After returning from the Secluded Valley, another half month passed. Zhang Xiaofan had been in Qingyun Gate for exactly three years and also ended his bamboo-cutting career. However, at the end of it, the results he handed in made even himself blush.

  Because of that inexplicable trip to the Valley of Wonders, for the next half month, Zhang Xiaofan often felt dizzy and lightheaded, lacking in energy and blood, and was especially prone to fatigue. He secretly suspected in his heart that it might be due to the massive bleeding he had vaguely seen when he was unconscious that day. But after searching his entire body, he couldnt find a single wound, and with anxiety in his heart, he didnt dare ask his master, so he could only bury it deep within himself.

  He didnt say a word, but his body reacted. Usually, he could at least cut down two large black bamboo stalks with ease, but now he was panting and sweating profusely after just a few swings, unable to even cut one stalk all morning. It wasnt surprising, really - the "Blood-Drinking Pearl" had almost sucked out half of his internal energy in the valley that day. If he hadnt always been physically robust, he probably would have been bedridden by now. But Zhang Xiaofans hopes of chopping bamboo like before were nothing but a pipe dream.

  This situation continued for half a month before Zhang Xiaofan felt his body slightly recovering, and his spirit and energy improved. However, the bamboo-cutting task also ended at this time. On the last day, under the gaze of Elder Brother Song Daren and others who came to inspect, Zhang Xiaofan exerted all his strength and finally cut off a black-jointed bamboo before the end of the hour.

  Song Daren and the others were speechless, with only Tian Linger walking up to him, smiling and patting his shoulder: "Xiao Fan, its okay, you have one-tenth of my skills as your master, which is already quite good."

  Zhang Xiaofan couldnt help but smile bitterly.

  At dinner time, everyone sat in the dining hall. After Tian Bu Yi and his wife took their seats, Song Da Ren first reported Zhang Xiao Fans situation. Tian Bu Yi sneered and didnt even glance at Zhang Xiao Fan, but Su Ru smiled and said: "Ah, Xiao Fan, youve been to our Dazhu Peak for three years now."

  "Yes, Masters wife."

  Su Ru sighed softly and said, "Alas, time really flies by quickly. In the blink of an eye, three years have passed." As she spoke, she suddenly paused for a moment, raised her voice, and asked the other six disciples, "Do you guys feel this way too?"

  All of Da Zhu Fengs disciples jumped up in unison and sat up straight, saying: "Yes!"

  Su Ru hummed and said, "Now your younger brother has grown up, but in the past three years, you havent made any progress at all. Are you going to drive me and your master to death?"

  Everyone didnt dare to speak, but they all cast their eyes on Song Daren. Song Daren, under the urging of his fellow disciples, gritted his teeth and said: "Dont worry, Masters wife, we will definitely make a good showing this time!"

  Su Rous face clearly showed "disbelief", just as she was about to speak, Tian Nai suddenly interrupted: "Old Six."

  Du Bi: "Master, youre calling me?"

  Tian said with a faint smile: "These past few days, Ive seen you in the kitchen, waving your arms and legs at pots and pans when youre free. Whats going on?"

  Du Bi Shus face turned red, he stuttered and stammered: "Master, h-how did you see it?"

  Su Rou exclaimed, "Whats wrong, Bi Shu?"

  Du Bi: "I wonder if those things can be made to move..."

  Everyone was moved at the same time, and the realm of "driving things" is the fundamental basis for cultivating the treasure of the Qingyunmen Taoist method. It is unimaginable to reach the fourth layer of Taiji Xuanqing Dao Yuqing without reaching it.

  Tian nodded slightly, his face expressionless, but a hint of joy flashed in his eyes. "How is it?" he asked.

  "It seems like... it seems like it moved."

  "Boom", the crowd erupted in a mixture of shock and delight, with Old Fifth Lü Daxin patting his shoulder with force, his face full of smiles. Su Rou, sitting across from him, was also beaming with joy, laughing and saying: "Good kid, I didnt expect you to make us proud, when did this happen?"

