I'm Back

Qingyang Town, Luo Manor

Before the manor gates, the two stone lions still stood in all their majesty, though today, they seemed to carry an extra air of celebration.

When Luo Heng appeared on the street before the manor gates, the guards froze for a moment before shouting in delighted surprise:

"Young Master is back! Young Master is back!"

Like a stone thrown into a tranquil lake, those cries instantly stirred ripples throughout Luo Manor.

"Heng'er is back?!"

Luo Shan, who had been discussing New Year arrangements with Luo Yun in the study, paused with his teacup in hand. An irrepressible smile soon spread across his face.

"Quick! Go welcome him!"

Luo Yun rose to his feet at once and strode outside, his face filled with excitement.

Su Yi had been directing the servants in the rear courtyard as they put up New Year decorations. Upon hearing the news, she nearly dropped the lantern in her hand. Without caring about anything else, she lifted her skirts and hurried toward the front courtyard.

When Luo Heng stepped through the manor gates, he saw his father striding toward him while his mother hurried over and pulled him into her embrace. His grandfather stood upon the steps. Though he said nothing, the affection and pride in his eyes were unmistakable.

"Grandfather, Father, Mother, I'm back," Luo Heng said softly, warmth he had not felt in a long time welling up within him.

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!" Su Yi released her son and examined him carefully. Tears finally slipped down her cheeks as she said, "You've gotten thinner, and taller too... You must have suffered a lot in Flame City, haven't you?"

"Mother, I'm fine." Luo Heng smiled, then took out the gifts he had prepared from the System Space. "This is a defensive talisman for you, this is a sword for Father, and this is medicine for Grandfather..."

Watching him take out gift after gift, all three of them were stunned.

Especially that bottle of fourth-grade Guyuan Pills. Even Luo Shan, a Late Heaven Yuan Realm expert, had never seen pills of such exceptional quality.

"Heng'er, where did you get these?" Luo Shan asked in a grave voice.

"Master Yan gave them to me when I was at the Flame City Symbol Master Association." Luo Heng did not hide anything and gave a simple explanation. "You should already know that I joined the Symbol Master Association and became a core disciple. These are all resources from the association."

"Good! Good! Good!" Luo Shan said three good's in succession, deeply gratified as he exclaimed, "As expected of my grandson, Luo Shan's grandson!"

The family of four returned to the main hall, where the servants served hot tea.

Luo Heng briefly recounted his experiences in Flame City, telling them how the Symbol Master Association had valued him for his Spiritual Power talent and how he had cultivated and broken through in the Symbol Master Tower.

Even so, it was enough to leave the three of them stirred beyond measure.

"You defeated Yue Feng, the Young Master of the Blood Wolf Gang? With one sword strike?" Luo Yun sucked in a breath and asked, "Heng'er, your current strength..."

"Peak Early Heaven Yuan Realm. If I go all out, I can fight a Late Heaven Yuan Realm expert." Luo Heng replied with a calm smile, though he was still holding back somewhat.

The hall fell briefly silent. Though they had already heard about it from others, it still felt unreal.

A sixteen-year-old at the Peak Early Heaven Yuan Realm, with combat power comparable to the Late Heaven Yuan Realm...

This had already surpassed the limits of their understanding.

After a long while, Luo Shan let out a sigh. A complicated light flickered in his eyes as he said, "Heng'er, your achievements have already far exceeded Grandfather's imagination."

"You flatter me, Grandfather." Luo Heng shook his head modestly. "I've merely had better luck than most."

"Luck is also part of strength."

Luo Shan continued seriously, "However, the tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind. You displayed yourself too prominently in Flame City, and I fear you have already drawn the wariness of many people."

"Don't worry, Grandfather. I know what I'm doing." Luo Heng nodded. "As for the Blood Wolf Gang, I have my own way of dealing with them."

Over the next few days, Luo Heng stayed peacefully in the manor and enjoyed the rare time of family reunion.

He guided his father in cultivating the improved Tiangang Thunderclap Fist, instructed his mother on the subtle transformations of the Flowing Cloud and Soaring Goose Steps, and discussed insights into Heaven Yuan Realm cultivation with his grandfather.

The entire Luo Family was filled with festive cheer because of Luo Heng's return.

