It was past eight o'clock when the four of them finally went back. They each went to their rooms to practice their skills. Although this couldn't replace sleep, they felt comfortable all over after practicing.

Zhang Hongmei was very satisfied with her sons' performance and happy with their self-discipline.

"Brother Zhang, how will they practice their skills on the mountain from now on?"

“I told A that they will live separately from now on. I will also reveal that they are learning internal energy cultivation techniques, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

"That's good. Will you go and bring them water?"

"No need. We can't let them become too dependent. Besides, they're already in the zone, and it wouldn't be good to disturb them."

Zhang Shouyi pestered Zhang Hongmei to come once, and only after feeling refreshed did he go to sleep.

The next morning, the children practiced their skills as usual.

We ate breakfast at the old lady's house again, and I made dumplings for them again.

"Grandma, Auntie, why go through all this trouble?" With so many dumplings for so many people, the two of them must be busy for several hours.

"It's alright. My son and I have been sleeping less, otherwise we wouldn't be able to sleep. Hurry up and eat. We have two kinds of fillings: chives and eggs, and chives and pork. Eat whichever you like."

There was also wolf meat on the table. This wolf meat hadn't been soaked in water at all; the seasonings were just applied on top, and it looked quite appealing.

Xiao Si picked up a piece, smacked her lips, and said, "Great-Grandma, Grandma, this tastes pretty good. You all should try it; I think it's quite nice."

Zhang Weiyu tentatively put it in his mouth and tasted the numbing, spicy, and salty flavors. These flavors probably masked the true taste of the wolf meat.

"Grandma, this tastes pretty good. I'm going to take it back for my younger brothers to try."

“Okay, Grandma has prepared everything for you. This was sent by my grandsons, so they should all try it.”

After dinner, Zhang Hongmei went to Dashan's house and left two hundred yuan. "Auntie, this is a wedding gift for my brother Dashan. I won't be able to come back for his wedding."

Grandma Dashan accepted it with a smile, without refusing. She really didn't want to be polite; she'd just keep the kindness in her heart.

The four children left by plane with Liu Jingze and his group. Jia and a bodyguard drove the other four children back.

By the time they got home it was almost one o'clock. Gu Chuanming and Zhang Xingguo were waiting at home, while Ping An and the others had gone to class.

"Great-grandfather, grandfather, we're back."

"Good, good, good, you're back! Great-Grandpa is so happy!" Gu Chuanming laughed heartily, genuinely pleased.

The caregivers prepared the meals, and the family only sat down to keep the elderly company after they had eaten their fill.

Of course, Zhang Shouyi didn't have the luxury of resting; he went to work right after eating.

Gu Yaozu sat down next to Gu Chuanming. "Grandpa, I hunted a wolf. The wolf pelt I got is being cured back home. I'll send it over later and have someone make a wolf pelt for you."

"Haha, that's wonderful, Grandpa is very happy." Gu Chuanming was truly gratified. How could he not be happy with the children's concern?

"Grandpa, I've brought you a wolf pelt."

"Alright, alright, Grandpa will sleep on the wolfskin rug too."

Liu Jingsong and the other six students rushed over as soon as get out of class was over.

The eleven children were thrilled. They put their arms around each other's shoulders and even shared the wolf meat they had brought back with them.

"How is it? Is it delicious?"

Everyone nodded, and Liu Qiang was the one who ate the most heartily among them.

"Third Brother, this wolf meat is so delicious."

"Eat as much as you like, but you'll be thirsty in class later."

They only had twenty minutes to rest, and when it was almost time for class, they all left reluctantly.

Gu Chuanming stood up. "Let's go, let's go see your ancestor Zhou at his house."

Zhang Hongmei also went with them, and they discussed things on the way.

“Grandpa, the four of them will be going up the mountain the day after tomorrow. After they leave, we will all go to the retirement home for a while. The seven of them should also relax. You and Dad can also change your environment.”

"Sure, let's ask Zhou Shixiong and see if he's going."

"Yes, that's what I meant too."

Zhang Xingguo naturally had no objections; it didn't matter what, it was all the same wherever he was.

Zhou Shixiong had just woken up from his afternoon nap and was sitting in the living room listening to opera when he saw the four children come in. He immediately smiled.

"Ancestor, we're back."

"Alright, alright, Chang'en, quickly tell the kitchen to prepare juice, popsicles, and snacks."

“Ancestor, we’re all grown up now.” Zhang Zhenye sat next to Zhou Shixiong, feeling truly helpless. Being treated like a child was quite disheartening.

"What's so great about you? Even if you're all adults, you're still children in my eyes."

Li Chang'en greeted everyone with a smile and then went to the kitchen. The four children chatted amongst themselves, recounting their journey up the mountain to Zhou Shixiong.

"Grandpa, you don't know, the wild boar stew was delicious! We ate three big pigs and dozens of big fish too." Zhang Weiyu was the best at making the old man happy, so the four brothers usually let him handle things at this time.

Zhou Shixiong's face was full of envy. "I'm old now. If I were young, I would definitely go with you to see how brave my family's younger generation is."

Zhang Zhenye smiled and said, "Ancestor, we still have many shortcomings. Without the help of our master and bodyguards, we wouldn't have been able to do so smoothly."

"It's alright. You're still young and not strong enough yet. In a few years, you'll definitely be able to stand on your own. But when there are fewer of you, try to avoid provoking them. You also need to think about how you eight people will deal with those fourteen wolves. This is your homework."

"Alright, Ancestor, we understand."

A little while later, the kitchen brought out juice, which was watermelon juice, one glass for each person, along with a freshly made cake.

"Grandpa, we can just drink watermelon juice. We just ate a meal not long ago."

"Okay, there will be popsicles later. Your mom brought the fridge over, but she won't let me eat popsicles."

Zhou Shixiong was filled with resentment.

"Uncle, shall we go to the retirement home for a while the day after tomorrow?"

"Going to the beach would be great, but my darlings can't go. Your mom will definitely go after you leave."

“Grandpa, we’ve already been playing on the mountain. You, my great-grandfather, my grandfather, and my brothers should also go out and have a look. It’s alright, we’re not envious.”

Zhang Weiyu's flattery made Zhou Shixiong extremely happy.

"Chang'en, go and bring them the birthday presents I prepared."

"Ancestor, did you know we were coming back?"

"I don't know, I just had nothing to do, so I prepared early."

The children were quite touched, but they also felt that the old man was too lonely. At least his great-grandfather and grandfather had their brothers to keep them company.

Li Chang'en and his men carried down four boxes.

"Ancestor? This huge box? It's all for us?"