Chapter Nineteen: Swift Partings and Fleeting Reunions

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In the early morning, a cool breeze drifted gently. Gu Weiyu sat atop the spirit boat, her curiosity piqued as she touched and examined it over and over again.

The paper boats and paper cranes she had ridden before would be ruined at the slightest sign of storm or heavy wind, but this spirit boat of Sixteenth Uncle’s was unfazed by wind or rain—this was a true flying vessel!

“This spirit boat cost Sixteenth Uncle quite a few contribution points to obtain. Once you break through to the fifth layer of Qi Cultivation, you’ll be able to go out and take on tasks to earn contribution points yourself,” Gu Hui sat upright on the spirit boat, his voice gentle and encouraging.

Gu Weiyu propped her chin and nodded; indeed, improving one’s strength was the foundation of everything!

“Little Eleven, ahead lies Qingshan Village!” Gu Hui pointed forward.

Gu Weiyu, hearing this, hurried to the edge of the boat and gazed into the distance. Stone houses nestled among the mountain mist leapt into view—Qingshan Village, she had returned!

“Look, a giant bird in the sky!”

A sharp-eyed child was the first to spot the spirit boat speeding closer, mistaking it for a great bird and bouncing with excitement.

His mother, hearing this, looked up and her face showed surprise—there was a small boat in the sky!

The news of a flying vessel in the sky spread rapidly throughout Qingshan Village. The clan leader, Gu Yong, hands clasped behind his back, walked up to the high walls of the village and watched the approaching spirit boat, wondering to himself—could it be that an esteemed guest was arriving today?

“It’s Ah Yu!”

“Father, Mother, Sister’s come back!”

“Ah Yu from Brother Yun’s family has returned!”

As soon as the villagers recognized the familiar figure aboard the spirit boat, everyone rushed to spread the news, joy and excitement overflowing in their faces.

It had been many years since a clansman with outstanding spiritual roots had appeared in the village. The last was Gu Han, more than a decade ago, who had only four spiritual roots and a low spiritual root value, ultimately stopping at the fourth layer of Qi Cultivation.

This time, Qingshan Village had rewarded Gu Weiyu generously for her exceptional talent. According to the clan leader, as long as Ah Yu succeeded, their village’s prospects would only improve!

Mu stood in front of a stone house, gazing at the small figure atop the spirit boat with a gentle smile. She had always known this girl, Ah Yu, would do great things!

Gu Yun and Lady Qin, pulled out of the house by Little Stone, looked up at their daughter on the spirit boat. Lady Qin couldn’t help but burst into tears of joy.

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“Sister’s back! Mother, why are you crying?” Little Stone asked, puzzled.

“Your mother is just overjoyed.” Gu Yun stroked Little Stone’s head with his good left hand, his face showing a rare smile.

“Clan Leader Grandpa, Ah Yu is back—”

Before the spirit boat had even come to a full stop, Gu Weiyu leapt down, unable to contain herself.

Gu Yong was so moved that his lips trembled, unsure what to say for a moment. After a while, he managed to utter three heartfelt “good”s.

Gu Hui, who had been thoroughly overlooked, couldn’t help but clear his throat. “Uncle Yong, Sixteenth apologizes for the intrusion!”

Only then did Gu Yong notice Gu Hui standing to the side and warmly beckoned him over. “The chief steward is here as well? My Qingshan Village is truly honored—please, come in!”

“Uncle Yong, you’re too kind. Just call me Hui,” Gu Hui replied with courteous grace.

Gu Yong led the two into the village, more and more people trailing behind, especially the children, who flocked out in droves.

“Sister, Sister, you’re back! Little Stone missed you so much!” Little Stone squeezed out from the crowd and threw himself into Gu Weiyu’s arms, looking up with his small face.

Gu Weiyu hugged Little Stone tightly and glanced into the crowd. When she saw those two familiar figures, she couldn’t help but break into a radiant smile. “Father, Mother...”

A quarter of an hour later, after sending off the enthusiastic villagers, Gu Weiyu finally had time to sit down. As for Gu Hui, after exchanging pleasantries, he found an excuse to leave, allowing the family to reunite in peace.

“Ah Yu, how has life been in the provincial city?” Lady Qin sat beside her daughter, sizing her up with eyes full of longing.

“Mother, I eat well and sleep soundly. Grandfather Third, Great-grandfather, and Brother Third, Sister Ninth, and Brother Twelfth—they all treat me so kindly!” Gu Weiyu counted each name on her fingers.

Both Lady Qin and Gu Yun exchanged glances, their worries eased. “That’s good. Don’t worry about things at home—the clan takes good care of our family.”

“Father, Mother, this is medicine Grandfather Chief gave me. He said it strengthens the body. You just need to dissolve the pills in water to take them.” Gu Weiyu took out the jade bottle given by Gu Jun and handed it to Lady Qin.

Lady Qin looked down at the porcelain bottle, its cool touch betraying its quality. She shook her head, “You keep this for yourself. Your father and I are getting old; it would be wasted on us.”

“Mother, just take it. I’m cultivating now, and my body’s strong as ever!” Gu Weiyu, half laughing, pushed the bottle back.

Lady Qin finally accepted it. Little Stone squeezed in, “Sister, is the provincial city fun?”

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“Yes, when Sister grows up, she’ll take Little Stone to the provincial city to play, alright?” Gu Weiyu didn’t mention that all she did in the city was cultivate, instead she smiled and handed Little Stone a skewer of candied fruit, then produced a large food box and placed it on the stone table, filled with all kinds of delicacies.

“Wow, Sister, you know magic?” Little Stone took a bite of the candied fruit, his face full of contentment.

Gu Yun and Lady Qin, too, were amazed; the arts of the immortal family were truly extraordinary, though they wisely refrained from asking more.

“Mhm, Sister knows many magical arts!” Gu Weiyu smiled, patting her brother’s head.

“Ah Yu, how long can you stay at home?” Gu Yun, who hadn’t spoken until now, asked. He knew in his heart his daughter wouldn’t be able to stay long.

“Father, I must return before dusk.” Gu Weiyu replied with a hint of disappointment; she wished she could stay a few more days.

Little Stone, hearing this, suddenly found the candied fruit tasteless. “Sister, I don’t want you to go!”

Lady Qin rubbed her hands and stood up. “Ah Yu, what would you like to eat? Mother will make it for you!”

“I love everything Mother makes!” Gu Weiyu replied sweetly.

Lady Qin shot her a playful glance and went off to prepare lunch. Who knew when they’d meet again? She was determined to showcase her skills and cook all of Ah Yu’s favorite dishes.

After lunch, Mu came by specifically to see her. Before leaving, she said, “Ah Yu, I hear the world outside is splendid. You must cultivate diligently and see it for me!”

Gu Weiyu gazed earnestly at Mu’s departing figure, silently promising, “Sister Mu, I’ll work hard in cultivation.”

As the sun slanted westward, its golden rays flooding the mountain, Gu Hui appeared before Gu Weiyu right on time. “Ah Yu, it’s time for us to return.”

Seeing Gu Hui arrive, Gu Yun and the others knew the moment of farewell had come.

“Father, Mother, Little Stone, Clan Leader Grandpa, Sister Mu… I’ll come back to see you all again!” Gu Weiyu stood atop the spirit boat, waving to her family and clansmen standing in front of the stone houses.

The spirit boat soared into the sky, quickly leaving Qingshan Village far behind until it could no longer be seen...