During this time, Lin Dong and Qing Tan rushed over as soon as they heard that Luo Heng had returned.

"Brother Luo Heng!"

Like a cheerful little bird, Qing Tan threw herself into Luo Heng's arms. She raised her little face, her eyes brimming with delight, and said happily, "You're finally back! I missed you so much!"

Luo Heng smiled and rubbed her hair, then took out the ice-blue necklace and placed it around her neck.

"This is a gift for you. It can help you control the cold energy inside your body."

Qing Tan lowered her head to look at the Cold Jade Pearl that radiated a faint chill. Feeling the restless icy power within her actually calm down somewhat, her eyes immediately brightened. Her cheeks flushed as she murmured, "Thank you, Brother Luo Heng!"

Wow, Brother Luo Heng actually bought her a necklace and even put it on for her. Hehe.

Lin Dong stood nearby. Seeing how happy his sister was, he smiled as well.

He had long known about his sister's feelings for Brother Luo Heng. It would be even better if the two of them could end up together.

"Dongzi, this is for you." Luo Heng handed him the Jade Slip containing Talisman Arrays.

Lin Dong accepted the Jade Slip and sent his consciousness into it. A moment later, shock flashed through his eyes. "This is... a Talisman Array inheritance?"

"Yes, some basic Talisman Arrays. You have good Spiritual Power talent, so you can give them a try," Luo Heng said.

"Thank you, Brother Luo Heng!" Lin Dong nodded and carefully put away the Jade Slip. Then, sensing the unfathomable aura around Luo Heng, he was even more shocked. He opened his mouth, but still could not help asking, "Brother Luo Heng, you... broke through to the Heaven Yuan Realm?"

"Yes, I was fortunate enough to break through in Flame City." Luo Heng did not hide it.

Lin Dong took a deep breath. There was envy in his eyes, but also determination. "I'll work hard to catch up."

"No rush. On the path of cultivation, steady progress is the right way." Luo Heng patted his shoulder and continued, "By the way, you broke through to the Earthen Yuan Stage?"

At that, Lin Dong revealed a trace of pride, though he was also a little surprised. After all, he had not told anyone about his breakthrough, yet Brother Luo Heng had sensed it. He grinned and said, "I just broke through a few days ago. It was all thanks to the Body Tempering Pills and guidance you gave me before, Brother Luo Heng."

"Earthen Yuan Stage, not bad. Are you planning to take part in the Hunting Tournament?" Luo Heng smiled lightly. He remembered that this was also a turning point in the Original Work.

Every first day of the year, Qingyang Town held a Hunting Tournament jointly organized by the three major powers. Young disciples from the town between fourteen and twenty years old were invited to participate, and people from other towns might join as well.

The hunting grounds were at Beast Horn Field outside the town, a mountain forest spanning dozens of miles and home to all kinds of Demon Beasts.

At the center of that forest stood a massive platform built from a small mountain peak. Countless eyes would be fixed upon it, and the champion of the hunt would be born there.

According to the rules, one needed to obtain ten identity tags to qualify to step onto the great platform at the center of the forest. The hunt was not merely for beasts, but even more so for people.

According to the rules, participants had to hunt as many Demon Beasts as possible within a day, with rankings determined by the quantity and quality of the Demon Beast crystal cores they obtained.

In previous years, the Hunting Tournament had been a stage for the young disciples of the Lei Clan, Xie Clan, and Raging Blade Martial Hall to compete.

But this year, because of Luo Heng's sudden rise, the situation had quietly changed.

"I'll participate." Lin Dong nodded, battle intent flashing in his eyes. "I want to test my strength."

"Good. That's the spirit." Luo Heng nodded approvingly. "But remember, the Hunting Tournament is not merely a test of strength. It also tests temperament, wisdom, and how well you use your surroundings."

"I understand." Lin Dong nodded heavily.

Qing Tan, who had been listening nearby, suddenly asked, "Brother Luo Heng, aren't you participating?"

Luo Heng shook his head. "I won't be taking part."

With his current strength, participating in a Hunting Tournament of this level would be no different from an adult bullying children. It was completely meaningless.

More importantly, he knew that at this Hunting Tournament, Lin Dong would encounter his future brother—the newly born Fire Python Tiger cub, Little Yan.

