Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation

April 5th, Tomb-Sweeping Day.

Clear skies.

Xue Yuantong unusually didn't sleep in and got up early.

By the river dam, at sunrise, the vegetation shone brightly.

Compared to the urban area, there was no dust stirred by the roads around the bungalow, nor any exhaust from cars, and the air was exceptionally fresh.

Unbeknownst to Xue Yuantong, Jiang Ning had used various means to drive away the local small polluting factories, preserving the nearby natural environment.

Xue Yuantong opened the door, stepped out in her slippers and stretched out her arms, relaxing her body.

She went to the washbasin, filled a cup with clear water, and brushed her teeth with loud gargles.

After brushing, she washed her little face with warm water, then took out a green jade bottle.

This was a bottle Jiang Ning had given her, claiming it contained skincare products.

Xue Yuantong didn't know that this was a "Unstained Frost" made by Jiang Ning using Spiritual Lotus seeds and over ten other spiritual objects.

If used consistently by ordinary people, it could preserve one's youthful appearance, similar to the effect of a "Youthful Appearance Pill."

She unscrewed the cap and poured out some milky white, thick, creamy liquid.

Xue Yuantong had never seen such a thing before. Jiang Ning had told her that after washing her face each day, applying a little to her skin would nourish it, making her complexion even fairer and smoother.

Although Xue Yuantong's complexion was already incredibly fair, she obediently followed Jiang Ning's instructions. She didn't care about the beauty effects; she just found that after applying it, her skin felt particularly comfortable.

Moreover, anything Jiang Ning said, she would bravely try.

It wasn't just about applying the liquid from the bottle; even if it was to consume, she was willing to give it a try.

After all, most of the time, Jiang Ning wouldn't deceive her.

And with her intelligence, she was confident that none of Jiang Ning's schemes could ever fool her.

Having washed her face, Xue Yuantong first draped the towel over the rack, then hung it on the clothesline.

Next, she dashed into the bedroom, and soon, a bundle of soft bedding emerged from the doorway.

She had specifically asked Jiang Ning last night if today would be sunny, perfect for airing out the bedding.

And to bring the hot, freshly sunned bedding back onto the bed at noon, to sprawl on top and bask in the warmth, was absolutely the most comfortable thing.

After finishing these tasks, Xue Yuantong finally stepped out the front door.

She didn't plan to eat breakfast this morning because Jiang Ning had said last night that he would cook something delicious for lunch, something even tastier than lamb. Xue Yuantong was very much looking forward to it and had cleared her stomach to prepare for the midday feast.

Xue Yuantong faced the field, her view broadened. The weather was really nice.

It was already springtime, soon to be summer, to eat watermelon right at her doorstep was a lovely thought.

Xue Yuantong went next door and knocked on Jiang Ning's door.

No response.

So she pushed it forward, and the door opened.

She hurried down to Jiang Ning's bedroom and looked down imperiously at him sleeping in bed.

'He's still sleeping? Doesn't he realize how important today is?'

She and Jiang Ning had a plan for a morning picnic by the river dam, including bringing Chuchu along.

But now it was 7:30 a.m., and Jiang Ning hadn't gotten up yet.

"Jiang Ning, you're really disappointing me," Xue Yuantong lamented.

Jiang Ning was lying in bed with his eyes closed, ignoring her.

He had gone to Hu Qi Mountain the night before to concoct a batch of elixir pills for cultivation and also discussed with Shao Shuangshuang the future development plans of Changqing Liquid Company.

When he returned, he continued Refining God until three in the morning. Then, his chemistry teacher messaged him to vent about issues among colleagues at school and share thoughts about the future in regards to marriage and life.

Teacher Guo Ran had taken good care of him in the past, and listening and helping out was the least he could do as a student.

They chatted until 5:30 in the morning, then Geng Lu contacted him, saying she had planned a surprise for him that morning.

Geng Lu had sent a full-body photo of herself, revealing more than what she wore at school, fully showing off her figure, and asked if he thought she looked good.

Jiang Ning wasn't the type to drag on without replying to messages; thus, he chatted with Geng Lu for a while, unaware she would call and talk for an hour, and he'd only hung up the phone not long ago.

Jiang Ning wasn't tired; with his physical and mental stamina, even if it were several times over, he wouldn't feel exhausted. It was just that, compared to the noise, he preferred quietness.

"Jiang Ning, are you still going to the picnic or not?" Xue Yuantong questioned him.

Jiang Ning responded to her half-heartedly.

Xue Yuantong wasn't a fool; she could tell Jiang Ning was just being nonchalant.

She felt deeply hurt, as just the night before, he had talked about going to the market together to buy groceries, and now come morning, he had changed his tune.

Could it be that Jiang Ning's promises couldn't last through the night?

How melancholic.

She'd get the groceries herself!

Still, Xue Yuantong wasn't a hasty person. She snatched a blanket from Jiang Ning's bed and leaped onto the sofa.

The warm sunlight streamed into the room, making it cozy and bright.

Xue Yuantong curled up on the sofa, her little face turned towards the bed, staring fiercely at Jiang Ning.

She wanted to show Jiang Ning just how ferocious her gaze could be!

This was the glance that could silence children with fear!

She could still remember when she was six, in her village, a feral cat used to pick fights with everyone. Confronted by that cat one day, Xue Yuantong with the same fierce look she wore now, managed to scare the cat into a sorry retreat.

This was the deterrent power of Xue Yuantong.

However, as her face almost cramped from scowling, Jiang Ning continued to sleep with eyes closed.

Damn it!

In frustration, Xue Yuantong picked up her phone. Jiang Ning was breaking his word, constantly brushing her off.

This picnic, well, maybe it wasn't meant to be!

With her back to Jiang Ning, she secretly messaged Chuchu:

"Chuchu, Jiang Ning is still sleeping in. He clearly promised yesterday to accompany me to buy groceries."

"He deceived me. What should I do if I feel so heartbroken?"

"So upset."

Meanwhile, back in the urban area.