  Du Bishu was also infected by everyone, and relaxed, saying: "Just recently, a few days ago I was cultivating in the room, suddenly I felt that under my mental power, the water cup on the table moved slightly, and I guessed whether I had broken through the third layer." When he said this, he smiled somewhat embarrassedly, and then said, "However, as a disciple, I didnt dare to believe it, so I often tried to test it, but unexpectedly was discovered by Master."

  Tian smiled and said, "Thats right. Between the fourth and third layers of Yuqing Realm, although the effects are vastly different, there is no obvious difference when you first start cultivating. You have a clever mind, and although you started late, I didnt expect that you would surpass others."

  Everyone laughed and congratulated each other. Tian Linger interrupted, "Sixth Brother, have you decided which treasure to cultivate?"

  Du Bi: "No, I just confirmed with my master that Ive reached the fourth layer, and I havent had time to think about it yet."

  Su Ru smiled and said, "Dont worry, take your time to think about it for a few days. However, you know your masters temper, he has never forced you to practice the immortal sword. You can do what you like, just go find the materials when youve made up your mind."

  Zhang Xiaofan was extremely envious on the side, seeing Sixth Brother laughing with a big smile on his face, and hearing Tian Bu Yi say: "Old Six."

  "Master."

  Tian Yidao said: "According to the old rules of our Qingyun Gate, disciples who have cultivated up to the fourth layer of Taiji Xuanqing Dao must go down the mountain and travel around the world. At the same time, they should look for good materials and spiritual objects to refine their magical treasures. As for whether you can obtain the divine object that gathers the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, it depends on your own luck and opportunity. Get ready, you will be going down the mountain in a few days."

  Du Bi Shu hesitated for a moment, his eyes showing a hint of reluctance and also a hint of joy. He said in a low voice: "Yes." After finishing speaking, he thought of something again and said: "However, Master, the meals here have always been taken care of by disciples, but after the disciple leaves..."

  Lü Daxin beside him chuckled and said: "What are you afraid of? Before you joined the sect, wasnt I still here? Dont worry, we wont starve to death."

  Du Bishu and the others all burst out laughing, only Tian Linger laughed on the side: "Fifth brother, you still have the nerve to say that, just your cooking, when I was a kid, eating it would give me nightmares!"

  Lü Daxins face turned red, and the crowd burst into laughter. When the laughter subsided, Tian Buyi said calmly, "From now on, let Old Seven handle kitchen matters."

  Everyone was stunned, and Lv Daxin exclaimed: "Master, Shidi is still young..."

  Tian Bu Yi glanced at Zhang Xiao Fan, and Zhang Xiao Fan hastily said: "Master, rest assured, I often follow Sixth Brother in the kitchen to help out, I can do it."

  Tian nodded slightly and didnt say much more, waving his hand: "Dinner!"

  ※※※

  Three days later, Du Bishu finished packing and handed over all the kitchen affairs to his fellow disciples before leaving the mountain. Among the many senior brothers, Du Bishu was the youngest in age and also had a lively temperament.

  Zhang Xiaofan was closest to him. Now that hes gone, Zhang Xiaofan feels a pang of reluctance in his heart and thinks that the top of Dazhu Peak has suddenly become even more desolate.

  Then Zhang Xiaofan began his second "homework" in Qingyun Gate - cooking.

  That was the first time he officially cooked and stir-fried, he alone in the kitchen busy for a whole morning, washing rice and vegetables, unknowingly until noon, Tian Bu Yi and others walked into the dining hall, only to see that the table had been set with food as usual, Zhang Xiao Fan sat at the end of the table, his hands clasped together, trembling slightly, anyone could feel the tension.

  Everyone sat down, Tian Bu Yi didnt say a word, but Su Rou glanced at Zhang Xiao Fan and smiled slightly, saying: "Xiao Fan, how does it feel to cook for the first time?"

  Zhang Xiaofan opened his mouth, but couldnt think of what to say. Tian Nai let out a hum and said, "Lets eat." The disciples all responded in unison, picked up their chopsticks, and put the food into their mouths.

