Chapter 13 Returning Home

Qin Mengzu ultimately died on the road, and no one ever knew. As a grandmaster of his generation, he likely never dreamed his final end would be so tragic and desolate! Yet, a man like him was unworthy of sympathy; bringing this upon himself was entirely his own doing.

"Hmph, a mighty figure who plotted for half a lifetime, only to meet such an end. Come, let's go. Others may not care about you, but I do. I shall take you away!" A cloaked elder looked down at the long-dead Qin Mengzu, sighed softly, hoisted him up, and walked toward the distant setting sun until he vanished completely over the horizon.

"My Lord, why go to the trouble of saving Qin Mengzu? The man is no good! Why court disaster by bringing him along?" grumbled a young man walking beside the elder in a low voice. Their lord was always like this—doing whatever pleased him without a single care for the consequences.

"Hahaha, you brat, are you really afraid of courting disaster? Stop nagging. This fellow's physical constitution is top-tier; he will be ideal for sealing the Eye of the Nether Sea. The old Qin family is now a thing of the past, and a newborn Qin family is on the horizon. Listen, Zuoming Mountain is currently brimming with celebration. Were it not for this troublesome Qin Mengzu, I might have actually wanted to join them!"

The elder licked his lips with a look of envy in his eyes before finally turning to leave.

"My Lord, wait for me! Why walk so fast?"

At that moment, Zuoming Mountain was indeed overflowing with jubilation!

"Come, come, young brother Liang! Today, you shall take the seat of honor, and no refusals will be accepted. Without you, the Qin family would have been finished long ago. Am I right, everyone?" The Great Elder of the Qin family forcibly pressed Liang Xi into the seat of honor, refusing to let him move.

Liang Xi felt utterly helpless. The Qin family's hospitality was overwhelming; despite having done seemingly nothing, he was receiving such lavish treatment, which made him rather uncomfortable.

"Liang Xi, you needn't decline. I prefer to keep my existence unknown, and this credit was always yours to begin with. Accept it with a tranquil mind."

The young man had originally intended to speak the truth, but the Sword God's voice stopped him. He did not wish to see a single soul from the Qin family; striking down Qin Mengzu was merely because that wretch had dared to harm Liang Xi, and nothing more.

Hearing this, Liang Xi nodded, his face returning to its accustomed smile. Since Senior Sword God had spoken thus, what harm was there in indulging this once?

"Indeed! If young brother Liang doesn't take the seat of honor, I, Qin Wu, will be the first to object! In fact, if you ask me, young brother Liang could even become the head of the family if he so desired!"

Qin Wu certainly dared to speak his mind—did he not notice the expressions of those around him shifting instantly?

Sensing the atmosphere growing somewhat strained, the Great Elder quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "All right, all right! Today marks a rebirth for the Qin family! Let everyone drink wine, eat meat, and cast away all sorrow!"

Although the members of the Qin family felt boundless gratitude toward Liang Xi for eradicating their calamity, the ancestral rule that outsiders could not become family heads was deeply engraved in their bones. Had it been any other request, they would have agreed instantly, but concerning the family lineage, they had to exercise caution. They trusted Liang Xi's character and strength, but he was simply not of Qin blood. There was no helping that.

Cups were raised and exchanged amidst the lively clamor that persisted deep into the night. The Great Elder had declared a grand three-day banquet so everyone could celebrate to their heart's content.

The Qin disciples had undoubtedly lived under heavy suppression and hardship for too long. It was best to leave this space to them; his presence only made them restrained, and Liang Xi himself found it awkward. Grabbing a jar of wine and some side dishes, he sought out a quiet spot to rest—that was what he truly enjoyed.

In the Qin family's plaza, disciples who had weathered countless trials were fast asleep, exhausted, with expressions of contented fulfillment on their faces. Where the Qin family would go from here, he did not know, but in this moment, they were happy, purging years of accumulated resentment through the banquet.

"Brother Yuanhui, sit over here! Oh? Roasted meat, crystal prawns, seasoned auspicious greens—so many delicious treats! This is simply wonderful. Brother Yuanhui, let me tell you, I've never been happier in my entire life than today, because I've never tasted anything so mouthwatering!"

