Heart Warming

Heart Warming . . .

The warm embrace of family enveloped them as they gathered for a joyous reunion dinner. The table was laden with rich and sumptuous ingredients, even though they weren't exotic delicacies boiled from high-grade medicinal herbs or the flesh of rare demonic beasts. It was a simple meal, but it held a special place in Qin Wentian's heart—it was one of the best he had enjoyed in recent years.

The feeling of being with his family after a decade of wandering the world was an experience he cherished deeply. At home, he could let down his guard and truly relax, something he rarely had the privilege of doing.

Qin Zhang and Qin Zhi were discussing their cultivation and sharing stories of their romantic experiences, their faces lit up with smiles. Qin Wentian joined in, asking questions and engaging in idle chatter, creating a casual and pleasant atmosphere.

The rest of the family listened intently to Qin Wentian's tales of his adventures, their hearts filled with awe. The world beyond their familiar surroundings was vast and mysterious, even Grand Xia was considered remote and insignificant. Of the three empires, Grand Xia was the weakest, an unremarkable existence that hardly attracted anyone's attention.

Grand Zhou and Grand Shang both bowed to the authority of the Royal Sacred Sect, a colossal power in the Royal Sacred Region. In that vast region, numerous mighty sects, powerful clans, and ancient nations held sway, any one of which could effortlessly crush Grand Xia. Even the servants of these ancient countries could wipe the floor with the Greencloud Imperial Empire.

"But doesn't that mean it's incredibly tough to survive in the Royal Sacred Region?" Qin Wentian's foster mother asked with concern, passing him food with her chopsticks. She couldn't help but worry about her son, who had faced countless formidable adversaries while traveling alone for so many years.

"Yes, it's extremely challenging," Qin Wentian affirmed with a nod, his years of hardships etched into his features.

"Wentian, take your time. The world out there is vast, and you must tread your path step by step. Who knows, you might even join a major power in the future and rise to the rank of a marquis or duke in one of those ancient nations," Qin Shang reassured him, causing Qin Wentian to smile and nod. He didn't need to brag about his achievements in front of his family; their support meant the world to him.

"When I grow up, I want to travel the world with Uncle!" Little Qin Xin declared in her childlike voice, eliciting laughter from everyone. Qin Wentian pinched her chubby cheeks, saying, "Alright, when you grow up, you'll become a legendary heroine whose name shakes the world, admired by countless."

"Mhm." Qin Xin nodded enthusiastically, her comical little gestures amusing everyone.

"Wentian, there are only two months left until the end of the year. How about setting the wedding for the first day of the new year?" Qin Chuan proposed, looking at Qin Wentian.

"Father's decision is final," Qin Wentian agreed with a smile.

"Good. In three days, I'll lead a delegation to the Mo Residence to propose the marriage. You don't need to trouble yourself with these matters; just take a well-deserved break," Qin Chuan replied.

"Of course," Qin Wentian readily accepted. After dinner, their family members gradually departed as the night grew late. Before retiring to her chambers, Qin Wentian's foster mother reminded him and Qin Yao, "Both of you should rest early, don't stay up too late."

"Understood, but I'll keep Wentian company a bit longer," Qin Yao mischievously smiled.

"I know how close you two are," Mother Qin chuckled as she left with Qin Chuan.

Qin Wentian and Qin Yao found a cozy spot in the courtyard to sit and chat, bathing in the gentle light of the stars.

"Now, tell me honestly, how much did you hide from our clan members earlier?" Qin Yao inquired, her gaze fixed on Qin Wentian as if conducting an interrogation.

"You can't possibly expect me to recount every single detail of the past ten years, can you?" Qin Wentian sighed, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

"Hmph, you're not getting away that easily," Qin Yao retorted playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Peak of Heavenly Dipper," Qin Wentian replied casually, causing a ripple of surprise to wash over Qin Yao. In the past, reaching the first level of Heavenly Dipper Sovereign was considered legendary in Chu. Now, at just twenty-eight years old, Qin Wentian had already reached the peak of Heavenly Dipper. It was a level of power that Qin Yao found nearly inconceivable.

"What about your sect? Since you met Mo Qingcheng while traveling, you must have joined a powerful sect, right?" Qin Yao inquired, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"I was part of the Battle Sword Sect, one of the nine great sects under the Royal Sacred Sect. However, due to some conflicts with the Royal Sacred Sect, I chose to leave the Battle Sword Sect," Qin Wentian explained honestly.

