bookbashuk Chapter 327 Awakening Hope and Undercurrent of Warmth
Chapter 327 Awakening Hope and Undercurrent of Warmth
Wei Qingyi placed the basin of water beside the stone trough in the corner of the courtyard, washed her hands, and then turned to Chen Anran and Feng Changyuan. "The wound has been cleaned and treated again, and there are no signs of it worsening. Her internal energy is still chaotic, but it seems... the power that sealed her consciousness has loosened slightly."
Chen Anran's spirits lifted: "Can you sense her trying to wake up?"
"It's very faint," Wei Qingyi said as she approached the two of them, still carrying the faint scent of herbs and clean water. "It's like struggling in deep water, occasionally touching a ray of light, but quickly being dragged back. Deep down, she has a deep-seated fear."
Feng Changyuan sighed, "For her to be so terrified... what she has seen and experienced must be extraordinary."
The three were talking in hushed tones when the backyard door was gently pushed open again. Feng Wenyuan and Feng Yue walked in one after the other, still carrying a trace of the dust and grime of the foot of the mountain. They were both taken aback when they saw the three people in the courtyard, especially Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi.
Clearly, Feng Xiaolu, being unreliable, only called Feng Changyuan.
"Young friend Chen?" Feng Wenyuan was somewhat surprised and quickly stepped forward. "When Lao Si and I saw you leave, we thought it wouldn't be good to leave you alone. Coincidentally, the Miscellaneous Affairs Department was calling on various factions to send people to symbolically participate in today's joint patrol route survey, so we took a few people to make an appearance." He explained, his gaze sweeping towards the quiet room. "How is Fellow Daoist Mo Han doing?"
"He's alright for now, but it will take time for him to wake up," Chen Anran replied, glancing at Feng Yue and nodding in greeting, "Senior Feng Yue."
Feng Yue hummed in agreement, his expression much more relaxed than before. He also cupped his hands in greeting to Wei Qingyi, then looked at Feng Changyuan: "Lie'er was minding the shop up front and said you were in the backyard, so your third uncle and I came directly over. The inspection was just a formality; we walked along the main street and a few predetermined routes. Everyone from different factions understood the situation tacitly, and we didn't see anything substantial. It was the Han family, however, who asked all sorts of questions, especially about the daily life on the mountain and the sect leader's movements, showing particular 'concern'."
Feng Wenyuan added, "Shen Zui is mediating and handling everything meticulously, but it's clear he's struggling quite a bit. Daoist Tianbao and Zhang Qingyuan are doing their best to maintain order."
Chen Anran kept the information the two men brought to mind, and said calmly, "Thank you for your trouble, seniors."
"We're all family, no need for formalities." Feng Wenyuan waved his hand, glanced at his watch; it was nearly noon. "We've been busy all this time. Young friend Chen, fellow Daoist Wei, if there's nothing else to do in the mountains, why not stay for a simple meal? Lie'er should have already sent the waiter to fetch some food from the Immortal Cuisine Shop. We're all family, so it's a good opportunity to have a private chat."
Feng Changyuan also laughed and said, "Yes, the backyard is quiet. Let's have a simple meal at this stone table and avoid being seen."
Chen Anran looked at Wei Qingyi, and seeing her nod slightly, he agreed, "Then I'll trouble you."
"How could we be bothering you? We're overjoyed that you're staying," Feng Wenyuan said with a smile. He then instructed Feng Changyuan, "Changyuan, go check if the vegetables have been brought back. Also, have your brother warm a pot of wine."
Feng Changyuan responded and left. Feng Yue then walked to the stone table, brushed the dust off the stone bench with his sleeve, his movements slightly stiff, but carrying an awkward sincerity: "Sit."
Chen Anran thanked Wei Qingyi and took their seats. Not long after, Feng Changyuan and Feng Lie came in carrying several food boxes, followed by a waiter carrying a small jar of wine and several sets of bowls and chopsticks.