  In the dining hall, there was an eerie silence.

  Zhang Xiaofan was so nervous that his heart was racing, cold sweat dripping from his forehead, and he said in a low voice: "Master, brother, I...I didnt do well, you...you..."

  "Wow, its so delicious!" Tian Linger suddenly exclaimed with joy, and couldnt help but pick up another piece of bamboo shoot and put it in her mouth. Zhang Xiaofan was stunned, only to see that all the senior brothers were smiling and nodding...

  The dishes were served in rapid succession, chopsticks flying as the guests praised without end.

  "Didnt expect little brother to have this move, impressive, impressive!"

  "Hmm (vague), compared to Lao Wu, no, its even better than the combination of Lao Wu and Lao Liu, haha!"

  At this time, Lian Tian also picked up a few more chopsticks, nodded, and added a few points of smile in his eyes. Zhang Xiaofan saw it at the bottom of his eyes, a sense of satisfaction.

  From then on, Zhang Xiaofan continued to work in the kitchen. He had not yet shown any talent in his Taoist cultivation, but he surprisingly had a natural talent for cooking and was able to pick it up without any instruction.

  The dishes he made were delicious and far surpassed others. In his heart, as long as Tian Naiyi nodded slightly in approval, it was already the greatest joy.

  Time flies, and another half year has passed. The "Seven Veins Gathering" of the Qingyun Gate, which takes place once every hundred years, is approaching. Not only Su Rou but also Tian Naiyi have begun to urge their disciples. Everyone is focused on training...

  Xinxiu Dao, its just that no one comes to disturb Zhang Xiaofan, anyway, everyone doesnt have much expectation for him.

  As for Zhang Xiaofan, he didnt mind, busy in the kitchen every day, and also gained some happiness from these pots and pans. In his spare time, he would practice his Taoist skills by himself, and every night he would study "Mahaprajnaparamita", and his days passed peacefully.

  During this period, the gray gibbon he brought back from the You Valley lived with him for half a year. The relationship between humans and monkeys was very close, and Zhang Xiaofan even gave it a name - Xiao Hui.

  The name is as plain and unremarkable as his own, completely unnoticeable.

  Since he started doing things in the kitchen, Xiaohui has been getting close to him and often runs into the kitchen with him, grabbing a piece of bamboo shoots here and taking a fruit there, stealing food all day long, and after half a year, he has become quite plump.

  Although he got a bit fatter, on this big bamboo peak, the little monkey Xiao Hui still had an arch-nemesis, that was Tian Bu Yis big yellow dog - Da Huang.

  No idea whats going on, but the big yellow dog always seems to be looking at this monkey with disapproval. At first, every time it saw Little Gray, it would bark furiously and scare Little Gray into hiding in high places. Later on, after a long time had passed, it finally reluctantly acknowledged that Little Gray was a member of the Big Bamboo Peak community, but every time they met, it would bare its teeth and make fierce faces, causing Little Gray to shriek "Squeak! Squeak!" until the big yellow dog let out a few "Woof! Woof! Woofs", raised its head high, wagged its tail, and walked away.

  Autumn went and winter came, the weather on Mount Dazhu also gradually became cold. Except for Tianye and his wife who were cultivating deeply and didnt fear ordinary cold and warmth, all the other disciples slowly added clothes.

  On this day, the rare sunshine on the top of Dazhu Peak was warm and pleasant. Zhang Xiaofan finished his chores in the kitchen, walked out, stretched his waist, sat down beside a pine tree outside the house, leaned against the trunk, closed his eyes, and comfortably basked in the sunlight.

  After sitting for a while, just as Zhang Xiaofan was about to fall asleep, he suddenly heard several barks coming from the front. He opened his eyes and saw that Da Huang was also lying on the ground in front of him, lazily sunbathing, while Xiao Hui had quietly moved closer to Da Huang from behind.

