Within the heart of the Lin Clan's sacred domain, where clouds curled around floating peaks and spiritual energy formed rivers in the sky, a ripple of destiny stirred.
Lin Feng had returned.
The World Piercing Boat landed softly within the inner sanctum of the Lin Clan, drawing astonished gazes from elders, guards, and disciples alike. As the black-robed youth stepped down, a powerful aura radiated from him—elegant, cold, and sovereign. Crimson flame markings flickered subtly across his collar, and his eyes held the weight of lifetimes.
"Inform the Patriarch! The Young Master has returned!" voices cried.
Moments later, two figures descended from the highest peak.
His mother arrived first, her beauty untouched by the centuries. Dressed in a flowing violet robe, her features were soft and graceful, but her eyes—glowing with maternal love—revealed an ancient wisdom.
"Feng'er... my son...!" she whispered, and without care for decorum, she rushed into his arms.
Lin Feng stiffened for a heartbeat, then slowly embraced her. Her presence brought a wave of calm through him.
Following her came his father, Lin Tianhai—Saint Realm warrior, patriarch of the Lin Clan, and one of the few men in the Saint Human World that even the heavens hesitated to provoke. His silver hair flowed like a waterfall of starlight, and his gaze, fierce as burning galaxies, scanned Lin Feng carefully.
Then a rare smile tugged at his lips.
"You've returned stronger. Good." His voice was like thunder through silk.
"Father. Mother," Lin Feng said with a slight bow. "I have returned."
The three of them entered the clan's main hall, where only the core family members were allowed. Runes pulsed gently through the walls, and divine beasts carved into the marble seemed to shift subtly with every heartbeat.
Servants brought spiritual tea and fruit, but none disturbed their moment.
"Tell us everything, Feng'er," his mother urged softly.
He recounted the trials in the Eastern Vein Realm, glossing over the more dangerous parts, though he did mention acquiring the Demonic Heart Flame and awakening his physique. He didn't mention the Eye of Destiny.
His father nodded approvingly. "You were cast into the wilderness, but instead of falling, you forged yourself. Now, the world will witness your true path."
Then the topic shifted.
"Feng'er, a few days ago, the Emperor of the Su Dynasty contacted me directly," Lin Tianhai said, sipping tea calmly.
Lin Feng raised a brow. "Oh?"
"Your fiancée, Su Qingyue, has assumed control of the Su Dynasty. She is now Empress Su. Her father is stepping down to focus on cultivation. She rules now with absolute authority."
His mother leaned in, eyes sparkling. "And she requested permission to visit the Lin Clan in two days. Her father mentioned the marriage discussion should resume."
Lin Feng blinked. "So soon?"
"You were promised to each other since childhood," his mother said with a teasing smile. "She's always held you in her heart, even if she never admitted it."
Lin Tianhai's tone turned serious. "Do not treat her coldly, Feng'er. Qingyue is not only powerful—she's loyal. Your cold temperament may test her patience, but do not forget what she means to our family."
Lin Feng smirked faintly. "I remember. She always acted like an empress, even back then."
His mother chuckled. "Yes, proud and distant, always in red robes like a goddess of war. But do not be fooled. Even then, she watched you more than anyone else."
---
Far away in the Su Dynasty's capital, a palace stood carved from a single mountain of scarlet jade. Crimson banners danced in the wind. Inside the imperial hall, where even ministers bowed low and dared not breathe loudly, a single figure sat on the throne.
Su Qingyue.
Draped in flowing red robes that shimmered like molten rubies, she exuded power and grace. Her black hair cascaded like ink down her back, and her eyes—cold, aloof, and brilliant—could freeze flames.
But at this moment, she gazed toward the heavens, a rare softness in her gaze.
"Two days," she murmured.
A young maid stood by her side. "Your Majesty... is something on your mind?"
Su Qingyue didn't answer immediately.
She thought of Lin Feng. That cold, arrogant boy who never bowed to anyone, who once held her hand only to tell her, "One day, the heavens will bow to me."
She had never forgotten that moment.
Back then, he was the only one who dared look her in the eyes, the only one whose presence shook her pride.
She had admired him secretly, though her pride never allowed her to admit it. Even now, as Empress, she remembered that feeling. Now that he had returned, stronger than before, her heart stirred in ways she wouldn't say aloud.
But she had her pride.
"Prepare the divine carriage. In two days, we visit the Lin Clan."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
---
Back in the Lin Clan, Lin Feng sat with his parents beneath the ancestral tree. Starlight passed through its leaves, forming shifting constellations.
"There are three ancient clans that still hold sway in the Saint Human World," Lin Tianhai said.
"The Ye Clan, the Gu Clan, and us," Lin Feng replied.
His father nodded.
"The Ye Clan is home to the Beast Bloodline. Their warriors are born with the instincts and powers of divine beasts. Ferocious and proud. The Gu Clan specializes in the Five Elements—earth, fire, water, wind, and metal. Their control over elemental law is terrifying."
His mother added gently, "Our Lin Clan stands as a balance between them. Our bloodline leans toward harmony and dominance across all paths."
Lin Feng's gaze flickered. "And Su Qingyue?"
His father hesitated, then said, "Her talent is not inferior to yours. Her cultivation has reached unfathomable level in young generation . But there's something more..."
His mother frowned. "We will speak of it later."
Lin Feng narrowed his eyes. He could sense they were hiding something, but didn't press further.
---
As twilight fell, Lin Feng walked the familiar paths of his childhood. Everything was both the same and different. Disciples bowed in reverence now. Elders whispered his name like a prophecy reborn.
He touched the beast storage bag at his waist, where Xiao Huo slept peacefully. The baby Qilin had become a symbol of his new beginning.
Looking toward the horizon, he whispered to himself, "Su Qingyue, let's see who has changed more."
Above him, the stars shimmered—and one in particular, the Crimson Star, glowed brighter than ever.