Chapter 91: Father-Daughter Reunion

「Lu Tong, junior disciple? 」

When Taiyi True Person brought Ao Yifan to the gate of Crane Nest, he unexpectedly saw Lu Tong standing there.

「Taiyi Uncle-master! 」

Bowing in salute, Lu Tong glanced unexpectedly at Ao Yifan beside Taiyi True Person.

「It's him! 」

Lu Tong furrowed his brows; he was not unfamiliar with Ao Yifan.

After all, it was this person who clashed with the monster-hunting squad back then and even injured his own junior sister.

However, later this person's children successively became the offspring of Manjusri Great Dharma Heavenly Venerable and Compassionate Vessel Daoist, easing relations between the two sides.

「How come? Lu Tong, junior disciple, are you also here to find Crane Child, junior disciple? 」

Jumping down from the flying pig, Taiyi True Person looked at Lu Tong and asked.

「Also? 」

His heart stirred, Lu Tong looked puzzled at Taiyi True Person and said, "Taiyi Uncle-master, are you also here to find Junior Sister?"

「Not me; it's him who came to find Crane Child, junior disciple. 」

Taiyi True Person pointed at Ao Yifan and said.

「Having met Lu Tong, fellow Daoist, I once had some misunderstandings with Crane Child, fellow Daoist; this time I came specially to apologize in person. 」

Ao Yifan said with a smile.

「Well then, please go back; lately Junior Sister has been in closed-door cultivation and won't receive visitors—I haven't seen her in a long time either. 」

Crane Child said in a calm tone.

But just as Lu Tong's words fell, a celestial crane flew out from the Crane Nest.

「Which fellow Daoist from Chen Tang Pass does Elder Crane Child invite to meet? 」

The celestial crane spoke.

Lu Tong's expression stiffened slightly.

「Isn't it? 」

What's going on?

I've come several times to deliver celestial elixirs, yet I haven't even seen Junior Sister's face.

This guy just arrived, and a celestial crane came out to greet him.

This must be Junior Sister's intention; otherwise, the celestial crane wouldn't know Ao Yifan.

「Junior Sister, when did you become so acquainted with this person? 」

Lu Tong furrowed his brows.

Ignoring Lu Tong's reaction, Ao Yifan clasped his hands toward Taiyi True Person and said, "True Person, I'll go ahead first; next time I'll come find you for a drink!"

「Sure, go ahead and get busy! 」

Taiyi True Person said, then immediately leapt onto his own flying pig, saying to Lu Tong, "Lu Tong, junior disciple, Uncle-master is leaving!"

Having said that, the flying pig shot straight up into the sky and vanished in the blink of an eye.

Ao Yifan entered the Crane Nest under the guidance of the celestial crane, with no intention of inviting Lu Tong to come along.

Left behind, only Lu Tong stood disheveled in the wind.

「What on earth is going on? 」

After a long while, Lu Tong finally reacted, staring blankly in the direction of the Crane Nest.

……

「Who are you? 」

Looking at the strange man beside the celestial crane, Xiao Xiao He stared with a pair of innocent big eyes.

For some reason, she felt a sense of closeness on this person that only her mother could give.

「Xiao Xiao He, I've finally seen you! 」

Ao Yifan also felt somewhat excited in his heart.

After all, Xiao Xiao He is also his daughter; it's natural to feel a bit excited upon first meeting.

「Do you know me? 」

Xiao Xiao He looked at Ao Yifan and said.

「Yes! 」

Showing a gentle smile, Ao Yifan said, "Come, let's go see your mother together!"

「Ah, do you know who my mother is? 」

Xiao Xiao He let out a cry of surprise.

After all, she believed she had disguised herself well; even within the Crane Nest, no one knew her relationship with her mother.

Beside Ao Yifan, the celestial crane turned its head aside, pretending not to have heard.

In fact, this little girl has already mistakenly spoken several times; how could these celestial cranes not understand what's going on?

But the strongest in the Crane Nest is Crane Child; even if they knew Crane Child's secret, they would only pretend not to know.

After all, Crane Child is the hope of the entire Crane Nest; she cannot come to harm.

Ao Yifan blinked slightly, but quickly realized, probably Crane Child deliberately concealed Xiao Xiao He's identity.

However, it's obvious that Xiao Xiao He hasn't guarded this secret well.

「Xiao Xiao He, bring him inside! 」

Just then, Crane Child's clear, cold voice came.

「Okay, Mother, uh, Master! 」

Little Little Crane chirped, then immediately flapped its cute little wings and flew toward the dwelling.

Hey, hurry up and follow!

While flapping its little wings, Little Little Crane hadn't forgotten to turn back and remind Ao Yifan.

Hearing that, Ao Yifan smiled and then followed after.

You finally came?

He Tong lay reclining on a soft couch covered in crane feathers, looking at Ao Yifan with a resentful expression.

Hehe, didn't I say I'd come see you when the child was born?

With a light chuckle, Ao Yifan walked straight onto the couch under Little Little Crane's shocked gaze and grabbed He Tong into his arms.

What are you doing? Little Little Crane is still watching!

He Tong was startled by Ao Yifan's bold act; she never expected him to come up and act directly.

You know, Little Little Crane is still nearby; that's too embarrassing.

Mom, who is he? Why is he stealing Little Little Crane's spot?

At that moment, Little Little Crane ran over with a look of grievance, chubby little hands outstretched, trying to push Ao Yifan away from her mother.

This little girl!

Looking at Little Little Crane's tear-filled eyes, Ao Yifan gently tapped her forehead and said, "I am your father!"

Ah?

This time, Little Little Crane was truly stunned.

She had heard of the existence of a 'father' from her mother, but she had never seen one, so in her little mind she didn't know what 'father' really meant.

Now, seeing her own father in person, Little Little Crane momentarily went blank.

This little girl doesn't seem as smart as her older sister!

In his heart, Ao Yifan compared Little Little Crane with Ao Sheng and couldn't help but think.

But they're both my daughters; I love them both!

Thinking that, Ao Yifan also pulled the still-dazed Little Little Crane into his arms, laughing and saying, "This way, our family is finally reunited!"

The dazed Little Little Crane, the blushing He Tong, and the smug Ao Yifan made a scene indescribably warm.

Wait, wait a moment—Little Little Crane just fell asleep; don't wake her!

It's fine; I just cast a Sleep Spell on her, she won't wake up for six hours.

You, how could you do this?

Hehe, don't you want this? I recall...

By the way, at the entrance of Crane Nest I seemed to see your senior martial brother; he seemed very concerned about you.

Holding the weakened He Tong, Ao Yifan seemingly casually said.

He Tong gave Ao Yifan a sideways glance without lifting her head: "Don't think wildly, Lu Tong is just my senior martial brother!"

Oh, then I can relax!

Ao Yifan nodded, then whispered two words into He Tong's ear.

You...

After glancing at the still-sleeping Little Little Crane, He Tong gave Ao Yifan a resentful look.

The next moment, a pair of wide wings unfolded on its smooth back.

Stroking the soft crane feathers, Ao Yifan laughed as he grabbed He Tong's pair of wings, then...