Chen Xiyuan skipped along, heading toward the peach grove.

The slight fatigue from the journey was smoothed away by the wind rustling through the fields on either side, and her heart spun like a dandelion.

Young Miss Chen was already planning how she would surprise her little brother and the others. Should she suddenly jump out and shout, “Dang, dang, dang, dang!”?

Or should she open her domain, quietly approach, and, in silence, come up behind her little brother, covering his eyes with her hands and saying, “Haha, guess who I am!”

Little brother, you didn’t expect this, did you?

I’m so smart. Did you think just because you didn’t tell me the address, I wouldn’t be able to find my way?

As she drew closer, the peach blossom fragrance, imperceptible to ordinary people, was utterly refreshing, like a fine wine.

Though not vast and without fences, the skill in creating such a spectacular scene in such a small space was truly divine.

In front of the Chen family ancestral home was a coconut grove.

While much larger and protected by a great array, its quality and grade were far inferior to this small peach grove.

Therefore, in Chen Xiyuan’s opinion, it was entirely reasonable for her little brother to live here.

And it was even more reasonable for Old Madam Liu to reside in such an elegant place.

After all, no one in the *jianghu* could have predicted before seeing it firsthand that the current inheritor of the Longwang Men Ting would have to carry two thermos bottles of hot water to pour into the bucket above the small shower room just to take a bath at home, and then use a dipper to mix in cold water to adjust the temperature.

As for the three capable generals who traveled the rivers with the Dragon King, their living space was a mere coffin per person.

Nor would anyone expect that the head of the Qin and Liu families, an old madam of almost unparalleled status in the *jianghu*, lived in an ordinary bungalow, and her favorite daily activity was playing *changpai* with a few old sisters from the village.

Furthermore, Da Hu Zi’s home and Li Sanjiang’s home, while not close by village standards, were conveniently located on the north and south sides of the village road. Walking in from the main road along the village path, even experts would often mistake their destination.

There was no prior appointment, no discussion.

But naturally, that peach grove served as a gatekeeper.

Thus, Chen Xiyuan’s going to Da Hu Zi’s house first was not really a mistake.

According to etiquette, when visiting a prominent family, one should first send a visiting card to the gatekeeper.

“Hey, the scenery here is really nice.”

There were no mountains, so the view was unobstructed. Although the trend of building multi-story houses was emerging in local rural areas, many homes were still traditional bungalows, maintaining an aesthetic reminiscent of ink wash painting.

The only thing Chen Xiyuan found a bit uncomfortable was that many outhouses built along the village road faced directly onto the road.

When no one was using them, you could even admire the varied styles and intricately carved armchairs inside.

But when someone was using the restroom, the atmosphere became quite peculiar.

Chen Xiyuan had just encountered a middle-aged auntie sitting there. Seeing Chen Xiyuan pass by, the auntie even greeted her:

“Where are you from, pretty girl? Who are you looking for?”

She spoke in Nantong dialect, which Chen Xiyuan didn’t understand, but she could sense the warmth and hospitality.

Still, she wasn’t quite used to chatting with someone in the middle of relieving themselves with their buttocks exposed.

She could only offer a polite smile and quicken her pace.

Arriving at the courtyard in front of Da Hu Zi’s house, Chen Xiyuan slowed down.

The option of silently sneaking in was dismissed.

Old Madam Liu also lived here; to sneak in unannounced would be disrespectful to her.

If it caused a misunderstanding, and Old Madam Liu or someone around her mistook her for an “assassin,” it would be even more counterproductive.

Therefore, Chen Xiyuan patted down her skirt and walked openly into the courtyard.

Her steps halted abruptly.

She looked down at her hands; aside from a jade flute, they were empty.

Oh no, she had been so focused on using money to urge the taxi driver to hurry, hurry, hurry, that she forgot to bring a gift, arriving empty-handed.

When visiting families of equal status, there was no need for grand gifts. Guests invited by her grandfather typically brought local specialties—tea, wine, tobacco, or even roasted chicken wrapped in oiled paper to keep it fresh.

But now, going to the nearby town to buy a gift seemed absurd, and she didn’t have time to rush back home to pick coconuts.

After a moment of hesitation, Chen Xiyuan decided to apologize and explain to Old Madam Liu upon meeting her.

