Volume One: A Youth Enters the World Chapter Fifteen: Springwatch Pavilion

Fang Tian looked at Zhou Xiaodie and said, “Xiaodie, since you also practice cultivation, why don’t we spar a little together?”

Zhou Xiaodie’s interest was instantly piqued by this suggestion, for she was fond of cultivating. Yet, despite her hard work, her limited talent seemed to hinder her progress, and her level never seemed to advance. Now, hearing Fang Tian’s proposal, she immediately agreed.

“Alright, I was just thinking of finding someone to practice with after reviewing my sword techniques.”

“But, Brother Fang Tian, you’re already at the Gathering Spirit stage. If I spar with you, it would be as if I’m letting you bully me. You should be pointing out my mistakes instead.”

Fang Tian smiled gently. “You’re right. I’ll give you some guidance, then. I’ll restrain my strength and keep my level at the same as yours.”

Zhou Xiaodie nodded. “Let’s go to the courtyard outside. It’s more spacious there, good for us to practice together.”

“Alright, sounds good.”

With that, the two of them went outside and began their practice.

In the small courtyard, they had already been training for three hours when Fang Tian suggested they take a break. Zhou Xiaodie had no objections, so they sat down together on the stone bench to rest, chatting idly to while away the time.

After a while, Zhou Xiaodie suddenly suggested, “Brother Fang Tian, let’s go into town tonight. We haven’t been out for a few days, and I’d like to stroll through the streets.”

Fang Tian was a little puzzled by her sudden suggestion, but then he remembered he’d been cooped up at the Zhou family for days without once visiting the town. He found himself interested and agreed.

Thanks to Fang Tian’s guidance, Zhou Xiaodie’s cultivation had indeed improved—a testament to his unique insight into the art. But since she was planning to go out in the evening, she didn’t ask him to stay any longer. She had preparations to make, having worked up a sweat during their practice and needing a bath. She didn’t say this directly, only that she needed to tidy herself up.

Seeing that she was busy, Fang Tian said his farewells and left for his own quarters. Zhou Xiaodie reminded him not to forget about their plans for the evening. Fang Tian replied affirmatively and left her courtyard, heading back to his own room, while Zhou Xiaodie began her preparations.

At the training ground, as dusk approached, Zhou Quan was still diligently cultivating his spiritual power when he sensed someone approaching. He opened his eyes and looked ahead. Upon recognizing the newcomer, he immediately jumped up, stood respectfully to the side, and said softly, “Patriarch, what brings you here? I wasn’t paying attention.”

The others, hearing Zhou Quan’s words, also stopped their training.

It was Zhou Tianshu who had come to the training ground. He looked at Zhou Quan and said, “Xiao Quan, stop practicing for now. I need you to run an errand in town for me. I have other matters that prevent me from going myself.”

Zhou Tianshu’s expression was somewhat displeased, as if something had irritated him. After giving Zhou Quan his instructions, he turned and left.

Zhou Quan watched as the patriarch’s figure receded into the distance, then, without lingering, gave a few instructions to those remaining at the training ground and departed straight away.

The others, having received Zhou Quan’s directions, returned to their cultivation.

By now, night had fallen over Maple Leaf Town. Lanterns had been lit at every doorway, illuminating the town with a gentle glow. All sorts of people wandered about, enjoying the peace of the evening. The little town by night offered a different kind of charm.

Fang Tian and Zhou Xiaodie strolled down the main street, each holding a candied hawthorn skewer, laughing and chatting as they walked, looking like close companions.

As they walked, someone approached from the other direction. Fang Tian looked closely—it was Zhou Quan. He informed Zhou Xiaodie, who also noticed him and called out, “Cousin! Cousin!”

Zhou Quan, lost in thought, looked up at the sound of her voice and was surprised. “Brother Fang Tian, Little Sister Xiaodie, what brings you two out here?”

“We were bored, so we came out for a walk,” Fang Tian replied.

“I’ve had enough of staying cooped up in the courtyard these days and needed some fresh air,” Zhou Xiaodie added.

Zhou Quan gave a skeptical look. “Oh? Are you sure you’re just out for a walk? Nothing else going on?”

“For example, something happening between the two of you?” As he spoke, he raised his eyebrows mischievously—Fang Tian had seen this look before and knew Zhou Quan was deliberately teasing.

Zhou Xiaodie, embarrassed and flustered by his insinuations, protested, “Cousin, what are you talking about? I just asked Brother Fang Tian to take a walk with me. Don’t let your imagination run wild.”

“My, my, how sweetly you call him ‘Brother Fang Tian.’ It’s making my skin crawl,” Zhou Quan teased further.

“Where did your goosebumps go? Let me see if I can find them,” Zhou Xiaodie retorted.

“Xiaodie, you can’t do this—leaving your cousin shortchanged for no reason isn’t fair,” Zhou Quan joked, making Zhou Xiaodie’s face flush bright red.

“Hmph! If you keep this up, I won’t talk to you anymore,” she declared.

Seeing that she was getting frustrated, Zhou Quan stopped teasing and turned to Fang Tian with a smile. “Brother Fang Tian, since we’ve run into each other, why don’t we find a place to grab a bite together?”

Before Fang Tian could answer, Zhou Xiaodie jumped in, “Great idea, cousin. After this stroll, I’m getting hungry. Let’s do as you say and find somewhere to eat.”

“You little rascal, I was talking to Fang Tian. Why are you butting in?”

“What? Can’t I?”

“Alright, alright, of course you can,” Zhou Quan conceded.

“That’s more like it,” Xiaodie said with satisfaction.

Seeing the two of them bantering like a rehearsed duet, Fang Tian said, “Since you’ve both decided, let’s not just stand here. Let’s find somewhere to eat.”

Since Fang Tian had no objections, the other two led him through the streets until they stopped in front of a place called Springview Pavilion.

“This is it, Brother Fang Tian. Let me tell you, the food and drink here are the best in town. I come here whenever I have the chance. I guarantee you’ll enjoy yourself tonight.”

“Then let me thank you in advance,” Fang Tian replied.

“Brother Fang Tian, you’re being too polite. Do you not see me as a friend?” Zhou Quan grinned.

“Cousin, Brother Fang Tian is a cultured and refined man—unlike your rough and boisterous self,” Zhou Xiaodie chimed in.

“Is that so? I must have missed it,” Zhou Quan said.

Fang Tian only smiled in response to their banter and said, “Let’s go in, then.”

The three of them entered Springview Pavilion. The attendant at the door greeted them warmly, “Welcome, honored guests. Please, come in.”

After seating them, the attendant asked, “What would you like to order?”

Zhou Quan thought for a moment and replied, “Bring us a few of your signature dishes to start with. We’ll order more if we need to.”

“Certainly, sir. You look familiar—shall I bring you the dishes you usually order?”

“Sure, as you like.”

“I’ll see to it right away. Please wait a moment; your food will be out soon.”

With that, the attendant left to arrange their meal.