Going Home

Going Home . . .

In the wake of discovering Qin Wentian's heroic deeds, old man Mo was burdened with an overwhelming sense of guilt that weighed heavily on his heart. This remorse only deepened when he learned of the Pill Emperor Hall's sinister exploitation of Mo Qingcheng's essence to nurture a lifeless form. Self-reproach surged within him like a tempestuous tide.

Old man Mo had carried the secret of this matter like a heavy stone, never confiding in anyone within the Mo Residence. Uncertainty shrouded him regarding Qingcheng's fate, leaving him in agonizing suspense. However, now, as Qin Wentian brought Mo Qingcheng home, an overwhelming sense of relief washed over him.

"Old man Mo," Qin Wentian began, extending a cup of wine toward the elderly gentleman, "let us raise our glasses together. May the past transgressions be washed away like this wine upon our lips. If I ever showed disrespect in the past, I humbly seek your forgiveness." His words carried a sincerity that brought a smile to old man Mo's face.

"Indeed, with such a gesture, my heart finds solace," old man Mo replied warmly. "In the days to come, Qingcheng shall be wed to you, and I can finally release the burden I've carried for so long. Come, let us toast."

The two men clinked their cups together, downing their wine in a single, resolute gulp. Old man Mo then turned to the members of the Mo Residence and declared, "Henceforth, Qin Wentian is the son-in-law of our Mo Residence."

Mo Qingcheng's enchanting eyes twinkled as she gazed at Qin Wentian, a playful smile dancing on her lips. She even winked at him, just as she used to do when they were younger.

"Are you truly Qin Wentian?" a young man inquired as he approached Qin Wentian, his eyes filled with curiosity.

This youth possessed delicate features and a spark of enthusiasm in his bright eyes, a far cry from the spoiled young masters of prominent families. His gaze held a sense of reverence as he studied Qin Wentian.

"Yes, do you know of me?" Qin Wentian inquired with a smile. This young man, approximately eighteen years old, reminded Qin Wentian of his younger self.

"I do," the youth stammered, his face reddening with nervousness. He continued, "My name is Mo Feng, and I am Qingcheng's cousin from her father's side. When you participated in the Jun Lin Banquet, I was only eight years old."

"Mo Feng," Mo Qingcheng exclaimed in amazement, her beautiful eyes locking onto the handsome youth. That chubby child from the past had transformed into someone entirely different.

"Oh," Qin Wentian nodded at Mo Feng, who appeared flustered.

"Brother-in-law, don't you realize that you're Mo Feng's idol? He's admired you for years," a voice chimed in. It belonged to a slender and graceful figure, bearing a resemblance to Mo Qingcheng, though not quite as stunning. She possessed a youthful vitality and liveliness in her eyes that made her a rare beauty in her own right.

"Isn't this little Mo Yu?" Mo Qingcheng whispered, drawing laughter from those around. "Qingcheng, it truly is Mo Yu. Over the years, she's grown up so much. When you left, she was just a toddler, but now her suitors have flocked to our door so often that it's nearly falling off its hinges."

"Sister Qingcheng!" Mo Yu cheerfully greeted Mo Qingcheng.

"Wentian, it seems we've both aged," Mo Qingcheng mused with a smile. Mo Feng and Mo Yu were the children of her uncle. They had been mere children back then, but now they were on the cusp of adulthood.

"Silly girl, if you're old, what does that make me?" Mo Qingcheng's mother fondly caressed her daughter's hair, evoking silent sighs from those around them. Mo Qingcheng was simply too beautiful, her agelessness beguiling. Her face bore no signs of the passage of time; it remained flawless and perfect.

"Brother-in-law, this is our first meeting. Shouldn't you bring some gifts?" Mo Yu playfully quipped, sweetly smiling at Qin Wentian.

"Mo Yu, your audacity knows no bounds," Mo Feng disdainfully retorted.

"I'm not like you, turning red the moment you meet your brother-in-law, falling in love at first sight, and yet you lack the courage to confess," Mo Yu teased, her words causing Mo Feng to sputter.

