“Ancestral land?” Hearing the news, the couple Shi Zi Ling and Qin Yi were overwhelmed with emotions, feeling profound gratitude toward the villagers of Shi Village. If not for their care, their eldest son would never have become who he is today.
In the Central Heavenly Palace, the silhouette of the Willow God stood dim and ethereal at its center, surrounded by chaotic mists. Around it, thousands of realms floated, while endless divine figures flickered in and out of existence, all kneeling in reverence.
Shi Zi Ling and his wife were utterly astounded—what kind of vision was this?
Even Qin Hao, who always carried a sense of distance and refused to remain in this place, stared blankly, his lips parting in disbelief.
Yue Chan, usually self-assured, elegant, and transcendent beyond worldly concerns, was now wide-eyed in shock, her crimson lips parted in disbelief as she gazed upon the scene.
“Is this the mysterious powerhouse behind him?” Yue Chan murmured to herself, her heart shaking. At last, she understood why Shi Hao could be so ruthless, capable of sweeping away foes and daring to oppose the immortal inheritances.
“What kind of being is he?” Qin Hao also whispered, his heart trembling with awe.
At that moment, Shi Hao’s mood was low. Xiao Ta and the Willow God were both about to leave, making parting unbearable.
A tender green branch, glistening with dewdrops, radiating verdant light, pierced through space with a piercing sound and carved out a brilliant channel.
“Let’s go,” Shi Hao gestured to his parents to step through the channel toward Shi Village.
As for Yue Chan, although her relationship with Shi Hao remained complicated, even tinged with hostility, she too was taken along. Regardless of all else, she couldn’t be left behind alone for fear of unexpected danger.
Indeed, had it not been for Qin Yi Ning, she would have been sealed inside a bronze treasure box even on this journey. Because of this, Yue Chan’s resentment toward the “Evil Holy Girl” slightly eased, and at last, she caught sight of the mysterious figure standing behind Xiao Shi.
This was a passage constructed entirely of glyphs. As the group stepped into it, time did not stretch long before the end quickly approached, and the space ahead blurred, with ripples spreading outward.
In the next moment, they stepped out, finding solid ground beneath their feet.
Shi Hao inhaled deeply; the scent of grass, faint fruit fragrance, and the earthy aroma filled the air, refreshingly clean.
“Strange,” Shi Hao was surprised, observing his surroundings. The landscape was familiar. Hadn’t the location of Shi Village changed again? Yet everything still looked exactly the same.
“This realm holds rich spiritual energy. I’ve moved the entire ten-mile radius,” the Willow God explained.
As they entered the terrain, abundant vitality surged, clearly more conducive to cultivation and richer in life than before. Beneath the relocated site lay several spirit veins.
The lake remained unchanged, with tiny five-colored baby phoenixes appearing and vanishing among the reeds, their feathers gleaming. On the shores, herds of unicorns with silvery-white coats sparkled in the sunlight, unafraid of humans.
Various other divine birds and auspicious beasts gathered nearby. At its heart lay a village—an earthly paradise that brought the soul to serene stillness in an instant.
Shi Hao, long immersed in battles outside, found his inner turbulence and unrest instantly purified upon every return here, bringing him great relaxation. This was the sanctuary of his soul.
In a flash of green light, the Willow God rooted itself at the village head. Hundreds of willow branches cascaded down, swaying with green radiance, shrouded in mist, exuding an aura both sacred and peaceful.
“Ah, the Willow God has returned!” A child shouted, and the entire village was roused.
All the buildings were hewn from stone, exuding a primeval charm that conveyed simplicity and tranquility. The villagers rushed out.
The fastest to arrive was a drab-looking earth chicken, which charged to the foot of the giant willow tree before leisurely settling into a cozy spot.
“The Eight Treasures Chicken!” Yue Chan’s eyes sparkled. Even this tiny village possessed such an ancient miraculous fowl.
“Ah, it’s Elder Xiao Hao returning! Woof…” A horde of young children came running, some still with bare bottoms, spotting Shi Hao and the others outside the village.
They cried out gleefully like wild monkeys, leaping and climbing their way forward, their joyful faces brimming with eager anticipation.