Seeing the delicacies before her, Gu Zhenzhen's eyes lit up. At that moment, all manners paled in comparison to the joy of a hearty feast. Before long, her mouth was smeared with oil and her cheeks puffed out like a little squirrel's.

Liang Xi had originally intended to apologize to Gu Zhenzhen; if not for his involvement, how could this young maiden have fallen into such danger?

As if reading his mind, Gu Zhenzhen held a chicken leg in her left hand and a wine flask in her right, taking a ferocious bite of meat before muttering indistinctly, "Brother Yuanhui, there's no need for apologies. I think this recent experience has been quite fascinating. Looking back, the life I used to lead was like stagnant water—devoid of ripples and terribly dull. Besides, look! We helped the Qin family, and they're grateful to us, which is why I get to eat such marvelous food. In the past, I never would have had this chance. Not to mention, even though these Qin folks aren't much, their cooking is actually quite decent."

"I am truly, truly satisfied!"

A large portion of the food and wine Liang Xi had brought was devoured by this young girl. Presently, she lay flat on the ground, eyes closed in blissful contentment. "Such a banquet is going to last for three days! What delicious things will come next? How utterly exciting!"

She was genuinely exhausted; soon, soft breathing sounds escaped Gu Zhenzhen as she drifted off to sleep.

"Let her rest properly. Though she puts on a bold face, this little girl has been enduring fear over the past few days. Now that she can finally relax, it's only natural she's letting go a bit. Shall we take a walk?"

Looking at the man before her, Ji Anran said with tender eyes, wondering how his internal injuries were faring and if he felt any better. She had countless words she wished to express, but at this moment, they all transformed into the gentlest of smiles.

"Very well, let's take a walk. Wherever you go, I shall follow." Gazing at the breathtakingly beautiful Ji Anran, Liang Xi felt a sudden melting warmth in his heart. Ever since defeating Qin Zhen and Qin Mengzu, he had become a hero in the eyes of all Qin family members, leaving him virtually no opportunity to speak with Ji Anran. Seeing her safe and sound now made him happier than anything else.

"Will you become the head of the Qin family? I imagine that if you merely nodded right now, the vast majority would agree, and as for the small minority, they could be safely ignored. You have recreated the Qin family; becoming its master would allow you to lead them even further!"

"Anran, are you joking? Do you not know my temperament by now? The head of the Qin family—hmph, do you think I care for such a title? I merely wished to clear Big Brother Luo Mingyu's grievances. Now that this matter is accomplished, I can retire with full merit. Anyone can head the Qin family; none of it concerns me in the least!"

"We need only stay to witness the ceremony when the time comes. It's just regrettable that Big Brother Luo isn't here to see such a fine occasion."

A man like Luo Mingyu should not have met such an end.

"You needn't worry about that. Your good brother isn't so easily killed. Look, this is a letter he asked me to hand to you before he left. Read it, and everything will become clear."

What? Big Brother Luo was not dead? If so, why wouldn't he come to see him? Liang Xi took the letter written by Luo Mingyu. *"Yuanhui, seeing this writing is like seeing me. By the time you read this, Suwen and I will have already departed. Yes, I am not dead, nor am I willing to see you—not because I lack the qualifications, but because I have no face left to meet you."*

*"That Suwen has become as she is now is entirely my fault. I intend to spend the remainder of my days properly making amends to her. The Qin family must be deeply grateful to you by now, right?"*

*"For my sake, I ask that you look after the Qin family in the future. There is one thing I never told you: I am a disciple of the Qin family. However, because they treated me poorly in the past, I never bothered mentioning my true identity to anyone. But you are different; you are my brother, and I ought to let you know who I am."*

*"In truth, there is still much I wish to say to you, but the moment I picked up my brush, everything I wrote seemed like nonsense. Despite my usual eloquence, I am terribly clumsy with words when it matters. In this, I am no match for you!"*

*"Suwen's condition is currently quite good; the evil spirit within her has finally vanished. She has reverted to an ordinary mortal once more, forgetting everything of the past. I know this must be Heaven's will, granting us a chance to start afresh. Well, I shall say no more here. Suwen cannot bear to be apart from me even for a moment; she is already urging me along. Henceforth, South City is entrusted to you. Inside this envelope is the seal of South City. Good brother, I know you will do an even better job than I did!"*

The letter was brief. Liang Xi felt a mixture of melancholy and joy. The sorrow lay in the realization that after today's parting, he knew not when he would see Big Brother Luo again; the joy was that after enduring so much hardship, Big Brother Luo was finally reunited with the person he loved most, and their future would surely be all the happier.

