Chapter 17: A Day of Surprises

The cool morning breeze greeted them as they walked from the training hall, the warmth of the sun just beginning to fill the day. Tang Ning walked between Gu Yan and Old Master Gu, her energy still high despite the intense training session.

As they neared the living quarters, Old Master Gu glanced down at Tang Ning. "How is your training coming along? Master Hefnir seems pleased."

Tang Ning beamed, her chest swelling with pride. "It's going really well, Grandpa. I'm finally learning how to defend and attack. It's difficult, but exciting!"

Old Master Gu nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Always remember, the true strength of a warrior lies not just in their skill but in their control. You've laid a strong foundation; the rest will come in time."

As they entered the house and made their way into the dining room, the smell of warm buns, porridge, and tea filled the air, making Tang Ning's stomach rumble in anticipation. She sat down at the long table, casting a curious glance at the empty chairs.

"Where is everyone?" Tang Ning asked, looking from Gu Yan to Old Master Gu. "Aunt Lin? Uncle Gu? And my aunts?"

Old Master Gu chuckled softly as he poured himself some tea. "They'll join us soon. Your aunt Lin is probably giving some last-minute instructions in the kitchen, and your uncle is always running late. As for the girls, who knows what they're up to this early."

Gu Yan leaned back in his chair, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Probably still fussing over their hair and dresses. You know how tthey are, always trying to outdo each other."

Tang Ning laughed, picturing the six Gu sisters, or rather her aunts, are always bickering and teasing each other in their lively way. Despite their constant squabbles, Tang Ning had grown quite close to them. They treated her like a little sister, always giving advice on everything from martial arts to fashion—whether she asked for it or not.

As the three of them began their meal, the familiar sounds of conversation echoed faintly from other parts of the house. The quiet moments over breakfast were among Tang Ning's favorite times. In the two years she had lived with the Gu family, she had come to think of them as her own.

After finishing her breakfast, Tang Ning stood up, feeling the need to freshen up after the morning's intense training. "I'm going to take a quick bath," she said, excusing herself politely. "I'll be back soon."

Old Master Gu waved her off. "Go ahead child. You've earned it after all that hard work."

Tang Ning hurried up the stairs, eager to wash off the sweat and grime from her training session. The cool water felt refreshing against her skin, and as she bathed, her thoughts wandered back to the martial arts lessons. She was growing stronger each day, and that progress filled her with a sense of accomplishment.

After her bath, Tang Ning felt lighter and rejuvenated. She slipped into a fresh set of clothes and descended the stairs, her steps quick and light. But as she reached the bottom, something felt… different.

The air was thick with an unusual kind of excitement, a buzz of energy she hadn't noticed before. As she rounded the corner, a soft, harmonious sound filled the air.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…"

Tang Ning stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in shock. Standing in the center of the room was the entire Gu family—Old Master Gu, Gu Yan, Aunt Lin, Uncle Gu, and her six aunts—each one smiling brightly and singing with joy.

"Today is my birthday?" Tang Ning thought, her heart feeling with warmth as the realization hit her. She had been so focused on training that she had completely forgotten.

Her eyes locked onto Old Master Gu, who stood at the front of the group, his arms open wide and a warm smile on his face.

"Grandpa!" Tang Ning cried, her voice full of joy as she sprinted toward him.

Old Master Gu bent down just as Tang Ning leapt into his arms, lifting her effortlessly as she hugged him tightly.

"You didn't think we would forget, did you?" he asked with a chuckle, his voice full of warmth.

Tang Ning shook her head, her eyes shining with tears of happiness. "I didn't even remember!"

The room filled with laughter as Aunt Lin approached, holding a beautiful, simple cake adorned with delicate flowers. The Gu sisters clapped and cheered, their excitement filling the space with warmth.

Gu Yan stepped forward, watching the scene unfold with a soft smile. He reached out and ruffled Tang Ning's hair, this time more gently than usual. "You're growing up so fast! Tang Ning you're five years old already."

Tang Ning beamed at him, her heart overflowing with love for the family that had taken her in and cared for her like their own.

As the cake was placed on the table and everyone gathered around, one of the Gu sisters, Gu man, grinned and nudged Tang Ning playfully. "I bet you've been so busy training you didn't even realize it was your birthday, huh?"

Tang Ning laughed, shaking her head. "I really didn't! I was so focused on my lessons."

Another sister, Gu yin, chimed in. "That's our little warrior. Always thinking about martial arts." She winked. "But we'll make sure you don't forget the important stuff—like cake!"

Tang Ning giggled, feeling the lightness of the moment. She glanced around at all six sisters, each one teasing her in their own way, but always with affection.

"Well, don't worry," Gu ning added, her voice full of mischief. "We've got a whole day of surprises planned for you, and it's not just training. You'll have to keep up with us today!"