He now wielded three Ways.
Space. Fire. Water.
He still needed time to advance the Way of Water from the first tribulation realm to Dao Integration. But there was no rush. The foundation was laid; he could work away at the rest slowly.
Chen Hao stood up and raised a hand, tearing open space.
This time... he was going home.
The other end of the passage opened into the living room in Treasure Sky City, Pengcheng.
He stepped through.
The living room was empty.
It was still light outside, sometime in the afternoon. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the clean floor.
The coffee table, sofa, television, and decorations were exactly as he had left them.
Not much had changed.
A rapid patter of claws came from the far end of the hallway.
A husky came charging out, all four legs scrambling, ears flattened back—Xiao Yue.
She rushed to Chen Hao's feet and pawed at his trouser legs, her tail wagging so hard her whole backside swayed. Eager whines escaped her mouth as she nudged his shoes with her nose.
Chen Hao bent down and stroked her head. "You've put on weight."
Xiao Yue grew even more excited, spun in two circles, then simply rolled onto her back, belly up.
A fluttering came from the balcony.
A three-colored bird flew in from the balcony... Xiao Qing.
Xiao Qing settled on Chen Hao's shoulder, folded its wings, and rubbed its head against his cheek twice, letting out a string of clear chirps.
"You're both doing well." Chen Hao reached up and scratched Xiao Qing under the chin.
Xiao Qing enjoyed it for a while with half-closed eyes, then perched quietly on his shoulder.
Chen Hao stood in the living room for a moment, looking around.
Four years and seven months.