Did You Get Into Trouble Again

When Grace arrived, her mother Lena was just about to go for a walk in the garden.

The weather hadn't turned cold yet, but there was a bit of a chill in the air.

Still, Lena was bundled up in seven or eight layers, draped in a thick fur cloak, and clutching a hand warmer—she looked so fragile and delicate.

It was clear that once winter arrived, she wouldn’t be able to go outside at all. She’d have to stay in her room, surrounded day and night by a dozen blazing fire stoves.

Seeing Lena like this, Grace felt a sharp pain in her heart.

But she kept a smile on her face, supporting Lena as they walked out toward a sunny spot.

"Grace, your father said you’ve taken a master and have been practicing martial arts these days?" Lena asked.

"Mhm," Grace replied, her expression unchanged.

"So, what has your master taught you? Show me, will you?" Lena smiled.

"Sure! Mom, come sit over here and I’ll show you." Grace helped her to a seat, laid out a thick cushion, and invited her to sit.

Then, she got into position, ready to show Lena the most basic martial arts routine.

But before she started, she felt something heavy in her pocket, so she took out the Antler Serpent and put it on the table next to Lena. "Cutie, stay here for a bit. Don’t be scared, this is my mom."

Evan Xiao turned to look at Lena.

She was completely enveloped in a strong, icy chill.

The cold was so intense... it reminded him of the Winterbane poison he’d seen before.

Winterbane—the most notorious cold poison on the continent.

Anyone with low spiritual cultivation wouldn’t survive Winterbane.

The fact that Grace’s mom was still alive was nothing short of a miracle.

"What is this?" Lena asked curiously, looking at Evan Xiao. "Is it an Antler Serpent?"

"Yep!" Grace said. "It’s my spirit pet. It understands human speech and is super smart."

"Why does it have fuzz on its antlers?" Lena asked, amused. "I’ve never seen an Antler Serpent like this before."

"It’s probably a hybrid mutant Antler Serpent," Grace replied.

"Hmm..." Lena nodded. "It really is beautiful, and so cute."

She smiled and affectionately reached out to touch its antlers.

Evan Xiao’s head moved slightly, but he didn’t dodge.

She was Grace’s mom...

And honestly, Grace’s mom didn’t give him a bad feeling at all...

...

Grace performed a basic martial arts routine for her mom.

To Lena’s surprise, it actually looked pretty legit...

"That was great! You look awesome doing it!" Lena laughed. "And you’ve got real strength, too."

"Hehe, my master says I’m a martial arts prodigy!" Grace boasted. "I pick things up super fast."

"Then keep practicing. Even if you can’t be like a spiritual cultivator, at least you’ll be able to protect yourself around normal people," Lena said.

"Mhm." Grace nodded. "Don’t worry, Mom! I’ve got you and Dad, and my big brother. I’m still the eldest Miss of the Lawrence family—nobody can bully me!"

Lena smiled with relief and waved her over. Grace came closer, and Lena used her fragrant handkerchief to wipe her sweat. The atmosphere between mother and daughter was so warm and sweet.

Just then, Aunt Crystal came to report that Aunt Wan was asking to see them.

Grace frowned and said directly, "Go tell her my mom isn’t feeling well and is sleeping. The doctor said she needs to rest quietly for a few days."

Aunt Crystal nodded and was about to leave.

"Wait!" Lena stopped her, then turned to Grace. "Did you get into trouble again?"

"No way!" Grace said. "I’ve been super well-behaved these past few days!"