Some opportunities were fated. He did not intend to interfere.

Six days later, the first day of the year, outside Qingyang Town.

More than a hundred young disciples had already gathered in an open clearing, standing in several different camps.

The Lei Clan, Xie Clan, Lin Family, Raging Blade Martial Hall, and disciples from various small and medium-sized families.

On the Lei Clan's side, Lei Li stood at the front. His face was gloomy, and his aura was powerful. The injuries Luo Heng had inflicted on him had yet to fully heal.

His cultivation had only reached the Middle Body Tempering Ninth Level, still one step away from the Earthen Yuan Stage.

When he saw Lin Dong approaching, a trace of venom flashed through Lei Li's eyes. Lin Dong was Luo Heng's brother, but Lei Li did not dare act out.

Although Luo Heng had not come, his reputation had already intimidated the entire younger generation of Qingyang Town.

On the Xie Clan's side, Xie Yingying wore red robes. She was pretty, and her aura had reached the Body Tempering Eighth Level Peak. Standing beside her was another genius of the Xie Clan, Xie Ting, her younger sister, who was at the Initial Body Tempering Eighth Level.

On the Raging Blade Martial Hall's side, Wu Yun wore blue robes and carried a large saber on his back. His aura had clearly reached the Body Tempering Eighth Level Peak. Evidently, he had also made progress over the past three months.

On the Lin Family's side, Lin Dong stood at the front, with Lin Hong, Lin Xia, and the other young disciples of the Lin Family beside him.

Lin Dong made no attempt to conceal his Early Earthen Yuan Stage aura, drawing hushed discussion from those around him.

"Lin Dong actually broke through to the Earthen Yuan Stage?!"

"He's only fifteen, right? With that talent... he's probably second only to Luo Heng."

"Luo Heng only broke through to the Earthen Yuan Stage when he was sixteen."

"But don't forget, Luo Heng is also a sixteen-year-old Heaven Yuan Realm expert."

"The Lin Family is about to rise..."

Listening to those discussions, Lei Li's expression darkened further.

In previous years, the Hunting Tournament had been presided over by elders from the three major powers: Lei Bao, Xie Qian, and Luo Cheng. But this year, the Lin Family and Luo Family had risen as well, and Lin Zhentian and Luo Shan had also joined them.

"Everyone, today is Qingyang Town's liveliest day. I won't go over the hunting rules again. As long as you obtain ten identity tags, you may ascend that great platform, where the true hunting champion will be born."

Lei Bao's deep voice, infused with Primal Energy, echoed throughout Beast Horn Field so that everyone could hear it clearly.

"Each family has already received its identity tags. Next, distribute them to your juniors participating in the hunting competition, then enter Beast Horn Field and begin hunting!"

After all the participants had received their identity tags, Lei Bao continued:

"Now, the hunt begins!"

At Lei Bao's command, more than a hundred young disciples shot into the dense forest of Beast Horn Field like arrows released from a bow.

Lin Dong moved, turning into an afterimage that vanished into the depths of the forest in the blink of an eye.

Deep within Beast Horn Field, in a hidden valley.

Luo Heng stood on the branch of an ancient tree with his arms folded, looking down at everything below.

He had not entered the hunting area. Instead, he merely spread his Spiritual Power over several miles and observed quietly.

"Dongzi has already gone in..." Luo Heng looked in the direction Lin Dong had left and muttered, "According to the plot, the Fire Python Tiger's nest should be somewhere to the northeast."

He remembered the plot of the Original Work clearly, especially the part where Lin Dong obtained Little Yan.

The Fire Python Tiger was a Demon Beast with immense potential. Once grown, it could reach the Heaven Yuan Realm, and if its fortune was great enough, it might even break through to a higher level.

In the Original Work, during the Hunting Tournament, Lin Dong had rescued three newborn Fire Python Tiger cubs from Lei Li and the others alongside Wu Yun and Mu Lingsha. Lin Dong chose the weakest yet most gifted one, Little Yan, and formed a deep bond with him, eventually becoming his partner.

"I won't interfere with this scene." Luo Heng smiled faintly, and with a flicker, vanished from where he stood.

He had more important things to do.