The Road Home

Qingyun City's outline flickered in and out of view through the morning mist. Ning Xiaochuan stood atop a hill, gazing at the city he had been away from for so long. The four great golden characters, "Qingyun Ning Clan," still gleamed upon the city wall, but the guard uniforms had already changed.

"Are you nervous?" Su Linger asked softly, her fingers brushing the back of his hand as if by accident.

Ning Xiaochuan shook his head, then nodded. "A little. When I left last time, I was still a useless person who couldn't awaken a source soul."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon poked its head out from his collar and curiously looked toward the distant city. Little One seemed to sense its master's emotional turmoil and affectionately rubbed against his cheek.

"Now, you're the Son of Sacred Source who saved the world." Su Linger smiled faintly. "The Ning Clan Head will surely be proud of you."

The three of them proceeded along the main road, where the number of travelers gradually increased. Many merchants and farmers cast curious looks at the two exceptionally dressed young people, especially as they pointed at the Little Dragon on Ning Xiaochuan's shoulder.

"Looks like we stand out too much," Ning Xiaochuan said quietly. "We need to find a way to enter the city discreetly."

Su Linger took out two sets of ordinary cloth clothes from her spatial ring. "Mu Qing prepared these. She said they might come in handy."

They changed by the roadside woods. Ning Xiaochuan also used 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 far stricter than he remembered. Every person entering the city had to undergo questioning. When it was their turn, a guard with a face full of flesh blocked their way.

"Where are you from? What are you entering the city for?" the guard asked gruffly, his eyes constantly darting toward Su Linger.

Ning Xiaochuan suppressed his displeasure and calmly answered, "We came from Tianyuan Sect to visit family."

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

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

A group rode out from the city. At their head was a young man in brocade robes atop a tall horse, his face arrogant. Ning Xiaochuan's pupils contracted slightly—this was his half-brother, Ning Yuan!

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

The fleshy-faced guard immediately reported in a fawning manner, "Second Young Master, these two suspicious people claim to be from Tianyuan Sect, but they have no proof..."

Ning Yuan casually swept them a glance, but his gaze suddenly froze on Ning Xiaochuan's face. His expression changed drastically, and he nearly fell from his horse. "You... you are..."

Ning Xiaochuan knew there was no longer any point in disguising himself, so he simply removed the Sacred Spirit Dragon's transformation. Little One immediately returned to its original form and happily chirped, "Goo Chu!"

"Ning Xiaochuan?!" Ning Yuan cried out. He then realized his loss of composure and forced himself to remain calm. "You... why did you come back?"

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

Upon hearing that form of address, all the guards were dumbfounded. The fleshy-faced guard went pale, his legs turning weak—he had actually stopped the Ning Clan's Third Young Master and even spoken rudely to him!

Ning Yuan's expression fluctuated before he finally forced out a stiff smile. "Of course not. Father... has always missed you."

He gestured invitingly. "I was just about to return to the manor. Come with me."

Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger mounted the horses Ning Yuan provided and followed the group into the city. Familiar scenes passed one by one along the streets—the pastry shop whose treats he had once loved was still there, though its sign had changed; the teahouse where he used to sneak off to listen to storytellers remained lively; and the martial arts hall where he had once been beaten black and blue had now become a silk shop.

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

Ning Xiaochuan heard the boast in his words but did not care. "Second Brother manages them well."

Ning Yuan seemed somewhat surprised by his reaction and continued probing. "I heard you've done quite well outside? Awakened some extraordinary source soul?"

Before Ning Xiaochuan could answer, the Sacred Spirit Dragon proudly raised its head and blew out a small puff of golden-white mist. The mist condensed into a little flower in midair and drifted onto Ning Yuan's shoulder.

Ning Yuan jumped in fright, then discovered in astonishment that the "flower" was actually absorbing the impure source energy within him, making him feel a burst of relief.

"This is..."

"Little One is helping regulate your source energy," Ning Xiaochuan explained. "You've been cultivating too intensely lately. Your meridians are somewhat clogged."

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

Outside the gates of the Ning residence, the servants who had received the news were already lined up to welcome them. As Ning Xiaochuan dismounted, an elderly servant with white hair rushed forward excitedly. "Third Young Master! It really is you!"

"Uncle Zhou!" Ning Xiaochuan recognized the old steward who had cared for him since childhood, and warmth filled his heart. "Are you in good health?"

