Homecoming

Ling Feng tugged at him, Shi Xiaotian immediately realized what was happening. He smiled awkwardly and put everything in his Storage Bag.

"Arrogant!" Yue Qianchou snorted, then looked at the group for a moment before pondering, "I have some things for you to do. Ling Feng, the three of you will stay here for now. After you've made some progress in your cultivation, the three of you will travel separately throughout the Huaxia Empire, cultivating as you go. Firstly, to broaden your horizons, and secondly, to gather some disciples with Spirit Root. Don't worry about what I'm doing; just bring here anyone who is unaffiliated with any sect, regardless of age. The more the better, I have a use for them. Remember, try to keep a low profile and don't let other sects find out. By the way, if you don't have any worldly currency, you can ask Xiao Tian for some. I'm sure this large General's Mansion won't be short of money for the three of you. That's what I need you three to do. Don't slack off."

Shi Xiaotian's face twitched unnaturally. Ling Feng and the other two exchanged glances. They had been traveling and cultivating at the same time, and yet they had such a good thing happened. But judging from Yue Qianchou's expression, it seemed that this matter was very important. They immediately clasped their fists and said, "Boss, we understand."

Yue Qianchou nodded, took out four small silver balls, and handed them to the Human Path, "These are hollow inside. I put something inside. If you encounter danger outside and cannot save yourself, you can inject your Divine Sense to check. Someone will come to save you. Remember to keep them safe."

Something that can save lives is truly a valuable item, and the four of them carefully put it away as instructed. Shi Xiaotian looked at Ling Feng and the other two; it seemed they all had tasks assigned to them, but he was the only one left without anything to do, which was quite discouraging. He couldn't help but ask, "Boss, what should I do?"

"You?" Yue Qianchou glanced at him and said coldly, "Go do what you're supposed to do, do your old job."

Shi Xiaotian was taken aback and asked, "Boss, what old profession do I have?"

"Yes, of course you do!" Yue Qianchou patted his shoulder and said, "Your affairs are very important. As the third young master of the General's Mansion, you should make more connections with the powerful and influential people in the capital. Don't miss out on any of the eating, drinking, and entertainment."

Ling Feng and the other two gently turned their heads to the side. Shi Xiaotian's face darkened, and he said stiffly, "Boss, is this really such an important matter?"

"Yes, it's very important." Yue Qianchou stared at him intently, his expression serious. "I want you to thoroughly investigate the situation of all officials of the fifth rank and above in the Huaxia Empire and their families, and then record it for me." As he spoke, he handed him several jade tablets.

"Ah!" Shi Xiaotian took the jade tablet and stood there dumbfounded. A thought flashed through his mind: Did the boss want to rebel? Otherwise, why would a cultivator need this thing?

Seeing his expression, Yue Qianchou knew what he was thinking and said with a smile, "Don't overthink it. It's not what you think. You'll find out when the time comes. Alright, I have some things to take care of. Just do as I say."

Hearing this, Shi Xiaotian felt relieved and clasped his hands in greeting to Ling Feng and the other two, saying, "Yes."

Another night passed, and dawn broke outside. Yue Qianchou strode into the courtyard, his long sword flashing as it was drawn from its sheath. With his hands behind his back, he transformed into a streak of light and vanished. The four who came to see him off watched with longing, and Shi Xiaotian exclaimed, "Boss is so awesome! I have to learn that as soon as possible!"

On a mountaintop outside the capital, Yue Qianchou stood silently for a long time, his clothes even damp with dew. The dazzling light of the rising sun made him slightly close his eyes; he stood there, awaiting the sunrise. Everything was bathed in a golden glow. Turning to look at the densely populated capital of China, he murmured, "This land is so beautiful, attracting countless heroes to bow down. Since Heaven has brought me here, it would be a disservice to myself not to do something. Little Heaven, if you were to sit on that throne one day, I wonder what you would think?"

Stretching in the early morning sun, he felt a surge of excitement as he thought about his upcoming destination. Time flies! Almost ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. He wondered how his father, who had cleaned up the murder scene for him back then, was doing. And what about his crybaby mother? Yue Qianchou smiled wryly, a hint of anticipation on his face. He drew his longsword and rode away.

In a small grove Swallow City, Yue Qianchou surveyed his surroundings. It seemed to be the very place where he had first opened his eyes years ago. He slowly walked out, heading towards the ancient city gate bustling with people and vehicles. It was familiar; little had changed. It was still the same as before. It was a rare opportunity to go out, and now that he could Sword Flight, transportation was much more convenient. This time, he simply wanted to go home and visit.

Walking through the streets of Swallow City, lined with various shops, a bustling scene unfolded. Yue Qianchou, filled with emotion, revisited this familiar streetscape. Suddenly, he noticed many people staring at him with strange looks. He thought to himself, "They can't possibly recognize me. I left home at sixteen, and nearly ten years have passed. My appearance has changed drastically." Then, he felt relieved. Perhaps it was just that his attire—carrying a sword and carrying a bag—looked odd. He should have put those things away earlier.

He stopped in front of a grand mansion. The plaque above the gate bore the two gilded characters "Yue Mansion"—finally, he had arrived home. Judging from the mansion's splendid appearance, it was clear that the family hadn't fallen into decline; one could imagine that the head of the household had managed the household well. He climbed the steps, about to enter, when a servant guarding the gate emerged, blocking his way with hostility, and shouted, "Where did you come from, you villain?"

Yue Qianchou was stunned. He was blocked from entering his own house by a servant. His gaze followed the servant's eyes to the hilt of the sword on his back. Damn it! Just because someone carries a sword doesn't mean they're a villain. This servant's judgment is terrible! What's wrong with my father? Why did he choose someone like this to guard the gate? Damn it, he even dares to stop the Young Master. I'll fire him later.

Just as he was about to get angry, he remembered that this was not just any place, but his own home, and couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, "I never thought that after being away from home for nearly ten years, I wouldn't even be able to get in the door when I come back. Who are you? I remember that Uncle Fu used to be the gatekeeper."

Hearing him say this, the servant was stunned. He looked him up and down and then noticed that his features resembled those of the master. He asked in surprise and doubt, "You... you are the Young Master?"

"Absolutely genuine." Yue Qianchou nodded and smiled, then asked in return, "Who are you? I've never seen you before."

"I... I..." The servant only then realized that he had offended the Young Master. He stammered for a while before bowing and saying, "Uncle Fu is my father. I am Fu Qing." He then quickly opened the door for him and said, "Young Master, please come in."

As soon as he finished speaking, Fu Qing dashed into the mansion, shouting as he ran, "Young Master is back! Young Master is back!" Yue Qianchou was stunned. Damn! Why make such a fuss? He then shook his head and smiled bitterly as he went inside.

As a result of Fu Qing's loud shouts, the most luxurious mansion in Swallow City instantly erupted in excitement. Yue Qianchou walked through the porch into the courtyard, where he saw a group of people coming out of the main hall. Some of them were vaguely recognizable, seemingly as relatives of his own. The man and woman standing at the head of the group were none other than his father and mother.

Yue Qianchou was somewhat excited. He strode over, knelt down in front of the two of them, and kowtowed three times, saying, "Your son Yue Qianchou greets Father and Mother!"

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