Chapter 112: A Negotiation Between Mother and Daughter

Seeing how Tang Wei spoke gently and kindly to Yaya, thinking that her mood seemed to have improved considerably, Zixuan, who had been like a silent statue until now, finally timidly interjected, "Weiwei, how about changing the punishment? Putting Yaya in confinement seems a bit too harsh."

Grateful that someone was finally on her side, Yaya glanced at him appreciatively.

Tang Wei shot him a sidelong glance before pulling Yaya into her arms, speaking softly and tenderly. "My little girl, all your life, you've done things based solely on your own desires. At home, no matter how much trouble you caused, I never truly punished you because I always knew, though you were mischievous, your heart was kind. Your actions were never out of malice, just for fun. So I often turned a blind eye, sometimes simply pretending I didn’t see. But now, things are different. You’re growing up and will soon face the outside world, which isn’t like home. Even small matters can be calculated against you or used by others."

She sighed before continuing, "I’m not really trying to confine you. It’s just that your age now is perfect for cultivation. I want you to stay home peacefully and train for a year. Later, you’ll be like your sister Niuniu and the others, balancing cultivation with school and learning about the ways of the world. In the cultivation realm, strength commands respect. Since you were born into this world, you must face these realities. You can’t expect to have a whole entourage guarding your back everywhere you go forever."

Hearing Tang Wei’s intentions, Zixuan also supported the plan. "Yaya, if your mother thinks this is best, then I support it too. After all, your life ahead is yours to walk, and while you’re with us, we must give you the best education—teaching you to understand people and the world. You won’t always be this small, nor will there always be people to tolerate you unconditionally. You must learn to grow up so that when you finally fly free, no one can easily clip your wings."

With Tang Wei’s firm stance and Zixuan’s encouragement, Yaya lowered her head silently, pouting but obediently standing there. Whether she was pondering their words or simply ignoring them as empty talk, she chose silence to resist what she deemed an unjust punishment.

Tang Wei then proposed, "How about this? I know you love to roam outside. I promise that once your cultivation reaches where your father and I are now, we’ll grant you freedom. You can go wherever you want and play however you like. Think it over carefully! With our help and your talent, you won’t need twenty years to reach our level. But is exchanging twenty years of effort for a lifetime of freedom worth it?"

Tang Wei’s approach was truly ingenious—treating Yaya like an adult, discussing terms, and offering a clear path. Twenty years was more than enough to raise a young girl properly. This method was the simplest and most effective way to gain her compliance and was certainly feasible. Twenty years of discipline in exchange for a lifetime of liberty, free from constant supervision—truly a win-win. Given Yaya’s intelligence, she should decide quickly.

Tang Wei wasn’t in a hurry for an answer. She stood and said, "Little Yaya, take the night to think it over. This concerns the next twenty years of your life. You must decide carefully. Answer me early tomorrow morning. And make it soon—I’ll be going to the back mountain tomorrow to refine some pills for the Xuanyuan family. The earlier you decide, the sooner I can make arrangements." She then shot Zixuan a meaningful glance, signaling him to follow—time to settle accounts.

Zixuan, seeing that look, knew trouble awaited him. Sigh—how difficult life was, caught between these two women. Other men struggled between mother and wife, but he had no mother around; instead, he was powerless against his five- or six-year-old daughter. Being a man was truly exhausting.

Obediently trailing behind Tang Wei, they entered his small courtyard. As soon as the door closed, Tang Wei locked it securely. Without Mother Tang around, Zixuan first endured a thorough meridian and acupuncture massage, followed by a special bone and muscle loosening treatment. Near the end, he even witnessed a demonstration of the Nine Yin White Bone Claw and the Dragon-Subduing Ten Palms. Not exactly a five-star treatment, but far better than anyone else’s! Others would envy such care. Finally, after signing a long list of one-sided agreements, he managed to pacify the tigress.

Outside, loud thuds could be heard for over ten minutes. Then Tang Wei opened the door, clapped her hands, and hummed happily as she returned to her own yard.