"Well, this is ultimately a joyful outcome, is it not? You may not realize it, but although Luo Mingyu is renowned as the foremost young master under heaven, he loathed that title himself. He forged that reputation in the past, yet spent years yearning to shed it. Regrettably, he could never manage it until now. Now that he is finally free, you should be happy for him."

Thinking it over carefully, Liang Xi realized it was indeed true. Everyone's choices differed, and Big Brother Luo was now living the life he truly yearned for.

"Never mind. Since these things have all come to pass, there's no need to dwell on them. As long as Big Brother is well, that's what matters most. Ah, these continuous battles have left my bones feeling scattered to the winds. Now I can finally get some proper rest. I'm exhausted—I'm going to have a wonderfully comfortable sleep first!"

Liang Xi pillowed his head directly on Ji Anran's slender, firm lap and drifted into a profound sleep. Ji Anran's gaze grew so tender it seemed it might melt into water. She gently stroked Liang Xi's slightly coarse hair, terrified that a sudden movement might awaken him. To sleep peacefully was, after all, a rather wonderful thing.

"Liang Xi has always been so strong. Even in front of me, he has never shown the slightest trace of weakness. Perhaps in this man's mind, he refuses to allow himself to appear vulnerable. There are so many people he wishes to protect, and I am merely one of them. Yet, Liang Xi, do you know? Countless times, I have wished to protect you just as well!"

Leaning back against a sturdy tree, Ji Anran drifted off to sleep as well. The night breeze was cool and refreshing, and save for the still-reveling Qin household, all else fell into deep slumber.

It was a night of untroubled sleep. When Ji Anran awoke, Liang Xi was already nowhere to be seen. However, resting on the stone table beside her was a bowl of steaming congee and a small dish of pickles. Having consumed alcohol the night before, her stomach was bound to feel unsettled, making the warm congee a welcome relief.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

An overbearing, air-shattering sound echoed through the morning stillness.

Liang Xi had a morning habit of practicing his fist techniques. This particular set of punches was the most fundamental "Rigid Fist," known to anyone in the martial path. Yet no one ever wished to spend too much time on it; it was merely flashy to look at, holding little practical value. However, upon witnessing Liang Xi execute the Rigid Fist, everyone present was struck with utter astonishment. Was this truly the ordinary Rigid Fist they knew?

Why did these punches carry such terrifying might? After finishing her meal, Ji Anran stepped out to find the cleared plaza surrounded by crowds. In the current Qin family, who else could possibly stir such a massive sensation besides Liang Xi?

Liang Xi's punches grew increasingly swift, his movement technique transforming into a gust of clear wind while a layer of blue lightning crackled around his form. The onlookers stared in blank-faced stupor. The most mundane martial art, in Liang Xi's hands, had been elevated to a supreme combat technique—such was the gap between them!

"Hahaha, young brother Liang truly knows how to astonish us! To execute even the simplest Rigid Fist with such breathtaking form... It is our utmost honor to count you as our friend!"

The Great Elder's eyes shone with profound delight. Such a man rightfully belonged among the Qin disciples; whatever the cost, they had to make this young fellow stay this time!

"The Great Elder flatters me. I am merely more familiar with this routine than everyone else; it's no great skill. Please, everyone, stop crowding around—I'm truly not accustomed to this sort of attention. Oh, right—is there anything good to eat today? Gu Zhenzhen is bound to be looking forward to it!"

"Brother Yuanhui! I despise you!"

Gu Zhenzhen, just waking up in a hazy blur, heard those words and flushed scarlet with aggrieved embarrassment. Brother Yuanhui always loved teasing her! When had she ever been looking forward to it like that? What would others think of her now?

