Tang Xiao and several elders also arrived upon hearing the news.
Upon seeing the two standing hand in hand, everyone was initially taken aback, but then all showed expressions of relief.
After everyone exchanged greetings, the atmosphere shifted from the initial solemnity to a warm and casual one.
Tang Xiao's gentle gaze swept over the two of them, and he nodded slightly, saying, "Let's go inside and talk."
Inside the main hall, everyone took their seats in order, with Tang Feng leading Zhu Zhuqing to sit in the front seats.
Tang Xiao sat in the main seat, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then looked at Tang Feng, asking with concern, " Feng'er, you've been away for two years, traveling the continent. What have you gained?"
Tang Feng replied in a steady voice, "Yes, Sect Master, my most direct feeling is that this world is far more complex than I imagined. I used to only want to revive the sect and fight against the Spirit Hall, but now I feel that we should shoulder greater responsibilities."
He paused, then continued, "I believe that when our Clear Sky Sect reopens its gates, it should not only restore its former glory, but also become a force that can protect the weak and break down injustice. Only in this way can we establish true faith in this world and stand forever. This is my greatest takeaway."
The elders inside the hall had different expressions; some were deep in thought, while others smiled and nodded.
Tang Xiao's eyes flashed with approval, and he smiled gently, "Very good. It seems that the trials and tribulations of the past two years have helped you mature a lot."
He changed the subject, his tone slightly serious. "But in the past two years, the Spirit Hall has appeared calm on the surface and hasn't made any major moves against us. However, I always feel that undercurrents are surging, and there are probably some conspiracies and schemes hidden within."
Tang Feng nodded. "Sect Master's concerns are very valid. The Spirit Hall is ambitious and will never allow us to grow stronger. But right now, the only thing we can do is seize the time to strengthen ourselves. Intrigues and tricks are ultimately unorthodox methods; strength is the foundation of everything."
He paused, then said solemnly, "Speaking of strength, I have broken through Level 70. I have returned this time precisely to need the sect's assistance in hunting for my Seventh Soul Ring."
He glanced at Zhu Zhuqing again, his eyes softening. " Zhu Zhuqing has also reached Level 60 and needs to acquire her Sixth Soul Ring."
As soon as he finished speaking, a soft gasp filled the hall.
Upon hearing this, the Fifth Elder slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed heartily, "Good lad! When I broke through to the Soul Saint, I was already nearly forty years old! Your cultivation speed has probably broken the record on the continent!"
Tang Xiao's eyes lit up with surprise, and he exclaimed, " Soul Saint and Soul Emperor at less than twenty years old... Excellent! Excellent! Heaven truly blesses our Clear Sky Sect. Having the two of you is a great fortune for the sect!"
He laughed several times before calming down and saying, "You said earlier that your target for the Seventh Soul Ring is the Titan Giant Ape, which is no small matter. Soul Beast of this level are not only incredibly powerful, but they also often inhabit the core area of Star Dou Great Forest, which is fraught with danger. We need to plan carefully and make thorough arrangements. You two should rest for a few days and recover your strength."
"Besides, the timing is perfect. Clan leaders Tai Tan and Niu Gao, along with your uncle Tang Yu, have all broken through the Level 90 barrier within a little over a month and are in need of hunting for their Ninth Soul Ring. It's a good opportunity for them to go together and support each other."
Tang Xiao's tone carried a hint of relief.
Upon hearing this, Tang Feng's eyes flashed with surprise. "All three elders have broken through to the Titled Douluo level? This is truly a joyous occasion."
"That's right. Once your grandfather and the others return, we'll gather our forces and set off together." Tang Xiao nodded with a smile.
Tang Feng was taken aback upon hearing this. "Where did Grandpa go?"
Tang Xiao explained with a smile, "Your talented companions, Tang Jian, Oscar, and the others, couldn't stand the loneliness in the mountains more than a year ago and applied to go out for training together. Your grandfather and Elder Dugu secretly accompanied and protected them. Yesterday, news came back that they had finished their training and were heading to the sect. They should arrive in about ten days."
This news did not surprise Tang Feng.
Before leaving, Tang Feng had anticipated that they wouldn't stagnate, but he hadn't expected them to take the initiative to leave the mountain and experience their own trials and tribulations.
However, Grandpa Yang Wudi and the Old Monster were willing to protect the younger generation on their journey...
Zhu Zhuqing gently touched the back of his hand. Tang Feng then came to his senses.
Tang Xiao waved his hand. "Alright, let's leave the business here for now. You've all had a long journey, go back and rest. If you need anything, just come find me."
