Chapter 44: Returning Home

After leaving the Hidden Golden Pavilion, Song Qingming was in no hurry to descend the mountain. He first returned to his cave dwelling to make thorough preparations and stabilize his cultivation at the sixth level of Qi Refinement. It was not until more than ten days later that Song Qingming packed his belongings, left his cave, and headed down Mount Funiu.

Upon descending, Song Qingming planned to first return to his home in Mujiao Town to see his family, whom he had not seen in three years, and to check if the Water Spirit Fruits he had left at home were safe.

Within the large Song family estate, the lively and adorable Song Yunshan had unexpectedly become the darling of the family. Now three years old, he was already accustomed to running wild throughout the courtyards. One day, he arrived at a plain small house in the western part of the backyard. Just as he was about to squeeze into the room to take a look, he pushed hard on the door, only to find it wouldn't budge. Instead, the clanking sound of iron chains echoed from the door.

Curiously, Song Yunshan looked up and saw two massive iron chains fastened above the small door. Just as he was at a loss for what to do, a plainly dressed Song family servant ran over in a panic from nearby and scooped Song Yunshan up to carry him away.

"Oh dear... my little young master, you scared me to death! Thank goodness the Old Master and the others aren't in the backyard right now. If they saw you, they would surely beat me to death."

The fellow muttered all the way, unaware that his words fell directly into the ears of Song Qingming, who had just walked through the main gates of the Song residence. Now that Song Qingming's cultivation had reached the sixth level of Qi Refinement, his hearing and vision were far superior to those of mortals; even the slightest movement within a hundred paces could hardly escape his ears.

As soon as he entered the main gate, Song Qingming saw his elderly parents waiting ahead. Both parents were nearly fifty, which was considered quite advanced in age for mortals.

Although they had consumed some of the spiritual items Song Qingming had provided and were relatively healthy, it was still clearly visible to Song Qingming—who had been away for three years—that many more wrinkles had appeared on his parents' faces. Even his fourth brother, who was three years younger than him, now looked like his older brother.

A mortal's lifespan was at most seventy or eighty years, and those who lived past sixty were rare. Since he was about to embark on a long journey and likely wouldn't return for several years, he realized the days he could spend by his parents' side would not be many.

After a warm reunion with his family in the main hall, Song Qingming went to the small house that no one had stepped into for three years. Behind him, his father, Song Dezhang, carefully fetched a key from his own room and personally unlocked the iron lock that had been fastened for three years.

When Song Qingming left, he had specifically instructed his parents and family that no one was allowed to enter this small room in his absence. Regarding this son who had become an immortal, Song Dezhang had been obedient all these years. Having lived an honest life for most of his years, he understood very well that without Song Qingming's protection, the Song family could never have enjoyed such prosperous days.

With a "clatter" of iron chains, the lock was quickly removed by Song Dezhang. Upon opening the door, a damp, musty smell rushed toward everyone. Once Song Qingming stepped inside, Song Dezhang purposefully stood at the doorway to block his wife and the others from entering.

The house, uninhabited for three years, was covered in dust, and several spiderwebs hung from the beams and chairs. Looking at the dilapidated and desolate scene, Song Qingming was actually quite satisfied. His father had taken his words to heart; no one else had entered this small room over the past few years, and the furnishings remained exactly as they were when he left.

Song Qingming walked softly toward the spot where he had buried the Water Spirit Fruits to ensure they were safe. His family was now considered wealthy in Mujiao Town, and he still feared some sightless thief might have stumbled in.

After a quick inspection, he found that the restriction spell he had set up was still intact. Seeing that the Water Spirit Fruits inside the red jade box were still lying there safely, Song Qingming finally felt at ease. He stood up and motioned for everyone outside to enter the room.

Seeing the filthy state of the room and smelling the pungent mustiness, everyone couldn't help but frown. It wasn't until Song Qingming lit a stick of Spirit Wood Incense inside, allowing a fragrant burst of spiritual energy to slowly permeate the room, that everyone felt a bit better.