Whenever Shi Hao returned, he brought an abundance of “delicacies”—Golden Peng, Fire Serpent, White Tiger, and many kinds of spirit fruits—making him the most beloved among the children.
“Xiao Hao, you’re finally back!”
Soon, the village elder Shi Yun Feng and others appeared at the village head, along with Da Zhuang, Er Meng, and other youths of the same generation, all smiling broadly.
As Shi Hao approached, he was soon covered in children—perched on his shoulders, clinging to his back, hugging his legs, or wrapping their arms around his neck.
When a group of slightly older children rushed forth, they nearly buried him under their joyous commotion, and everyone burst into laughter.
Witnessing this, Shi Zi Ling and his wife felt a warm, comforting feeling. Within this humble village lived simple-hearted people where their eldest son had grown up. What was there to worry about? Truly, this was wonderful.
“Xiao Hao, this time stay with us a little longer. Don’t rush off too soon,” Shi Fei Jiao advised.
“Uncle, this time I plan to stay for a while,” Shi Hao smiled.
“Xiao Hao brought new friends again…” Xiao Rascal, Hu Zi, and others approached, playfully punching him on the shoulder. Childhood companions reunited with sheer delight, they showed no restraint.
Watching from behind, Qin Hao felt that Shi Village was extraordinary. Divine spiritual energy lingered here. For a small village to possess such majesty was rare.
He believed an unfathomable great formation protected it, rivaling the mountain-protecting arrays of powerful sects outside, which was truly astonishing.
“Could you two be… those two from back then?!” Elder Shi Yun Feng was startled and doubtful, staring at the couple before him. Some of the elder villagers also froze in shock, recognizing the pair.
“Uncle, thank you!” Shi Zi Ling and his wife hurried forward, bowing deeply before Elder Shi and the others, their gratitude sincere. Without these people’s care, how could their eldest son exist today?
“It’s really them!” The villagers were stunned, surrounding them, astonished—after so many years, to see the two again was a miracle.
“These are… Xiao Hao’s birth parents?”
“A family… reunited?!”
A round of introductions followed. Overjoyed for Shi Hao, the villagers shared in the happiness—a warmth borne of pure emotion.
Shi Zi Ling and his wife spoke with the elders about the years gone by—moments of joy, sorrow, laughter, and near-tears. Their hearts were stirred with complex emotions.
The villagers could understand this. They gathered around, sharing endless stories and conversations.
“Is this beautiful sister a fairy? She’s so pretty!” A little girl raised her head, gazing at Yue Chan, her chubby face aglow with smiles.
The young boys, Da Zhu and Er Meng, had already spotted Yue Chan and were equally amazed. Her beauty was almost too much to believe—they were nearly petrified.
“This young lady is truly exquisite, too beautiful to seem real,” commented the elder Shi Yun Feng’s father with a smile, and the villagers all turned their curious eyes.
Yue Chan remained composed, dignified in her grace. As a Holy Maiden from an immortal sect, she had witnessed countless grand occasions. Upon arriving here, she did not act haughty or distant; instead, she wore a warm and radiant smile, quite unlike her usual ethereal, aloof image of a divine disciple.
“Is Xiao Hao finally serious this time? Is he truly settling down?” Da Zhuang asked.
“You’ve always been pulling our legs—promising to bring back some hefty prizes, but still haven’t delivered. Our kids can already run up and down the mountains, and still nothing,” Er Meng teased.
Surrounded by childhood companions, Shi Hao proudly raised his chin, waving a hand. “Well, this time it’s almost true. She came back here to carry the child.”
“What?!”
“Hahahahaha…!”
Hearing his words, everyone howled with laughter, the younger boys exchanging knowing glances.
A blush bloomed on Yue Chan’s cheeks. Though she secretly gritted her teeth, she could only respond with a clever, graceful smile, keeping her composure.
Qin Hao was not ignored either. Especially the children, who swarmed around him, jabbering with excitement.
As the group walked into the village, Shi Zi Ling and his wife marveled at the many spirit herbs growing freely alongside the bluestone paths, filling the air with rich spiritual energy.
