The Road Home

The outline of Qingyun City flickered in the morning mist. Ning Xiaochuan stood on a hill, gazing at the city he hadn't seen in a long time. The golden characters "Qingyun Ning Clan" on the city walls still gleamed, but the uniforms of the city guards had changed.

"Nervous?" Su Linger asked softly, her finger brushing against the back of his hand.

Ning Xiaochuan shook his head, then nodded. "A little. When I left last time, I was a good-for-nothing who couldn't awaken his Martial Soul."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon poked its head out from his collar, curiously surveying the distant city. The little creature seemed to sense its master's emotions and nuzzled his cheek affectionately.

"Now you're the Son of Sacred Source who saved the world," Su Linger said with a slight smile. "Patriarch Ning will surely be proud of you."

The three walked along the official road, and the number of pedestrians gradually increased. Many merchants and farmers cast curious glances at the two young people in unusual clothing, especially pointing at the little dragon on Ning Xiaochuan's shoulder.

"Looks like we're too conspicuous," Ning Xiaochuan whispered. "We need to find a way to enter the city discreetly."

Su Linger took out two plain cloth robes from her spatial ring. "Mu Qing prepared these. She said they might be useful."

The two changed their clothes in the roadside woods. Ning Xiaochuan also used his Sacred Source Power to temporarily alter the Sacred Spirit Dragon's appearance, making it look like an ordinary lizard-like pet.

The guards at the city gate were much stricter than he remembered, with everyone entering being searched. When it was their turn, a guard with a brutish face blocked their path.

"Where are you from? What are you doing in the city?" the guard asked gruffly, his eyes constantly darting towards Su Linger.

Ning Xiaochuan suppressed his displeasure and replied calmly, "From Tianyuan Sect, visiting relatives."

"Tianyuan Sect?" The guard eyed them suspiciously. "Where's your proof?"

Just as Ning Xiaochuan was about to take out his Tianyuan Sect token, a commotion suddenly arose from behind. The guards immediately stood at attention and saluted, shouting in unison, "Second Young Master!"

A troop of people emerged from the city. The young man in the lead, dressed in brocade, rode a tall horse, his face arrogant. Ning Xiaochuan's pupils contracted—it was his half-brother, Ning Yuan!

"What's going on?" Ning Yuan reined in his horse and asked impatiently.

The brutish guard immediately reported obsequiously, "Reporting to Second Young Master, these two suspicious individuals claim to be from Tianyuan Sect but have no proof..."

Ning Yuan glanced at them dismissively, his gaze suddenly freezing on Ning Xiaochuan's face. His expression changed drastically, and he almost fell off his horse. "You... you are..."

Ning Xiaochuan knew his disguise was pointless, so he dispelled the Sacred Spirit Dragon's transformation. The little creature immediately resumed its original appearance and let out a cheerful "Goo-choo."

"Ning Xiaochuan?!" Ning Yuan exclaimed, then quickly realized his loss of composure and forced himself to calm down. "You... why are you back?"

"Do I need a reason to come home, Second Brother?" Ning Xiaochuan asked calmly.

The guards were stunned when they heard this address. The brutish guard turned ashen and his legs went weak—he had actually stopped the Ning Clan's Third Young Master and spoken disrespectfully to him!

Ning Yuan's expression shifted between anger and disbelief. Finally, he forced a stiff smile. "Of course not. Father... has been thinking of you."

He made a gesture. "I'm on my way back to the manor. Shall we go together?"

Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger mounted the horses provided by Ning Yuan and followed the procession into the city. The familiar sights along the streets flashed by—the pastry shop he used to love was still there, though the signboard had changed; the teahouse where he often went to listen to stories was still bustling; and the martial arts school where he had been beaten black and blue had now been converted into a silk shop.

"The city has changed quite a bit," Ning Yuan said casually. "After you left, Father handed over many of my businesses to me to manage."

Ning Xiaochuan heard the boast in his words but didn't care. "Second Brother manages them well."

Ning Yuan seemed surprised by his reaction and continued to probe. "I heard you've been doing well out there? Awakened a remarkable Martial Soul?"

This time, before Ning Xiaochuan could answer, the Sacred Spirit Dragon proudly raised its head and exhaled a small puff of golden-white mist. The mist condensed into a small flower in the air and landed on Ning Yuan's shoulder.

Ning Yuan startled, then was surprised to find that the "flower" was absorbing the impurities in his Source Qi, making him feel refreshed.

"This is..."

"The little one is helping you regulate your Source Qi," Ning Xiaochuan explained. "You've been cultivating too hard lately, and your meridians are a bit blocked."

Ning Yuan's expression became complicated. After a moment of silence, he said in a low voice, "Thank you."

In front of the Ning manor gates, servants who had received the news were lined up to greet them. As Ning Xiaochuan dismounted, an old servant with white hair rushed forward excitedly. "Third Young Master! It's really you!"

"Uncle Zhou!" Ning Xiaochuan recognized the old butler who had taken care of him since he was young, and his heart warmed. "Are you well?"

