Daily companionship

Yun Qian's answer was like a pebble thrown into a lake; it solved part of the mystery, but also created new ripples.

The first to grasp the deeper meaning was Bai Ji. After listening to his senior sister's explanation, his expression did not ease but instead became even more solemn. "Senior sister," he called softly.

Yun Qian turned her head to meet his gaze.

"From now on... you won't leave again, will you?" Bai Ji's voice carried a barely perceptible worry.

If that so-called god can bring people back to life, what if he changes his mind one day and makes his senior sister disappear again? This thought entwined in Bai Ji's mind like vines, making him feel panicked.

Yun Qian noticed his worry and smiled, "No, definitely not."

She will stay here forever.

May we stay together forever, never to be separated from this land and these people.

Upon receiving Yun Qian's affirmative reply, the tense atmosphere in the courtyard instantly eased.

Baichuan, Baiji, and Qin Wu exchanged a smile and returned to the small kitchen with perfect understanding. The soft clatter of pots and pans filled the air once more, accompanied by the gradually increasing aroma of food.

Qi Mo stood with his hands behind his back for a moment. Seeing everyone busy, he rolled up his sleeves and went into the kitchen. He naturally took the vegetables from Bai Chuan and began to cook them skillfully.

Yun Qian's injuries had not yet healed, so the others naturally made her rest on a stone bench in the courtyard.

Only Lin Huaiyu sat calmly beside her, holding a cup in one hand and resting her chin on her other hand, her gaze lingering on the people busy in the kitchen.

Amidst the rising steam, Bai Chuan meticulously controlled the heat, Bai Ji skillfully chopped and prepared the ingredients, and even the usually aloof Qin Wu lowered his eyes to focus intently on arranging the dishes. Qi Mo was also preparing the food with an air of expert skill.

A faint smile unconsciously curved Lin Huaiyu's lips. In a daze, he seemed to have returned to the days when he was still Bai Yan. Time passed both slowly and quickly; the little apprentices who once needed his constant care were now all capable of standing on their own.

"Dinner is ready."

With a soft call from Bai Ji, the exquisite dishes were served one by one on the stone table.

The stir-fried vegetables, glistening with oil like jade, the stewed fowl meat, tender and fragrant, and the steaming white rice... Simple ingredients are transformed into delicious dishes full of homely warmth in their hands.

As dusk settled, lanterns lit up one by one in the courtyard, casting a warm glow over the space.

The aroma of food wafted through the air as everyone sat around the table. Zhihua nestled obediently in Yun Qian's arms, curiously examining the steaming delicacies on the table.

Lin Huaiyu took out a jar of wine from his Qiankun bag. The mud seal was broken, and the clear aroma of the wine spread out: "This is a fine wine treasured by the Nine-Tailed God Clan. Let's drink it together tonight."

After filling the wine glasses, Qi Mo raised his glass first: "May Cangmin Mountain forever enjoy peace and tranquility."

Lin Huaiyu then raised his glass: "May every year bring us this day."

Because her injuries had not yet healed, Yun Qian could only drink water instead of wine. She raised her teacup and smiled playfully: "I hope we will never have to get hurt again."

Baichuan's medicine is too bitter.

Bai Chuan understood and replied, "May you all never have to drink the medicine I prescribe and never get hurt."

Bai Ji gazed at the shimmering moon reflection in his cup: "May God forever bless Cangmin Mountain."

Qin Wuyan succinctly stated: "May this moment last forever."

The crowd exchanged smiles and chanted in unison, "May the Three Realms be at peace, and may the Cangmin Sword Dao be passed down through the ages!"

After several rounds of drinks, everyone except Yun Qian, who hadn't touched a drop, and Lin Huaiyu, who looked perfectly normal, was slightly tipsy. Fortunately, their residences weren't far apart. After escorting Qi Mo and his disciples back to their lodgings, Lin Huaiyu returned to Jinghe Courtyard.

Seeing Lin Huaiyu push the door open and enter, Yun Qian raised an eyebrow in surprise: "Why are you back again?"

Under the moonlight, he stood before her, his eyes gleaming: "There's one more thing I haven't told you."

"What did you say?" Yun Qian asked softly.

Lin Huaiyu took his hand and smiled gently: "May we be together every day."

"Okay." Yun Qian smiled gently and grasped his hand in return, "To be together every day."

Lin Huaiyu leaned down and gently placed a kiss, carrying a faint scent of wine, on her lips.

The moonlight streamed through the window, outlining their embracing figures as if they were an eternal image.