Most stunning was a silver-glowing peach tree at the village center. Only waist-high, it emitted a sweet fragrance; every leaf and branch shimmered with silvery light, capturing everyone’s attention.
“A Holy Medicine?” Qin Hao’s expression darkened and lightened. Could a mere village actually possess a Holy Medicine?
Yue Chan also trembled, observing closely. She confirmed it was not yet a full Holy Medicine, but on its way—its medicinal potency was already astonishing.
As soon as they entered the village, golden lightning dogs, violet spirit rats, and crimson-feathered cranes bounded over, leaping onto children’s shoulders joyfully.
“Truly extraordinary!” Shi Zi Ling marveled—everything was completely different from what he remembered.
“Is this where he grew up?” Yue Chan gazed at the serenely untouched village and then the majestic, worshipped Willow God at the village head, entranced.
Out in the world Shi Hao was so “ferocious,” yet within the village, he was so radiant and warm. Yue Chan found this hard to believe, finding the contrast strange. The villagers were so simple, and the place—like paradise.
She now saw a different side of Shi Hao, one she had never known. Outside he shone with sharp brilliance, even appearing odiously arrogant to her eyes, but here, he showed a rare purity and innocence.
Suddenly, violent fluctuations of energy erupted from deep within the distant mountains, beams of light piercing the sky, shaking the earth.
“How powerful!” Shi Hao was startled—someone was battling with strength greater than an ordinary Monarch, commanding fear.
His expression immediately changed. Such a high-level battle so close to the village was no good omen.
“No need to worry. It’s just our villagers,” Elder Shi Yun Feng replied with a smile.
Not only was Shi Hao stunned, but Shi Zi Ling, his wife, Qin Hao, and Yue Chan were also shaken. Could there truly be such powerful experts within the village?
“Xiao Hao!”
Three strange birds dove down from the sky, all capable of speech—the Peng, Xiao Qing, and Zi Yun. Upon landing, they warmly greeted Shi Hao.
Shi Hao cried out in delight, hugging them tightly, asking where Qing Lin Eagle auntie was.
“Mom is observing the battle, trying to gain insight. Come with us—we’ll bring you to see,” Zi Yun affectionately nuzzled against him.
A warm feeling surged in Shi Hao’s heart, as if returning to childhood, playing with them, studying their treasure bones, and cultivating together.
“Later, I’ll teach you all the treasure techniques of the divine birds!” Shi Hao joyfully announced, his current mood pure and simple, hugging their necks tightly.
A silver-white unicorn appeared, noble and majestic, with holy light swirling around its body. On its flanks were wings—this was the king of unicorns, Xiao Bai, who once carried Shi Hao beyond the great wilderness.
“You… surely can’t really become the legendary celestial mount—the Celestial Horse?” Shi Hao exclaimed in astonishment.
The unicorn proudly raised its head, glowing all over, its snow-white mane flowing like silk as it strode forward with regal grace.
“It’s the Willow God’s doing,” the Snot Kid explained.
Indeed, the bloodline powers of Zi Yun, Xiao Qing, and Peng were also incredibly terrifying, all granted by the Willow God’s baptism, awakening the ancient heritages and dormant potentials left by their ancestors. Over time, their bloodlines would only grow purer and stronger.
“Let’s go! Take me to see the battle. Ordinary Monarchs are no match for them,” Shi Hao declared, leaping onto Xiao Bai’s back.
At the same time, the others mounted Zi Yun, Peng, and they soared together into the deep mountains.
“Qing Feng!” From afar, Shi Hao spotted a clean-cut young man sitting atop a cliff, watching the battle intently.
“Big Brother!” Qing Feng turned around, his face lighting up in joy.
Shi Hao was also delighted. He had come to take Qing Feng back with him, and now seeing his cultivation vastly improved, he was even more pleased.
“Aaah! So it’s them!” Shi Hao gaped in both joy and shock upon seeing the two battling figures deep within the mountains.
Yue Chan and Qin Hao had followed closely, and upon seeing those two silhouettes, their hearts trembled with awe. Tiny divine flames flickered in their eyes, exuding absurdly overpowering pressure.
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