Three Return, Family Gathers

Steam billowed through the bathroom. The water in the enormous tub was at just the right temperature, and clean clothes and washing supplies had been laid out beside it.

Yan Hongchen felt miserable all over. Unable to wait any longer, he stripped off his filthy robe and jumped into the comfortably warm water.

As the warm water washed over his body, Yan Hongchen could not help letting out a contented sigh, his whole body relaxing at once.

Yi Hongchen rolled up his sleeves, picked up a soft towel, and carefully, gently washed him. "Daddy will help you wash up this time, so you don't miss any spots. But when you bathe by yourself in the future, you still need to be careful."

Running water washed away the grime on Yan Hongchen's body, revealing smoother, more lustrous skin beneath. He answered Yi Hongchen, "I understand. Then I'll have to trouble Daddy to help me."

Meanwhile, outside, Liu Yueming held an exquisite soul communication device. She lightly tapped its smooth metal surface with her fingertip and infused it with a thread of soul power.

The pale purple gemstone set in the center of the device glowed faintly, emitting a soft hum of soul power fluctuations. She asked warmly, "Dad, where are you now?"

A moment later, Jing Hongchen's calm yet relaxed voice came through clearly. "We're already on our way back. By my estimate, we should reach the residence in about fifteen minutes."

"Alright. You've had a hard journey. When you return, I have good news to tell you." A smile spread across Liu Yueming's lips, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Mm, we'll talk when we get home." A warmth of homecoming seeped into Jing Hongchen's voice. Then the communication cut off, and the gemstone's glow faded.

Liu Yueming put away the soul communication device and instructed the old butler beside her, "Uncle Lin, have some extra wine and dishes prepared tonight. A family reunion calls for a celebration."

"Rest assured, Madam. I'll arrange it at once." Butler Lin bowed in response, a gratified smile rising in his eyes as well. He immediately turned and quietly gave instructions to several capable servants.

Time slipped by quietly amid their anticipation, until the rhythmic sound of carriage wheels approached from beyond the manor gates.

The gatekeeper had already received his orders. The main gates opened, and Liu Yueming waited at the entrance.

The soul-powered carriage came to a steady stop in the front courtyard. The curtain was lifted, and the first person to step out was an energetic old man.

He wore a black robe trimmed in gold. His build was not especially burly, his hair was meticulously combed, and his features bore a five- or six-tenths resemblance to Yi Hongchen's.

Yet deeper traces of age were carved around his eyes and brows, along with the composed bearing of one long accustomed to authority. He was Jing Hongchen, master of Mingde Hall.

Seeing only Liu Yueming and not his son Yi Hongchen or his young grandson Yan Hongchen, Jing Hongchen's graying brows drew together almost imperceptibly.

"Dad, you've had a hard journey." Liu Yueming quickly stepped forward. Her voice remained gentle as ever, but she had keenly caught the fleeting confusion in Jing Hongchen's expression and hurriedly explained in a soft voice.

"Yi performed Little Yan's martial soul awakening ceremony today. The child took a Mystic Water Pill and expelled a great deal of impurities, so Yi is helping him scrub himself clean in the bathroom right now. It will probably take a little while longer."

Upon hearing this, Jing Hongchen's expression eased somewhat, but he immediately seized on the crucial point and asked with concern, "How did Little Yan's awakening go?"

Liu Yueming's gaze flickered. She stepped half a pace closer and lowered her voice. "His martial soul and innate soul power... were both somewhat unexpected. But it's good news."

Jing Hongchen understood at once and did not ask further. He merely nodded slightly and moved aside, making room at the carriage door.

Before her words had even faded, a burst of rustling laughter and playful chatter came from inside the carriage. The last to emerge were a teenage boy and girl.

The boy stood tall and straight, with heterochromatic eyes and exceptionally handsome features. His chin was tilted slightly upward, carrying the natural pride of youth.

