Under the moonlight, Mo Tiange opened her eyes from her cultivation session, her forehead beaded with sweat.
Despite being drenched, her heart was filled with joy, for she had finally broken through smoothly and reached the second level of the Qi Refining Stage! She could now practice some minor spells!
The Art of the Plain Maiden was a cultivation technique—in other words, it contained no combat methods. Only at the end of the manual were a few spells recorded, perhaps added by the Mo family ancestor who passed down the technique.
These spells all noted the required cultivation level to practice them. Upon reaching the second level of the Qi Refining Stage, one could learn a spell called the Wind-Breath Technique.
This Wind-Breath Technique utilized Spiritual Qi to create fluctuations, forming wind. Once mastered, one could control it at will, even harming enemies imperceptibly.
Mo Tiange had no interest in harming others. However, when her ancestors passed down the technique, they had repeatedly warned her that the Immortal Realm was fraught with danger everywhere. Even without intent to harm, one must always be on guard. Since she wanted to find her father, she would definitely have to enter the Immortal Realm and inquire among other cultivators. Learning some self-defense techniques was absolutely necessary.
However, feeling that she had just broken through and her internal Spiritual Qi was depleted, it probably wasn't suitable to practice immediately. After some thought, Mo Tiange got up, fetched some water from the kitchen, washed herself, and decided to rest first.
Over the past few years, she had rarely slept. Often, she would cultivate for five or six days before feeling somewhat tired. Since she couldn't cultivate during the day, she seized every minute and second at night, avoiding rest whenever possible.
But she understood the principle that haste makes waste. For instance, now was not the time for cultivation; she needed to replenish her energy first.
When she woke up, it was already broad daylight.
Mo Tiange opened her eyes, feeling completely refreshed, then got out of bed.
After folding the quilt, she went to fetch water to wash her face, then returned to her room to comb her hair in front of a palm-sized mirror. She parted her hair into two sections, each coiled into a bun, creating a double-ya hairstyle. She was no longer the little girl from three years ago who couldn't even braid her hair. Now, she could style her hair sleek and smooth, keeping herself neat and tidy, just like when her mother was around.
Once groomed, she went out, closed the door behind her, and headed to Tian Qiao's room.
Now that she didn't have to help Aunt Lin with chores, she didn't need to get up so early in the morning. After rising, she simply went to find Tian Qiao and waited for breakfast.
Her small room didn't need to be locked anyway—there was nothing valuable inside. The family's land deeds were managed by the eldest uncle, jewelry and valuables were with the grandmother, and she herself only had about a hundred coins at most, saved from occasional snacks bought by the eldest aunt.
Additionally, the cultivation technique was in her own mind, the Liuli Bead was always worn on her hand, and her room only contained some half-new, half-old clothes and bedding made of mediocre fabric. The only things she considered important were some writing brushes, ink, books, and paper, but Aunt Lin and the others were illiterate and wouldn't even glance at them.
Tian Qiao's room was in the second courtyard. Needless to say, the furnishings were lavish, and the entire room was more than twice the size of hers.
As soon as she arrived, she saw Tian Qiao's little maidservant coming out with a water basin. The girl curtsied to her and went about her business.
This little maidservant had been bought by the eldest aunt. Originally, a local wealthy family like theirs, though having a few servants, wouldn't buy maidservants to attend to daily needs like proper wealthy households. However, the eldest aunt had high aspirations and had always raised Tian Qiao as a young lady from a great family. Thus, as Tian Qiao grew older, she bought a little maidservant for personal maid.
Upon entering the room, Tian Qiao was indeed up, picking out clothes. Seeing Mo Tiange come in, she waved her over. "Tian Ge, come help me see which one looks good."
Mo Tiange walked over and saw a pile of clothes on the bed. Tian Qiao muttered, "Actually, I think they all look good, but if Mother doesn't like it, she'll make me come back and change. Sigh!"
Hearing this, Mo Tiange smiled and picked out a sky-blue one. "This one."
Mo Tianqiao took it, beaming with joy. "Listening to you is definitely right."
Looking at the closet full of clothes, Mo Tiange shook her head. The eldest aunt was determined to raise Tian Qiao as a refined young lady, but unfortunately, Tian Qiao had a lively personality. She would probably be happier carefree, like herself. However, such words weren't for her to say; if she did, others would only think she was jealous.
In the blink of an eye, Tian Qiao had already put on the dress and smiled at her. "Does it look good?"
Mo Tiange nodded with a smile. The Mo family was famous throughout the surrounding villages for producing beauties. Tian Qiao was also extremely pretty. At eleven years old, she already had striking features, no wonder the eldest aunt was so dedicated to cultivating her.
Once Tian Qiao was ready, the two went to the dining hall, where breakfast was already prepared.
"Grandfather, Grandmother," they both greeted the Old Master and Madam Zheng at the head of the table.
Madam Zheng lifted her eyelids, and upon seeing Tian Ge standing with Tian Qiao, her brows unconsciously furrowed.
She never concealed her dislike for this granddaughter who shared no blood relation. But over these three years, her indifference hadn't made Tian Ge timid or withdrawn. Instead, as she grew older, she became more poised and graceful, no longer watching others' expressions like when she first arrived. Every time she saw Tian Ge standing beside Tian Qiao, despite wearing much plainer clothes, she drew more attention than Tian Qiao, which displeased Madam Zheng.
However, out of respect for the Old Master, she wouldn't show this displeasure. At this moment, she merely gave a faint nod.
"Father, Mother."
"Eldest Uncle, Eldest Aunt."
After greeting everyone, the two took their seats.
Besides them, Mo Tianjun was already sitting in his place. Three years had passed; he had grown much taller and was no longer as mischievous as before. Probably since his two younger cousins stopped attending school, he realized they were different from him and showed more care than in his childhood. Not only did he no longer bully Mo Tiange, but sometimes when he brought things for Tian Qiao, he didn't forget to give her a share as well.
"Father, can I go to the town market?" Mo Tianjun asked his father, then added, "I'll go in the afternoon; I have school in the morning."
The eldest young master of the Mo family glanced at the Old Master, seeing no particular expression, and said, "You can go only after finishing your homework."
Receiving permission, Mo Tianjun happily clapped his hands. "Understood, I won't neglect my homework." Then he looked eagerly at his mother. "Mother, give me some money to buy things at the market."
Asking for some money to have fun wasn't a big deal. The Young Mistress immediately said, "I'll give it to you later, but don't buy nonsense."
Mo Tianjun nodded repeatedly.
Seeing this, Mo Tianqiao quickly said, "Brother, take me with you! I haven't been out in so long."
Mo Tianjun wanted to agree, but he didn't dare. He looked at his parents' expressions. Sure enough, his mother said, "Stay home and practice your needlework properly. What's a girl doing at the market? It's crowded and packed."
Mo Tianqiao pouted. "Half a day won't delay anything! I haven't been out in ages; I'm bored to death!"
Hearing this, it did make sense. The eldest young master thought for a moment and said, "Let Tian Qiao go. Tian Ge and Xiaoshan'er can go along, and with Tian Jun leading, there shouldn't be any trouble."
Mo Tianqiao was overjoyed and repeatedly said, "Thank you, Father! You're the best!"
Mo Tiange sighed inwardly. Actually, she didn't want to go, but who asked her to be the one accompanying the crown prince in his studies?