btth: crafting even heaven

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🌟 **Xiao Clan Training Grounds – Midday Heat**

A sharp breeze brushed across the field as the four figures stood amidst dissipating waves of Dou Qi. Sweat glistened over their brows. Xun'er slowly exhaled, her movements graceful and precise as she finished the final form of her blade dance. Yoru wiped the sweat from her cheek, tying her loose hair into a tighter knot. Xiao Yan dropped to one knee, panting, while Tianzun stood with arms crossed, completely composed as if his body didn't even recognize exhaustion.

"That's enough for today," Tianzun said calmly, his voice cutting across the field like silk over steel.

They all gathered near the old stone bench under the pine tree, their shadows mingling in the dappled light.

Yoru flopped down first. "Ugh, I'm starving! I swear, if I eat that same cultivation herb porridge again, I'll lose my mind. I need something... decadent. Greasy. Spicy!"

Tianzun raised an eyebrow, only to be immediately seconded.

"I'll be honest," Xiao Yan said between sips of water, "I've started to *dream* about meat buns. Not the dried kind from the clan kitchens. Real ones."

Tianzun's eyes drifted toward Xun'er, who, with the faintest of smiles, gave him a small nod.

He let out a breath through his nose and rolled his shoulders. "Fine."

"Fine?" Yoru sat up straight, eyes bright.

Tianzun nodded. "Tonight. We go out."

"YES!" Yoru jumped up and spun dramatically. "You hear that? We're going to eat actual food tonight!"

Xiao Yan laughed. "Finally, the heavens answer our stomachs."

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📘 **Tianzun's Memory – A Flicker of Gold**

As the group dispersed to clean and prepare for the evening, Tianzun quietly opened his system ledger.

> Auction House Transfer Received:

> Profit Total: 6,248 Gold Coins

> Description: Flame-Nourishing Body Pill (Tier 1) - 10x Bundle Sold @ Premium Rate

He narrowed his eyes slightly.

> *"Enough to cover a meal... or a war. But food is diplomacy too."*

He smirked, closing the panel with a mental swipe.

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🌄 **Xiao Clan Outer Wall – Sunset Hours**

The city bloomed with golden-orange light as the four figures made their way down the stone steps leading from the clan gate. The faint smell of cooked meat, fermented wine, and baked sweets hit their senses like a warm welcome.

Yoru practically skipped, already rambling. "Okay, okay, listen, I'm getting a steamed beast bun, some pepper noodles, and—oh gods—those fried spirit mushrooms with honey glaze."

"You'll burst before we finish round one," Tianzun said flatly.

"That's what round two is for!" she beamed.

Xiao Yan turned back toward Xun'er. "And you? You don't usually eat out."

"I'm curious," she said, falling into pace beside Tianzun. Her voice dropped a tone. "Do you have enough money for this, Tianzun?"

He glanced sideways, amused. "When I said yes to you three... you think I didn't calculate every dish you could possibly order?"

She smiled, just slightly. "You're a walking ledger."

"And you're a curious little accountant."

Their eyes met for a second longer than necessary.

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🍽 **Heavenly Drunken Pavilion – Wu Tan City Market**

A two-story building with gold-etched red columns stood nestled between herbal stores and spirit stone traders. The fragrance of braised meat and tangy broth drifted from its balconies.

Inside, Tianzun chose a quiet corner booth on the second floor, overlooking the bustling city square below.

"Order what you want," he said, handing each of them a wooden-etched menu. "And don't hold back."

Yoru's eyes sparkled. "You said it! No regrets, right?"

"No regrets," Tianzun echoed.

The waiter approached, eyes widening at the sight of Xun'er and the serious aura Tianzun radiated.

"Three Phoenix Braised Pigeon, one full order of mountain beef strips with thunder-spice. Bring all your dumpling variations. Four pitchers of spirit lotus tea."

"Add sweet spirit cakes," Xun'er said softly.

"And dumpling sauce. Extra," Yoru added.

The waiter scribbled furiously, bowed, and vanished like smoke.

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💬 **Dinner Conversation – Drifting Threads**

As the food arrived in stages, laughter rose between them. For a moment, they weren't training. They weren't calculating power levels. They were children, hungry and alive.

Xiao Yan chewed thoughtfully. "So, Tianzun. Ever think about teaching me that counter-grip you used in our last spar? The one where I hit the ground?"

"It wasn't a counter-grip," Tianzun replied, sipping his tea. "It was a redirection pivot. You attacked too heavily with your lead foot."

Yoru laughed. "I told you he would say that."

Xun'er leaned in. "And the flame-kick from yesterday? That wasn't in any clan technique manual."

Tianzun met her gaze. "I don't read manuals. I rewrite them."

She stared. Then smiled slowly. "I believe you."

Yoru raised a brow. "Do you guys always flirt like it's a duel?"

Xiao Yan nearly choked on a dumpling.

"That was not flirting," Tianzun said calmly.

"Oh no," Yoru grinned. "It was worse. It was verbal swordplay."

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🌟 **Final Course & Reflection**

By the time the desserts arrived, a quiet had settled. Candied lotus petals melted on tongues. The tea steamed, fragrant and calming.

Tianzun looked out the window.

> *"This peace... is rare. I should not grow fond of it. But maybe... they should."*

He glanced at his friends.

> *Xiao Yan, who still believes kindness is enough.

> Yoru, wild and loyal.

> Xun'er... unreadable. Unstoppable. Watching.*

He didn't speak.

But something in his eyes shifted.

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End of Chapter 26.