My game even includes ancient times

Unlike the simplicity outside the courtyard, the interior of this small courtyard is very exquisite. In the middle of the courtyard is an irregularly shaped pond, with a small stone arch bridge spanning the pond. Under the bridge, a dozen or so flame-red koi swim in the crystal-clear water.

On one side of the pond is a rustic stone table with a simple yet charming wooden shed on it. In the corner is a swing covered with flowering vines, making it easy to imagine what it would look like when the flowers are in full bloom in spring and summer.

On the other side is a semi-open corridor connecting the house. Above the open wooden sliding door hangs a curtain like mist, which sways gently in the wind, revealing two people sitting on a bamboo mat inside.

The three of them crossed the small bridge and arrived outside the covered walkway.

"Come in and have some tea."

Upon hearing the male voice speak again, Chu He and Bai Yushen took off their boots and stepped onto the bamboo mats laid out in the corridor.

He Shi paused for a moment, then took off his shoes and stepped onto the corridor that was a foot above the ground.

The three of them passed through layers of white mist and entered the room.

He Shi raised his head slightly and immediately saw the middle-aged man sitting at the head of the table.

He looked to be in his thirties or forties, wearing a long black robe with intricate dark patterns that shimmered with light as he moved. Even sitting on a futon, one could tell he was very tall, with a straight back, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist, exuding an aura that surpassed that of anyone standing.

In front of him was a small mahogany table, with a small clay stove in the corner and a pottery pot on top.

Wisps of white steam rose from the spout and dissipated into the air. Beside the clay stove sat an exquisite purple teapot, with five teacups placed beside it.

A woman in her twenties sat on one side of a small mahogany table. She wore a crimson dress and simple pearl hairpins. Her profile was serene and beautiful. She was holding up a ceramic teapot with both hands, preparing to brew tea. Her fingers were long and slender, and the black ceramic teapot made her white fingers stand out against the black teapot.

Are these the master and senior sister that Chuhe mentioned?

He Shi quickly took in the two people's appearance, lowered his eyes, and stood quietly in place.

Without making a sound, Chu Zheng glanced at He Shi, who was standing behind his two apprentices, and said in a deep voice, "Second brother, you must have had a hard time on this trip. Please have a seat."

Bai Yushen looked at the three futons around the table and pulled He Shi to sit on two of them.

Chu He knelt down with a thud and said coldly, "This disciple has failed to complete the task assigned by Master. Please punish me, Master."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xia Yuan, who was pouring tea, turned her head and glanced at him.

Chu Zheng raised his palm towards him and said, "Don't kneel yet, sit down first."

Chu He got up and obediently sat on the last futon. A slender white hand placed a teacup in front of him: "You must be tired from the long journey back. Have some tea."

"Thank you, senior sister."

Chu He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and recounted the events that had occurred along the way, deliberately omitting any mention of the mysterious senior.

The other four listened quietly to his story. Chu Zheng said, "So that's how it is. The Jingmen is becoming more and more absurd. Lou Jinyue has big ambitions. This move may have other ulterior motives. It's good that you're alright."

After speaking, he turned his eyes slightly and his gaze fell on He Shi: "Your name is He Shi?"

He Shi looked up: "Yes."

Chu Zheng nodded slightly and stood up: "Come with me to the back room, I want to check your physique."

He Shi also stood up decisively and followed Chu Zheng into the depths of the house.

Watching the two figures disappear behind the door, Bai Yushen looked at Chu He and whispered, "You said Little Stone is a beggar?"

Chu He nodded: "He is indeed a beggar, I saw it with my own eyes."

Bai Yu clicked his tongue in surprise and said, "Judging from his appearance alone, he really doesn't seem like it."

Chu He glanced at him, thinking to himself that you didn't see how he was at first.

At this moment, Xia Yuan, who had not spoken until now, spoke up: "So, junior brother, you only found half of that thing in the end?"

Chu He nodded, a cold glint in his eyes: "It must be Wei Buyu playing tricks, but unfortunately I couldn't keep her."

Xia Yuan looked thoughtfully at the teacup in her hand.

The table fell silent for a moment.

A moment later, Chu Zheng and He Shi came out one after the other.

The two sat down at the table. Chu Zheng looked at He Shi with complicated eyes, then glanced at Chu He. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Third brother, let He Shi stay at your place for the next few days and make sure he's settled in."

Upon hearing this, Chu He looked up at Chu Zheng with some surprise.

"Alright, all of you go back and pack your things. Second brother and third brother, go to Yuan'er's courtyard in half an hour. I have something to say to you."

"Yes."

The group dispersed, and He Shi followed Bai Yushen to his residence.

The courtyard was not small, but it was bare, covered with neat bluestone slabs, and looked very empty at first glance.

Bai Yushen pushed open the door of a room on the left side of the courtyard. Inside, there were a few simple pieces of furniture, and it looked quite clean at first glance.

He helped He Shi put his luggage on the table and gently patted his shoulder: "This house has been uninhabited for a long time, so it is rather simple. You can make do with it for now. I will have someone bring in some furniture and furnishings tomorrow."

He Shi looked at the spacious and bright room and shook his head: "It's already very good."

Bai Yushen was taken aback at first, then smiled and said, "Remember to change into that hairband. If you're hungry or thirsty, go to the small kitchen over there in the yard to find something to eat. I'm leaving now, I'll come back to find you later, and we'll go have dinner together."

He Shi agreed and watched Bai Yushen leave.

He turned and looked around the room, carefully examining every piece of furniture. Seeing a wooden basin and a cloth on a shelf by the wall, he picked up the basin and went to the kitchen, where he immediately spotted the large water vat standing in the corner.

Perhaps to match Bai Yushen's height, this water vat is much taller than ordinary water vats.

With only half a vat of water left, He Shi tried to scoop some water twice but failed. Just as he was looking around to move a stool to stand on, the water ladle suddenly broke free from his fingers, flew up on its own, and plunged into the vat.

With a splash, a water ladle filled with water floated up and flew above the wooden basin. With a slight tilt, the clear water flowed to the bottom of the basin.

If Bai Yushen were still here, he would surely think he had seen a ghost in broad daylight.

After scooping up three scoops of water, the ladle flew back to where it had been and remained still.

He Shi maintained his grip on the water ladle, a smile slowly spreading across his face. His eyes, which had been quiet since entering the villa, now sparkled, like fireflies gathered in the bushes on a summer night.

He jogged to the basin, squatted down, placed his hands on his knees, and pursed his lips as he looked at the gently rippling water. His calm, empty heart was instantly filled with a sweet and warm feeling he couldn't wait to put his hands into the basin and happily splash some clear, cool water.

On the other side of the mountain villa, under a huge withered tree, the four members of the Chu family sat around a stone table.

After exchanging a glance, Chu He spoke first: "Master, there is something strange I haven't mentioned yet."