Old Madam Liu, she thought, must be a kind and amiable elder.

Her own grandmother had mentioned “Young Miss Liu” to her grandfather for most of her life but had never said a bad word about Old Madam Liu. Occasionally, when in a good mood, grandmother would even recount warm and interesting stories of being protected by Sister Liu in their younger years.

Collecting herself, she walked into the courtyard but saw no one.

More precisely, she didn’t see any adults. There was a baby crib in the courtyard, and a chubby, porcelain-doll-like child was in it, grasping the railings with both hands, looking at her with curiosity.

Out of respect, Chen Xiyuan didn’t spread her senses to investigate. She could only walk toward the crib while looking around.

Hmm, no one was visible inside the house or outside the courtyard. Was no one home?

She also noticed a meticulously maintained and thriving herb garden between the courtyard and the peach grove.

Benben continued to grasp the small railing with one hand and waved at Chen Xiyuan with the other, a smile on his face.

He had a knack for winning the affection of almost everyone, except for Li Zhuiyuan and Ali.

Young Miss Chen was no exception; she reached out and picked up Benben.

The child smelled sweet and milky, exuding an ethereal quality.

This indicated that the child’s talent was so abundant it was almost overflowing, enough to be called a “spiritual child” in some religious sects.

Indeed, no one was home.

Li Juxiang had sprained her ankle, so Old Man Tian was in charge of pedaling the tricycle today, taking Liu Jinxia to the family observing the funeral rites.

Old Man Tian was still there, waiting for the funeral to end before taking Liu Jinxia home.

Xiao Yingying was on her bicycle, heading to town to buy wine.

Xiong Shan and his wife Lihua were both busy at the fish pond.

Only Benben, placed in the courtyard, was at home.

No one worried about the child being stolen. Every now and then, peach blossoms from the grove would fall into Benben’s crib. When he was carried back to sleep at night, the blossoms would form a soft cushion beneath the bed.

Young Miss Chen gently patted Benben’s plump and springy little bottom while continuing to look around.

Finally, her gaze fell upon the peach grove ahead.

Since there was a *dongtian*, her little brother and Old Madam Liu must surely be living within this *dongtian*.

Chen Xiyuan stepped down from the courtyard and walked toward the peach grove.

Benben was startled, then grabbed Young Miss Chen’s hair with both hands, pushed with his legs, kicking and kicking, making “wuya wuya” sounds.

“Good, good, good, you don’t want to go, do you? I’ll put you back, back on the bed.”

Chen Xiyuan returned, placing Benben back in the crib.

Then, with a leap, she jumped off the courtyard, stood before the peach grove, adjusted her attire, and stepped inside.

Benben watched this scene, first with wide eyes and an open mouth.

Then, his small, tender hands covered his eyes, and he lowered his head.

The deeper into the peach grove she went, the more wondrous it felt.

Chen Xiyuan thought that if she could build a few small wooden houses here to live in, she wouldn’t trade it for the Heavenly Palace.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, she saw a small wooden house.

The wooden house was built in front of a pond, quiet and elegant, like an immortal’s dwelling.

Through the propped-open window, a faint silhouette could be seen, black hair streaked with winter snow-like white, dancing gracefully.

Accompanying this was a chilling pressure, like a towering cliff, imposing without visible force.

White long hair, lingering majesty, powerful aura…

A smile appeared on Chen Xiyuan’s lips: This must be Old Madam Liu!

“Junior, Chen Xiyuan, the current inheritor of the Chen family of Qiongya, has come by the request of my elders, to rekindle the friendship of our ancestors, with a heart of utmost sincerity, to pay my respects.”

From inside the window came a lazy, slightly thoughtful question:

“Qiongya Chen family?”

The voice was somewhat deep and hoarse.

It wasn’t a pure female voice, but it fit the voice of an elderly madam quite well.

Especially the attitude when she mentioned “Qiongya Chen family,” showing not much solemnity, which further matched the identity of an old madam.

Mainly, Chen Xiyuan had never seen true Wei-Jin romanticism.

Qing’an had always lived a life of playing the zither, drinking freely, and being unrestrained in the peach grove. After “Suluo” was peeled off Zhao Yi and became a playmate, the two of them indulged in music and revelry day and night.

