Laughter in the Old Courtyard · The Long-Awaited Return of Warmth

The night at the White Cloud Sect was more lively and magnificent than ever before.

Thousands of palace lanterns and seventy thousand spirit candles rose from the four corners of the sect, their spiritual light flowing among the clouds and mist, making the entire sect mountain appear as if it were in a fairyland. In the sect square, colorful curtains were gently lowered, jade platforms were laid out, and the aroma of fine wine filled the air. Ten thousand disciples and elders gathered together to celebrate the joy of "Qin Yu's return to the sect".

Qin Yu, Xiao Yinshan, Yang Zheng, and others drank and chatted, finishing off jars of spirit wine one after another, their laughter echoing through the starry night. Zhao Xinyu sat at a side table, gently wiping the grease from Yang Ning's lips; Qin Yu, on the other hand, sat quietly at the main banquet table, watching her son, her eyes gleaming with the gentle light of time as she laughed with everyone.

As the moon set and the stars faded, the guests dispersed in high spirits, and the White Cloud Sect finally fell into silence.

... The next morning, before the first rays of sunlight pierced through the vermilion windows of the main hall, wisps of smoke were already rising from the Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence.

The clear spring water gurgled through the courtyard corridor. Several maids rose early and quietly swept the fallen leaves in the courtyard, burned incense to brew soup, and served dishes and tea. Everything was in good order, but because they were slightly drunk after yesterday's feast, they had a touch of gentle leisure.

In a side room of the main hall, Qin Yu had already risen and changed into a light blue embroidered cloud-patterned long robe, her expression gentle and Wenwan. She was sitting in front of a bronze incense burner, her fingertips gently wiping a cloak that Qin Yu had left in the corner when he returned yesterday, her movements as delicate as if she were handling a priceless treasure.

The door creaked softly.

Qin Yu, dressed in simple casual clothes, walked out with a light step. He looked energetic, his hair slightly disheveled, as if still carrying the afterglow of last night's banquet.

Good morning, Mother.

His voice was gentle and smiling, which made Qin Yu turn around and look at him.

"Why are you up so early?" Qin Yu quickly got up. "You drank so much last night, I don't know who got drunk faster, you or Sect Master Xiao. Little Yang is still snoring in my side hall!"

Qin Yu smiled and strode over, "Mother, my body can't be affected by a little alcohol. I'll be fine after a short rest, don't worry."

"You..." Qin Yu feigned reproach, but her eyes were as gentle as water.

She reached out and smoothed a wrinkle on Qin Yu's collar, then gently patted his shoulder, murmuring, "You're back after all... I can't believe yesterday wasn't a dream."

As Qin Yu listened, his gaze slowly swept over the familiar courtyard around him. Green tiles and flying eaves, spirit trees swaying in the wind, everything seemed the same as before, but he knew in his heart that from now on, this would be the place he would always cherish and never leave, no matter how far he went or how strong he became in battle.

He replied softly, "Mother, I won't let you be alone for too long again."

Qin Yu chuckled softly, but a slight lump formed in her throat. "Silly child."

In the distant kitchen, the spirit pot was boiling, and wisps of fragrance rose up—it was Sect Master Xiao's secret recipe for a hangover porridge. Zhao Xinyu was already there, quietly directing the maids to add firewood and water.

Little Ning'er was still sleeping soundly in the room, one little leg dangling outside the quilt, with half a piece of spirit fruit candy that she hadn't finished eating last night still dangling from her mouth.

The morning sun caresses my face, and white clouds drift by.

At dawn, the morning light slanted across the Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence, wisps of ethereal mist swirled like smoke and clouds, a hundred flowers bloomed in the garden, auspicious grasses sprouted verdant green, a stream flowed through the stones, and celestial birds sang softly. Butterflies fluttered among the golden and red shadows of the flowers, and cranes spread their wings and cried softly in the forest, as if this place was not of the mortal world, but a celestial garden planted by a deity himself.

Qin Yu gently took Qin Yu's hand, and the two strolled slowly along the winding path paved with flower stones. He did not use any spiritual power to control the wind, but instead, just like when they were children, he led her step by step.

Morning dew dampened the flowers and leaves, and the air was filled with the delicate fragrance of lingzhi and roses.

"Yu'er, why did you come back alone this time?" Qin Yu asked softly as she admired the flowers and trees. "Why didn't Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan come back with you? They all cherish you more than their own lives."