This Spirit Wood Incense not only emits an enticing fragrance but also has the effect of refreshing the mind and relieving fatigue for cultivators. Lighting a stick while practicing can help one enter a meditative state faster. Whether a cultivator or a mortal, smelling this spiritual incense brings a sense of well-being.

Although such spiritual items were not of extremely high value, they were rare in the State of Wei; they were a unique specialty of the State of Lu in southern Wei. The few sticks of Spirit Wood Incense Song Qingming carried had been given to him by Qin Zhen back at Caolu Mountain.

In recent years, Qin Zhen had not only become a major customer for his talismans but had also become a close friend to Song Qingming. The two would occasionally share a few cups of spiritual wine at the Caolu Mountain inn, exchanging experiences in hunting demon beasts and insights into cultivation.

Qin Zhen was also a rogue cultivator from the jurisdiction of Qinghe坊 (Qinghe Market). He was quick-witted and enjoyed making friends, quickly making a name for himself in the Caolu Mountain area. He had become the leader of a group of rogue cultivators, frequently organizing expeditions to hunt demon beasts in the Yunwu Mountains. In the Caolu Mountain region, few people did not know him.

Relying on his extensive connections, although Qin Zhen was a rogue cultivator without a sect to back him, he fared quite well around Caolu Mountain. Sometimes he even acted as a middleman to facilitate business. It was Qin Zhen who had introduced Song Qingming to Gao Yuyao to purchase pills, for which Song Qingming had earned him a considerable amount of spirit stones.

For some reason, after Song Qingming returned from the Fuyun Mountain Range, he had not seen Gao Yuyao visit Caolu Mountain again. Song Qingming had specifically asked Qin Zhen several times, but he could never gather any information. It was as if Gao Yuyao had suddenly vanished, forcing him to travel to Qinghe Market to secretly purchase the pills needed for his cultivation over the last few years.

Compared to the pills provided by Gao Yuyao, purchasing from Qinghe Market was not only more troublesome but also more expensive. Unfortunately, alchemists were extremely rare; despite spending six years in the Caolu Mountain area, Song Qingming had never met anyone whose alchemy skills exceeded Gao Yuyao's.

Over these years, Song Qingming had truly missed the graceful beauty, Gao Yuyao.

After entering the room, Song's mother felt very uncomfortable seeing the dust everywhere. With Song Qingming's permission, she called several servants from outside to help thoroughly clean the small room.

Half a day later, seeing Song Qingming sitting on the cleaned bed, Song's mother nodded with satisfaction and dismissed the cleaning servants.

"San'er, are you staying for a long time this time?"

Looking at his mother's eyes, which were full of anticipation, Song Qingming felt a surge of emotion. He smiled and nodded, saying, "Now that I have completed the family task, I have some time for free cultivation. I can naturally stay longer this time. However, since there is no spiritual energy at home to practice, I cannot stay by your side for too long. I hope you understand, Mother."

Hearing this, Song Dezhang quickly said to his wife, "San'er is an immortal now. How can he live with us mortals every day? We must not hinder his future."

"You two only know about 'immortals, immortals' all day long! Whether San'er is an immortal or a mortal, he is still my son. Does practicing immortality mean one must abandon their parents and family?" Hearing Song Dezhang's nagging, Song's mother immediately felt displeased.

Seeing his partner suddenly lash out, Song Dezhang panicked and hurriedly tried to explain.

Seeing the two elders about to bicker over him, Song Qingming quickly stepped in to smooth things over. He was about to embark on a long journey, and he had intended to spend more time with his family this time. Seeing how much his mother missed him, he patiently stayed at home for a while longer.

A month later, Song Qingming bid farewell to his parents and family once more, carefully stepping onto his long, solitary path of immortality.

After Song Qingming left, Song's mother returned to the backyard. Looking at the large iron lock that had been reattached to the small door, she let out a somewhat resentful sigh.

(End of Chapter)