With loose robes and long sleeves, long hair flowing, seeming drunk and sober, dreamlike and illusory, the more unbearable the pain and torment he endured, the more he needed to appear wanton and uninhibited.

At this moment, Qing’an in the wooden house was indeed contemplating “Qiongya Chen family.”

He had sensed Young Miss Chen’s arrival from a great distance long ago.

In a corner of the room, Suluo was grinding Wushisan.

Earlier, Qing’an had just put down his wine cup and sneered:

“Heh, another one who’s come to the wrong door. Are they really using me as a doorkeeper?”

At that time, several vines in the peach grove had already intertwined.

According to custom, since they had come all this way, if they weren’t hung up and beaten, it would be embarrassing to say they had entered this peach grove.

But who knew, the young lady’s first words were “visiting Qing’an.”

Qing’an hadn’t expected her to be looking for him.

He gently shook his head. His long-term semi-lost state had led to severe memory and cognitive degradation. Only when facing that young man, when that young man brought up matters concerning Wei Zhengdao, could he find a moment of excitement and exhilaration.

Qiongya Chen family, he seemed to know of it.

He tilted his head back, his lips trembling slightly, trying hard to recall.

At the Qiongya Chen family ancestral home.

Old Master Chen was watering the willow tree in front of the ancestral hall, using morning dew he had personally collected from the mountains.

Old Madam Chen sat in a wicker chair nearby, gently swaying and smiling.

Every time they bickered, as if to deliberately annoy her, the old man enjoyed tending to that willow tree.

At this moment, the candlelight in the ancestral hall flickered.

Old Madam Chen looked into the ancestral hall and sighed:

“The ancestors have been showing their presence quite frequently lately.”

Old Master Chen wondered, “Is this not the first time recently?”

Old Madam Chen: “The last time you skipped the meeting at Wangjiang Pavilion to go shark fishing, you directly threw that token to Xiyuan. When Xiyuan attended the meeting, I remember the candlelight in the ancestral hall also flickered several times like it did today.”

Old Master Chen: “It’s clear the old ancestor is very fond of Xiyuan.”

Old Madam Chen: “Heh, all the other branches and collateral family members know that our old ancestor is most partial to Xiyuan, that girl.”

Old Master Chen: “Whose fault is it that their seeds aren’t good? Ah, my mistake.”

Old Madam Chen: “Pfft, old man, who are you hinting at? Don’t you know in your heart whether it’s my land that’s no good or if there’s a problem with your own seeds!”

Old Master Chen proudly puffed out his chest: “My seeds are naturally excellent.”

Old Madam Chen: “Compared to that Young Master Qin back then?”

Hearing this, Old Master Chen became angry and pointed at his old wife:

“Aha, you wicked old woman, I knew it! You must have initially favored that Young Master Qin!”

Old Madam Chen: “Oh, the secret I kept for most of my life has finally been discovered by you, old man.”

Old Master Chen, enraged, slammed the watering can in his hand.

Old Madam Chen sighed, saying, “The Yu family’s news has reached our home. Logically, our Xiyuan should be back soon.”

Old Master Chen: “Why bring her back? I’d rather she drifted around more outside. Preferably, she’d bring back a good-seeded son-in-law to our family!”

Originally, Qing’an thought he wouldn’t remember.

But in the ethereal realm, he seemed to sense something, glancing southward.

Then, *heh*, he remembered.

In his fading memories, the figure of a man emerged.

When he followed Wei Zhengdao on the river journeys, although he always kept a low profile as Wei Zhengdao requested, he knew early on that with their lineup at the time, their opponents on the river were already few and far between.

And this Chen Yunhai, who called himself from the Qiongya Chen family, was one of them.

His fighting style matched his name: once his “cloud sea” unfolded, he had few rivals. In an ancient tomb, he fought five consecutive battles, winning each one.

Finally, he encountered Qing’an and his group.

He remembered Wei Zhengdao telling Chen Yunhai that he would never take advantage of another’s predicament. He would allow Chen Yunhai to rest and recover before engaging in a fair fight.

Chen Yunhai agreed.

When he retracted his surrounding cloud sea and sat cross-legged in a nearby position of celestial *yang* and *qiankun*, he happened to sit directly into an array Wei Zhengdao had set up in advance.