Qin Yu chuckled softly, his tone gentle. "Mother, they're all in the Annihilation Abyss Epoch; there's a lot going on there. I came back directly from the Source of Epochless this time, without bringing them with me."

Qin Yu nodded gently, but worry showed in her eyes. "Then you must remember even more that you are a son of the Qin family, and never let any of them down. Otherwise... be careful, your mother might use the feather duster you used to use when you were naughty to make you drink tea."

Qin Yu laughed heartily and replied seriously, "Mother, don't worry. Although your son is not a perfect person, he will never falter when it comes to loyalty and righteousness. Besides, they are all willing to bear the fate of countless lifetimes for me, how could I dare to let them down?"

Qin Yu listened, feeling both gratified and tender. She simply hummed in response, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Qin Yu added, "I came back this time because I wanted some peace and quiet, and I also wanted to spend time with you, have a good talk, and take a walk. Ultimately, I just missed you."

Qin Yu felt a pang of sadness at his words, but couldn't help laughing out loud, "You're so glib. If you used that mouth to coax Qingwan and the others, I doubt anyone could resist."

Bathed in the morning light and the fragrance of flowers, the warmth in their hearts had long transcended blood ties, transforming into the most genuine bond of kinship.

Half an hour later, the two returned to Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence.

Spiritual food and snacks were prepared on the stone table in the courtyard. A golden soft couch and tea brewed with spiritual spring water filled the air with fragrance. Maids Xiaoyue and Ling'er were respectfully setting out freshly cooked peach spirit cakes, crystal dew osmanthus syrup, and hangover porridge. Several light side dishes and a steaming bowl of all-spirit grain porridge were also on the table, their aroma wafting through the air.

Qin Yu and Qin Yu sat facing each other. Qin Yu personally served his mother porridge, saying, "Mother, be careful, it's hot."

Qin Yu smiled at him, then suddenly exclaimed, "You are no longer the child I remember, but Qin Yu, who astonishes all realms."

Qin Yu's eyes softened as he smiled and replied, "In other people's eyes, I can be anyone. But in front of you, I will always be that child who fell into the mud pit from the back mountain and was washed by you for half a day."

Qin Yu smiled faintly through her tears and nodded gently.

This breakfast, eaten at a leisurely pace, was warm enough to comfort one across mountains and rivers, and across countless worlds.

At this moment, the morning light at Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence transforms into the softest rosy mist, enveloping the courtyard. The fragrance of flowers, tea, and the warmth of family blend together to create the most Anran tranquility of time.

Sunlight streamed into the morning hall of the White Cloud Sect. The silver dew had just melted, and the light shone through the eaves of the pavilions, casting a golden glow upon the center of the hall. Inside the main hall, Sect Master Xiao and Yang Zheng slowly awoke from their drunken dreams of the previous night, rubbing their temples.

"Ouch, my head hurts so much... Those three jars of 'Hundred Phoenixes' wine last night were no drink for a human..." Yang Zheng scratched his messy hair, his face showing the drowsy look of someone still hungover.

"You must have drunk quite a bit last night, kid. There are wine jars all over the floor," Sect Master Xiao chuckled, donning his sect leader's green robe. Yawning, he turned and looked around. "Where's Little Qin?"

At this moment, a maidservant outside responded, "Sect Master, Young Master Qin Yu has finished breakfast with his wife and is currently taking a walk with her in the flower courtyard."

Upon hearing this, Yang Zheng immediately perked up, grabbed Sect Master Xiao, and headed outside. "Come on, let's go find him and have a chat. Ten years have passed; he's not the same Qin Yu, the disciple of the White Cloud Sect, anymore."

As soon as the two left the front hall, they saw Qin Yu accompanying Qin Yu as they slowly walked back along a path in the winding, fragrant corridor.

"Hey, Brother Qin!" Yang Zheng laughed heartily, took a few steps forward, and grabbed Qin Yu's arm. "Your return this time has made so many senior disciples in the sect green with envy!"

"Brother Yang Zheng, Sect Master." Qin Yu smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. Although he was now a powerful figure at the mid-stage of the No Consciousness Realm, he remained as humble as ever in front of the two of them.

Sect Master Xiao's eyes also showed a look of relief, and he smiled and said, "Your mother told me that you waited outside her room for a while late last night to cover her with a blanket, and she was so moved that she cried half the night."

Qin Yu nodded gently. "Throughout my life, no matter what level I reach, I will never forget my roots. No matter how far I go, this will always be home."

