Blood Relatives

The Human Emperor City, the Yang Family Compound.

In the open space in front of the main hall, a wooden loom creaked and groaned, and Yao Ji sat in front of it, her hands skillfully weaving the threads.

Since settling in the Human Emperor City with Yang Tianyou, this former Heavenly Court Princess has fully integrated into the lives of the human race.

She learned to weave, cook, grow crops, and even helped care for patients at the city's clinic.

At first, some people were curious about this woman of extraordinary background, but as time went on, everyone simply assumed she was Coach Yang's gentle and capable wife.

"Mother!"

Suddenly, a clear shout came from outside the courtyard gate.

Yao Ji paused in her movements, then suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with surprise.

Three figures entered the courtyard one after another.

"Chan'er!" Yao Ji put down the shuttle in her hand, stood up, and was immediately grabbed by the arm by Yang Chan.

"Mother, we're back!" Yang Chan nestled her face against Yao Ji's shoulder and said sweetly.

Yao Ji gently stroked her daughter's hair, then looked up at her two sons, her eyes full of love. "The three of you have finally decided to come back. It's been almost three months. Let me see, have you lost weight?"

Yang Chan pouted, "Oh, Mother, don't worry. We're Martial Saint Realm now, we can take care of ourselves. Besides, we still have our older brothers."

Yang Jiao chuckled sheepishly and scratched his head, "Yes, Mother. This time, my two siblings and I followed Ancestor Sui Ren Shi and the others, learned a lot of knowledge, slew many demons, and even accomplished quite a few good things."

Yang Jian stepped forward and said gently, "Mother, there's really no need to worry. The human race is now very powerful, and with two beings comparable to saints overseeing us, no one in the Primordial Wilderness dares to bully us."

Yao Ji looked at the three children, her heart filled with joy.

Back then, she secretly descended to the mortal realm to marry Yang Tianyou, which attracted the Heavenly Court's pursuit. If it weren't for the intervention of the human race's ancestor, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Seeing the children return safely and with improved skills, she feels that all her efforts over the years have been worthwhile.

Suddenly, Yao Ji's expression changed slightly, and she lowered her voice. "I heard from your father... that the Ancestor of Script has perished?"

The atmosphere in the courtyard instantly became heavy.

Yang Jiao's smile vanished. He remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Yes... I heard that Father God encountered some formidable enemy, and even the Human Emperor and Empress rushed to his aid."

Yang Jian sighed, his eyes filled with regret. "The Ancestor of Script Literature created writing for the human race, his merits are immeasurable. He taught us to read and write, and imparted the way of civilization, but I never expected..."

Yang Chan was also feeling heavy-hearted.

Yao Ji shook her head. "Ancestor of Script sacrificed everything for the human race; his merits will never be forgotten."

She paused, then looked at the three children. "The path of cultivation is inherently full of uncertainties; even saints face the risk of destruction. Follow your heart and strive only to have a clear conscience."

Yang Chan nodded, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, where's Father? I haven't seen him at home."

Mentioning Yang Tianyou, Yao Ji's face lit up with a smile again, "Him? Ever since he became the martial Daoist Sect instructor, he's been as excited as ever. Shi Chen now, he should still be in the martial arts arena teaching those new students how to practice martial arts."

Upon hearing this, Yang Jian and Yang Jiao exchanged a smile.

"That's good," Yang Jian said, "So that Father won't be bored at home and will find something to do."

Yang Jiao nodded as well.

Yao Ji looked at her two sons, her eyes filled with joy.

But at that moment, her expression suddenly became complicated, as if there was something she couldn't say.

"Mother, what's wrong?" Yang Jian keenly noticed the change in his mother.

Yao Ji took a deep breath and slowly said, "Half a month ago... I received a message from the Heavenly Court."

"The Heavenly Court?" Yang Chan frowned. "What are they planning to do now?"

Yao Ji shook her head. "Your uncle... the Heavenly Emperor Haotian sent word that in a few decades, the Heavenly Court will officially Investiture of the Gods."

"Investiture of the Gods?" Yang Jian raised an eyebrow. "What does this mean?"

"The positions of gods in the Heavenly Court are vacant, and we need to recruit talented individuals from all quarters to fill them," Yao Ji explained. "Your uncle's intention... is that the three of you should go to the Heavenly Realm to assist him."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yang Chan shook her head vigorously. "I'm not going! I want to stay with Father and Mother, I'm not going anywhere!"

Yang Jiao remained silent; he was never one for words. He simply turned his gaze toward Yang Jian.

Yang Jian pondered for a moment, then asked instead of immediately refusing, "What does Mother mean?"

Yao Ji's expression was somewhat complicated.

She sighed softly, "He is, after all, my brother, my closest blood relative. If I were to be selfish, I would naturally hope that you could help him. He does need trustworthy people..."

She paused for a moment, then said, "But this is your life, and you should decide for yourselves. If you're willing to help him, that would be the best outcome."

"If you don't want to, Mother will never force you. You don't need to consider my feelings."

Yang Jian looked at his mother and understood her predicament.

He pondered for a long time before slowly saying, "In that case... let's accept the invitation."

"Second Brother!" Yang Chan exclaimed anxiously.

