Doehring settled down in the capital of the Yulan Empire.
He said he was just "coming to visit his apprentice out of boredom," but once he stayed, he showed no intention of leaving. During the day, he spent most of his time sunbathing in the courtyard, and at night he would watch over Linley as he practiced his sword. He didn't offer much guidance, just sat quietly by his side, as if he were simply keeping him company. Linley knew he was worried—those two from the Radiant Church had returned empty-handed, and there was no guarantee they wouldn't come back.
Strangely, the Radiant Church remained silent after that night.
Linley's injuries healed quickly under Doehring's care. In less than half a month, the old, ruptured wounds were completely healed. However, whenever he thought of that night when he was forced into a desperate situation by two Peak Saint Realm experts and almost lost his life, he still felt a sense of unease.
"What are you thinking about?" That evening, Doehring sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, watching Linley sheath his sword by the lake. "Still pondering what happened that night?"
"Hmm." Linley sheathed his sword, walked over, and sat down. "I keep thinking that if Grandpa Doehring hadn't come, I probably wouldn't have made it through that night. My skills are far from sufficient on this continent."
Doehring glanced at him, offering neither rebuttal nor comfort, only saying calmly, "Of course. You're only in the Saint Realm Mid-Stage, still a long way from the peak, let alone the Deity Realm. But the path must be taken step by step; you can't rush it. You've already established your Tempos of the Wind; there's a long road ahead."
As he spoke, he suddenly changed the subject. "But there's something else, shouldn't you take care of it?"
"What is it?" Linley asked, surprised.
"That girl of yours named Delia," Doehring said slowly, "She's been with you, from north to south, and then from south to north, worrying about you so much. Now that you're in the Yulan Empire, it's time to give her an explanation."
Linley was taken aback when Doehring suddenly brought this up. He remembered how Delia had searched for ancient scrolls for him, guarded his residence, and stayed outside his door all night when he was seriously injured. The string in his heart had softened long ago. However, he had been so busy practicing his sword and figuring out the Tempos of the Wind that he had neglected this most important matter.
"Grandpa Doehring," Linley said softly, "I originally thought that once I had mastered this path, then..."
"What?" Doehring interrupted him. "You dare to offend even the Peak Saint Realm, so why are you afraid of getting a wife? Life is lived, not waited for. If you don't settle down with someone soon, what will happen to that girl if another Leiming or Useno comes knocking on your door?"
Linley felt a surge of warmth in his heart from what he said. He remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.
"Go ahead," Doehring waved his hand, "Pick a date and settle things. This old man is looking forward to drinking your wedding wine."
Linley chose a fine autumn day to tell Delia about it.
He didn't speak in a grand manner; he simply took her hand and stood by the lake, where fallen sycamore leaves lay, and earnestly spoke his heart. Delia listened, her eyes slightly red, but she didn't pull her hand away, only responding softly.
The wedding was held in the capital of the Yulan Empire.
There was no extravagance or lavish celebration, but everyone who was supposed to come was there. Doehring sat at the head of the table, dressed in a rare, neat outfit, and a smile was even on his usually indifferent face. Wharton had come all the way from the Baruch Mountain Range, and Reynolds had also resigned from his job in the mountain village, bringing Monica with him. The five brothers, having recovered from their injuries, had also rushed over after their long journey and were the most boisterous at the banquet.
"Third brother," Gates said, his voice booming so loudly it could be heard throughout the room, "You've finally settled things! I thought you were going to be a bachelor for life, spending every night with your broken sword!"
"Shut your mouth," Linley glared at him irritably. "Drink your wine."
"Drink! Drink! I'm going to make sure you drink three big bowls today!" Gates grinned, his face crinkling with laughter.
The meal was filled with laughter and commotion. Bebe crawled around under the table, rubbing its fur all over everyone's legs. Haeru squatted at the gate like a loyal guard, watching the lively scene unfold, letting out low whimpers as if he too was happy.
As night deepened, the guests gradually dispersed.
Linley stood in the courtyard, gazing at the lights still burning brightly, a strange feeling welling up inside him. For years, he had walked a tightrope, from the Baruch Mountain Range to the Mountain Range of Magical Beasts, from the Yulan Empire to the Chaotic Territory, always carrying everything alone. He had never imagined that one day he would have a light left on for him, someone waiting for his return.
"What are you thinking about?" Delia walked to his side and stood beside him in the moonlight.
"It's nothing." Linley looked at her, then suddenly reached out and gently took her hand. "I just feel that all this journey has been worthwhile."
Delia didn't reply, but simply turned her head slightly and leaned on his shoulder.
In the distance, Doehring stood under the corridor, watching this scene. A faint smile appeared on his usually indifferent face. He muttered something, as if to himself, yet also as if speaking to someone else, "This child has finally settled down. From now on, someone should be there to protect him."
A night breeze swept through the courtyard, carrying away some of the smell of alcohol. Linley held Delia's hand, gazing at the lights illuminating the courtyard. The tension that had been building in his heart finally eased completely that night.