Ning Fengzhi gazed out the window, where sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. Intermittent laughter drifted from the rear hall.
He withdrew his gaze, his tone growing more solemn: "The Sunset Forest is perilous after all, with diverse Soul Beasts and unpredictable habits. You must exercise extra caution on this journey."
"Uncle Ning, rest assured. With me here, I won't let anything happen to Rongrong and the others."
Looking at Su Yu, Ning Fengzhi felt his last trace of worry vanish. He laughed heartily and raised his teacup: "Good! With your word, I have nothing to fear. Come, let's drink tea!"
The porcelain cups clinked lightly, steam carrying the fragrance of tea enveloping their conversation.
Two young girls dashed over from the rear hall like a gust of wind, their skirts brushing the ground with soft rustling sounds.
Ning Rongrong gently pushed Xue Na forward, wearing a proud, triumphant smile: "Father! Husband Brother! Look quickly!"
Their eyes fell on Xue Na. The girl who had been wearing blue-pink attire was now dressed in a light green ruqun. The fabric was delicate, with clusters of finely embroidered orchids adorning the skirt, making her skin appear even more luminous.
Her simple bun had been transformed into a soft, loose braid draped over her shoulder, tied with a matching ribbon at the end.
Most striking was the small, exquisite Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Hair Accessory pinned in her hair. It glowed warmly under the sunlight, perfectly complementing her obsidian-like eyes.
Xue Na grew slightly embarrassed under their gaze, lowering her head slightly while her small hands unconsciously twisted her skirt. A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she secretly glanced at Su Yu, a hint of anticipation hidden in her eyes.
Ning Fengzhi laughed heartily and reached out to ruffle Xue Na's hair: "Our Xue Na looks truly beautiful in this outfit. Rongrong's craftsmanship is excellent."
Ning Rongrong immediately puffed out her small chest: "Of course! This is my favorite dress, and it fits Xue Na perfectly!"
She then took Xue Na's hand, "Sister Xue Na, after we return from the Sunset Forest, I'll braid your hair in different styles!"
Xue Na softly murmured "Mm," a slight curve forming at the corners of her mouth. Her braid swayed gently with the movement, the glazed tile hair accessory sparkling like a tiny star nestled in her hair.
Su Yu watched the scene before him, warm laughter bubbling in his eyes: "Indeed beautiful. Rongrong has been thoughtful."
The praised Ning Rongrong grew even happier, pulling Xue Na to run toward the rear hall again: "Come on, Sister Xue Na, let me find more accessories to match!"
"Don't run so fast, slow down!"
Ning Fengzhi called out loudly as he watched the two hurry away.
"Okay, Father!"
Ning Rongrong responded without slowing her pace, already skipping away hand-in-hand with Xue Na. Their clear laughter scattered through the courtyard like silver bells.
Soon it was noon. After sharing a meal together, Su Yu took the two youngsters and departed from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School for the Sunset Forest.
Initially, Su Yu sat between the two children, intending to explain precautions about the Sunset Forest. But the scenery flashing past the carriage window quickly captured the children's attention.
Ning Rongrong was the first to scoot over to the window, peering out through the carved wooden frame.
Xue Na hesitated for a moment before joining her, their shoulders pressed close together.
"Xue Na, look! The trees in that forest are so tall!"
"Mhm... and the birds, flying so fast."
"When I go back, I'll ask Father to plant this many trees in our Sect too!"
Their chattering voices mingled with crisp laughter, like handfuls of sugar candies scattered inside the carriage.
Su Yu had initially worried they might not get along, but seeing them huddled together admiring the scenery now made him feel like the third wheel.
He simply shifted aside, leaning against the soft cushions with closed eyes to rest. Listening to the occasional gasps of wonder and giggles behind him, an unconscious smile curved his lips.
The carriage jolted slightly over the gravel road, but the two girls' laughter never ceased.
After about two hours, Su Yu brought the two girls to Sunset Forest.
As the carriage stopped in a clearing, the setting sun was sinking into the woods, gilding the dense canopy with a golden-red border.
Su Yu lifted the carriage curtain and frowned slightly—he'd been so focused on setting out early that he'd forgotten to account for the time.
It was indeed getting late, not the ideal time to search for Soul Beasts.
"Husband Brother! Is this Sunset Forest? It's so big!"
Ning Rongrong had already bounced off the carriage like a bird freed from its cage, her green-clad figure spinning a circle in the clearing, her skirt flaring in a lovely arc.
Tilting her head to gaze at the dark forest ahead, her eyes brimming with curiosity, she ran a few steps before turning back to call toward the carriage:
"Xue Na, come down quickly! It's much bigger than the hills behind our Sect!"
Xue Na also jumped down from the carriage, her green dress swaying gently in the evening breeze.
Unlike Ning Rongrong's unrestrained running, she remained standing in place, small hands clutching the hem of her clothes as she stared at the endless forest, her eyes filled with wonder.
Su Yu walked over and ruffled Ning Rongrong's hair. "Don't run too far. It's getting dark—we'll rest outside the forest tonight and go in tomorrow."
"Ah? We're not going in now?"
A flicker of disappointment crossed Ning Rongrong's face, but she quickly nodded.
"Alright then! We'll set up camp here tonight! Just like our outings around the Sect before—it'll be so much fun!"
Ning Rongrong clapped her hands, eyes sparkling, her skirt fluttering with her movements.
Watching her exuberant display, Su Yu gently tousled her soft hair, his tone indulgent:
"Good girl, no need for tents tonight. Brother will perform a magic trick for you."
"Magic trick?!"
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened even more, instantly forgetting about the tents as she waved her arms excitedly and turned to call toward Xue Na:
"Xue Na! Come quick! Brother's going to show us a magic trick!"
Xue Na had been crouched examining a wildflower with tiny blue blossoms, but she immediately stood up at the words.
Her skirt rustled through the grass as she hurried over to Ning Rongrong, her upturned face full of curiosity.
Her obsidian-like eyes fixed unblinkingly on Su Yu, like a young deer awaiting a treat.
Su Yu patted both girls' heads before walking to the clearing ahead and slamming his palms against the ground:
"Wood Release: Four-Pillar Home Technique!"
Instantly, countless thick wooden pillars erupted from the earth, intertwining and rising at astonishing speed.
In just three to five breaths' time, a wooden house over three meters tall stood imposingly before them.
The roof was layered with overlapping wooden shingles, while the four walls were assembled from thick wooden pillars fitted so tightly that barely any gaps could be seen.
On both sides, two small windows framed with wooden lattices were cleverly incorporated, lending an air of delicate craftsmanship.