The next moment, Chen Yunhai’s five senses were cut off, his *qi* and blood were blocked, and his body was immobilized, leading to his direct capture.

At that time, Qing’an and the others, who had been standing by Wei Zhengdao, all ended their eager, blade-sharpening preparation, looking at Wei Zhengdao with helpless expressions.

It was sudden, yet entirely logical.

Because Wei Zhengdao never pursued so-called heroism when he could save effort; he sought results and never valued the process.

Ancient burial grounds were fraught with danger.

Wei Zhengdao didn’t kill Chen Yunhai but carried him, tightly sealed with layers upon layers of seals, through every barrier and danger, directly to the deepest part of the ancient tomb.

Chen Yunhai initially cursed incessantly, shouting that such actions were those of a scoundrel, not a gentleman. Wei Zhengdao always replied simply:

“You lost. You are already dead.”

Perhaps from cursing too long, or perhaps from getting tired, Chen Yunhai gradually stopped cursing. Sometimes, when one of them fed him or gave him water, his expression would be more normal, and he would nod and say thank you.

Then, when Wei Zhengdao planned, Chen Yunhai would lie there stiffly, eyes open, not sleeping, just listening.

As he listened, he couldn’t help but offer some opinions.

After that, except when eating and drinking, he would actively chat with everyone as they moved forward.

Oh, and he seemed to be very skilled in music and had exchanged ideas with Qing’an, considering him a kindred spirit.

For the rest of the journey, Chen Yunhai no longer needed Wei Zhengdao to threaten, intimidate, or cajole him. He would voluntarily activate his domain to help shield everyone.

Finally, when facing the gradually awakening Qin Dynasty Zombie King in the deepest part of the ancient tomb, a fierce and bloody battle erupted between the two sides.

Everyone exerted great effort and paid a considerable price. They finally shattered the *shidan* in the Zombie King’s body. The Zombie King, who was in fact already defeated and powerless to recover, let out a grand but ineffective roar, on the verge of perishing.

Wei Zhengdao unsealed all of Chen Yunhai’s seals and shouted, “Help!”

Completely freed, Chen Yunhai, holding no grudges, merely glared heavily at Wei Zhengdao. Then he fully unleashed his “cloud sea” and charged towards the “raging Zombie King.”

As he arrived and made a move, before even touching it, the Zombie King itself shattered and exploded.

Chen Yunhai looked at the scene in disbelief, then, his face flushed, turned back to Wei Zhengdao, who was laughing heartily and pointing at him, and gnashed his teeth, roaring:

“Wei! Zheng! Dao!”

Inside the wooden house, Qing’an smiled:

“Hehehe, hehehehehe, I remember, I remember him, so foolish.

He must be like an ancestor to your Chen family by now, right?”

Chen Xiyuan’s face also broke into a smile. Old Madam Liu remembered her grandfather.

Perhaps, in Old Madam Liu’s impression, her grandfather was just a foolish fellow.

After all, her grandfather was one of Old Madam Liu’s many suitors back then.

He pursued and pursued, and ended up pursuing Old Madam Liu’s best friend.

However, even so, Chen Xiyuan felt that if she were to tell her grandfather this evaluation from Old Madam Liu upon returning, her grandfather would probably drink an extra gourd of wine that night.

Chen Xiyuan replied, “Indeed, my ancestors have always spoken of you with great fondness.”

Qing’an placed his hand on the zither in front of him.

Feeling he had been doubly humiliated, Chen Yunhai insisted on fighting Wei Zhengdao again.

Wei Zhengdao told him: You, Chen Yunhai, owe me a life.

Chen Yunhai clenched his fists, which cracked and popped. Within his surrounding cloud sea, a red mist began to churn.

Wei Zhengdao said: Fine, if you want to fight, I’ll fight you. The loser will light the second lamp.

Chen Yunhai said, I owe you a life, I should have died already. Regardless of winning or losing, he would light the second lamp.

Wei Zhengdao gave him a thumbs-up, then pointed to himself and said he had been injured resolving the Zombie King earlier, and asked Chen Yunhai to give him time to recuperate.

Chen Yunhai agreed.