"Thanks to your blessings, Young Master, I'm still as strong as ever!" Uncle Zhou wiped away his tears, then suddenly noticed Su Linger. "And this is...?"

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

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

As they passed through the familiar corridors and courtyards, Ning Xiaochuan's heartbeat grew faster and faster. Before the study door, he drew a deep breath and gently knocked.

"Come in," a steady voice sounded.

Pushing open the door, he saw that the study was arranged exactly as it had been in the past. Ning Zhantian stood with his back to the door behind the desk by the window. His figure was still upright, but his hair had already turned gray.

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

Ning Zhantian slowly turned around, complicated emotions flickering in his eyes. He looked much older, but his gaze remained as sharp as a sword.

"You're back?" The simple three words contained far too many emotions.

Ning Xiaochuan nodded, suddenly unsure what to say. The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew up from his shoulder and curiously circled Ning Zhantian before finally landing in his outstretched palm.

"So this is the Sacred Spirit Dragon?" Ning Zhantian gently stroked the Little Dragon's scales. "It's much cuter than I imagined."

The atmosphere immediately relaxed considerably. Only then did Ning Xiaochuan introduce Su Linger. "This is Su Linger, my... partner."

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

"A fine disciple of Tianyuan Sect." Ning Zhantian gave Ning Xiaochuan a meaningful look. "Sit. The tea is already brewed."

The three sat down, and Ning Zhantian personally poured the tea. Amid the curling fragrance, he got straight to the point. "You didn't return this time merely to visit family, did you?"

Ning Xiaochuan knew he could not hide it from his father, so he briefly explained the Sacred Origin Tribe, the Eye of the Deep Sea, and the World Devourers, only concealing his identity as the Son of Sacred Source.

"I need the Ning Clan's help to unite the major secular powers against the black tide," he said at last.

After hearing this, Ning Zhantian remained silent for a long time. "When your mother left back then, 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 stood and took an iron box from a hidden compartment in the bookshelf. "Bai Li left this for you before she departed. She said you were to open it only after awakening the Sacred Source Bloodline."

Complex patterns were carved into the iron box, with a palm-shaped indentation in the center. Ning Xiaochuan placed his hand upon it, and Sacred Source Power automatically surged forth. With a click, the iron box opened.

Inside lay a letter and a white jade pendant. The letter paper had yellowed, but the writing remained clear:

"My son, Xiaochuan:

If you are reading this letter, it means that the Sacred Source Bloodline has awakened. Forgive your mother for leaving without farewell, and forgive me for hiding your origins from you.

You are not Ning Zhantian's biological son, but he is the person you can trust most. Back then, when I was stranded on the Open Source Continent and pursued by the Dark Source Soul Hall, it was the Ning Clan Head who saved me. To protect the Sacred Source Bloodline, we pretended to be husband and wife.

Your true father was Bai Xiao, a guardian knight of the Sacred Source Royal Family. He sacrificed himself while protecting us, mother and son, as we escaped. You inherited his Dragon Soul Jade and Sacred Source Bloodline, and you are destined to bear the responsibility of protecting two worlds.

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

Finally, remember this: strength comes from the Heart of Protection, not the desire to kill.

Your loving mother forever, Bai Li."

Ning Xiaochuan's hand trembled slightly, and the words on the letter blurred before his eyes. The mystery of his origins, buried for twenty years, had been revealed just like that.

"I... am not your son?" He raised his head with difficulty and looked at Ning Zhantian.

Ning Zhantian's expression remained 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 once said that when our child awakens a source soul, darkness will surely come searching.'"

Only then did Ning Xiaochuan understand why Ning Zhantian had been so anxious over his "martial soul"—it had never been a martial soul at all, but a sign of the Sacred Source Bloodline awakening!

Su Linger gently took his hand, silently conveying her support. The Sacred Spirit Dragon also flew over, rubbing its little head against his cheek.

"Thank you, Father," Ning Xiaochuan said at last, still using that form of address. "No matter what my blood says, you will always be my father."

A trace of relief flashed through Ning Zhantian's eyes. "Good child. The Ning Clan will fully support your mission."

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

Su Linger tactfully rose and took her leave. Once she was gone, Ning Zhantian's expression became solemn. "About your second brother, Ning Yuan..."

"What happened to him?"

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

"The black tide?" Ning Xiaochuan's heart tightened.