"Thanks to the young master, I'm still hale and hearty!" Uncle Zhou wiped away tears, then suddenly noticed Su Linger. "And who is this...?"

"My friend, Su Linger," Ning Xiaochuan introduced. "A disciple of Tianyuan Sect."

Uncle Zhou immediately understood and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Miss Su! Please come in quickly. The master is waiting in the study!"

Passing through the familiar corridors and courtyards, Ning Xiaochuan's heart beat faster. Standing before the study door, he took a deep breath and gently knocked.

"Come in," a steady voice replied.

Pushing the door open, the study's furnishings were as they had always been. Behind the desk by the window, Ning Zhantian stood with his back to the door. His figure was still tall and straight, though his hair had turned gray.

"Father..." Ning Xiaochuan's throat tightened.

Ning Zhantian slowly turned around, his eyes flashing with a complex light. He looked much older, but his gaze was still as sharp as a sword.

"You're back?" The simple three words contained a multitude of emotions.

Ning Xiaochuan nodded, suddenly unsure of what to say. The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew from his shoulder, circled Ning Zhantian curiously, and finally landed on his outstretched palm.

"This is the Sacred Spirit Dragon?" Ning Zhantian gently stroked the little dragon's scales. "Much cuter than I imagined."

The atmosphere immediately eased considerably. Ning Xiaochuan then introduced Su Linger. "This is Su Linger, my... partner."

Su Linger bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Uncle Ning."

"A talented disciple of Tianyuan Sect, excellent," Ning Zhantian said, giving Ning Xiaochuan a meaningful look. "Sit down, the tea has already been brewed."

The three sat down, and Ning Zhantian personally poured the tea. Amidst the fragrant steam, he got straight to the point. "You're not just back for a visit this time, are you?"

Ning Xiaochuan knew he couldn't hide it from his father, so he briefly recounted the matters of the Sacred Origin Tribe, the Eye of the Deep Sea, and the World Devourers, omitting his identity as the Son of Sacred Source.

"I need the Ning family's help to unite the major secular powers against the Black Tide," he said finally.

Ning Zhantian listened and remained silent for a long time. "When your mother left, she foresaw this day."

Ning Xiaochuan's hand trembled, spilling tea onto his clothes. "You... you know about Mother?"

"I know some things." Ning Zhantian rose and took out an iron box from a hidden compartment in the bookshelf. "Bai Li left this for you before she departed, saying you should open it after awakening your Sacred Source Bloodline."

Complex patterns were carved on the iron box, with a palm-shaped indentation in the center. Ning Xiaochuan placed his hand on it, and Sacred Source Power automatically surged out. The iron box clicked open.

Inside were a letter and a white jade pendant. The letter paper had yellowed, but the handwriting was still clear:

"My son Xiaochuan:

If you are reading this letter, it means your Sacred Source Bloodline has awakened. Forgive your mother for leaving without saying goodbye, and forgive me for concealing your origins.

You are not Ning Zhantian's biological son, but he is the person you can trust the most. I was stranded on the Open Source Continent years ago and was being hunted by the Dark Source Soul Hall. The Ning family head saved me. To protect the Sacred Source Bloodline, we pretended to be a couple.

Your true father is Bai Xiao, the guardian knight of the Sacred Origin royal family. He sacrificed himself protecting us as we fled. You have inherited his Dragon Soul Jade and Sacred Source Bloodline, and are destined to bear the responsibility of guarding two worlds.

An Xing is my elder brother, and also a traitor to the Sacred Origin Tribe. He defected to the World Devourers and intends to use the Primal Fragment to open a passage. Stop him, but do not kill him—the pride of the Sacred Origin Tribe still lies deep within his soul.

Lastly, remember: strength comes from the heart of protection, not the desire for slaughter.

Your mother, who loves you forever, Bai Li."

Ning Xiaochuan's hands trembled slightly, the words on the letter blurring before his eyes. The twenty-year mystery of his origins was finally revealed.

"I... am not your son?" he asked, looking up at Ning Zhantian with difficulty.

Ning Zhantian's expression was calm. "Not by blood, but I have always treated you as my own son." He paused. "Do you remember what I told you when you left home? 'Your mother said that when our child awakens their Source Soul, darkness will surely pursue.'"

Ning Xiaochuan finally understood why Ning Zhantian had been so nervous about his "Martial Soul"—it wasn't a Martial Soul at all, but a sign of his Sacred Source Bloodline awakening!

Su Linger gently held his hand, silently offering her support. The Sacred Spirit Dragon also flew over, nuzzling his cheek with its small head.

"Thank you, Father," Ning Xiaochuan said finally, still using the title. "No matter our bloodline, you will always be my father."

A hint of relief flashed in Ning Zhantian's eyes. "Good child. The Ning family will fully support your mission."

He turned to Su Linger. "Miss Su, could I ask you to excuse us for a moment? I have some family matters to discuss with Xiaochuan alone."

Su Linger tactfully rose to take her leave. After she departed, Ning Zhantian's expression turned serious. "Regarding your second brother, Ning Yuan..."

