Chapter 26: Meeting at main hall(1)

Grey looked up from his meditation spot, one eyebrow raised. "Xiao Fan, didn't I say not to call me for useless things?"Xiao Fan, a bit flustered, replied, "No, Brother. This time it's important. Master said it was about the Seven Branches Martial Contest. If you don't come, he said he'll break your legs."Grey smirked. "To do that, Master would have to catch me first." He made a show of stretching lazily.But he paused, considering the significance of the Seven Branches Martial Contest. "Fine, since it's about the contest, I'll come. Let's see what Master wants this time." Grey jumped and landed beside Xiao Fan, and they walked together."So, why the hurry? You look like someone's about to take away your favorite pet." Grey asked"Master's orders," Xiao Fan said, trying to keep a straight face. "And you know how he gets when he's impatient?"After some time, they reached the Main Hall, where they found Linger playing with Da Hang, the large yellow dog who was 100 years old, and Xiao Hui, the mischievous monkey pet of Xiao Fan. The scene was surprisingly domestic."Brother Fan, you've arrived!" Linger greeted with a radiant smile, her affection for Xiao Fan evident as they began to show it openly in front of Grey.Grey's expression darkened as he observed the loving scene. "Great, just what I needed. A live demonstration of your affection. You two dare to flaunt your romance right in front of me, who's been single for two lifetimes? How wonderful." He cursed inwardly.Linger and Xiao Fan's smiles faltered slightly as they noticed Grey's increasingly ominous expression. Xiao Hui, sensing the change in mood, chattered nervously and clung tighter to Xiao Fan. Da Hang, the old dog, simply sighed as if resigned to the inevitable drama.Grey's smile turned sinister as he approached. "You know, it's not easy to watch two lovers' affection when you're a single man. I've seen enough romantic scenes to last me an eternity. Do you two mind?"Linger and Xiao Fan exchanged a quick, nervous glance. "We... we didn't mean to—" Xiao Fan started, but his words were cut off by Grey's eerie chuckle.Suddenly, Grey's expression changed to a mix of feigned sorrow and exaggerated drama. "Oh, woe is me! The agony of being single while you two indulge in your cutesy romance. Why must you torture me so?"Linger and Xiao Fan slowly edged away, their movements cautious as they tried to avoid provoking Grey further. Linger's cheeks were flushed with embarrassment, and she shot a worried glance at Xiao Fan.Noticing the escalating situation, Xiao Fan decided it was best to make a swift exit. He grabbed Linger's hand, and together, they began to back away, inching away from Grey's increasingly intimidating presence."Uh, we should probably get going," Xiao Fan suggested nervously, his tone betraying his eagerness to escape the situation.Linger nodded vigorously, her eyes darting between Grey and the path leading out. "Yes, let's... let's give Brother Grey some space."Without waiting for a response, they quickened their pace, practically running away from Grey. Xiao Hui, sensing the commotion, chattered in confusion but quickly scampered after them, leaving Da Hang to lazily watch the retreating figures.Grey, watching their hasty retreat, let out a hearty laugh. "Run along, you two. No need to rush; I'll catch up eventually."He shook his head with a bemused smile and turned towards the Main Hall, feeling a sense of amusement at how easily he had unsettled the cute little lovebirds.Grey strolled into the Main Hall with a deliberately measured pace, making sure to project an air of casual nonchalance. As he approached, he saw his Master, Tian Bu Yi, and Madam Mu, who were seated in the center, flanked by two unfamiliar guests dressed in elegant light green robes—the Dragon Head Peak's signature attire.The robes were stylish and looked far more sophisticated compared to the plain uniforms of Bamboo Peak, causing a pang of envy to stir in Grey.He took a moment to appreciate the newcomers' robes, which seemed to shimmer with an almost magical allure. He imagined himself in one of those robes and gave an exaggerated sigh. "Those look amazing," he muttered under his breath, already plotting how he might casually 'borrow' one in the future. When he finally approached, he cupped his hands in a deep, respectful bow. "Disciple Grey meets Master and Madam."