He paused, looked at Zhu Zhuqing, and said gently, " Zhu Zhuqing, from today onwards, you are a member of the Clear Sky Sect. This is your home; there's no need to be reserved."
Zhu Zhuqing stood up and bowed solemnly. " Zhu Zhuqing understands, thank you, Sect Master."
Sunlight streamed in obliquely from outside the hall, casting long shadows on the smooth stone slabs.
The road ahead may still be fraught with challenges, but I have my sect behind me, my loved ones by my side, and a clear direction in my heart.
Tang Feng led Zhu Zhuqing out of the main hall, through the quiet bamboo forest behind the sect, and arrived at his own courtyard.
"Arrive."
Tang Feng pushed open the courtyard gate and stepped aside to let Zhu Zhuqing enter first.
Looking at the familiar courtyard, Zhu Zhuqing was filled with emotion. The last time she came, she was a bewildered guest, but now she was the mistress of this place.
Tang Feng walked to Zhu Zhuqing's side, standing beside her as they looked out over the courtyard. His voice held a rare tenderness as he said, " Zhu Zhuqing, this will be our home from now on."
Zhu Zhuqing turned around, reached out and wrapped her arms around Tang Feng's waist, pressing her face against his chest.
She could hear Tang Feng's steady heartbeat and smell his familiar scent.
She nestled her ear against his collar and whispered, "As long as you're here, anywhere is home."
Tang Feng's heart skipped a beat. He lowered his head, cupped her face, and looked into the earnestness and dependence in her eyes.
Then he leaned down and kissed her deeply.
This kiss was like a silent promise, imprinting the word "home" on each other's lips.
After a long while, their lips parted.
They smiled at each other, their eyes shining.
Tang Feng released her, rolled up his sleeves, and said, "Let's clean up first. I've been away from the sect for two years, and the room must be quite dusty."
He pushed open the door to the main room. The furnishings inside were still the same, and there was indeed a thin layer of dust, but the room remained exactly as it had been when he left.
It's called cleaning, but it's more like a ritual.
Tang Feng took out a clean cloth and a bucket, while Zhu Zhuqing tacitly began to tidy up the fallen leaves scattered in the yard.
She worked quickly and efficiently, wiping the stone table and benches clean and then washing and arranging the tea set.
The two worked together, occasionally bumping arms and exchanging smiles; their simple actions revealed a deep sense of warmth.
While cleaning the bookshelf, Zhu Zhuqing pulled out a thick notebook.
She opened the notebook, which was filled with dense handwriting, recording the characteristics of various Soul Beast, the effects of herbs, and many cultivation insights. The handwriting evolved from childish to gradually steady, spanning several years.
"This is..."
Zhu Zhuqing asked softly.
"These are just some random notes I jotted down when I was little." Tang Feng walked behind her and glanced at them. "Some of these ideas seem pretty naive now."
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, her fingertips gently tracing the pages. "No, it's very precious."
She carefully placed the notebook back in its place and continued wiping the bookshelf. Her movements were gentle, as if she were handling some fragile treasure.
By the time the cleaning was finished, dusk had fallen.
Tang Feng washed his hands, glanced at the sky, and said gently, "It's time to invite Grandpa over for a family dinner."
Zhu Zhuqing was just putting the broom against the wall when she heard this. She turned around, a faint smile appearing in her eyes, "Okay, go and invite Grandpa. I'll go prepare a few dishes."
She rolled up her sleeves, revealing her fair forearms, and walked briskly toward the small kitchen, her demeanor extremely natural, as if she were already the mistress of this courtyard.
Before long, Tang Feng brought Tang Lie over, carrying two jars of wine.
"Grandpa," Zhu Zhuqing greeted him.
"No need, no need!"
Tang Lie waved his hand, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard, taking in the spotless space before spotting the two people standing side by side.
A look of satisfaction appeared in his eyes. "Hmm, it's starting to feel like home."
Tang Feng turned and went into the kitchen. Soon, the two men brought out a few side dishes, and the three of them sat around the stone table.
Zhu Zhuqing poured a full wine cup for Tang Lie, Tang Lie without hesitation and drank it all in one gulp. Suddenly, he said, "Girl, you've suffered these past years."
Zhu Zhuqing understood his words and shook her head, saying, "It's not bitter. I'm very fortunate to have come this far and met the people I was meant to meet."
Tang Lie laughed heartily, "Excellent! As expected of the granddaughter-in-law I've chosen! She's resilient, doesn't complain, and is insightful and open-minded! Feng'er is a lucky boy!"
These words were quite direct, and Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks flushed slightly, but she readily accepted the title of "granddaughter-in-law": "Thank you for the compliment, Grandpa."