Ning Zhantian nodded. "Half a year ago, he secretly went north. After returning, Black Qi would occasionally seep from his body. I investigated in secret and discovered that he had ties to an organization called the Dark Ravens."

Ning Xiaochuan immediately recalled that Dark Star's alias on the Open Source Continent had been "Dark Current." The Dark Ravens were most likely a branch of the black tide!

"I'll investigate it thoroughly," he promised. "If Second Brother has truly been corrupted, Sacred Source Power can purify him."

Just then, the study door was suddenly pushed open, and Ning Yuan burst in, his face exceptionally pale. "Father! This is bad! A black tide army has been discovered outside the city!"

Ning Zhantian and Ning Xiaochuan rose at the same time. "What's the situation?"

"The scouts report that at least three thousand black-robed people are closing in on Qingyun City!" Ning Yuan said urgently. "The banner they carry is... is..."

"What is it?" Ning Zhantian demanded sharply.

Ning Yuan looked at Ning Xiaochuan, and a strange light flashed through his eyes. "'Hand over the Son of Sacred Source'!"

Before his words had even faded, Ning Yuan suddenly attacked! A pitch-black dagger slid from his sleeve and stabbed straight toward Ning Zhantian's heart!

"Father, watch out!" Ning Xiaochuan instinctively lunged forward as Sacred Source Power erupted in an instant.

But the Sacred Spirit Dragon was faster than him! Little One's body rapidly expanded as it blasted Dragon Breath at Ning Yuan's face! Ning Yuan dodged hastily, and the dagger missed its mark, cutting only a wound across Ning Zhantian's arm.

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

Ning Yuan retreated to the window, an eerie smile appearing on his face. "I'm not mad. I've just finally figured things out." He tore 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 in anguish.

"Why?" Ning Yuan sneered. "Because in this family, I could never compare to your 'precious son'! Even after learning he isn't your biological child, you still planned to pass the position of clan head to him!"

Only then did Ning Xiaochuan understand that Ning Yuan had long known the secret of his origins!

"Second Brother, you've been deceived." Ning Xiaochuan tried to reason with him. "The Eye of the Deep Sea is only using you."

"Using me?" Ning Yuan burst into wild laughter. "I'm the one using it! As long as I offer up the Son of Sacred Source, I'll gain eternal power!"

He suddenly whistled. Dozens of black crows immediately flew in through the window, each pair of eyes glowing with strange red light!

"The black tide has already surrounded Qingyun City," Ning Yuan said smugly. "Hand over Ning Xiaochuan, or let the entire city be buried with him!"

Ning Zhantian roared, "Never! The men of the Ning Clan will fight to the death!"

"Then don't blame me." Ning Yuan spoke darkly, and the flock of crows suddenly swooped toward Ning Zhantian!

Ning Xiaochuan immediately deployed the Sacred Source Shield, but to his shock, Ning Zhantian actually stepped in front of it himself and struck at the flock with his palm!

"Father, don't!" Ning Xiaochuan watched in Horror as several crows pierced through the force of the palm strike and pecked Ning Zhantian.

Ning Yuan took the chance to leap out the window, leaving behind a string of wild laughter. "The game has begun! I'll be waiting for you outside the city!"

Ning Xiaochuan had no time to pursue him and quickly checked his father's condition. Ning Zhantian's face had turned black, though he remained conscious. "Don't worry about me... protect the city..."

"No, I'll save you first!" Ning Xiaochuan poured Sacred Source Power into his father's body, purifying the Black Qi.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew to the window and warily observed the situation outside. Suddenly, it let out several urgent chirps of "Goo Chu," every scale standing on end—the black tide army had truly arrived. Dense masses of black-robed people surged toward the city wall like a tidal wave!

Su Linger rushed over at the sound and immediately drew her sword upon seeing the scene. "I'll organize the city's defenses!"

Ning Xiaochuan nodded. "Be careful! I'll join you soon!"

When the last trace of Black Qi had been purified, Ning Zhantian's complexion improved somewhat. Ning Xiaochuan helped him sit down. "Father, rest first. I'll go resolve this crisis."

Ning Zhantian seized his hand. "Be careful... although Ning Yuan has gone down an evil path, he is still my son... if possible..."

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

Walking out of the study, Ning Xiaochuan looked toward the cloud-covered sky beyond the city. The Sacred Spirit Dragon landed on his shoulder, and man and dragon both sensed destiny's summons.

This battle between brothers was unavoidable.