Qin Wentian watched this pair of siblings with a heartwarming smile. With a mere thought, a radiant robe woven from gold and jade appeared in his hands.

"Do you like this?" he asked Mo Yu, his eyes fixed on her with a gentle smile.

Amidst the aura of familial reunion and the joyous atmosphere that enveloped the Mo Residence, a sense of warmth and unity radiated from every corner. The once-shrouded secrets and burdens of the past had been laid to rest, and old man Mo's heart had found solace. He couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude towards Qin Wentian, who had not only saved Mo Qingcheng but had also bridged the chasm of misunderstanding and bitterness that had separated their families for years.

As the evening continued to unfold, Qin Wentian was the center of attention, showered with admiration and questions from Mo Qingcheng's relatives. Mo Yu, in particular, was effervescent with enthusiasm, receiving the robe gifted by Qin Wentian as though it were a priceless treasure. With youthful exuberance, she wrapped herself in the garment, the astral energy within it sparkling and protecting her like a guardian angel. Her joyful leaps and bounds filled the room with laughter.

Turning his attention to Mo Feng, Qin Wentian inquired about his weapon proficiency. The young man's response was succinct: "Spear." Without hesitation, Qin Wentian conjured a magnificent silver-white long spear, passing it to Mo Feng with a cautionary note, "Remember, divine weapons are not to be relied upon lightly. Only use this in life-and-death situations."

Mo Feng accepted the spear, his emotions stirred by the gesture. The Mo Residence had more cousins of Mo Qingcheng, but their personalities and ages had kept them from approaching Qin Wentian for gifts. Mo Yu's vivaciousness and Mo Feng's lifelong admiration set them apart.

Old man Mo, sensing the harmonious atmosphere and the newfound camaraderie, couldn't help but chuckle. He turned to Qin Wentian, his eyes twinkling with humor, and said, "Wentian, if you ever find the time, could you offer some guidance to these less accomplished cousins of ours?" He leaned in closer, his voice conspiratorial, "I assume your cultivation has already soared to the Heavenly Dipper Realm?"

Qin Wentian nodded with a subtle smile, creating a stir among Mo Qingcheng's family members. The revelation of a young Heavenly Dipper Sovereign was met with awe and amazement.

"Qingcheng has not only reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm but has also honed her alchemy skills to a remarkable level. In the outside world, she commands the admiration of countless individuals," Qin Wentian added, not to boast but to underscore Mo Qingcheng's newfound status. He hoped this would encourage her family to tread lightly around sensitive topics from the past.

Upon hearing these words, the expressions of Mo Qingcheng's relatives underwent a transformation. Their realization of Mo Qingcheng's elevated status left them in awe. Their limited experiences in Chu left them ill-equipped to fathom such heights of achievement.

As the banquet continued, in accordance with Qin Wentian's expectations, the atmosphere remained festive, and the specter of past grievances was conspicuously absent. Old man Mo was in high spirits, and his enthusiasm reached a crescendo when he proposed visiting Qin Wentian's home in Sky Harmony City to discuss the grand wedding with Qin Chuan, Qin Wentian's foster father. The proposal caught Qin Wentian off guard, but he couldn't allow others to undertake such a journey on his behalf. Thus, he agreed to make the trip himself.

With Qin Wentian's current strength, the journey from Chu's Royal Capital to Sky Harmony City would be a swift one. His departure was bittersweet as he left Mo Qingcheng behind to be with her parents, knowing how much she cherished her time with them.

As Qin Wentian soared through the sky on his sword, disappearing from their view in the blink of an eye, the residents of the Mo Residence were left awestruck. His speed far exceeded their wildest expectations, leaving them pondering the depths of his cultivation.

Unbeknownst to them, they would soon bear witness to a level of power beyond their wildest imagination at Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng's grand wedding.

Sky Harmony City, though seemingly unchanged, held a rich history within its walls. Emperor Chu had bestowed Sky Harmony City as territory to the Wu King long ago. The Wu King Manor, once the Qin Manor, now wielded undisputed authority over the city.

