Don't farm, cultivate immortality!

"Then I'll leave this matter entirely to Brother Cai."

"Don't worry, Master Zhuang. I'm not good at reading, but when it comes to storytellers in Yidu, there are very few I don't know," Cai Bei said with a grin.

He doesn't have many hobbies; he doesn't even like looking at beautiful women. He just likes listening to stories.

Back in the private school, he followed those so-called classmates who had a refined hobby: they liked to go to brothels to compose poems. But while others were touching each other, he would just prick up his ears and listen to the storyteller in the brothel tell his tales.

In his opinion, what woman could be better than this?

If Zhuang Xing knew his past, he would at least have to call him a Sigma man.

Even if he didn't know, he got along very well with Cai Bei today. Cai Bei didn't have the pedantry of those scholars. Perhaps it was because he had listened to storytelling for many years that he had a pure sense of chivalry. Most of the widely circulated stories were about these chivalrous deeds.

In modern terms, he's a bit of a chuunibyou (a person with delusions of grandeur), the kind of guy who'd wrap bandages around his arm and say, "My muscular arm is about to spring to life."

He's not very old, only seventeen, so it's normal for him to fantasize about becoming a great hero.

Zhuang Xing had a premonition that if one day Cai Bei were to bully the weak, he would definitely stand up for him. Even if he was facing a burly man, he would probably stand up with trembling legs. Perhaps he was a weak scholar, but he was pure and simple, and Zhuang Xing was willing to be friends with such a pure person.

“It is fate that I have met Brother Cai today,” Zhuang Xing said. “Brother Cai, there is no need to call me Daoist. If you invite me to exorcise demons, you can just call me Daoist. Normally, there should be no distinction between us. You can just call me Brother Zhuang.”

"Hahaha." Cai Bei laughed, "Brother Zhuang is truly a man of character. Then I, Cai, will respectfully accept your offer."

In a short while, the two began to address each other as brothers.

"Speaking of which, Brother Zhuang, where do you live? I'll let you know once the printing matter is resolved," Cai Bei asked.

"I'm staying at Wu's Tea House for now," Zhuang Xing said. "But my home isn't in Yidu, it's in Manggu Village. I should be going home in a couple of days. At that time, Brother Cai will probably have trouble finding me. If this matter doesn't come to a conclusion yet, Brother Cai, just leave a message for the Wu family. If I come to Yidu again in the future, I'll come to visit them."

"I see. But Wu Family Tea House... Wu Family Tea House, I know now. The little girl who was with you during the day, wasn't she Wu Family's youngest daughter? I didn't recognize her at first!"

"Brother Cai, do you recognize Little Jasmine?"

"Haha, didn't I tell you already? There aren't many teahouses in Yidu that I haven't been to." Cai Bei patted Zhuang Xing on the shoulder. "Don't worry, it won't be long. Before the temple fair ends, I'll definitely give you a definite answer. I'll go find someone tonight."

Cai Bei was eager to try; he loved listening to stories and also enjoyed sharing them.

Based on his many years of experience, he believed that Zhuang Xing's "The Demon-Slaying Chronicles" would spread rapidly, as its content was far superior to most of the clichéd stories on the market.

Zhuang Xing was unfamiliar with these intricacies, and since everyone had their own way of doing things, he simply didn't ask any more questions. Seeing that it was getting late, he said goodbye to Cai Bei and left Taipei.

When he returned to Wu's teahouse, he heard laughter and cheerful voices coming from the courtyard.

As he stepped over the threshold, he saw that the snow on a patch of ground had been swept away, revealing a smooth bluestone pavement.

The little sister and Jasmine were playing with the wooden tops they had bought at the market during the day. She wrapped the string around the top and swung it hard, making the top spin with a whooshing sound.

Her movements were quite skillful; when the top slowed down, she would give it a tug, having a great time.

However, upon seeing Zhuang Xing return, she immediately dropped the rope, ran over, and asked her brother to hug her.

