After quite a while, Yan Zimo finally left the underground vault and returned to a small courtyard aboveground.
This small courtyard was tucked away in an inconspicuous, remote corner of Kyoto. Naturally, those who lived here had nothing to do with wealth or luxury.
Yan Zimo entered the kitchen and skillfully washed vegetables and prepared a meal.
The aroma of food soon drifted out from the kitchen.
The courtyard gate was forcefully pushed open by a little boy, who then rushed toward the kitchen with a large black dog, shouting.
"Mom, I'm hungry."
"Go wash your hands."
Yan Zimo's voice, hoarse from all the work, had become a gentle woman's voice.
After carrying the dishes back inside, Yan Zimo sat at the table and ate with his son.
The little boy was only five this year. Having only recently begun cultivation, he held his bowl and shoveled food into his mouth, asking between bites.
"Mom, where's Dad? Why hasn't he come back to eat with us again?"
"Your father is busy. Eat first—I'll go call him."
"Okay."
Yan Zimo stood and left the courtyard. After a while, an honest-looking middle-aged man entered from outside. He returned to the room, reached out to rub his son's head, and smiled.
"How was school today? Did you study and cultivate properly?"
"I did! Teacher even said I was smart. Dad, hurry up and eat."
"Alright."
Yan Zimo sat down and began eating with his son.
"Dad, where's Mom? She went to call you for dinner, so why didn't she come back herself?"
"Your mother went to buy a few things and will be back later. She told us to eat first."
"You're both so busy. I haven't seen you sit down and eat together in so long."
"It's because your dad hasn't amounted