btth: crafting even heaven

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🌟 Outside the Heavenly Drunken Pavilion – Cool Night Air

The four of them emerged from the glowing warmth of the restaurant, bellies full and moods light as mist. The torches lining Wu Tan City's market streets flickered softly in the breeze, casting dancing shadows along the cobblestones.

"I forgot to ask father for money," Xiao Yan muttered as he patted his robes. His voice was casual, but a sudden pause from behind him made the moment stretch.

Yoru froze in place.

Her mind painted vivid pictures: her scrubbing plates in the back alley with bitter tears, washing bowls with her Dou Qi-infused fingernails, sleeping curled under the kitchen sink.

"No... no no no..." she mumbled, horrified. "I knew it. We're going to be enslaved here. They'll make us work in the back. I'm too young to live this life!" Her hands clasped the sides of her head dramatically.

Tianzun turned away, suppressing the smirk that tugged at the edge of his mouth.

Xun'er chuckled under her breath. "Are you both seriously panicking right now?"

Xiao Yan looked earnestly at her. "I'm the eldest among us. I should be responsible. But... it's sixty gold coins! The clan only gives me five per month. I only have eleven saved!"

Yoru practically wailed. "This is how it ends. Cleaning spirit duck grease for the rest of our days!"

Tianzun finally let out a sigh, stepping forward. "Calm down, both of you. I already paid the bill."

Both Yoru and Xiao Yan blinked.

"You what?" Xiao Yan asked.

"I covered the cost," Tianzun repeated flatly. "Sixty gold coins. Plus a ten-coin tip."

The waiter, watching them from a distance, bowed slightly, still stunned by the generosity. Clearly, he thought the group was from a high-ranking noble family.

Yoru's jaw dropped. "You tipped more than I get in a week of allowance!"

"He must be royalty," Xiao Yan whispered, mock awed.

Xun'er smiled to herself but said nothing.

Xiao Yan turned back, scratching his head. "But wait, Tianzun... if our monthly allowance is just fifty-five gold coins, where did you get all that money?"

Tianzun glanced over his shoulder.

Then he slowly tilted his head toward Xun'er and winked.

"Xun'er gave me her money too."

Xun'er stiffened. Her ears turned a shade redder, but she straightened her shoulders and crossed her arms. "Hmph. So what if I did? It was for the food."

Yoru grinned. "Ohhh, I see. Our little Xun'er investing in future dinners."

Xun'er rolled her eyes. "Don't make me throw a dumpling at you."

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🌅 The Moonlit Walk Back – Xiao Clan Pathways

The four walked slowly through the quiet night streets leading back toward the Xiao Clan estate. The occasional flicker of fireflies glowed in the distance, and distant lute music from another street festival teased their ears.

Yoru stretched her arms and yawned. "This might be the best night ever. I'm stuffed."

"Same," Xiao Yan agreed. "I feel like I could sleep for a week."

Tianzun glanced toward them. "Don't. We train in the morning."

"...Right. A nap. Not a whole week," Xiao Yan corrected himself with a sheepish laugh.

Xun'er kept pace with Tianzun, close enough that their sleeves nearly brushed. "I didn't expect this. It was... fun."

Tianzun nodded once. "Life needs flavor sometimes. Not everything should be bitter pills and harsh medicines."

"You're wiser than your age."

"I was forced to be."

The subtle edge in his voice made her glance sideways at him, but he didn't elaborate. She didn't press.

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🌳 Outside the Clan Gates

As the gate guards opened the familiar wooden doors, Yoru clutched her stomach. "Ugh, I swear I ate too much. If I lie on my back tonight, I might float."

"You mean explode," Xiao Yan offered.

"Maybe both."

Tianzun gave her a sideways glance. "That's the price of indulgence."

She pointed dramatically. "Worth it. Every. Bite."

Xun'er giggled behind her hand.

The four came to a fork in the path near the gardens.

"Alright," Tianzun said, stretching his arms. "Everyone get a good rest. Tomorrow, we resume morning forms. No excuses."

"Yes, yes, commander," Yoru saluted lazily.

Xiao Yan smiled. "Thanks again, Tianzun."

Xun'er lingered a moment longer. "Goodnight... and thank you."

Tianzun nodded. "Goodnight."

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🔄 Meanwhile – Behind the Scenes

As the group dispersed to their individual quarters, Tianzun opened his system panel beneath the moonlight.

> System Credit Balance: 6,178 Gold Coins Emotion Flag: Party Satisfaction (+4 Bond) Memory Log: [Dinner Event: Shared Joy Instance]

He smiled faintly.

> "Small joys make strong roots. Foundations aren't just built in Qi."

He turned and walked into the darkness, hands in his pockets, a ghost of something like peace following behind him.

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End of Chapter 27