btth: crafting even heaven

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📜 **Xiao Clan Estate – Tianzun's Study, Morning Light**

A gentle breeze stirred the window screens as Tianzun leaned over a long wooden desk covered in scrolls, map fragments, and glowing panels. Ink trailed off the tip of his brush as his mind worked faster than his hand.

> *"The age ceremony—two months from now."*

He tapped a crystal node embedded into the desk.

🧭 **Time Mapping Panel: Long-Term Events**

* 🔸 Xiao Yan Cultivation Collapse: Ongoing – Year 7 of Decline

* 🔹 Xun'er Loyalty Trajectory: 54%

* 🔸 Yao Lao Spirit Awakening: Est. 10 years

* 🔸 Tuo She Ancient Jade Resonance: Est. 6-8 years

* 🔸 Misty Cloud Sect First Contact: Unknown – Watch for triggers

* 🔸 Tier 2 Auction Mastery: In Progress

Tianzun rested his brush.

> *"Plenty of time. Which means... I can make it count."*

His thoughts flickered back to Ling Yuan. There was still so much he didn't understand about the being who chose to reside in the crafting realm with him.

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🌌 **Crafting Realm – Inner Sanctum**

Ling Yuan floated lazily in the air, sprawled on a conjured lounge chair made of spirit flame and silk-wrapped clouds.

"You know," he said, flicking an ember at the void, "you really overthink for someone who already knows the ending."

Tianzun raised an eyebrow. "Knowing the story isn't the same as mastering the plot."

Ling Yuan grinned. "Now you sound like a scholar. Come on, Ti Zu, when are you going to admit I'm the best decision your soul ever made?"

"When you stop making innuendos about spirit beasts in every other sentence."

"Rude! I only do that when they have horns. Or tails. Or really muscular torsos."

Tianzun let out a rare laugh. It was dry, short, but real.

"You're an ancient flame spirit who teases like a tavern flirt."

"And you're a reincarnated mastermind who sulks like a moody librarian. Match made in the Nine Realms."

There was a beat of silence, then:

"Thank you," Tianzun said softly.

Ling Yuan blinked. "What's this?"

"For helping me control the flame, suppress my breakthrough. Without it, my foundation would be broken."

Ling Yuan scoffed, but smiled. "You're welcome, brat. Just remember, when you're ruling the continent one day, I want a hot spring palace and five spirit attendants."

"Done."

"Male attendants."

Tianzun sighed. "Of course."

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🌿 **Xiao Clan Riverbank Pathway – Late Afternoon**

The sunlight dappled through the leaves as Tianzun walked alongside Xiao Zhan, his hands folded behind his back. Birds chirped quietly in the distance as the gentle current of the river hummed against the rocks.

"You're quieter than usual," Xiao Zhan said, glancing down.

"Thinking."

"About your brother?"

Tianzun nodded. "And more."

Zhan slowed his pace, eyes on the water. "You know\... Xiao Yan looks up to you. I can see it in the way he trains. He tries harder when you're near."

Tianzun allowed a smile. "He has light. I just carry shadows."

"Don't say that. You both shine—in your own ways."

They approached the bustling edge of the Xiao Clan market. Merchants called out, spices filled the air, and the chatter of townsfolk created a vibrant atmosphere.

Xiao Zhan paused in front of a modest candy stall.

"You liked these as a child," he said, purchasing a stick of crystal sugar.

Tianzun blinked as Zhan handed it to him. He accepted it without words, then took one careful bite.

"...Still sweet."

Then, unexpectedly, he broke the stick in half and offered one piece back to Xiao Zhan.

Zhan laughed. "You're giving me half? That's new."

"Even gods must remember to share."

Zhan chuckled, eyes warm. "Still think you're a little god, huh?"

"No. Just Ti Zu."

Xiao Zhan ruffled his hair. "Ti Zu, eh? Haven't heard that nickname in a while."

"Bring it back. I miss simpler things."

They walked on, candy sticks in hand, just a father and son, the moment lingering.

End of Chapter 21