The unconscious Dong Yiping was carried away, along with the Four Seasons Garden’s guard.
The feast was reset, with specifications and standards noticeably a level higher than before.
Lang Songbai had already departed.
He seemed quite busy, saying a few polite words before leaving.
A storm thus subsided quietly.
Zhao Ya was not shy, as Lang Songbai insisted on paying, he naturally enjoyed the meal.
Thus, Zhao Ya devoured the feast completely.
After eating, Zhao Ya escorted the drunken Xia Hongyu home.
Initially, Zhao Ya intended to hire a carriage, but Xia Hongyu insisted on walking.
Zhao Ya had no choice but to follow.
Fortunately, it was late spring, and the weather was warm; even at night, it was no longer cold.
Where Xia Hongyu lived was not close to Changping Square, and with the two strolling leisurely, it took them over an hour to arrive.
By the time they reached the front door, it was already past midnight eleven.
"I’m home now."
"Do you need me to accompany you inside?" Zhao Ya asked.
"No need. It’s late; you should head back."
After walking this far, most of Xia Hongyu’s intoxication faded. Despite feeling reluctant, she stood quietly at the door.
"Alright, I’ll come to see you tomorrow."
"Really?" Xia Hongyu immediately looked up and asked.
Zhao Ya smiled, "Of course, it’s true."
"Then... I’ll wait for you." Xia Hongyu smiled with eyes crescented, turning back inside.
Zhao Ya watched her silhouette disappear behind the door before slowly turning around, smiling towards the darkness.
"Elder Xia followed the way, aren’t you planning to show yourself?"
The darkness first remained silent, then a hearty laugh came, "Good kid, you noticed long ago."
Following the voice, Xia Feiying emerged from the shadows.
Though unseen for years, Xia Feiying hadn’t aged a bit, appearing even more spirited than before.
Upon seeing Xia Feiying, Zhao Ya solemnly clasped his fists and saluted.
"Elder!"
Back in Wuxiang City, Xia Feiying had taught Zhao Ya lightweight body technique without reservation, earning Zhao Ya’s deep respect.
Xia Feiying was also observing Zhao Ya, sensing Zhao Ya’s aura, even he was astounded.
As early as ten in the evening, when Xia Hongyu hadn’t returned, Xia Feiying grew restless.
She and some friends ventured out before, but returned by nine at latest.
Today, by ten, there wasn’t a sign, and Xia Hongyu’s aunt kept urging him, leading Xia Feiying to search.
Coincidentally, not far out, he encountered Xia Hongyu walking with Zhao Ya.
Xia Feiying initially felt angry, for roaming late with a man on the street could taint her reputation.
But upon closer view, Xia Feiying’s anger vanished instantly.
Walking beside his granddaughter was none other than Zhao Ya.
Since arriving at the capital, Xia Feiying entirely retired from the Jianghu, spending his days strolling and playing chess, away from Jianghu matters.
Thus, he wasn’t aware of Zhao Ya’s arrival in the capital.
However, he calmed quickly and chose to silently follow without revealing himself.
Xia Feiying understood his granddaughter’s feelings well.
Since moving to the capital, she’d often secretly cried at night, which Xia Feiying knew but never spoke of.
Seeing her long-lost yearning figure now, Xia Feiying didn’t wish to interrupt the scene.
But no sooner had his granddaughter returned home, Zhao Ya announced his presence.
Xia Feiying lamented, "Years not seen, you advanced from a Third Realm martial artist to a half-step Fifth Realm, a rapid progress truly astonishing."
"Just fortunate," replied Zhao Ya.
Xia Feiying shook his head, "It’s not mere luck achieving this; you indeed, as I foresaw, are a martial prodigy."
This wasn’t mere flattery.
Back in Wuxiang City, Xia Feiying predicted Zhao Ya’s exceptional potential from his talents and steady temperament.
Sometimes Xia Feiying even suspected Zhao Ya hadn’t experienced childhood, for his stability exceeded Xia Feiying’s long Jianghu years.
Zhao Ya smiled, "Elder credits me too much."
"Join for tea?" Xia Feiying offered.
"No, it’s too late today; tomorrow I’ll surely visit you." Zhao Ya bid farewell.
Throughout, neither mentioned Xia Hongyu, nor why she returned with Zhao Ya from her outing.
Watching Zhao Ya’s departing figure, Xia Feiying paused before turning home.
Inside, Xia Feiying’s younger sister, Xia Chunlan, Xia Hongyu’s aunt, was chattering continuously.
"Hongyu, I don’t mind you going out; I’m not an unreasonable guardian. But why drink? A young lady like you, getting drunk outside is concerning!"
Xia Hongyu stood beside, picking her clothes’ corners like a reprimanded child.
Her cousin, Xia Yuping, watched gleefully.
Xia Yuping, two years younger than Xia Hongyu at sixteen, was equally beautiful. Together they resembled blooming sister flowers.