Yang Jian raised his hand to stop her and continued, "However, we don't need to reside in the Heavenly Court. We can accept divine office, but we will still live in the Human Emperor City to accompany our parents."

"We will only intervene when the Heavenly Court encounters problems it cannot resolve."

He looked at Yao Ji: "Mother, what do you think of this?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Ji's eyes flashed with relief.

She nodded. "That would be best. I'll talk to your uncle about it."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a hearty laugh rang out from outside the courtyard gate, "Jiao'er, Jian'er, Chan'er! When did you get back?"

Everyone turned to look and saw Yang Tianyou stride into the courtyard.

"Father!" the three called out in unison.

Yang Jiao stepped forward and took the pointer from his father, while Yang Chan obediently handed him a glass of water.

Yang Jian stood to the side with a smile.

Yang Tianyou took the water glass and drank it all in one gulp, then laughed heartily, "Perfect! It's been so long since our family got together, we have to celebrate properly tonight! I'll go to the market now and buy some good wine and food..."

Before the words were finished, a dark shadow suddenly swept down from the sky, bringing with it a gust of wind.

Everyone looked up and saw the dark figure circle in the courtyard, land steadily, and transform into a young man dressed in tight black clothes.

The young man was slender, with a handsome face that also had a touch of wildness. He held a huge bone club in his hand and looked imposing.

"Howling Celestial Dog!" Yang Jian laughed, "Where have you been running wild again, you rascal?"

The Howling Celestial Dog grinned, revealing two sharp canine teeth. "Master, I haven't been idle. I just helped a few lost human children find their way home."

As he spoke, he shook the bone club in his hand. "Master, this weapon you gave me is excellent, it suits me perfectly, and it's incredibly hard!"

Everyone laughed.

Although Howling Celestial Dog can now transform into human form, his temperament remains as lively and active as that Little Black he once was.

Over the years, he has followed Yang Jian in cultivation, and his cultivation has reached the Mystic Immortal, making him an indispensable member of the Yang family.

Yao Ji laughed, "Now that Xiao Tian is back, tonight will be even more lively. Tian You, go buy some wine and dishes, I'll prepare dinner. Jiao'er, Jian'er, you two come with your father, Chan'er, come help me."

"Alright!" everyone responded in unison.

Yang Tianyou took his two sons out, while Yang Chan and Yao Ji went into the kitchen.

The Howling Celestial Dog then ran into the courtyard on its own, carefully placed the bone stick on the stone table, and then lay down to pretend to sleep, but its ears were perked up, alert to any movement around it.

In the kitchen, Yao Ji washed vegetables while asking softly, "Chan'er, you seemed quite resistant to the matter of going to the Heavenly Court just now?"

Yang Chan was washing vegetables when she heard this and paused, then whispered, "Mother, I'm not against Uncle... it's just that the Heavenly Court treated you and Father like that back then, I..."

"That's all in the past," Yao Ji said gently. "Your uncle also had his difficulties. The Heavenly Court was newly established, and as the Heavenly Emperor, he had to set an example."

Yang Chan was silent for a moment before whispering, "I know... but I still feel a little awkward."

Yao Ji stopped what she was doing. "Chan'er, you must remember, your uncle may have made mistakes, but he is still our family. Blood ties cannot be severed so easily."

She looked at her daughter, her eyes full of love. "I won't force you to accept anything, I only hope you can view the world with a tolerant heart. That way, you'll live a more relaxed life."

Yang Chan looked at her mother and finally nodded. "I understand, Mother."

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore." Yao Ji smiled again. "What do you want to eat tonight? Mother will make your favorite osmanthus-flavored glutinous rice lotus root."

"Really? Thank you, Mother!"

The mother and daughter smiled at each other, and the sounds of busy work resumed in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Yang Tianyou and his two sons walked on the streets of the Human Emperor City.

Shops lined both sides of the street, and pedestrians came and went in an endless stream.

Upon seeing Yang Tianyou, many people would respectfully bow and greet him, saying, "Instructor Yang!"

Yang Tianyou returned the greetings one by one, a simple smile on his face.

"Father, you're very popular here," Yang Jian said with a smile.

Yang Tianyou waved his hand. "We're all neighbors, just looking out for each other. Humanity's success today is due to unity. Now that I've become the instructor, I must set an example."

Yang Jiao suddenly asked, "Father, do you think... we should accept divine positions from the Heavenly Court?"

Yang Tianyou paused slightly, turned to look at his eldest son, then at his second son, and said thoughtfully, "Your mother should have already discussed this matter with you, right?"

Yang Jian nodded. "Mother said she respects our choice."

"Then let's do it your way," Yang Tianyou said earnestly. "I've never been particularly capable in my life, but I understand one thing."

"Live with a clear conscience. If you feel you should help, then help; if you feel unwilling, then don't. Don't worry too much."

He looked at his two sons, his eyes filled with pride. "You are both upright men now, with your own judgment. Whatever decision you make, your father will support you."

Yang Jiao and Yang Jian exchanged a glance, a warm feeling welling up in their hearts.

"Thank you, Father," Yang Jian said softly.

Yang Tianyou laughed heartily and patted his son on the shoulder, "Come on, let's go buy some wine! Tonight, the three of us will have a good drink!"