"Well said!" Yang Zheng patted him on the shoulder forcefully. "You're now Qin Yu, feared by everyone in the entire Taiyan Heaven. We're all proud of you."

The three sat side by side under the veranda in the courtyard, with the shadows of green bamboo hanging down and larks chirping.

As they talked about yesterday's banquet, the changes in the White Cloud Sect over the years, and the turnover of disciples, Qin Yu listened very attentively, sometimes chuckling, sometimes lost in thought. Until a gentle breeze blew by, he suddenly turned his head and looked intently at Sect Master Xiao.

"Sect Master Xiao, there is another matter I wish to report to you today."

"Oh?" Sect Master Xiao's smile faded. "Go on."

"I plan to take my mother with me to Hidden Source Ridge, south of Yunlan in the Eastern Region of Taiyan Heaven, later."

After he finished speaking, the courtyard fell silent for a moment.

Sect Master Xiao raised an eyebrow, a complex look flashing in his eyes. "You want to go back there?"

Qin Yu nodded, his gaze resolute. "Although that place is just a dilapidated mountain ridge from my childhood, it holds my earliest memories—the days when I was a child, nestled against the mountain ditch and well, living with my mother. I want to take my mother back to see the old house, to see if the camphor tree we planted with our own hands is still there."

Hearing this, Qin Yu's eyes were already red, and she gently squeezed her son's hand. "Mother is afraid... that when we get there, I won't be able to bear to leave."

Qin Yu replied in a low voice, "Then I won't leave. I'll stay for a few days. If you like, I'll build another 'Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence' on this spot, and you can stay as long as you want for the rest of your life."

"You silly child..." Qin Yu's eyes welled up with tears, but she smiled and gently patted his shoulder.

After listening, Sect Master Xiao pondered for a long time, finally letting out a long sigh, "Hidden Source Ridge... Ten years ago, many causal roots of the Heavenly Emanation Continent were broken and then reconnected there. Since you want to return, you can rest assured about the sect. Madam Qin Yu is one of the Divine Lord-level protectors in the sect; who would dare to disrespect her?"

"Thank you, Sect Master." Qin Yu rose and bowed deeply.

Qin Yu nodded with a smile.

Sunlight filters through the clouds, and flowers and leaves sway gently. In the blue stone corridor of the courtyard, everything remains as gentle as ever. And a journey to "return to one's original aspirations" has quietly begun.

Zhao Xinyu then chimed in with a smile, "Yes, Brother Qin hasn't been back for so many years. He can go back and visit the old house. It's a bit remote, but it's where you grew up. The camphor tree, the stone path, and the little hill where you used to fly kites... they're all still there."

Her gaze softened, as if she too were recalling the past, her expression gentle and wistful.

Just then, the little boy "Ning'er" next to Zhao Xinyu suddenly slid off the chair, pounced in front of Qin Yu, and hugged his leg with his little hands.

"Uncle Qin!" Ning'er looked up, her round, rosy cheeks rosy. "You're back! Don't leave anymore! Stay and fly kites with Ning'er, and eat candy, okay?"

He was still holding half a candied hawthorn stick in his hand, glistening sugar syrup clinging to his fingers, and a tuft of dried leaves hanging from the corner of his clothes. It looked like he had sneaked over the flower bed to play.

"Ning'er, be good, don't make trouble for Uncle Qin." Zhao Xinyu quickly stepped forward to pick him up.

"No, no, it's alright." Qin Yu knelt down and picked up Ning'er's small body, a long-lost warmth appearing in his eyes. "Uncle promises you, after I take Mother back to Hidden Source Ridge, I'll come back and fly kites with you."

"Really?" Ning'er looked suspicious, her little nose wrinkling up. "You adults lie to people, you promised and then you didn't come back."

"I won't," Qin Yu said softly. "I never lie to important people."

These words seemed to be a promise, both to Ning'er and to this land that held his old memories.

Ning'er blushed slightly, smeared some sugar syrup haphazardly on Qin Yu's sleeve, and grinned, "Then it's a deal!"

"Yes, Ning'er is the best," Qin Yu chuckled.

"Yes!" Ning'er nodded seriously.

Sunlight streamed down, and red plum blossoms swayed along the eaves, casting dappled shadows.

In the courtyard, a mother and child walked hand in hand, friends accompanied them, and children chattered happily. Everything seemed like a re-enactment of a past dream, a beautiful scene reminiscent of a fairyland, warming the heart.