Rong Lianhu took his wife and daughter home. In the afternoon, after returning to Qiuze County, he bought two cotton-padded coats for Rong Jiaojiao and took the last bus back to his residence.

It was the time when everyone was getting off work and heading home. Along the way, they encountered many people leaving get off work, and people were clearly no longer as curious about Rong Jiaojiao as they had been the morning before.

But even after they left, Rong Jiaojiao still heard people talking about her.

Rong Jiaojiao rolled her eyes. "Call me black if you want, but why 'black monkey'? You're just being nosy."

Rong Lianhu had obviously heard the discussion as well, and said to Rong Jiaojiao with a smile, "Why did you smear yourself so dark? You look even darker these past two days than when you first came back."

Rong Jiaojiao said slyly, "Daddy, wouldn't you like your daughter to suddenly become fair-skinned and amaze everyone?"

Rong Lianhu shook his head decisively when he thought of how adorable his daughter looked in the portrait: "You should just keep your dark side!"

Fu Ya also laughed and said, "You just got back, so keep your tanned skin out for now. It's better to let people think you've been suffering outside than to let them know you've been pampered and beautiful on the Immortal Mountain."

Rong Jiaojiao didn't care and said, "Mom is right, then I'll just stay dark-skinned. Anyway, I don't care what other people think."

Fu Ya nodded: "That's right. Other people's opinions don't matter. What matters is that you're happy."

Rong Lianhu also said, "Yes, Jiaojiao, we are all very happy that you are back this time. No matter what others say, you are always our precious daughter."

Rong Jiaojiao nodded: "I know, Dad, Mom, thank you."

Fu Ya gently patted her head: "Silly child, we don't talk about these things when we're family."

Rong Lianhu laughed too: "Alright, let's not stand here anymore, let's go home. I'll make you your favorite braised fish tonight."

Rong Jiaojiao's eyes lit up: "Really? That's great!"

The family of three walked home together, the afterglow of the setting sun casting a warm shadow on them.

Although Rong Jiaojiao's skin was a bit darker, her smile was even brighter than the sunshine.

Back home, Fu Ya immediately got busy preparing dinner.

Rong Lianhu and Rong Jiaojiao also went to help, and they prepared a sumptuous feast of the fresh river delicacies they had bought.

After finishing their meal, the couple asked Rong Jiaojiao, "Jiaojiao, what are your plans for the rest of your life?"

Rong Jiaojiao said earnestly, "My cultivation is now on the verge of a breakthrough, and I need to hone my foundation. So, I will spend all my time cultivating from now on, except when I am with my parents."

Fu Ya cautiously probed, "Is it okay if you don't go to school?"

Rong Jiaojiao laughed and said, "Mom, not going to school doesn't mean I'm not knowledgeable. Besides, people go to school for two reasons: to have a better future and to contribute to the country. As for me, I can achieve both by cultivating myself in the future."

Listening to Rong Jiaojiao's mature analysis, they knew that they no longer needed to worry about this child.

The two were both relieved and saddened, and nodded, saying, "Alright, you should cultivate diligently and do whatever you want at home."