The dishes weren't extravagant, but they showcased the exquisite craftsmanship of Xian Shan Fang: a few light stir-fries, a bowl of milky-white fish soup, and a plate of spirit-noodle steamed buns, all steaming hot and fragrant.
Feng Lie quickly set out the bowls and chopsticks, chuckling, "Brother Chen, Senior Sister Wei, please make do with this. My father and fourth uncle specifically asked me to pick some light and nourishing dishes."
"It's already very good, thank you," Chen Anran said gently.
The five people sat around the stone table. Feng Wenyuan personally poured the wine, which was slightly warm and had a mellow aroma. "It's homemade pine nut wine. It's not a magical brew, but it's clean, refreshing, and warming without being too hot."
After a few cups of warm wine, the atmosphere in the courtyard became increasingly relaxed. The conversation naturally circled back to the current situation.
"The seven-day deadline is only the second day." Feng Changyuan picked up a slice of bamboo shoot with his chopsticks and pondered, "The surface is calm, but there are undercurrents beneath. The young disciples of each sect are alright, but those old guys leading the teams are all very sharp-eyed."
"Let them investigate, we'll maintain our stability." Feng Wenyuan took a sip of wine, his gaze calm. "The foundation of the Yunyin Sect is here; no one can shake it just because they want to. It's just that this Fellow Daoist Mo Han... is ultimately a variable."
Chen Anran put down his wine glass: "Fellow Daoist Mo Han is the key. If she can wake up, many mysteries may be solved. Before that, we need to buy time for her and for the Yunyin Sect."
Wei Qingyi ate her meal quietly, occasionally glancing up to listen. She then spoke softly, "Regarding the patrol down the mountain, will the area be expanded tomorrow?"
Feng Yue snorted: "Judging from what Shen Zui said today, he will probably explore the surrounding mountains and forests tomorrow."
"Oh, right," Feng Lie suddenly remembered something and continued, "When they were patrolling and passed by our Baicao Pavilion just now, I vaguely heard two deacons from Maoshan chatting. They mentioned that someone seemed to be secretly inquiring about 'Boss Qi's' cat café, asking quite detailed questions, such as the usual number of customers and whether any unfamiliar faces stayed there for extended periods. However, Daoist Tianbao overheard them and gave them a scolding."
Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi exchanged a glance, understanding each other perfectly. Qi Lan's identity was special; as an elder of Maoshan, she inevitably attracted attention. Fortunately, Daoist Tianbao was clearly protecting her.
"Fellow Daoist Qi knows what he's doing," Chen Anran said, offering only this one sentence.
Lunch ended peacefully. Afterwards, Feng Wenyuan insisted on escorting Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi to the back door, saying, "We will take good care of Fellow Daoist Mo Han. We will immediately send you a message as soon as there are any signs of awakening."
"Thank you for your trouble, Senior Feng." Chen Anran bowed respectfully.
Feng Yue stood half a step behind Feng Wenyuan, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just nodded to Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi, his gaze less distant and indifferent than before.
The two quietly disappeared back into the path on the back mountain. The afternoon light and shadow in the forest were dappled and varied, and their feelings were completely different from when they came.
When Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi returned to the Yunyin Sect, it was already afternoon.
Su Wan was pruning a plant in the courtyard when she saw the two return. She put down her pruning shears and said gently, "You're back. How did it go?"
"Fellow Daoist Mo Han's condition is stable, but she is still unconscious," Chen Anran said briefly. "The Feng family has placed her in a quiet room in the backyard of Baicao Pavilion, where Senior Brother Chang Yuan and Junior Brother Lie are personally taking care of her."
Wei Qingyi added, "Her consciousness was sealed very deeply, as if she was afraid of something. Occasionally there were signs of loosening, but they disappeared in an instant."
Su Wan nodded slightly, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes: "Self-sealing of one's divine sense often indicates a severe shock or threat." She paused, then looked at Chen Anran, "What about the Feng family..."
