Chapter 408: Chapter 408

"Oda... it truly has been ages." Li Tianyuan’s voice grew gentle as he turned, focusing all his attention on the man behind the imposing Seven Shah. Butler Oda, cloaked in midnight robes edged with silver that shimmered like moonbeams, stood perfectly still, radiating quiet dignity. He offered a seldom-seen smile and dipped his head in a gesture of refined grace.

"Yuan. It’s a pleasure to see you once more."

Words faded between them. Shared history pressed close: childhood mischief, battle scars, and years unfurled like a scroll between past and present selves.

A Gathering of Generations

"Welcome, everyone, to my humble abode of serenity," Li Tianyuan declared, his voice regaining its usual commanding resonance, echoing against the wooden beams.

"Yes, savor the charm of the Bamboo Pavilion today!" Shi Min exclaimed, his exuberance lighting up the room. "Because tomorrow, we shall retreat to the grandeur of the Li Mansion at the heart of Hidden Valley."

The group entered the pavilion. Floorboards creaked under their steps as they walked in. Sunlight filtered through the latticework, painting patterns on the bamboo mats. Laughter and chatter rose, carried by the fragrant breeze that stirred pale green curtains. The younger members formed clusters — Shi Min and Shun swapped stories while Kim Kim dared Chin Chin into playful mischief.

The elders settled in shaded corners on the second floor overlooking the young generation, cups of tea in hand, their voices low as they chatted and sipped, the aroma of sandalwood incense mingling with the air. El Padre, El Capitán, Butler Oda, and the Seven Shah gathered around a low table, trading old jokes in a mix of languages, occasionally pausing to watch Xiao Ren and Bamboo Pavilion disciples demonstrate with fans and wooden swords, moving swiftly like swallows in flight.

Sibling Shenanigans: The Pond Incident

"Lily, there’s a lovely pond just beyond the back — you’ll love it!" Shi Min called, his tone teasingly melodic.

Lily turned, her eyes sparkling with youthful mischief like the morning dew glistening on leaves. "Oh? I shall heed the Crown Prince’s invitation and explore!"

"You—" Shi Min challenged, his eyes narrowing playfully as he lunged forward, closing the distance with swift strides.

Lily let out a delighted squeal and dashed away, her robes flaring behind her. She dove behind Fatty, using his large frame as a shield to avoid Shi Min, much like a child hiding from a chaser.

Fatty stood still, tensed between Lily and Shi Min, unsure whether to move. His heart pounded so hard it echoed in his ears, and sweat rolled down his face. On one side stood the newly ascended immortal and future patriarch; on the other, the girl he adored, notorious for never forgetting a slight.

"Fatty, shift aside," Shi Min commanded, voice deceptively calm yet crackling with authority.

"Uh... ehh..." Fatty faltered, his words tumbling out as his feet refused to move.

"Big Brother!" Lily protested, peeking from behind Fatty’s shoulder, her tone sharp yet playful. "My boyfriend is no longer fat, but you still insist on calling him Fatty!"

Shi Min snorted, crossing his arms with a grin. "Old habits are hard to shake. Besides, he has yet to earn a new title," he retorted.

From their platform under the pavilion’s central beam, Li Shenwu and Ling Li watched the playful interaction, looking thoughtful. Li Tianyuan and Four Eyes stood beside them.

The old patriarch’s gaze sharpened like a blade, fixed on the young man sheltering Lily. "Ling Ling, is that lad your daughter’s partner?" he inquired, stroking his beard with slow, deliberate movements.

Ling Li nodded firmly. "Yes, Great-Great-Grandpa. That’s Quan Ye. He’s also Chu Yan’s best friend. The other one beside him is Tong Xue, Pharsa’s husband, and the young one is Shun, Ren’s fiancée."

Li Shenwu’s sharp gaze shifted to the three young men, as if assessing a centuries-long chess game. He stayed silent, then commanded, "Call them over."

Summoned by the Ancestor

"Murphy, Quan Ye, Shun — come over," Four Eyes intoned, his voice steady and commanding, resonating like the toll of a distant bell.

Fatty felt his body stiffen as if encased in ice. His eyes widened, disbelief painted across his features as he turned slowly towards the source of the summons.

"Me?" he mouthed, pointing to his own face as scrutiny settled over him.

Beside him, Chatty’s face turned pale with apprehension. Almost reflexively, he edged behind Fatty and clutched his sleeve tightly, seeking cover as if bracing for a coming storm.

"Why are you hiding behind me?" Fatty hissed, his voice cracking like thin ice underfoot.

"Because you’re bigger, and I’m not ready to meet my end," Chatty shot back, eyes wide with apprehension.

Fatty swallowed and closed his eyes for a moment, rallying his courage. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, one hand pulling Chatty — who resisted at first — so they approached the elders together, both tense.

Shun, always calm and composed, straightened his back and walked confidently towards the elders without pausing.

All eyes fell upon them — heavy and expectant. The air thickened with each hesitant step, the world holding its breath. Murmurs faded; even the birds went silent, as if ancient boughs listened in. Sunlight paused at the threshold, casting a half-light on the trio. Tension shimmered like a web, vibrating with anticipation, lineage, tradition, and hope.

Li Shenwu’s Evaluation: Fatty and Chatty

The pavilion grew quiet. Li Shenwu’s gaze fell upon Fatty, sharp as blades honed by centuries. He lingered on the young man with such intensity that Fatty’s knees grew weak. The air seemed heavier. The elder’s scrutiny carried the weight of mountains, pressing down upon him.

Fatty swallowed hard, his throat dry. His hands twitched at his sides, unsure whether to clasp them or let them hang. He could feel every bead of sweat sliding down his back.

Li Shenwu stroked his beard, his expression unreadable, before declaring in a voice that carried both judgment and possibility.

"Strong physical attributes, without elemental skills. If properly nurtured, he can learn telekinesis."

The words struck Fatty like a thunderclap. His eyes widened, his breath caught. ‘Telekinesis? Again?’ This was the second time he had heard such a claim — the first from the Azure Dragon in Mystic Mountain. He had dismissed it then as a dream, a fantasy whispered by a beast of legend. But now, hearing it from the Seven-great-grandfather himself, the possibility burned inside him like a hidden flame.

Fatty gasped softly, his chest tightening with both awe and confusion. ’What does it mean? Why me? Can I really...?’ His mind spun, but before he could ask, Li Shenwu waved his hand, dismissing him without another word.

"I wasn’t scared. I was... strategically positioned behind Fatty. For tactical reasons. Totally different. Vote, comment, and recommend if you laughed. Power Stones and Golden Tickets are my courage pills. Gifts? I’ll squeal."