Tingyu didn’t have the heart of a schemer like Chen Feiyuan or Xu Qing. Therefore, she didn’t realize there had been a misunderstanding, nor did she even consider that only a few words could resolve that misunderstanding. However, she could sense that Chen Feiyuan seemed somewhat irritated. Grabbing Chen Feiyuan, and then grabbing Xu Qing, she pulled them closer together.5

Smiling, she said, “Chen Feiyuan, don’t think that just because you’ve grown up you can ignore your Elder Sister’s words. And Xu Qing, don’t be put off by Chen Feiyuan’s icy exterior. He actually paid very close attention to everything you did in the county capital. You see, the more he grows up, the less he likes revealing what he really thinks.”0

Chen Feiyuan cleared his throat. Xu Qing grinned. The three of them looked at each other, and for a moment it was like they were all back in that tent in the scavenger basecamp, sitting together and listening to Grandmaster Bai’s lectures. A moment passed, and they continued on their way to the public cemetery.6

Daoist Sima followed behind, keeping his distance. As he looked at the three youngsters, he sighed inwardly and thought of his own Junior Brother. I should go remind him again not...12