"Senior Feng has clearly stated that he will do his best to help," Chen Anran said. "Senior Wen Yuan said that since the Feng family is on the side of Yunyin Sect, they will stand with them to the end."
A warm feeling welled up in Su Wan's eyes: "The Feng family values loyalty and righteousness. The Yunyin Sect will remember this kindness." She turned and walked to the stone table. "Sit down and talk first. I had Xiaoman brew some calming tea. You've been traveling all day, so take a rest."
As soon as the three sat down, Lin Xiaoman came out of the kitchen with a tea tray and served tea to them one by one. The tea was clear and had a faint fragrance of medicinal herbs.
"Xiaoman, where are Xiaolu and Mengmeng?" Chen Anran asked.
"Little Deer took Mengmeng to pick mushrooms in the back mountain, saying they'd add some to the dinner tonight," Lin Xiaoman replied. "Master Huiming went to the side hall, and Xiaoling'er is taking a nap."
Just then, Feng Xiaolu's excited voice came from outside the courtyard gate: "Senior Sister! Junior Brother! We're back!"
Feng Xiaolu and Zhao Mengmeng each carried a bamboo basket filled with fresh wild mushrooms, still smelling of earth and dew. Feng Xiaolu had a slight sweat on her forehead, but her face was full of smiles. Zhao Mengmeng followed behind her, her cheeks flushed, clearly walking quickly as well.
"Look! So many termite mushrooms and matsutake mushrooms!" Feng Xiaolu proudly displayed her bamboo basket like a treasure. "Tonight, I'll have Fatty Li make a mushroom soup; it'll be so delicious it'll make your eyebrows fall off!"
Su Wan nodded with a smile: "Okay, we'll have a mushroom feast tonight. You all go wash up and change your clothes first."
Feng Xiaolu responded, but first moved closer to Chen Anran and lowered her voice: "Junior Brother, what about the Hundred Herbs Pavilion..."
"Nothing's wrong for now," Chen Anran said briefly. "We'll discuss the details later."
Feng Xiaolu understood and pulled Zhao Mengmeng towards the side room.
Su Wan watched them leave before saying softly, "These past few days, Xiao Lu seems to have become more composed."
"Third Senior Sister is just playful, but she's never ambiguous when it comes to important matters," Chen Anran said, taking a sip of tea.
………………
The mushroom banquet was held in the dining hall of the Yunyin Sect.
Fatty Li personally took charge of the cooking, preparing the fresh wild mushrooms that Feng Xiaolu and Zhao Mengmeng had gathered to perfection. Matsutake mushrooms were thinly sliced, pan-fried in a little camellia oil until golden brown on both sides, and sprinkled with fine salt to retain their wild, fresh aroma; termite mushrooms were stewed with free-range chicken, resulting in a milky white broth with an irresistible fragrance; there were also stir-fried porcini mushrooms, mushroom rice…
A table laden with mountain delicacies, though not extravagant, exudes the bounty and warmth of nature.
The dining hall was brightly lit, and everyone sat around a table. Even Huiming, who usually meditated in his room, was pulled to sit at the table by Xiaoling'er. The little guy's eyes sparkled as he smelled the aroma, and he sat down next to Su Wan, looking obediently waiting for the meal to be served.
"Fatty Li, your cooking skills have improved again!" Feng Xiaolu picked up a piece of fried matsutake mushroom, biting into it with a satisfying crunch, her eyes narrowing in satisfaction. "This taste is absolutely amazing!"
Fatty Li wiped the sweat from his brow. He used to cook for himself a lot when he was doing business in Guangzhou, and now, as an outer disciple of the Immortal Sect, he learned from the head chef in the kitchen every day. He smiled and said, "I'm glad Third Master Uncle likes it. These mushrooms are fresh; they'll taste good no matter how you cook them."
Su Wan smiled and served Xiao Ling'er a bowl of chicken soup: "Drink slowly, be careful it's hot." She then looked up at everyone and said, "It's rare for us all to get together today, so please eat more."
