The space twisted, and three figures stepped out of a tear in the void, landing steadily on an uninhabited hillside outside Wu Tan City.
The familiar outline of the town came into view, and a complex emotion of homecoming mixed with a touch of timidity welled up in Xiao Yan's heart.
After four years apart, he had finally returned.
Upon entering the city, Skyfire Venerable Yao Tianhuo found an inn and settled in by himself; his mission for this trip was merely to provide protection, and he had no intention of needlessly interfering in the domestic affairs of the Xiao Family.
Xiao Yan brought Xun'er and traveled at full speed, returning to the grand Xiao Family estate.
Father and son were reunited, filled with boundless emotion. Xiao Zhan pulled his reborn son toward him, looking him up and down countless times from head to toe, the relief and pride in his eyes practically overflowing.
After catching up on old times, Xiao Yan returned to his room first to rest and tidy up, while Xun'er also returned to her small courtyard which she had not visited in years, finding it still completely spotless.
Inside the bedchamber, incense curled in the air.
Xun'er poured herself a cup of clear tea, sitting quietly by the window, gazing at the familiar scenery outside as her thoughts drifted far away.
"Miss."
A dark shadow silently emerged from the shadows behind her, dropping to one knee—it was her protector, Ling Ying.
"News has come from the clan." Ling Ying's voice was somewhat heavy.
Xun'er's hand holding the teacup paused slightly, though she did not turn her head.
"Speak."
"The clan... several elders have once again brought up the matter of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, hinting in every way that they wish for you to