Little Crane's face was tinged with worry. "In this world, we cultivators can harness spiritual qi, fly and escape, traverse space, and even control the forces of heaven and earth, yet we still can't avoid certain events from happening."
Chen Xun smiled gently, listening quietly to Little Crane's words.
Little Crane's brows furrowed deeper as the sea breeze blew, lifting a few strands of her hair. "Eldest brother, I've read many books, but it seems like nothing can be changed or predicted. Sometimes, it makes me feel quite distressed..."
It wasn't the reading that troubled her, but the feeling of confusion and loss of meaning that came from reading too much.
"Third sister, the world is like this, full of emotions and desires. Since you've taken human form, you should naturally experience it slowly. Don't focus too much on the outcomes in books. I never wanted you to draw conclusions from them."
"Sometimes, we have to face unpleasant things and encounter unexpected setbacks, which often make us lose confidence and direction."
"But when I look up at the starry sky, at the twinkling stars, I feel my own insignificance and triviality, which helps me let go of my inner conflicts and worries."
Chen Xun spoke earnestly, gently patting Little Crane's back in comfort. "The path of immortality is inherently uncertain. Don't worry about the results; only then can you go further and see a broader world."
With these words, Chen Xun wasn't sure if he was comforting himself or the somewhat confused Little Crane.
His deep, dark eyes reflected tiny stars, like scattered across an endless galaxy, seemingly infinite.
Little Crane nodded, a gentle smile appearing on her face, with a hint of maturity hidden in her eyes.
She leaned against Chen Xun, reaching out her small hand to gently brush the starlight in the night sky, feeling a sense of liberation in her heart.
Suddenly, Little Crane gave a sly smile. "So, eldest brother, does that mean I don't have to read books anymore?"
"Nonsense, you must read!"
Chen Xun straightened up, his demeanor changing to one of sternness. "Nangong Heling, don't play tricks in front of your eldest brother."
Little Crane let out a soft whimper, not daring to speak further. She feared her eldest brother's stern demeanor, which was a natural suppression more effective than cultivation.
It wasn't long before silence returned.
Little Crane moved closer to Chen Xun, a ribbon falling on him. She seemed to muster the courage to ask, "Eldest brother, if I go to the Dao Academy... will you still train..."
"No." Chen Xun interrupted her firmly. "In this world, Bull and I only have you as a sister."
Little Crane bit her lip, lowering her head a bit more. She seemed special, but compared to her eldest and second brothers' special abilities, she wasn't really that unique.
It was during her transformation that she feared being abandoned the most.
Over the years, her eldest brother had been too strict with her, and after that major event, she didn't dare to be alone with him or ask questions.
But now, hearing these words filled her heart with warmth, and her smile grew wider.
"What are you giggling about?" Chen Xun flicked her forehead, making Little Crane yelp in surprise.
"I'm not laughing at anything..."
"Not laughing? Then what are you smiling about now!"
Chen Xun chuckled, teasing Little Crane. "Little girl, even daring to call out the Dao Ancestor with Old Mo?"
"Ah?!" Little Crane covered her mouth with her hands, unable to hide the laughter in her eyes. Her petite figure stood up, almost as tall as Chen Xun when sitting, but noticeably taller than before.
She wrapped her arms around Chen Xun's arm, gently swaying. "Eldest brother, you are the Dao Ancestor, Uncle Fu was telling the truth."
"Heh." Chen Xun looked at her with disdain. "Playing this game with me, you're still too young."
"Dao Ancestor~" Little Crane stretched her neck, calling sweetly.
"Child, go play somewhere else." Chen Xun waved his hand, turning his head away, still dismissive.
"Dao Ancestor, eldest brother~" Little Crane ran to the other side, smiling at him.
Chen Xun's lips couldn't help but curl up, and he coughed lightly, turning away again, not wanting to see her silly smile.
"Dao Ancestor!" Little Crane's eyes twinkled as she suddenly shouted.
"Damn it, what is it?!"
Chen Xun responded loudly, then burst into laughter. "Alright, I'll let you off this time."
"Hee hee..." A pure and bright laughter echoed by the coast, like the first ray of morning sunlight breaking through the clouds, bringing endless vitality and energy.
Chen Xun was in a great mood, having resolved two major issues. His sister was also very sensible, always knowing how to please him and never being unreasonable.
He couldn't help but feel a bit proud. When it came to teaching the younger generation, it had to be him; Ximen Black Bull was definitely not up to the task!
An hour later, the laughter gradually faded. Little Crane suddenly took out the Earth rank Thousand Mechanism Spirit Seal and said:
"Eldest brother, are we going to Li Chen Island to buy property tomorrow?"
"No rush. First, manage the garbage recycling plant. Old Mo might need some time to cultivate."
At this point, Chen Xun's expression turned serious. "We'll go in a few days. No one is buying that property, and I have a source of information."
Little Crane chuckled, discreetly putting away the Thousand Mechanism Spirit Seal. Her eldest brother seemed to have an obsession with real estate, often talking about strange things like 'investment.'
Chen Xun seemed to think of something and shouted into the distance, "Bull!!"
"Moo~~~"
A loud moo echoed across the sky.
A massive black figure, like a shadow merging with the night, or a streak of light cutting through the sky, exuded an aura of power.
Despite its large size, it moved with exceptional agility, easily leaping over mountains and rivers as it charged towards Chen Xun and Little Crane.
Ximen Black Bull had arrived!
It had actually been waiting in the distance for a long time, just waiting for Chen Xun to call out!
Chen Xun's face was filled with a smile. He had talked enough with his third sister tonight; some things could only be understood through experience, not words.
Black Bull let out a soft moo in the air, gathering strength under its hooves, and landed lightly on the sea surface.
"Second brother!" Little Crane called out cheerfully.
"Moo moo~" Black Bull ran up to Little Crane, gently nudging her. Its eyes always carried a simple honesty, making it easy and relaxed to be around.
Although it had now advanced to the mid-stage of Void Refinement, it didn't exude that kind of imposing aura, nor did it have Chen Xun's calm demeanor.
Instead, it always maintained the appearance of a rustic old bull, only showing a bit of a spirit beast's demeanor when excited or setting up formations.
"Third sister, you go back first. I want to spend some time with your second brother."
"Okay~"
Little Crane obediently agreed, knowing their bond and not daring to disturb them. She waved her hand lightly and flew towards the direction of the thatched cottage.
