Chapter 51: Return to Familiar Ground

The journey back to Stone City was uneventful. After a few hours of steady travel, Lin Ziang and his companions finally arrived at the city's gates.

"Young Master, thank you for taking care of me along the way!" Zheng Lingyin stepped forward and bowed to Lin Ziang, her heart finally at ease now that they had returned to the familiar safety of the city.

"I would like to know your name, Young Master," she continued, "so that my Zheng family may properly repay you with a gift."

Though Zheng Lingyin was genuinely grateful to Lin Ziang, her inquiry was also motivated by a desire to establish a connection with him. A 17-year-old in the Spirit Sea Realm was unheard of in Stone City. If she could somehow bring him closer to the Zheng family, it would be a great benefit.

"No need," Lin Ziang replied, shaking his head. "Now that you're back, we can part ways here."

Without further conversation, Lin Ziang turned and began walking away, with Little White perched on his shoulder. The white fox stuck out its tongue at Zheng Lingyin in a teasing manner.

Hmph! Who needs your gratitude? Little White thought. Master was smart to leave that troublesome woman behind!

Zheng Lingyin watched as Lin Ziang's figure grew smaller in the distance, unsure whether to follow. She decided against it, not wanting to offend him. Seeing the fox's cheeky expression, she muttered under her breath, "Stinky fox!"

Who is this mysterious young man? she wondered. Stone City isn't that big—I should be able to find out more about him with my family's resources!

She felt a sudden realization. I've always kept to myself, only focusing on cultivation. It seems that's not enough anymore. I need to learn more about the world around me. Just look at him—he's only 17 and already in the Spirit Sea Realm! I might never reach that level in my lifetime…

She sighed in frustration. What a stupid brother! Making me lose all confidence!

Her thoughts drifted back to Lin Ziang's cold demeanor, and a small smile played on her lips. It would be nice if I could call him "stinky brother" in person someday…

The Lin Family Residence

Lin Ziang stepped through the gates of the Lin family residence, the guards nodding respectfully as he passed.

"Young Master Ziang, it's been a while since we saw you!" one of them whispered to the other.

"Yeah, and look, there's a white fox on his shoulder now!" the second guard responded, glancing curiously.

"Maybe it's a pet," the first guard speculated.

Lin Ziang smiled faintly, ignoring their chatter, but Little White's ears twitched, hearing every word.

At least they aren't saying anything bad about me, the fox thought, feeling somewhat satisfied.

After a short walk, Lin Ziang finally arrived at his small courtyard.

"Master is back!" Asan, his servant, exclaimed in delight, rushing forward with tears in his eyes. He had missed Lin Ziang terribly during his absence and felt out of favor with his master.

"Uh…" Lin Ziang sighed inwardly, his excitement about returning home dimmed by Asan's tearful welcome. Still stuck in Body Refinement? he thought, feeling a twinge of disappointment. What a shame…

Little White, observing the weak and teary Asan, couldn't help but feel puzzled. Why does the master keep such a feeble servant? the fox wondered. He's even weaker than those guards!

Fortunately, the awkward moment was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Stinky boy, you're finally back!" boomed Lin Ziang's grandfather, Lin Zhen, appearing at the entrance.

"Grandfather!" Lin Ziang greeted, rushing over with a smile. He quickly bypassed Asan and joined Lin Zhen in the courtyard.

They talked for a long time, mostly Lin Ziang recounting his adventures in Stone Mountain while Lin Zhen listened with pride. He was curious to hear all about his grandson's experiences, and his eyes sparkled as Lin Ziang described his battles and discoveries.

My grandson is already in the Spirit Sea Realm! Lin Zhen thought, his chest swelling with pride. Soon he will surpass me!

If only he could announce it to the whole of Stone City, Lin Zhen would. But his grandson had forbidden him from boasting. It was difficult for him to restrain himself, especially when he saw Lin Xiao, the so-called first genius of the Lin family, flaunting his cultivation of the seventh level of Qi Training. Lin Zhen could barely resist the urge to have Lin Ziang put the arrogant youth in his place.

Lin Zhen's gaze fell on the white fox sitting contentedly in Lin Ziang's arms, and he chuckled. "Is this your new monster pet?"

"Yes," Lin Ziang replied, nodding.

"Hello, Grandpa!" Little White greeted Lin Zhen in a small, polite voice.

The fox had remained quiet while the two spoke, not wanting to interrupt and make a bad impression. Now that Lin Zhen had acknowledged it, Little White decided to be as respectful as possible.

"This!" Lin Zhen exclaimed, startled to hear the fox speak. "What level is it?"

"Not much, just Tier 3," Lin Ziang replied with a smile, stroking Little White's head.

Lin Zhen was even more surprised. "And it can already speak?"

"I had another opportunity while in Stone Mountain," Lin Ziang explained, "so I gave Little White a chance to understand human language early."

Lin Ziang chose not to mention the encounter with the Blood Leopard or the Mantra Fruit to avoid worrying his grandfather.

"It's all thanks to the young master!" Little White chimed in.

"Hahaha! Good, good!" Lin Zhen laughed heartily, clearly impressed. He looked at Lin Ziang with a proud smile. "Now, your monster pet is even stronger than that Lin Xiao, the so-called 'first genius' of our Lin family!"

Lin Ziang laughed quietly. His ambitions had long outgrown the confines of Stone City. There was no need to compare himself to Lin Xiao or anyone else here. He was waiting for the right moment to reveal his true strength and move on to a larger, more challenging world.

He could feel that this opportunity was drawing closer.

"By the way," Lin Ziang asked, changing the subject, "how has Lin Fan been doing lately?"

Though he had almost fully capitalized on Lin Fan's fortune, the young protagonist had awakened the King Body, so his cultivation speed shouldn't be underestimated.

Lin Zhen stroked his long beard thoughtfully. "That boy is doing alright, I hear he's already at the third level of Qi Training."

"Also, Lin Cheng has been giving his second son, Lin Fan, a lot of support lately. All sorts of resources, martial skills, and guidance have been poured into him," Lin Zhen added.

"Is Lin Fan accepting his father's help?" Lin Ziang asked, recalling Lin Fan's hostile attitude towards his father.

"What else could he do?" Lin Zhen replied. "Cultivation requires resources and techniques. Without Lin Cheng's support, there's no way that kid would have reached the third level of Qi Training so quickly."

So the cycle continues, Lin Ziang mused. Lin Fan's growth is still heavily tied to Lin Cheng's resources…

He wondered how long it would take before Lin Fan had another clash with his father or with Lin Xiao. Either way, Lin Fan's journey was bound to be fraught with challenges.

But for now, Lin Ziang thought with a satisfied smile, I've got my own plans to focus on