Chen Anran sat quietly beside Wei Qingyi, eating his meal. The sweetness of the mushrooms melted in his mouth. Although they weren't as good as the ingredients he had evolved, the warm soup was still very comforting.
"Master," Zhao Mengmeng said, taking a small sip of soup. Suddenly, she remembered something. "This afternoon, my third senior uncle and I were on the back mountain when we saw two unfamiliar faces wandering around the edge of the forest. They were dressed like tourists, but their steps were very steady, and their eyes kept glancing up the mountain. We didn't go any closer. We picked some mushrooms and then circled back from the other side."
Chen Anran's expression remained unchanged: "It's possible that the people from various factions who are 'investigating' have expanded their scope. We don't need to pay attention to them. As long as they don't cross the boundary and enter the sect's territory, let them see what they want."
"Yeah, we ignored them." Feng Xiaolu nodded, then pouted, "We just felt a bit annoyed, and even walking around the back of our own house felt uncomfortable."
"These are extraordinary times, so please bear with it," Su Wan said gently, placing a piece of chicken into Feng Xiaolu's bowl. "Once this matter is settled, I'll have your junior brother take you down the mountain for a few days of fun."
"Senior Sister keeps her word!" Feng Xiaolu immediately beamed with joy.
The atmosphere at the dinner table was relaxed, temporarily isolating us from the hustle and bustle of the area below.
Xiao Ling'er chattered on about how Huiming had taught her Buddhist methods to stabilize her cultivation during the day, how Lin Xiaoman had carefully removed fish bones for her, and how Zhao Mengmeng and Feng Xiaolu had been bickering about which mushrooms were the best. Wei Qingyi, though not very talkative, would occasionally chime in, her cool and aloof features softened considerably under the warm yellow light.
Chen Anran watched all this quietly, her belief in protecting others growing stronger.
After the meal, everyone helped clear the table. Night had fallen, and the mountain breeze was getting cool.
Chen Anran intended to return to his room to meditate and regulate his breathing, but Su Wan stopped him: "Anran, come with me to the study."
The two entered the study one after the other. Su Wan lit the antique oil lamp on the table, its dim light illuminating the room with the fragrance of books. She walked to the window, gazing at the deep night outside, without speaking immediately.
Chen Anran stood quietly behind her, waiting for her to speak.
After a long silence, Su Wan asked softly, "Do you have a plan for Mo Han's matter?"
Chen Anran answered truthfully, "Right now, we can only wait. If she wakes up, the truth may come out; if not, or if what she says after waking up is too complicated... we need to prepare for the worst."
"The worst-case scenario..." Su Wan repeated, turning around to look at Chen Anran with clear eyes, "Are you worried that the problems within Longhu Mountain might be beyond imagination, or even... connected to certain prestigious sects?"
Chen Anran remained silent for a moment, then walked to the other side of the desk and sat down in the armchair. "Master Zhang is highly skilled and renowned for his virtue. If it weren't for inside help, even if the Holy Maiden of the Crimson Spirit Sect had extraordinary abilities, she probably wouldn't have been able to take his life in the important Longhu Mountain. Fellow Daoist Mo Han, as a direct disciple, was seriously injured and fled. What he saw and feared was probably not just the evil cult."
Su Wan sighed softly, "When Zhang Tianshi was alive, he could probably keep everyone in check with his prestige. Now that he's gone, all the hidden reefs have surfaced."
Chen Anran comforted her, "Senior Sister, don't worry. I'll take care of everything in the sect. You just need to steer the ship as usual and keep your mind calm. I'll handle the storms outside."
Su Wan listened quietly, the worry in her eyes gradually melting away with Chen Anran's steady words, transforming into a gentle and trusting smile. She nodded slightly, saying nothing more, but simply raised her hand and, as usual, straightened his neatly folded clothes.
"it is good."