As for Zixuan’s condition, you’d have to ask him directly, but at that moment, the party in question was hiding under the covers, face covered, muttering curses about a certain tigress. For some reason, he couldn’t shout aloud and could only move his lips silently.

Zixuan! Oh, Zixuan! How can you be so timid? How long will it take you to deal with Tang Wei?

The next morning, Tang Wei opened the door to find Yaya waiting outside. The little girl must have been thinking all night, judging by the dark circles under her eyes—she hadn’t slept much. For someone who loved to sleep in, to be up so early waiting at the door meant she was eager.

Sure enough, upon seeing Tang Wei, Yaya quickly responded, "Mom, I’ve decided. I’m willing to accept the punishment!"

"Are you really sure?" Tang Wei asked. When Yaya nodded firmly, Tang Wei took her hand and led her inside. Sitting down, she pulled Yaya onto her lap and produced two spatial rings. "Here are two spatial rings, one for you and one for your brother. I’ve prepared three cultivation methods inside for you to choose from. There are also some training tools and useful items. Today, you’ll go back with your uncle. He’ll watch over you while you start training. If things go smoothly here, your father and I will come back soon."

"Okay, Mom," Yaya replied obediently, a rare moment of compliance. It seemed yesterday’s talk wasn’t without effect.

Taking Yaya’s hand, Tang Wei whispered, "It might hurt a little. You have to endure it for a moment. Let me help you attune the ring." She pricked Yaya’s finger, letting a drop of blood fall onto the ring’s surface. The blood quickly dissolved inside. Because Yaya often stayed within the spatial realm, her body was filled with ample spiritual energy, and her awareness was far beyond ordinary people’s. Naturally, she sensed the ring’s contents quickly.

After attuning the ring to Yaya, Tang Wei still wasn’t fully at ease. She held Yaya’s hand again and cautioned, "Don’t let anyone see the cultivation methods inside. Although I only copied the first three sections, they’re a huge temptation in today’s Chinese cultivation world. Those three sections alone are enough to train you to the Golden Core stage. The old timers are desperate for methods and materials—if they knew a little girl carried such treasures, they’d be after you in no time. I also prepared many practical weapons and armor inside. You can wear what you like but don’t give them away. Better to have them at hand just in case."

"Mom, can I give one to Zhang San?" Yaya asked, clearly fond of her companion and wanting to share the benefits.

Tang Wei smiled, teasing, "Little Yaya, why are you so kind to Zhang San? Have you ever been this nice to your mother?"

Originally a joke, Yaya answered seriously, "Mom, you’re my mom. But Zhang San was the first outsider to treat me kindly without knowing me. Even when I hit him hard, he was angry but didn’t take it out on me. So I want to be nicer to him."

"If our Yaya values every little kindness as much as tenfold, I support that! Don’t worry, I’ll prepare something good for Zhang San too. He’ll be our Yaya’s loyal servant in the future. Of course, I’ll take care of him. You just relax," Tang Wei said, gently pinching Yaya’s nose.

"Mom! You only know how to tease me!" Yaya protested, turning away with a pout.

Tang Wei beamed, soothing her, "Alright, I won’t tease my treasure anymore. Go get ready. Your uncle will come to pick you up soon."

"Mom, you had this all planned, didn’t you? How did you know I’d obey and come back with you?" Yaya grumbled.

Tang Wei laughed lightly, "Where else would you go but home?" She playfully tapped Yaya’s pouty lips.

"Then why did you make me think about it all night yesterday?" Yaya felt her pride was wounded and demanded justice.

Seeing her beloved daughter getting upset, Tang Wei quickly explained, "I just thought anyone smart would know what to choose. Our Yaya is so clever, of course she’d pick this! And since I’m in a hurry today, I had to arrange things for my treasure in advance."

Comforted by this, Yaya felt better but still found it hard to save face. She jumped down from Tang Wei’s lap. "I’m going to my room to pack."

Tang Wei saw her reluctance and smiled. "Take Zhang San with you to find your father. Have him help Zhang San choose a better cultivation method."

"Oh!" Yaya’s anger vanished, replaced by a bright smile as she twirled and ran off.

(Here ends the chapter—your support is my greatest motivation.)