Chapter 176: Chapter 175: The Sound Of Home
By the time the sun began to set, everything was prepared and the guests began to arrive one after another.
Li Jain stood near the entrance in a dark formal robe with gold embroidery around his sleeves. His hair was tied neatly, and although he didn’t wear too many decorations, he still stood out with his handsome appearance.
Liu Xiong stood next to him. He was dressed in similar clothing as Li Jain, but his presence made many people instinctively straighten up when they approached. Many people that saw him didn’t really think much about his relationship with Li Jain. The fact that Li Jain already has seven children was the bridge between them, but Liu Xiong wasn’t in a hurry to make their relationship public yet.
Liu Xinyue was standing nearby with the guest list in her hand, checking everyone that entered.
Outside the gate, carriages arrived one after another.
Some belonged to people from the academy. Some were familiar faces from South River City who had come because they were curious about the Li family. There were also several cultivators from the top families in South River City. Li Xinyue was a little surprised, more people came than she had expected.
She guided the guests to their seats, reminded servants where to bring the drinks. Whenever something looked slightly out of place, she would immediately take action.
As they entered the courtyard, many couldn’t hide their surprise. They met people they didn’t expect to see here.
Li Jain greeted them politely: "Thank you for coming."
Several people smile and return the greeting:
"Young Master Li is too polite."
"We heard today is your second pair of twins’ birthdays."
"We’re only here to wish the children well."
As more guests arrived, the courtyard gradually became full.
The instructors from Vermillion Sword Hall and Moonstone Institute spoke among themselves with curiosity. Several people from the business district whispered that Li Jain clearly had more wealth and influence than they originally expected. A few guests had already smelled the fragrance coming from the kitchen and could not stop looking in that direction.
Li Cheng and Li Zhang were soon led out first.
The twins wore matching dark red robes with gold trim, though their personalities made them look completely different. Li Cheng stood calmly, his posture straight and composed. Li Zhang looked excited, but he was trying very hard to stand properly because he had remembered that there were many guests watching.
The moment they appeared, several people praised them.
"The twins are very handsome."
"Their temperaments are well developed, they’ll become great figures in the future."
"Young master Li truly raised them well."
Li Zhang heard the compliments and smiled widely. Li Cheng noticed and quietly stepped on his foot. Li Zhang immediately straightened his face again.
Li Jain watched from the side and could not help smiling. When they reach their seats, he walks up to them.
"Happy birthday Cheng’er. Happy birthday Xiao Zhang."
The twins bow and respond: "Thank you, father."
Li Jain reached out and placed one hand on each of their shoulders.
"You are eleven today. I hope you grow safely, become stronger and continue walking the path you choose. But more than anything, Daddy hopes that no matter how old you become, you will remember that this is always your home."
The surroundings were quiet, for some reason, they could tell that Li Jain’s words were more than just a formal blessing.
After the opening greetings, everyone took their seats.
Li Xinyue stepped onto the stage next: "Thank you all for coming this evening," Li Xinyue said with a warm smile: "Today is the birthday of our little Masters Li Cheng and Li Zhang. My third brother prepared this banquet to celebrate the children properly. The dishes would soon be served, please don’t be polite with us, and have your fill. Also, all of the dishes have spiritual energy. As most of you have heard, my third brother is the owner of the Spiritual Tavern, and I guarantee that the dishes here today are not inferior to that of the restaurant, please help yourself."
This immediately boasted many people’s interest in the dishes. Those that came with the intention of only taking one or two bites, also change their minds.
The dishes were finally served.
There was Clear Sound Lotus Fish Soup, Moondew Bamboo Rice, Spirit Mushroom soup, roasted spiritual beast meat, fragrant steamed jade dumplings, chilled fruit drinks, jade-colored vegetable dishes, many types of spiritual wind and several types of desserts.
The moment the food reached the tables, the guests’ conversations became quieter. The fragrance was too strong.
Many people had heard about Spiritual Tavern, but only a few had actually tasted Li Jain’s food. Now that the dishes were placed in front of them, they finally understood why the tavern had become famous in such a short time.
The spiritual energy contained in the food was not violent or difficult to absorb. It entered the body gently, warming the meridians and soothing the mind. Even ordinary dishes tasted much better than the food served at high-end restaurants.
One guest could not help saying: "No wonder people keep talking about Spiritual Tavern. This food is not ordinary."