"The Royal Sacred Sect? Isn't that the dominant force in the Royal Sacred Region?" Qin Yao's eyes widened in astonishment, and Qin Wentian nodded.

"Are you back because you're fleeing from some kind of danger?" Qin Yao asked with concern.

Qin Wentian rolled his eyes. "No, I'm not fleeing. Some elders I know helped me resolve the situation. One of them is Qingcheng's master, who hails from a major power called the Medicine Sovereign Valley. Qingcheng is the personal disciple of the Medicine Sovereign, the sect's holy maiden, and a fifth-ranked alchemist. In the world of alchemy, that's equivalent to a Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant."

Qin Yao blinked repeatedly, her eyes shining brightly in the darkness. She struggled to put her astonishment into words, opening and closing her mouth several times before finally sighing with a hint of sadness on her face.

"What's wrong?" Qin Wentian asked, noticing her demeanor.

Qin Yao shook her head, hugging Qin Wentian's arm and resting her head on his shoulder. She chose not to speak and simply savored the tranquility of the moment.

"Wentian, am I useless?" Qin Yao mumbled, a tinge of melancholy in her voice. While she was genuinely happy for Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng's achievements, the immense gap between them left her with a sense of sadness. They had been separated for a whole decade before Qin Wentian returned—what would the next parting bring?

"How could you say that? My dear sister Qin Yao is beautiful, intelligent, kind-hearted, and has a remarkable ability to understand others. In any lifetime, I'd want you to be my sister," Qin Wentian replied, gazing at the starry sky as he spoke softly.

"Really?" Qin Yao rolled over to look at Qin Wentian.

"Of course," Qin Wentian affirmed. Qin Yao smiled warmly, tightening her grip on his arm.

"Today, let's stay here like this, just as we did when we were children, and count the stars together," Qin Yao suggested.

"Alright, let's count the stars together," Qin Wentian agreed. They both lay down on the grass, gazing up at the countless stars adorning the night sky.

...

Morning broke over Chu, bathing the land in golden light. In the Royal Capital, the Mo Residence remained unusually quiet, but outside, a group of sturdy horses came to a halt. The guards escorting a carriage adorned with draconic symbols were imposing and powerful, causing the Mo Residence's guards to feel a tremor in their hearts.

From the carriage emerged a young man with an air of regal confidence. He exuded no visible aura, yet his presence was commanding. Cultured and refined, he carried himself with a natural dignity that matched his imposing appearance. A crown rested on his head, signaling his royal status.

The guards of the Mo Residence were caught off guard by an unexpected visitor. They knelt on one knee, their hearts pounding with a mixture of respect and anxiety. Why had Emperor Chu Wuwei chosen to grace the Mo Residence with his presence today?

"Rise," Emperor Chu Wuwei warmly commanded. "I've heard that Qin Wentian has returned to Chu. Please convey my message to him. Let him know that I, Chu Wuwei, would like to meet with him."

"Of course, Your Majesty," the guards replied, trembling slightly. Their new young master-in-law seemed to possess an extraordinary level of influence, as evidenced by the fact that the Emperor himself had come to visit. It was clear that in all of Chu, only their young master-in-law enjoyed such special treatment. This realization filled them with pride, and they stood a little taller and straighter.

The Mo Residence quickly came to life as word spread about the Emperor's visit. People emerged from every corner to welcome him, and even the venerable Old Man Mo made a personal appearance. The entire Mo Residence gathered, stunned by the turn of events. Qin Wentian had only returned to Chu yesterday, and already, the Emperor had paid him a personal visit. It was clear how highly Qin Wentian was regarded by Chu Wuwei.

"Your Majesty, Qin Wentian returned to Sky Harmony City yesterday. He should have gone to the Qin Residence," Old Man Mo informed him.

"Unfortunate, but it's no matter. I've also heard that Miss Mo has returned. Would I have the honor of meeting her?" Chu Wuwei inquired with a polite smile.

"Mo Yu, please fetch your elder sister, Qingcheng," Old Man Mo instructed.

"Of course," Mo Yu nodded and entered the house. Old Man Mo engaged in conversation with Chu Wuwei, and after a brief wait, Mo Yu returned with a perplexed expression. She turned to Chu Wuwei and reported, "Sister Qingcheng wishes to rest."