That night, the Wu family treated the brother and sister to a good meal and wine.

It's a holiday, and the New Year is approaching, so even if Zhuang can't come, they'll still eat a more lavish meal.

Stir-frying has gradually become popular in Yidu. Although no recipes have been published, dishes like stir-fried pork, stir-fried vegetables, and fried eggs can be learned by oneself without being taught. Nowadays, the staple food of Yidu people has basically shifted to steamed buns, dumplings, and noodles, while rice is consumed much less frequently.

Zhuang Xing felt a little guilty for staying at Wu's house for two days without paying a penny.

But since he was a guest, the Wu family would definitely not accept his money. After thinking about it, he decided to teach the Wu family some skills.

It's a tea shop, where you can enjoy afternoon tea with some special snacks. Just thinking about it makes me feel very comfortable.

He took out a piece of paper and wrote down the baking techniques for cakes and cookies.

He wrote down the dosage, the type of fire, and the appropriate roasting time clearly and without any ambiguity.

This is the most suitable recipe he has tried over the years. If you don't have honey, you can buy some dried dates at the market and add them to the cake batter while baking to give it a sweet flavor.

Flour has only been invented for a few years, and pastries like cakes and cookies are almost non-existent. With this recipe, the Wu family's business will be even better.

Even on holidays that aren't as busy as they are now, there will still be many people coming to shop.

After writing it down, he put the recipe away, intending to give it to the Wu family before leaving. Otherwise, if he gave it to them too early, the Wu family might give him a gift in return, and he would end up owing them a favor that would be difficult to repay.

In the courtyard, the little sister and Jasmine started playing shuttlecock again.

The younger sister came up to her older sister and said she wanted to sleep with her tonight. Zhuang Xing let her go; it's good that the little one can make more friends.

With my sister not around, it's good to have some peace and quiet this morning. I can try the Dragon Breath Technique again tomorrow morning.

With Zhuang Xing's permission, the little girl skipped and jumped around.

Zhuang Xing stretched his body. As the night deepened, the hot water was ready. After washing up, he went back to his room and lay down.

I could hear the sounds of playing from the next room. My little sister and Jasmine seemed to be wrestling on the bed. Perhaps the lights were off. My little sister was scared, so she held her older sister's hand tightly.

Although they weren't in the same room, Zhuang Xing could hear what was happening on the other side, which made him feel at ease.

However, alone in a room, he suddenly thought of the house on the mountain, and the faces of Yan Huai'an and the panda appeared before his eyes.

This place is extremely lively, much more so than the mountain. There are also activities on the mountain during the New Year, but given the heroine's personality, she probably won't go out.

Although the house was large, it was also occupied by Xiao An and the little panda.

Sister Yan, you shouldn't feel lonely, right?

I wonder if she'll still be sitting under the eaves, lost in thought, when she wakes up in the morning.

Zhuang Xing thought that it was so late, she should be asleep by now.

Chapter 285 No two leaves are the same

The temple fair was held on the third day of the twelfth lunar month.

That morning, Zhuang Xing still couldn't continue practicing the Dragon Breath Technique.

He had almost gotten used to the noise outside. Today was the day of the temple fair, and before dawn, he could already hear a lot of chaotic sounds. This grand sacrificial ceremony and celebration had tens of thousands of participants, and he could hear the sound of the surging crowd.

He woke up very early, but before he could get up, someone tiptoed into his room and climbed to his bedside.

It was obvious who the visitor was. His little sister was chattering in his ear, calling out "Brother, Brother!" while her little hands were reaching out to pinch his nose.

Helpless, Zhuang Xing had no choice but to dispel the breathing technique and open his eyes.

My younger sister slept with Xiao Moli last night, and naturally, Xiao Moli brought her here this morning.

Little Jasmine was already dressed in her new clothes, a red cotton ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress). She stood in front of the door, looking over shyly.