Another person nodded: "If the tavern opens again, I am afraid the line outside will become even longer."
"The spiritual flow is so smooth."
Li Jain heard the praise but only smiled, telling everyone to enjoy themselves. Today was not about the tavern. It was about Li Cheng and Li Zhang.
After the guests had eaten enough and the atmosphere became warmer, they were about to get down to business when Li Xinyue came back onto the stage and asked for their attention.
"Everyone, the Li brothers have also prepared a small performance to celebrate their brothers. The song is called : The Sound Of Home."
The guests immediately became interested. Many people turned toward the stage.
After the brothers greeted the guests, they walked onto the stage one after the other. Li Juanxin stood at the center, dressed in a pale white robe with light blue embroidery. Li Jingsheng and Jingxuan stood facing each other. On the other side sat Li Jain with his zither, Li Yujian and Yuhan were standing on both his right and left sides with their instruments.
The pets, Fluffy, Shiny, and Scouty sat at the edge of the stage, becoming distinguished animal guests.
Li Jain smiled at the children, easing their nervousness, then when they were ready, he began playing first.
The melody started gently, soft like morning light touching a quiet courtyard. The notes flowed smoothly through the air, carrying warmth. Li Yuhan followed with the pipa, and a clear sound of the strings blended gently with the zither. A moment later, Li Yujian lifted the flute to his lips, and a long clear note drifted above the music, like wind moving through bamboo leaves.
Li Juanxin took a deep breath and began to sing. His voice was soft and clear:
"Morning light has filled our door,
Warm hands guide us more and more.
Through the wind and through the rain,
We found our way back home again."
The guests listened carefully. The song was simple, but the feeling inside it was genuine.
Li Jingsheng and Li Jingxuan moved together. Jingsheng’s sword rose slowly, his first move was gently like snow falling in the early morning. Jingxuan spear followed next, his steps were brighter and more energetic. Their movements were different but they all expressed the same emotions. Jingsheng’s sword light was cold and graceful, while Jingxuan’s spear movements were bright and energetic.
"Brother’s laughter fills the air,
Every smile is something rare.
When we walk beneath one sky,
No one has to be alone or cry."
As Juanxin sang those words, the sword and spear dance became more lively.
Jingsheng turned lightly, his sword tracing pale lines through the lantern light. Jingxuan spun his spear, his movements were filled with enthusiasm. Somehow, they managed to keep the rhythm into place.
The twins watched their brothers on stage, and father on stage and warm slowly filled their chests.
Li Zhang clenched his hands. He had been worried for the past few days, believing that he was not a lovable child so his father doesn’t want him anymore.
He didn’t know how he came to that conclusion, but now he was certain that his father is the only one who loves all seven of them the most in this world.
"Today the lanterns softly shine,
For the brothers who are mine.
May your road be bright and wide,
May joy and strength stay by your side."
When the song reached this part, Li Yuhan’s pipa became brighter, and Li Yujian’s flute carried the melody higher.
The zither, flute, and pipa were perfect together. There were moments when the rhythm was slightly uneven, but because Li Jain’s zither held the entire piece steadily, the small flaws were unnoticeable.
Jingsheng’s sword movements became sharper, while Jingxuan’s spear swept outward in a smooth arc. The lantern light reflected against the blade and spear tip, making the performance more beautiful.
The guests watched with amazement. The children were so young but their techniques were very advanced.
"Father’s heart has built this place,
With warm food and a kind embrace.
No matter where the future goes,
This home will be where love still grows."
When Juanxin sang the word "Father," the guests could not help turning toward Li Jain.
Li Jain’s chest felt tight. He remembered the old broken cottage, the children eating poor food and trying to act brave. Now, they are here. They would never have to worry about money and food again.
"So raise your cup and hear us say,
Happy birthday on this day.
May we stay together through the years,
With songs, with dreams, and without fears."
The final note lingered in the air. For a moment, no one spoke. Then the courtyard exploded with applause.
The guests were impressed that children of their age could already perform with spiritual instruments and weapons so naturally.
Li Zhang’s eyes became slightly red again.
Li Cheng held his brother’s shoulder and said softly: "Happy birthday."
Li Zhang’s lips curved into a smile: "Happy birthday to you too."
After the performance, Li Jain stood and raised a cup to the guests.
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