In truth, Mo Qingcheng's response wasn't as dismissive. When Mo Yu conveyed the Emperor's request to her, Mo Qingcheng had simply expressed a lack of interest in meeting with anyone. It wasn't rudeness; it was just her reserved personality. For those with no personal connection to her, even an Emperor couldn't compel her to meet them.

The bodyguards accompanying Chu Wuwei couldn't hide their displeasure, and some even frowned. However, Chu Wuwei calmly responded, "That's perfectly fine. I shall visit another time."

With that, he bid his farewell and departed. Old Man Mo personally escorted them to the gates. On their way back, one of the imperial bodyguards couldn't help but mutter, "Your Majesty, the Mo Residence is rather impolite."

Chu Wuwei's expression turned cold, and he shot a stern glance at the guard. "Mind your words. Remember this: anyone connected to Qin Wentian should be left to their own affairs in Chu, without interference."

The imperial bodyguard shivered and refrained from further comments. Chu Wuwei's composure returned, and he pondered in silence.

Qin Wentian was the top-ranked cultivator of the Immortal Martial Realm, a name that resounded throughout the Royal Sacred Region. In the younger generation of the region, there was likely no one who could rival him.

Mo Qingcheng held the esteemed title of Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley.

This information had been conveyed to Chu Wuwei by Chu Mang. Initially, Chu Mang had wanted to accompany him, but Chu Wuwei had declined. He had come with a specific purpose: to seek Qin Wentian's advice on a matter and nothing more.

Unbeknownst to Chu Wuwei, shortly after his departure, Qin Wentian arrived at the Mo Residence, accompanied by little Qin Xin.

"Brother-in-law, whose child is this? She's so adorable!" Mo Yu exclaimed with youthful enthusiasm, bounding over to Qin Wentian's side.

Qin Wentian grinned as he tousled Mo Yu's hair. "She's my niece. I brought her along to play."

"Brother-in-law, I'm not a little girl anymore," Mo Yu replied with a playful grin.

"It makes no difference to me," Qin Wentian teased, his warm tone resonating with familial affection. He was pleasantly surprised by Mo Yu's quick acceptance of him as her brother-in-law. She was indeed a sensible child.

Just then, Mo Feng approached, greeted Qin Wentian, and revealed his intention to go out.

"Going on a date, are we?" Qin Wentian teased when he noticed Mo Feng's evasive manner.

"Mhm," Mo Feng replied with a knowing look. "I'm going for a stroll. You should spend time with Sister Qingcheng."

Mo Feng swiftly departed, leaving Mo Yu to giggle. She couldn't help but share her little secret. "Brother-in-law, Mo Feng is going on a date. Do you believe it?"

Qin Wentian chuckled. "I do, but who's the lucky girl?"

Mo Yu shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I've seen her before. She's like a princess—quiet, elegant, and even more beautiful than me. Mo Feng seems to have fallen in love with her, but he's too shy to confess. The girl is about to leave soon, so Mo Feng gathered his courage and asked her out today. Maybe he'll confess."

Qin Wentian raised an eyebrow. "You even know the location of their date?"

Mo Yu's eyes sparkled with mischief as she replied, "Of course! Today, the Emperor of Chu personally visited to meet you, Brother-in-law. But that girl's status is no less extraordinary. Her bodyguards are incredibly powerful. Even Father advised Mo Feng to give up. But with a brother-in-law as remarkable as you, I wonder if your presence might give Mo Feng the courage he needs to confess."

"Wait for me, Brother-in-law. I'll fetch Sister Qingcheng so we can take a walk together," Mo Yu said excitedly before dashing off. Qin Wentian chuckled, amused by her enthusiasm and her plan involving him.

But he also felt a fondness for Mo Feng, seeing a reflection of his younger self in the young man. A decade ago, he had silently fallen in love with Mo Qingcheng, and now they were together. It felt like a cycle of life. As he thought of this, a warm smile graced his face, and he gently pinched Qin Xin's cheek.

"Shall we go and see how Elder Brother Mo Feng will court the girl?" he asked her.

Qin Xin's childish voice rang out. She had been incredibly well-behaved throughout their journey, tightly clutching onto Qin Wentian's arm as they soared through the air from Sky Harmony City to the Royal Capital. She didn't throw tantrums or cry out of fear. Instead, she watched the passing scenery with curiosity, demonstrating her trust and affection for her uncle.