Fortunately, Zhuang Xing didn't have the habit of sleeping naked, otherwise it would have been quite embarrassing. He lifted his sister off his chest and put her aside before picking up the folded clothes from beside his pillow and putting them on.

"Brother, quickly braid my hair!"

"It's not even dawn yet, no rush, no rush," Zhuang Xing said slowly.

Zhuang Xing kicked off with both legs and put on his shoes.

"What would you like to eat for breakfast, Taoist brother?" Little Jasmine asked softly. "I'll go tell him."

"Just like yesterday, please cook a bowl of noodles. Thank you."

Zhuang Xing straightened the blankets and then gently lifted his younger sister off the bed.

"No trouble at all," Little Jasmine waved her hand. "I'll go find my older brother right now."

With that, she jogged out.

After staying at the Wu family's house for two days, living a life where he was waited on hand and foot, Zhuang Xing was really not used to it.

He usually cooks for himself on the mountain. When he goes home, he will go into the kitchen with his mother. It has been a while since he has felt served like this.

He finally felt a little better after preparing a return gift.

After getting up, he went to wash up, with his younger sister following him closely, her eyes darting around.

"Brother, buy me a sword!" The little sister hugged his leg after he washed his face.

"Didn't I give you a sword when I came back?" Zhuang Xing said.

"I want a sword just like my brother's!" the little sister said.

“But the swords sold outside aren’t for children.” Zhuang Xing patted her head. “Besides, swords have no eyes; they might cut you.”

"I'm not afraid!"

“You’re not afraid, but your brother is,” Zhuang Xing said.

"Brother, buy it for me..." When reasoning failed, the little sister resorted to acting cute and coquettish.

"No, we can't reach an agreement on this today," Zhuang Xing said firmly.

Zhuang Xing didn't mind making a toy for his younger sister to dance with, but if she wanted a real knife, Zhuang Xing would absolutely not allow it.

You should know that even in Xuanqing Temple, before participating in the disciple worship ceremony and becoming a Qing Sui trainee, no one is allowed to touch a real sword. Bai Sui disciples are equipped with specially made wooden swords. Except for disciples with exceptional talent like Zhuang Xing and Yun Ling, the other disciples cannot even touch an iron sword for two or three years.

If even the Taoist priests of Xuanqing Temple act this way, it's impossible for Zhuang Xing, no matter how much he dotes on his younger sister, to grant her such a request, let alone buy her a real sword.

The younger sister clearly hadn't realized the seriousness of the situation; she continued to act coquettishly and speak well of Zhuang Xing.

Zhuang Xing responded with a smile, without hitting, scolding, or yelling. His tone was exceptionally gentle, but no matter how much his sister clung to his hand, his reply was always no.

My younger sister pouted, threw a little tantrum, and turned her head away.

Zhuang Xing didn't indulge her; he simply tucked her under his arm and led her into the house.

She struggled desperately, but her small body was no match for him. Zhuang Xing lifted her up as easily as he would a kitten.

Zhuang Xing pressed her down onto the bench, took out a comb, and began to comb and braid her hair.

Although she kept shaking her head and trying to distract Zhuang Xing, Zhuang Xing was, after all, a cultivator. It wasn't just him bragging, but in the time it took for his sister to open her eyes and space out, he could tie ten bows on her head.

No matter how much his younger sister moved around, Zhuang Xing still skillfully combed her hair and placed a smooth bronze mirror in front of her.

As dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight appeared, the younger sister gazed at herself in the bronze mirror, then suddenly slumped down, looking utterly dejected.

Zhuang Xing touched her forehead and asked, "Do you want your brother to give you a new hairstyle?"

She paused for a moment, then shook her head.

Then she suddenly looked up and asked, "Why is my brother so amazing?"

"Because my brother goes to bed early and gets up early every day."

"If I go to bed early and get up early every day, can I be as good as my brother?"

"Hard to say."