When the first ray of sunlight fell on the desert morning, Xuan Kong finally arrived, still carrying the morning’s dewdrops.
It’s often said that whoever raises the child cares for them deeply, and this saying applies perfectly to Xuan Kong.
Knowing Xuan Chu was injured, he didn’t rest for a moment, and he hurriedly gathered resources from the ’elders’ in Heavenly Dao Village before rushing here.
Seeing his ’sole disciple’ sleeping alone in a tent (even though there was a caravan available), Xuan Kong couldn’t help but feel distressed.
"Child, what’s wrong with you?"
Xuan Chu woke up, seeing his master appear here with large bags, looking dusty and dewy, making him appear quite dirty.
A surge of guilt suddenly arose: "Master, I..."
Xuan Chu evidently forgot that his master had a celestial and ethereal appearance in Heavenly Dao Village, but actually had a flair for drama.
"Child! Who in the heavens did this to you!!!"
As Xuan Kong’s wailing continued, the caravan door opened.
His little uncle, in a small wooden body, a mere two-point-eight-meter presence directly made Xuan Kong stop his wailing.
With outsiders present, Xuan Kong smoothly transitioned back to his high-standing persona.
He glanced up and down at his little uncle, acknowledged this was a magic artifact, moreover, one at an impressively high level.
Clearly something only a real Xuan Sect bigwig could possess.
If it weren’t for the strong righteous aura emitting from his little uncle, Xuan Kong might have acted first.
Xuan Kong cleared his throat and ’kindly’ introduced himself: "I am Xuan Kong of Heavenly Dao Village, this boy’s master. May I know who you are?"
There aren’t many people he’d voluntarily introduce himself to and inquire about their identity.
His little uncle raised his tiny wooden head, glanced at Xuan Kong, confirmed he’s not an ordinary character either.
Politely nodding his head, expressing a friendly attitude.
"I am Yan Huaiyi of Qingfeng Temple, also Yun Ran’s little uncle!"
After a cordial and friendly meeting between two bigwigs, they tacitly went for a private talk.
Leaving Xuan Chu with a confused expression, and Dragon Spirit in the caravan equally perplexed.
Little Paperman briskly brought breakfast to Xuan Chu, Dragon Spirit went up to check, in his Dragon Soul state, he couldn’t eat, but watching was fine.
As a result, seeing just a simply heated Eight Treasures porridge in Xuan Chu’s hand, Dragon Spirit burst into laughter.
Accustomed to seeing Ginsengfruit work efficiently and cook deliciously, he really couldn’t hold back at this moment.
Instantly adopting a teaching tone towards Little Paperman: "You guys are not good enough, have to learn more, look at what is suitable for feeding patients!"
Little Paperman was already somewhat self-conscious about its culinary skills, and with the supplies brought by its master, most were pre-prepared meal series.
Now being teased by Dragon Spirit, Little Paperman immediately tucked its head into its chest, looking like it couldn’t face anyone.
If Yun Ran were awake now, surely he would stand up for Little Paperman and fiercely scold Dragon Spirit.
But now, with Yun Ran lying there unconscious, Little Paperman could only hug its small body, sobbing quietly.
Dragon Spirit: ...
Why does he suddenly feel like he’s a villain?
Xuan Chu also didn’t anticipate Dragon Spirit to be so bad-mouthed and hurriedly comforted Little Paperman.
"I just love Eight Treasures porridge, every time I’m injured, I prefer something sweet, the temperature is just right, lucky you guys are here, otherwise I’d be in a worse state now!"
Little Paperman felt comforted but remained unhappy, lowering its head as it flew back into the caravan, then nudged Yun Ran.
"Master, please wake up soon, without you, they’re all bullying me~"
Dragon Spirit thought he only spoke quickly, not intentionally bullying Little Paperman, he realized he was wrong just now.
Planning to follow and apologize to Little Paperman, who would have thought that upon entering the caravan, he’d hear Little Paperman complaining!
Instantly smiling helplessly, he thought, Yun Ran’s little creations couldn’t be anything good, professional complainers!!!
Now, he’s nailed to the villain’s shame pillar.
His little uncle and Xuan Kong had also finished their conversation, once they returned, Little Paperman rushed over, even though it couldn’t cry, its little face was pathetically looking at his little uncle.
"Master Huai Yi..."
Complaints only halfway done, Dragon Spirit was scared half to death, swung his tail over, firmly covering Little Paperman’s mouth.
"Misunderstandings, all misunderstandings!"
Little Paperman reached out, clawing at Dragon Spirit’s tail, determined not to stop until the complaint was successful.
Facing such a complaint-loving little thing, Dragon Spirit truly felt he might go crazy.
Dragon Spirit promptly rolled up Little Paperman, meanwhile, in a very flattering manner, suggested to his little uncle: "Let’s go see Yun Ran!"
The tussles below were usually not something his little uncle intervened in, of course, if Dragon Spirit blatantly bullied Little Paperman, he wouldn’t tolerate it.
Xuan Kong at this moment looked at his little uncle with a distinct air of caution.
Thought for a moment, then said, "May I check on Yun Ran?"
As someone from Heavenly Dao Village, particularly at elder level, if he hasn’t witnessed someone suffering heavenly backlash, it always feels like a shortcoming.
His little uncle nodded lightly and then hopped onto the caravan to lead Xuan Kong.
The caravan being what it is, once aboard, Yun Ran was visible immediately, yet his little uncle still politely showed the way, more likely due to his lack of trust in these people.
In his eyes, Yun Ran’s safety is of utmost importance, leaving no room for risk.
Xuan Kong followed aboard, seeing Yun Ran lying quietly now, like a fragile porcelain doll.
His brow furrowed slightly.
Having seen Yun Ran lively and full of life before, Yun Ran’s current frailty made Xuan Kong’s heart faintly uneasy.
"This child... sigh, it all started with that rascal of mine, I will definitely find a way to make Yun Ran better."
Heavenly Dao Village has left behind numerous secret techniques, there must be a way.
"I carry Heavenly Dao’s prohibition; it’s kindred to the forces of heavenly backlash. Could I investigate Yun Ran’s condition?"
Just observing like this offers only an overview, he needs to perform a thorough examination of Yun Ran.
His little uncle nodded in assent.
Xuan Kong, with dirt still on his hands, glanced at Little Paperman nearby: "Could you fetch me some water? I’d like to wash my hands."