Chen Duanmian looked at the wine pot, unsure of the other man's thoughts. Fearing something might happen to him, he said, "Alright, we haven't had a drink together in years. Let's drink here." If he got drunk, it would be easier to take care of him.
Ling Huayu just wanted to drink, and anywhere would do, so he agreed. He sat with Chen Duanmian in a nearby pavilion, took out a small barrier, and activated it. The barrier enveloped the entire pavilion, and the attendants serving them were dismissed by Chen Duanmian.
Chen Duanmian watched him, not understanding his intentions. However, they had known each other for so many years, and he knew Ling Huayu wanted to say something, so he didn't stop him.
Ling Huayu took a fierce gulp, but he choked and coughed several times.
Chen Duanmian watched, his heart aching. If he wasn't mistaken, these two pots of wine contained spiritual energy – they were spirit wine! What a waste!
Chen Duanmian opened the wine pot Ling Huayu had thrown to him and examined it carefully. It was also spirit wine. He then carefully put it away.
Ling Huayu finally recovered and saw Chen Duanmian's cautious demeanor. He twitched his lips and said, "Look at you."
Chen Duanmian retorted, not backing down, "This is spirit wine, spirit wine! The kind that's priceless! I'm not like you, a brute. Look how much you've wasted!"
"If you like it, I'll send you some more. Luo'er gave me a lot, so losing one or two pots isn't a big deal."
This wine was given to him by Ling Luoyi a few days ago, several large vats of it. She had specifically instructed him to wait a few days before drinking it, and not to drink too much at once. She had also given him several small wine pots.
"Luo'er gave it to you? That makes sense. Only she could produce such a good thing." Chen Duanmian suddenly noticed a small detail and said, "A lot?"
"Several large vats. If Luo'er hadn't said to wait a few days, I would have sent it to you long ago."
"That girl has such good things and didn't give them to me, even though she calls me Grandpa."
"Calls you Grandpa?" Ling Huayu accurately seized on the key point and became angry, shouting, "Hey, Old Chen, you have granddaughters too, why are you competing with me?!"
"Hey, Old Ling, what's wrong with calling you Grandpa? You have so many granddaughters, and I only have one! Besides, what's wrong with Luo'er having another grandpa to dote on her?"
"Hmph!" Ling Huayu let out a heavy "hmph" to show his displeasure.
Chen Duanmian didn't indulge him, saying, "Alright, how old are you, acting like a child?"
"Luo'er says people become more like children as they get older."
Chen Duanmian gave him a look. Seeing that his mood had improved considerably, he asked, "What's wrong with you today? And why are your clothes so cold?"
Ling Huayu knew he couldn't hide it from him and didn't intend to. He sighed and said, "I was at the eldest son's place all night."
Chen Duanmian heard this and didn't offer comfort. He just looked at him quietly, knowing some things had to be said by oneself.
"I think I saw them."
"Old Ling, I know this might be very difficult, but the dead cannot be brought back to life. You don't only have him as your son."
Ling Huayu took another gulp and said, "I know, and I'm not thinking of dying. I just... miss them."
Ling Huayu's voice was choked with emotion.
Chen Duanmian also sighed, speaking nostalgically, "I miss them too."
Seeing Ling Huayu look at him, Chen Duanmian said enviously, "Actually, you're much luckier than I am. They only left me Yu'er, but you still have sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, and so many clan members."
"We're both in the same boat, in a way."
Chen Duanmian gave a self-deprecating smile, opened his wine pot, clinked it with Ling Huayu's, and drank heartily. Spirit wine wasn't as pungent as ordinary wine; it was gentle with its spiritual energy, but it could still intoxicate.
After taking a sip, Ling Huayu said, "I just feel like I've failed them."
"They won't blame you. Chen'er grew up safely, Luo'er has returned, and the Ling family is getting better and better. They should be at peace."
"Yes," Ling Huayu said absently, "They should be at peace."
Seeing that his mood was still not right, Chen Duanmian asked worriedly, "Old Ling, what's really wrong with you? You're not usually so sentimental. Did you get into trouble outside?"
Ling Huayu gave him a look and said irritably, "You're the one who gets into trouble! I just learned something that cannot be revealed. Once this matter is exposed, it will harm a child who has done nothing wrong."
"I thought it was something serious." Chen Duanmian said casually, "Since it can't be said, just forget it. It'll save you trouble and prevent that child from getting hurt. Didn't you say that child did nothing wrong? If they did nothing wrong, they shouldn't be harmed."
"Yes, I should forget it." Ling Huayu raised his wine pot, clinked it, and said, "After today, I'll forget it. Cheers!"
Seeing that he had finally returned to the person he knew, Chen Duanmian felt relieved and said, "Alright, I'll accompany you to the end."
As they were drinking merrily, Chen Duanmian said, "Old Ling, how long has it been since we last drank? We haven't had a drink since the incident back then, have we? Let's drink our fill today."
"Good!" Ling Huayu finished one pot and took out two more. With the alcohol taking effect, Ling Huayu said, "Speaking of back then, thank you."
Ling Huayu spoke sincerely, and Chen Duanmian also said with emotion, "If it weren't for what happened back then, you wouldn't have suffered so much all these years. The Wei family is not what it used to be. What are your plans?"
He never thought Ling Huayu was a person who would swallow his pride. Back then, the Wei family had almost annihilated the Ling family when they were caught off guard. Could Ling Huayu tolerate that?
Mentioning the Wei family, a murderous glint appeared in Ling Huayu's eyes. In front of his old friend, he didn't hide it and said, "After Luo'er returns, we will begin."
Chen Duanmian found something in this and asked, "Old Ling, tell me the truth. Is the recent month's events involving the Wei family really unrelated to the Ling family?"
"The Ling family is completely unaware of the Wei family's events this past month. Even I only found out after the incident."
"Then it seems the royal family did it. I originally thought the Ling family was cooperating with the royal family, and I was thinking, how could you not tell me?!"
"If it were my order, would I not tell you?" Ling Huayu took another sip and said, "Although these matters have nothing to do with the Ling family, I always feel they are related to Luo'er."
Chen Duanmian felt the same way. Upon hearing this, he said, "Even if Luo'er did it, it's not hard to understand the purpose. Now the Ling family relies on Luo'er. She will be gone for at least two months. If they don't cause some trouble for the Wei family, what will happen if the Wei family attacks you?"
"It's a safeguard, but also a danger. If they push too hard, and the Wei family retaliates in their final moments, the Ling family might not fare too well."
"Old Ling, you can't always rely on Luo'er. She can't protect you forever."
Both of them knew this. Ling Huayu already knew that Ling Luoyi would be leaving in two years.
"Old Chen, the Ling family is already growing rapidly." As he spoke, Ling Huayu also displayed his cultivation.
Seeing the mark beside Ling Huayu, Chen Duanmian's eyes widened in surprise and joy, "You've broken through! This is great, the Ling family's position is now secure."
"It's not just me in the Ling family who has broken through."
"Then, it's time for the Ling family to seek revenge."
"Yes, things have been delayed for too long. All the Ling family members have returned. It's time to settle things."
The two drank, chatting about future events, as if everything was progressing in the direction they hoped.