Chapter 386: Two people truly inspire the poor monk's respect

The novelty has long worn off.

But being able to celebrate New Year with my senior sisters and brothers, he is still happy; Juechen Valley is peaceful and safe, everyone is healthy and sound, and this tranquil, enduring daily life is also worthy of gratitude.

"There's an acrobatics performance ahead!"

Gu Yutong excitedly pointed to a nearby spot crowded with people.

Upon hearing it was an acrobatics show, Mu Yumo also got excited, "I want to watch!"

Gu Rongjin picked up a little imp with one hand and hoisted him onto his shoulder.

With his astonishing arm strength, he always earned the children's unreserved praise.

"Dad is amazing! We have premium seats!"

The two little beans' field of vision instantly widened, they were so excited they almost started dancing.

"Sit still, you two!" Gu Rongjin reminded.

"Mm-hmm!"

The little imps naturally dared not move, also afraid they'd fall, though their dad wouldn't let them fall.

Mu Yuanzhi and Qilin were also interested in the acrobatics; the senior sisters and brothers loved watching the fire-breathing acts, each time left gaping in amazement, with applause never ceasing.

The crowd was extremely packed; Gu Rongjin couldn't free a hand to hold Mu Yuanzhi, so he constantly reminded his wife to grip her sleeve tightly, lest she be swept away.

After about half an hour, the acrobatics show ended; they tossed some loose silver as a tip, then went to eat, still feeling unsatisfied.

Qilin led them to a nearby time-honored eatery—a large ship docked on the river, converted into a restaurant—where guests came and went nonstop, and being New Year's, a table was hard to come by.

"Valley Master!"

Seeing Qilin arrive, the restaurant owner personally came out to greet him, clasping his hands and smiling: "Happy New Year! I didn't know the Valley Master had returned; I'll immediately make a private room available for your guests."

Mu Yuanzhi: "Won't we disturb the other diners?"

"No, this private room is reserved for us, but we don't have time to eat now—just a few bites and we'll be done. Please follow me," the owner laughed.

The group followed the owner up to the second floor of the large ship; the monk walking last sensed a gaze on the second floor as they climbed the stairs, he glanced over, and the gaze vanished.

When he withdrew his gaze, he happened to lock eyes with Gu Rongjin, who had also noticed the gaze; the two shared a silent understanding.

There must be a formidable person here.

Within Juechen Valley's territory lies a small martial world, where all sorts of people from the three teachings and nine streams gather; the arrival of a notable figure is nothing strange, so there's no need to make a fuss.

It's New Year's—being cheerful and prosperous is good.

The owner led them to a private room named Floating Life at the far end of the second floor, had the waiter attend to them, and personally took their order.

Qilin knew the local cuisine best; he ordered a table of specialty dishes, then let them help themselves.

Gu Rongjin, too lazy to browse the menu, said: "Whatever you order, I'll eat."

The two little imps excitedly pointed at the menu, ordering several pastries and desserts, having no particular demands for the main meal, and ate alongside the adults.

Mu Yuanzhi trusted Qilin's dish‑picking ability, so she didn't add anything.

The monk ordered old‑turtle soup and specially instructed the owner to serve a whole turtle.

Qilin, not understanding, asked: "Why serve it whole?"

"It's naturally meaningful."

"You want a sense of ritual… no, you want to divine?!" Qilin suddenly realized, "Have you sensed something?"

"You're overthinking; I simply want to see if this old turtle is good enough." the monk laughed.

"Really?" Qilin rested his chin on his hand, "Then why order turtle if you're hot‑tempered and need to reduce fire?"

The monk: "At my age I need to nourish my body."

"Now you admit you're old, fine—I'll respect my elders and give you a New Year red envelope?" Qilin teased.

"No red envelope needed; I don't take children's money."

Mu Yumo blinked innocently and asked the monk: "Master, are you long‑lived this year?"

Qilin nearly choked on his saliva.

This kid really has a future!

The monk stroked Mu Yumo's head and smiled without speaking.

"Can't you say?" Was he asking something impolite? "Master, don't worry about your age; you look vigorous despite your years."

Qilin couldn't help laughing: "Xiao Mo, you should call him grandpa."

The monk's brow twitched imperceptibly; smiling, he placed the Buddhist prayer beads from his hand onto the table, about to speak.

Gu Yutong interjected: "I see the master is clearly only a few years older than Dad!"

"How is my daughter's little mouth so sweet?" Gu Rongjin praised, pinching his little daughter's cheek.

Gu Yutong, however, was serious: "Isn't that the case?"

"Isn't it? Is it?" No one present knew; the monk never reveals his age, his experience is rich, like someone who has weathered the vicissitudes of the world, calm and composed.

No matter what, it doesn't stop Qilin from seizing any chance to mock him—that's just right.

The monk smiled at Gu Yutong: "Naturally, young benefactor, you have keen insight."

"I told you so!" Gu Yutong glanced proudly at his elder brother.

Qilin gave the monk a sideways glance: "Monks don't tell lies."

"Namo Amitabha, the poor monk never tells lies."

At that moment, the waiter led the chef out to serve the dishes; Qilin watched the old‑turtle soup set before them—he never liked these tonic soups, but he wanted to see if the bald donkey was really just drinking the soup for no other reason.

As the young lord and lady of the Grand General's manor, the two little beans never needed adults to watch over them while eating; they could dine elegantly, striving to observe the rule of no talking while eating or sleeping.

Well, since their parents couldn't manage that either, they, learning by example, naturally couldn't either.

Soon, Gu Yutong's wandering gaze landed on the turtle, and he asked the monk: "Master, you don't want the turtle shell—could you give it to me? I'd like to do a divination."

"Oh?" the monk asked, interested, "Young benefactor, you also know divination?"

"I've learned a bit from Sir Sima!" Gu Yutong puffed out her small chest, "But my coursework is too heavy—I have to study both civil and military subjects, so I don't have much time to study with Sir Sima."

The monk gazed at Gu Rongjin and Mu Yuanzhi with admiration: "You two truly fill this poor monk with respect."

Mu Yuanzhi rubbed her forehead: "I don't even know when she got so close to Sir Sima, but Sir Sima isn't a bad person, after all."

"Sir Sima just doesn't look like a good person… No, wait—even after turning over a new leaf, he still doesn't look like a good person, but judging by his deeds rather than his heart, at least he really hasn't done anything bad; now he's completely His Majesty's man." Gu Rongjin said.

Gu Yutong chimed in: "Exactly, Sir Sima is actually a very nice person! He's just a little odd, no big deal."

Her tone was that of a little adult.

"Besides, I'm so smart—I can tell right from wrong!"

The monk neither affirmed nor denied: "You indeed have quite a few strange people around you."

"You're one of them too." The Qilin took the chance to add another jab.

"The poor monk doesn't deny it." The monk didn't mind at all.