  Zhang Xiaofan was greatly surprised, as Big Yellow often ran into the kitchen to eat and had become familiar with him. He knew better than anyone about the relationship between the monkey and dog. But today, it seemed like the sun had risen in the west - Little Grey was actually taking the initiative to approach Big Yellow! Zhang Xiaofans spirits lifted instantly, his eyes fixed intently on what was happening before him.

  Only to see Xiao Hui quickly approaching Da Huang, Da Huang couldnt see things behind him, but his nose moved and he immediately smelled something unusual behind him. He turned his head and suddenly opened his big mouth, revealing sharp teeth, "Woof woof woof" barking several times.

  The little monkeys body shrank slightly, looking like it was still a bit afraid, but the monkeys eyes rolled around several times, and its right hand lifted up, waving in front of Da Huang.

  Da Huang initially didnt think much of it, barking non-stop at Xiao Hui. But soon after, his nose twitched a few times as if he had smelled something. The two dog eyes suddenly fixed on Xiao Huis hand, not blinking or moving, and stopped barking. He opened his mouth, stuck out his long tongue, and even wagged his tail non-stop to show friendliness.

  Zhang Xiaofan was extremely surprised, and when he looked around, he couldnt help but laugh foolishly. It turned out that Xiao Hui was holding a piece of meat bone in his hand, the aroma wafting everywhere, and even from a distance, Zhang Xiaofan could smell it faintly. This was actually what he had used to simmer soup, because he knew that Da Huang loved to eat this thing the most, so after cooking it, he specially sealed it up and put it in a high place. Unexpectedly, Xiao Hui had stolen a piece at some unknown time and ran over to fawn on Da Huang.

  At this time, Xiaohui just shook twice and threw the meat bone in front of Dahuang. Dahuangs mouth had already flowed with saliva, and he immediately opened his mouth to bite the meat bone, "chirp, chirp, chirp" gnawing non-stop.

  Xiao Hui looked at Da Huangs appearance and "squeaked" twice, carefully approaching Da Huang, hesitated for a moment, and stretched out his hand to touch Da Huangs head.

  The big yellow dog suddenly let out a low cry, and the little grey dog quickly withdrew its hand. But not long after, it couldnt help but stretch out its hand again to touch the big yellow dogs head. This time, the big yellow dog didnt react, busy gnawing on a meat bone. The little grey dog put its hand on the big yellow dogs head and gently stroked its bright, soft yellow fur. To its surprise, the big yellow dog seemed to feel very comfortable, shrinking slightly and letting out a low cry, but already completely relaxed.

  No intention of offending.

  The little grey monkey grew a bit bigger, laughed and called out twice, started rummaging through the big yellow dogs fur, seemingly looking for fleas. From time to time, the big yellow dog turned its head around and surprisingly also licked the little grey monkey with its tongue. The intimacy between this monkey and dog was unparalleled, growing faster than anything else.

  Zhang Xiaofan was stunned, thinking that this little gray was really clever, but it seemed that the meat bones would have to be hidden more secretly in the future.

  He was thinking this way in his heart, when suddenly a burst of sound broke out above his head, and two white lights rushed over from the west. Da Huang seemed to have been startled, and barked loudly at the white light. Xiao Hui stretched out her hand and stroked its head twice, as if comforting it. Unexpectedly, it was very effective, and Da Huang actually calmed down immediately.

  Zhang Xiaofan watched as the two white lights landed in front of the main hall "Guarding Quiet Hall", and after a flash of light, two people appeared. One was tall and slender, standing elegantly, with an air of being above the crowd, wearing flowing white clothes, extremely handsome.

  Another one was a young boy, slightly shorter than him, looking like he was fifteen or sixteen years old.

  Zhang Xiaofan suddenly held his breath, a strand of long-forgotten sorrow slowly rising from the depths of his heart, because of that lonely-looking figure!

  "Surprise attack?" He stood up, his voice becoming hoarse, and shouted out loud.

  The young mans body shook, and he immediately turned around, his eyes wide open, his mouth agape, as if wanting to say something, but in the end, a thousand words only condensed into two words:

  "Xiao Fan!"