"Quick, get up. Let your master get a good look at you." Qiu Canfeng hurriedly helped Chu Feng to his feet, and a look of tender heartache surfaced on his face. From this alone, one could see just how deeply he doted on Chu Feng.
Though Qiu Canfeng had not burst into tears the way Qiushui Fuyan had, Chu Feng could see that as his master studied him, those aged eyes had grown slightly red.
Qiu Canfeng — one of the former Four Great Protectors of the Nightmare Beast Demon Sect, and its current acting master. Who could ever make him cry? When had he ever shed a tear?
But now, tears glistened in his eyes, simply because he was looking at Chu Feng. That alone spoke volumes about just how important Chu Feng was in Qiu Canfeng's heart.
"See? Old Qiu, I didn't lie to you." At that moment, Tai Kou had also returned.
"Tai Kou, I'll give you the reward I promised. You have my word."
"But first, I need to catch up with my disciple." Qiu Canfeng gripped Chu Feng's hand and refused to let go no matter what.
"Alright, alright, Elder Qiu Canfeng, no need to get all sentimental."
"It isn't easy for Chu Feng to come back. We should all be happy," Qiushui Fuyan said with a smile from the side.
"Right, right, right! Someone, pass down the word — lay out a grand banquet to celebrate Chu Feng's return!" Tai Kou bellowed.
Thanks to his connection with Fairy Miao Miao, he now held considerable authority within Fairy Peak. Almost no one dared disobey his orders.
"Elder Tai Kou, please don't go overboard. Just invite a few close acquaintances," Chu Feng said.
Over the years, he had seen more than his fill of lavish, celebratory affairs and had grown tired of them. Now that he was back, all he wanted was to catch up with the people he held closest to his heart.
"Relax — only people you know will be invited. Anyone you don't recognize won't set foot in that banquet," Tai Kou said with a laugh. He then headed out, apparently going to personally oversee the preparations. Qiushui Fuyan followed him out as well.
From this, one could see how highly they regarded Chu Feng. Even the preparation of a banquet was something the father and daughter felt warranted their personal attention.
"Oh, and Chu Feng — there's something I should tell you. Your family, and the people from the Azure Dragon Sect and the Jiang Dynasty — they've all returned to the Nine Provinces Continent," Fairy Miao Miao said to Chu Feng.
"Why did they leave?" Chu Feng asked.
"They said the Nine Provinces Continent is their homeland, and that if they didn't return, they would feel they were letting down their ancestors."
"Though honestly, I think it's more likely they felt embarrassed to keep imposing on us, so they found an excuse to leave."
"But don't worry — we've kept in touch, and they're all doing well on the Nine Provinces Continent." Fairy Miao Miao seemed worried that Chu Feng might be anxious, so she added this reassurance.
"That's fine. I'll be heading back to the Nine Provinces Continent myself eventually, so I can see them when I return." Learning that his family was safe put Chu Feng's mind at ease.
Shortly after, the banquet was set up, and everyone from both Fairy Peak and the Nightmare Beast Demon Sect who knew Chu Feng took their seats.
Xue Xiyue, the First Immortal, and many other familiar faces all appeared within Chu Feng's view.
Everyone's reaction was more or less the same — they were overjoyed to see Chu Feng. Unlike the people of the Martial Holy Land, these familiar faces showed not the slightest hint of distance. They hadn't grown distant or reverent toward Chu Feng just because his strength had increased. Instead, they were as warm and affectionate as ever — like true family. Real family.