Wei Zhengdao sat cross-legged, circulating his *qi* to heal, while gesturing for Chen Yunhai to check the Zombie King’s coffin for any good treasures, which they could divide by contribution.

Chen Yunhai used his surrounding cloud sea to block the *shiqi* emanating from the Zombie King’s coffin. But as he approached, he saw Wei Zhengdao, still seated cross-legged, raise a finger and casually make a gesture.

In an instant, *shiqi* burned, *fengshui* reversed, and *qixuan* swirled wildly. Caught off guard, Chen Yunhai’s surrounding cloud sea was first twisted and sucked in, and then he himself was forcibly pulled into the coffin. Finally, with a loud “bang,” the coffin lid slammed shut, completely sealed!

No one knew when Wei Zhengdao had secretly set up the array near the Zombie King’s coffin during the battle.

Moreover, it didn’t seem to be solely for sealing the Zombie King, because according to their group’s usual style of river journeys, any evil entity had to be dealt with completely, leaving no trace.

Sealing it and passing the problem to later generations was definitely not their group’s style of river journey.

So, this array was specifically prepared by Wei Zhengdao to seal Chen Yunhai.

Wei Zhengdao walked to the coffin, knocked on it, and reminded him:

“You lost again. Now you owe me two lives.”

Inside the coffin, there was a rumbling sound.

It was like a new Zombie King being reborn.

After it quieted down, Wei Zhengdao waved his hand, signaling Qing’an to open the coffin.

Qing’an remembered when he pulled Chen Yunhai out, Chen Yunhai was very calm, but his fists were covered in blood.

Chen Yunhai no longer insisted on fighting. He said he conceded and would light the second lamp upon returning.

Wei Zhengdao said that since this was the case, they were no longer opponents. Friendly sparring was perfectly fine. Seven days later, on Wangshen Po outside the ancient tomb, he would have a proper fight with him.

Seven days later, Chen Yunhai went dressed in formal attire.

After stepping onto Wangshen Po, the grand array that Wei Zhengdao had set up seven days in advance activated, suppressing Chen Yunhai within it for three full days.

That was a new array created by Wei Zhengdao, specifically tested on Chen Yunhai to identify and fix any flaws.

In short, Wei Zhengdao was very satisfied with its effect.

Qing’an remembered when he walked into the unsealed array to retrieve Chen Yunhai, he saw Chen Yunhai, though extremely disheveled and almost exhausted, leaning against a large rock, holding a flute, his expression filled with relief.

Having lost three times, and his opponent having spared his life three times, he had no more obsessions.

On this river, who else could obtain three chances of immunity from death?

Chen Yunhai said he was returning to Qiongya.

For the rest of his life, besides diligently perfecting his family’s core techniques, he would immerse himself in music.

That night, Qing’an remembered Chen Yunhai playing the flute, while he played the zither beside him.

The zither and flute harmonized, producing celestial music.

But ultimately, there was still a slight flaw that left neither of them satisfied.

Because the zither in Qing’an’s hands was too good.

It was the Qixuan Qin that Wei Zhengdao had acquired for him from a major sect’s treasury during the inter-wave period, using a scheme to divert trouble and set wolves against tigers, causing the sect’s downfall.

And the flute in Chen Yunhai’s hands, though not an ordinary item, was more than a notch below the Qixuan Qin in terms of appearance and material.

Chen Yunhai said that after he died, he wanted shade-giving bamboo planted on his grave and left a dying wish that his descendants should also have bamboo planted on their graves.

One hundred years, two hundred years, three hundred years… even a thousand years, they must gather the necessary materials to create a flute that could perfectly harmonize with the Qixuan Qin, making up for today’s regret.

Inside the wooden house, Qing’an’s fingertips brushed across the zither strings, and a note emerged, like a gentle ripple, spreading outwards.

It touched the flute in Chen Xiyuan’s hand, and the flute responded with a sound.

Chen Xiyuan lowered her head, looking at the jade flute in her hand.

A smile appeared on Qing’an’s lips.

Chen Yunhai’s descendant had actually found him, to fulfill this thousand-year pact.

Qing’an: “Little girl, are you skilled in music?”

Chen Xiyuan: “I dare not claim mastery, but I enter the domain through music.”

Qing’an: “Excellent!”

His fingertips strummed the zither, and the notes lingered, like a goddess looking up.

