On the other hand, Elder sat there with a bright smile and listen to reports about Mei Ling. ''So, she went with group and right by the first try, they got three dozen rabbits with silver fur and purple paws? That child has quite a skill. Just like I expected from my goddaughter.''
One of the disciples almost fainted when he heard his words. ''We thought you are joking about that, Elder. She is really tour godchild?''
He humphed. ''Of course, she is. But don't make to much fuss about it. It seems she has no intention of sticking by my side and probably is trying to raise her power by herself. We can just protect her and that family from the sides. If anyone tries to harm them just block them indirectly. If they overdo it, let me know. I will handle them.''
Disciples looked at each other with cold sweat. This old man is actually quite playful and likes to play pranks on people he dislikes. But he hats when someone is touching his stuff. In this case his goddaughter. Who is that crazy to harm her? Wait, no one even knows that she is his goddaughter.
If someone is so stupid to rub his hair wrong way... who knows what disaster would come out.
''Elder, what you think if you just take her in the sect as a disciple? She needs training anyway.'' To protect her would be easiest if she is nearby. Where they can see her movements.
He shook his head stubbornly. ''She likes that family and it seems she is happy there. Find out the background story and let me know. I fear that she is feeling overprotective towards them. And find when the next tracking tournament will be? I think she could go there and gather some experience points. No, I spoke wrong. She can maybe even win it. Maybe I could even place a bet on her?''
Thinking about all those stones he could gather he rubbed his hands and smiled brightly.
His disciples knew him already. This old man was not only mischievous, but he is also moneygrubber whenever he had a chance. He just loves stones...
When they came home they started preparing the food. The kids were given vegetables to wash and clean while Mei Ling and Nalan Ko started cutting and preparing everything. Actually, most of the work the two of them did it as they just kept the children busy.
But after while the kids gave up and just sat still there and watched the two of them preparing and cooking food. The amount of food they made was so huge that they used all the fireplaces at the same time.
Nalan Ko was actually surprised by Mei Lin's skills but after she explained her background with a whisper she understood and just hugged her for a moment. ''Let's speak tomorrow. We can take a walk by the sea and talk about everything.''
Mei Ling just nodded as her throat was almost in a choke as she suppressed her tears. Luckily she cut something like onions so actually, everyone had tears in their eyes.
''Sister, why are you crying?''As he could see the strangeness of the situation but was pocked by his mother.
''And why are you crying. Look all those tears running down. Are you girl?'' Nalan Ko loved teasing her son the most. Girls had thicker skin so she couldn't do anything to them as they just shrugged it off but he would get angry and shy in no time.
''Mother. That vegetable is making me cry every time you cut it.'' He sniffled as he rubbed his eyes with his sleeve.
Mei Ling chuckled. ''So you think sister can't cry if she is bigger. This vegetable is making me cry as well. Look how much of it I cut!'' She pointed at a huge bowl filled with that vegetable. Na'an gave up suspecting anything as he felt that her reasons must be really that way. That is really a big bowl...
Soon a loud knock could be heard fro outside. There are no bells. Huge knocks like Earth's old century doors with a metal circle that hits another metal. It rings through the whole house. Luckily it seems when you don't want anyone to disturb you, you just take it off.
Na'an and girls rushed to the door with Nalan Ko while Mei Ling chooses to stay inside and continue stirring meals. Soon she could hear loud talks and many voices coming closer.
On the door of the kitchen, she suddenly saw Noak's huge frame and laughed. ''Uncle Noak, come in. We are almost done with food. Will it be enough for everyone?''
He was literally baffled by the amount of food the two women prepared. The smell wafting from plates almost made him drool. ''I have eaten many things in my life, but this smells... Did just two of you made all these meals?''
She nodded while plating the last meal. ''Uncle Noak, can you help me out take the plates if it is not too much to ask?''
Of course, he rushed over and picked up two large plates and carefully walked towards the main area where the huge table was filled with at least twenty people. They didn't bring children as they feard that it would be too much for the two women but after seen one after another huge plate coming out with amazing foods, the talks got silent and then stopped. They looked at three people rushing in and out and bringing more and more plates filled with food.
From time to time in silence, it could be heard someone swallowing saliva and when Nalan Ko brought out the last plate was on the table, she called for food. ''Please try my food and tell me how you like it?''
At first, everyone tried to be calm and collected and not try to rush, but as time passed suddenly food fight started. No, the food was not swung at each other, it was swallowed as if someone was running after them to take it away.
Nalan Ko had filled the plates for her children and herself so the small family ate calmly while others looked like group of starved wolves. If someone saw this situation, they would think they are about to eat their plates as well...