The girl had fair skin and breathtaking beauty. Dressed in a skirt, she stood beside him, the two complementing each other perfectly.

"Mom!" they cried in unison, rushing excitedly toward Liu Yueming and hugging her from both sides.

Liu Yueming smiled as she accepted her children's enthusiastic embrace. She did not mind in the least when her clothes became slightly rumpled, merely gently stroking their heads. "Alright, alright. How have you two been lately? Have you been listening to Grandpa?"

Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen hurriedly nodded, talking over each other about what they had gained, their words brimming with excitement and satisfaction.

Liu Yueming listened with an even deeper smile. Once they paused slightly, she said, "Don't stand around outside. Go in and freshen up first. We can talk slowly after dinner."

The carriage was led into the side courtyard by the servants, while the heavy gates slowly closed, shutting out the clamor of the outside world.

At that moment, the bathroom was still shrouded in mist. After Yi Hongchen had thoroughly washed Yan Hongchen, the water in the tub had turned pitch-black, and quite a bit of grime and sweat had gotten onto Yi Hongchen himself.

So he instructed Yan Hongchen, "Go rinse yourself clean in the shower. Once you're done, head straight to the hall. Your grandpa and your brother and sister have returned."

Yan Hongchen nodded when he heard that. "Mm, I understand." He got up and went to the shower room to clean himself up, while Yi Hongchen went to wash up as well.

After Yan Hongchen had finished cleaning up, he arrived in the hall to find it completely empty, and he could not help feeling a little disappointed.

Then he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw two familiar faces.

"Brother! Sister!" Yan Hongchen's eyes lit up. He hurried forward and gave Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen each a firm hug before quickly letting go.

After being hugged, Xiao Hongchen keenly sensed the already-formed fluctuations of soul power coming from Yan Hongchen, and curiosity flashed through his eyes.

"Little bro, what martial soul did you awaken? How much innate soul power do you have?"

Yan Hongchen merely waggled his index finger slyly, deliberately keeping them in suspense. "My martial soul... is very special. It's different from both Brother's and Sister's, and my innate soul power is special too. Dad and Mom will tell everyone later."

Meng Hongchen tilted her head and gave a slight sway. "Little brother has learned how to keep people in suspense now? Dad's and Brother's martial souls may differ, but they ultimately come from the same lineage. Mom's and mine are the same. Could your martial soul have undergone another new mutation?"

Yan Hongchen nodded, but still did not elaborate on his situation. It was better to wait for Yi Hongchen and Liu Yueming to speak. He then changed the subject and chatted about other matters.

As the three children conversed quietly, Jing Hongchen had already approached without a sound. Hearing Yan Hongchen's last words, combined with Liu Yueming's earlier hesitation, he suddenly understood. No wonder they had needed to be cautious.

But Jing Hongchen's senses were extraordinarily sharp. Yan Hongchen's soul power was condensed and stable, firmly resting at the level-ten bottleneck. Together with the cleansing effects of the Mystic Water Pill, his innate soul power had to be at least level nine...

Jing Hongchen considered this inwardly, but a kind smile had already appeared on his face. Once he drew close, he called out, "Little Yan, did you miss Grandpa?"

Hearing him, Yan Hongchen turned his head. Seeing Jing Hongchen, his face immediately broke into a smile. He trotted over, openly showing his delight at welcoming his grandfather home.

Jing Hongchen laughed heartily, bent down, and easily lifted Yan Hongchen into his arms. The child was still light, so carrying him required no effort at all.

"I did! Grandpa, did taking Brother and Sister soul hunting this time tire you out?"

"As long as we found suitable soul beasts and obtained satisfactory soul rings, it wasn't tiring at all. Grandpa will personally obtain Little Yan's soul ring for you too." Jing Hongchen smiled as he bounced Yan Hongchen lightly in his arms.

At that moment, Yi Hongchen and Liu Yueming emerged together from the inner corridor. Both had changed clothes and freshened up.