Chen Xiyuan also smiled, bringing the jade flute to her lips.

Although she hadn’t heard her grandfather or grandmother say that Old Madam Liu was tone-deaf, she was delighted to share the same hobby with the Old Madam.

Moreover, as soon as the zither music began, a sense of wonder rose in her heart, and she certainly didn’t want to miss this invitation for a duet initiated by Old Madam Liu.

The flute music flowed like a stream through pine trees, gurgling out like the chirping of a bluebird.

Immediately, above the peach grove, without wind or rain, a wisp of rainbow appeared, flowing with seven-colored wonderful music.

“Oh, you’ve steamed so many *mantou*?”

In the kitchen, steam rose. Wang Lian stepped in and naturally began to help Aunt Liu.

Aunt Liu: “Many? The children are coming back today. Let me tell you, these *mantou* might only be enough for them for two days.”

Wang Lian: “That’s truly terrifying.”

Aunt Liu got a plastic bag, filled it, and handed it to Wang Lian:

“Here, Auntie Lian, take these back for the children to try. The ones with one dot are turnip and shredded pork, two dots are pickled vegetable and shredded pork, and three dots are red bean paste.”

Wang Lian quickly declined: “No, no, this won’t do. You keep them for your children at home. I don’t want them, I can’t take them.”

Liu Jinxia went to attend the funeral today, and Granny Hua was invited to a sympathy meeting in the city, so a card game was definitely not happening today. But Wang Lian still came by out of habit.

She would sweep the courtyard, tidy the vegetable garden, doing whatever work she could find. If her hands were idle, her heart would feel unsettled.

Liu Yumei had advised her not to bother and to sit down and have tea and pastries with her.

Wang Lian refused. She knew she was clumsy with words, unlike Liu Jinxia who would chat, or Granny Hua who was good at startling and amusing others. So, a clumsy person chose a clumsy method.

Aunt Liu: “Take them. It’s not much. This bag isn’t even enough for one of them to eat in one sitting.”

Wang Lian: “Tinghou, I really can’t take these.”

Aunt Liu: “Auntie Lian, if you don’t take them now, my old madam will still make me deliver them to your house later. You’ll have to accept them then anyway, and you’ll make me run an extra trip.”

Wang Lian had no choice but to take the bag, place it nearby, and then sit behind the stove to help stoke the fire.

Li Sanjiang walked into the kitchen with his hands behind his back, looking around like an old commander inspecting the logistics of his troops.

Seeing everything being prepared in an orderly fashion, Li Sanjiang nodded, said nothing, and walked out with his hands still behind his back.

Wang Lian’s face was flushed by the firelight, and she smiled:

“The children eat so much, but Uncle Sanjiang never gets annoyed.”

Aunt Liu, while picking up *mantou*, replied:

“Uncle Sanjiang is never afraid of the children eating too much. He’s always worried they won’t eat enough. As he puts it: only mules fed enough grain can grind the mill better.”

In the courtyard, Liu Yumei leaned back in her chair, facing south.

In her hand, she was flipping through a stack of letters.

After finishing, she placed the letters on the side table, picked up her teacup, lifted the lid, and sprinkled some tea in front of her.

Liu Yumei looked up at the second-floor balcony.

She saw her granddaughter already standing there, gazing toward the village road.

At this moment, a touch of envy arose in Liu Yumei’s heart.

Even, delving deeper, it was almost like a big sister’s slight jealousy towards her younger sister.

Back then, the old man left a letter saying he would wait for him to return home.

But she had waited all these years and never saw him come home again.

Just then, Liu Yumei saw her granddaughter smile.

The girl, dressed entirely in red, usually had a cool demeanor, but her smile now seemed to bring an early twilight.

Without looking, she knew the person she was waiting for had returned.

Liu Yumei looked kindly, smiling. Then, as if moved by the scene, she lowered her head again, sighed, and let out a remark only she could hear:

“Old man, old man, if you can come back, then come back.

Even if you bring a little one with you, that’s fine.”

This chapter is missing over two thousand words. Don’t panic, I will make up for it with double the word count tomorrow, at least 15,000 words.

I dare not promise 20,000 words tomorrow, for fear that my condition won’t be sufficient to finish writing in time.