"What about him?"

"His temperament has changed drastically since you left," Ning Zhantian frowned. "His cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds, but his actions have become increasingly extreme. I suspect..."

"The Black Tide?" Ning Xiaochuan's heart tightened.

Ning Zhantian nodded. "Six months ago, he secretly traveled north. After returning, he occasionally emitted black energy. I investigated secretly and discovered he is in contact with an organization called 'Dark Ravens'."

Ning Xiaochuan immediately recalled that An Xing's alias on the Open Source Continent was "Dark Current." "Dark Ravens" was likely a branch of the Black Tide!

"I will find out," he promised. "If my second brother has truly been corrupted, Sacred Source Power can purify him."

As they were speaking, the study door was suddenly pushed open, and Ning Yuan burst in, his face unusually pale. "Father! Something terrible has happened! A Black Tide army has been discovered outside the city!"

Ning Zhantian and Ning Xiaochuan stood up simultaneously. "What's the situation?"

"Scouts report that at least three thousand black-robed figures are advancing towards Qingyun City!" Ning Yuan said urgently. "The banner they are flying is... it's..."

"What is it?" Ning Zhantian asked sternly.

Ning Yuan looked at Ning Xiaochuan, a strange glint in his eyes. "'Hand over the Son of Sacred Source'!"

Before he finished speaking, Ning Yuan suddenly attacked! A pitch-black short sword slid from his sleeve, aiming straight for Ning Zhantian's heart!

"Father, be careful!" Ning Xiaochuan instinctively lunged forward, Sacred Source Power erupting instantly.

But the Sacred Spirit Dragon was faster than him! The little creature's size ballooned, and it spewed dragon breath towards Ning Yuan's face! Ning Yuan dodged hastily, the short sword missing its target and only grazing Ning Zhantian's arm.

"Ning Yuan! Have you gone mad?" Ning Zhantian was both shocked and furious.

Ning Yuan retreated to the window, a sinister smile appearing on his face. "I haven't gone mad. I've finally figured it out." He pulled open his collar, revealing a red, eye-shaped mark on his chest. "The Eye of the Deep Sea has granted me true power!"

Ning Xiaochuan's heart jolted—his second brother had indeed been corrupted!

"Why?" Ning Zhantian asked, heartbroken.

"Why?" Ning Yuan sneered. "Because in this family, I will never be as good as your 'precious son'! Even knowing he's not your biological son, you still intend to pass the position of family head to him!"

Ning Xiaochuan finally understood—Ning Yuan had known about his secret origins for a long time!

"Second Brother, you've been deceived," Ning Xiaochuan attempted to communicate. "The Eye of the Deep Sea is just using you."

"Using me?" Ning Yuan laughed maniacally. "I'm the one using it! As long as I offer up the Son of Sacred Source, I will gain eternal power!"

He suddenly let out a whistle, and dozens of black crows flew in from outside the window, each with a strange red light flickering in its eyes!

"The Black Tide has already surrounded Qingyun City," Ning Yuan said triumphantly. "Either hand over Ning Xiaochuan, or the entire city will pay the price!"

Ning Zhantian roared, "Never! The sons of the Ning family will fight to the death!"

"Then don't blame me," Ning Yuan said sinisterly, and the flock of crows suddenly pounced on Ning Zhantian!

Ning Xiaochuan immediately activated the Sacred Source Shield, but to his shock, Ning Zhantian himself stepped forward, swatting at the flock of crows with a palm strike!

"Father! No!" Ning Xiaochuan watched in horror as several crows pierced through the palm wind and pecked at Ning Zhantian.

Ning Yuan seized the opportunity to jump out the window, leaving behind a string of wild laughter: "The game has begun! I'll wait for you outside the city!"

Ning Xiaochuan couldn't chase after him and quickly checked his father's injuries. Ning Zhantian's face had turned black, but he was still conscious: "Don't mind me... protect the city..."

"No, I'll save you first!" Ning Xiaochuan injected Sacred Source Power into his father's body to purify the dark energy.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew to the window, vigilantly observing the situation outside the city. Suddenly, it let out a few urgent chirps, its scales standing on end—the Black Tide army had truly arrived, with dense masses of black-robed figures surging towards the city walls like a tide!

Su Linger rushed over upon hearing the commotion, drew her sword, and said, "I'll organize the city's defenses!"

Ning Xiaochuan nodded: "Be careful! I'll be right behind you!"

As the last wisp of dark energy was purified, Ning Zhantian's complexion improved slightly. Ning Xiaochuan helped him sit down: "Father, you rest first. I'll resolve this crisis."

Ning Zhantian grabbed his hand: "Be careful... Ning Yuan has walked down an evil path, but he is still my son... if possible..."

"I will save him," Ning Xiaochuan solemnly promised. "Sacred Source Power can purify all darkness."

Stepping out of the study, Ning Xiaochuan looked up at the overcast sky outside the city. The Sacred Spirit Dragon landed on his shoulder, and man and dragon simultaneously felt the call of destiny.

This battle between brothers was unavoidable.