However, the legacy of Qin Wu, Qin Wentian's grandfather, was tinged with intrigue and treachery. He had once sought royal power, even manipulating his own family members as pawns in his schemes. In the end, Qin Wentian had chosen Chu Wuwei as emperor over his own grandfather, an act of immense sacrifice. Consequently, Qin Wu had distanced himself from Chu and embarked on a lifelong journey, possibly burdened by guilt. He had never returned, and the title of Wu King had been passed to Qin Chuan.

Thus, the ruler of Sky Harmony City was none other than Qin Chuan, a fact well known to all who resided within its boundaries.

Within the serene and dignified Wu King Manor, a timeless battle of wits unfolded as Qin Chuan, the master of the manor, sat across from a white-haired old man. The elderly gentleman's frail physique betrayed the passage of time, and his frequent coughing fits punctuated their chess match. Yet, a perpetual, gentle smile graced his weathered face.

"Father, it's time for you to take your medicine," a graceful lady, standing nearby, offered a cup of medicinal tea to the old man.

Taking a sip of the tea and enduring a few more coughs, the old man shook his head and remarked, "My body can't compare to what it once was, but you, my son, seem to be even healthier and more vibrant." He directed his words at Qin Chuan.

"Your current condition is a result of your own actions. If you hadn't acted the way you did in the past, things might not have come to this. Besides your health, you might have had a brood of grandchildren to dote on," Qin Chuan chided, a hint of reproach in his voice.

"Must you always recount my mistakes when we play chess? Are you intentionally trying to make me feel regretful?" the white-haired old man sighed. Qin Chuan let out a heavy sigh too, opting to change the subject. "Any news about Bai Qing? Have you heard from her?"

The old man's heart ached at the mention of his second daughter. The elder one had strayed due to his actions, while the younger one had been driven away by his anger. Despite his remorse and change of heart, the past couldn't be undone.

This white-haired old man was none other than Bai Qingsong.

"None at all," he responded with a heavy heart. "None at all."

Qin Yao, another beautiful lady with a radiant demeanor, offered a comforting word. "Uncle Bai, don't worry too much. Bai Qing is kind-hearted; she'll find her way."

Although Qin Yao had once harbored deep resentment toward Bai Qingsong, she had since forgiven him. Qin Wentian's forgiveness and Bai Qingsong's genuine change of heart had played a part in her shift of perspective. Bai Qingsong had returned to Sky Harmony City, bowing in apology to Qin Chuan seven times, a gesture that had touched even the master of the manor.

"That's right. Let's hope for the best. Bai Qing and Wentian shared a close bond," Bai Qingsong said with a melancholic shake of his head. "Uncle Bai, don't despair. I believe Bai Qing will return safely," a familiar voice interrupted, sending shivers down the spines of both Bai Qingsong and Qin Chuan.

A figure descended gracefully from the heavens, garbed in pristine white attire. Handsome and regal, he exuded an aura of extraordinary magnificence.

The four individuals below gaped in astonishment, their eyes widening as they stood frozen, watching the approaching young man.

Qin Wentian, with his extraordinary presence and unparalleled elegance, stood on the ground, gazing at his dear family. His heart brimmed with emotion.

His foster father, though bearing the marks of time, exhibited robust vitality. However, Bai Qingsong's frailty tugged at Qin Wentian's heartstrings. The passage of these few years had evidently taken a toll on him, leaving him a shadow of his former self. Qin Yao's timeless beauty was accompanied by a newfound maturity. Tearful eyes met Qin Wentian's, and tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

As for Autumn Snow, her mind was thrown into disarray, her heart fluttering inexplicably upon seeing Qin Wentian again. The youth she remembered from the past had achieved remarkable heights, evolving into a true dragon among men.

"Father," Qin Wentian bowed respectfully.

"Mhm." Qin Chuan nodded, and Qin Yao, Qin Chuan, and Qin Wentian exchanged warm glances, their smiles brimming with affection. Then, Qin Wentian took bold strides forward, enveloping his dear family members in a tight, loving embrace.