*Teehee.* Ji Anran finally failed to hold back and giggled.

"Hahahaha!" Laughter was sometimes contagious; one person's amusement set off everyone else.

This left Gu Zhenzhen itching with frustration, knowing full well this was simply Liang Xi's true nature. Yet, she found her feet entirely unwilling to budge, driven by an overwhelming curiosity about today's menu.

"Hahaha! Rest assured, you will both be thoroughly satisfied!"

Gu Zhenzhen let out a huffy snort, though the smile tugging at the corner of her lips betrayed her. She loved the Qin family now—no, rather, she loved the Qin family's food.

"Brother Yuanhui, stop chatting and hurry up! I'm already starving!"

Dragging Liang Xi along, Gu Zhenzhen finally arrived at the bustling marketplace. The street was exceptionally lively today. Originally belonging to the Qin family, the market had fallen into total disuse after the former family head forced everyone into ceaseless, single-minded cultivation.

Now that the Qin family had attained rebirth and its people could return to their storefronts, it was all thanks to Liang Xi!

Gu Zhenzhen's jaw dropped wide open. Was this a mere market? To her, it was an absolute buffet! She was beyond ecstatic, firmly resolving never to leave. "Great Elder, there's so much food here! Can I eat all of it?"

"Of course, it was all prepared specially for you! Brother Liang, eat and play to your heart's content. We useless old fellows couldn't assist you much in battle, but we can at least exert ourselves in these trivial matters. I hope you both enjoy it!"

"Enjoy it? I love it! It's all mine, this is wonderful!" Gu Zhenzhen cheered aloud. In truth, she was an absolute carnivore, though she'd never previously had the opportunity to wander freely through a market. Today, it felt as though a seal had been broken, and she was soaring completely free!

To be honest, even Liang Xi had never experienced such a vibrant, down-to-earth atmosphere. The market was packed, and as people caught sight of Liang Xi, their gazes were filled with utmost reverence. Over the course of a single night, the legends surrounding him had grown remarkably mystical—some claimed he possessed boundless strength capable of wrestling ferocious dragons, while others whispered that his wisdom rivaled the gods. These diverse rumors had cast Liang Xi's image into that of a divine being.

Yet, those disciples who had never laid eyes on him in person could hardly believe that the real Liang Xi was so astonishingly young!

"Have you noticed? You brat have reached an unreachable pedestal within the Qin family. Everyone looks at you with absolute awe and reverence. That must feel rather wonderful, doesn't it?"

Liang Xi was hardly unfamiliar with such gazes. Though still somewhat unaccustomed to it, what else could he do? Had he failed, what would have become of the Qin family? Therefore, these rumors and expressions of awe were simply reflections of their heartfelt gratitude.

And since it came from the heart, he could accept it with a calm mind. The more at ease he was, the more comfortable they would feel!

Leading Ji Anran by the hand, Liang Xi strolled and browsed. Before long, his hands were laden with bags and packages. While Ji Anran wasn't much for eating, she loved shopping—especially for various exquisite and cute little trinkets. In her words, these objects would serve as the finest memories of days to come.

*"We met along a winding street, and long I thought it a dream of my own; yet you proclaimed it a shared memory, crossing thousands of mountains just for an ancient pledge. The golden sand at our fingertips no longer slips away; embraced once more, never to part again!"*

At that moment, a melodious song drifted through the air. Ji Anran looked toward the source and saw a refined-looking young woman singing. The lyrics were unpretentious and plain, yet as they slipped past the singer's lips, they turned tender, lingering, and deeply moving, stirring the hearts of all who listened. She sang of reunion after a long separation between lovers; she sang of the joy of returning home!

Touched by the song, Ji Anran felt a prickle of moisture gather in the corners of her eyes. She looked at the man by her side. Thankfully, she and Liang Xi had not endured the parting depicted in the song; whatever might transpire, they would always remain together.

*Clap, clap, clap.*

As the song concluded, tears stained the faces of everyone present. It was sung so exquisitely—the golden sand no longer drifting away, the embrace never to part. It was a hope and a driving force for all.

"You sing beautifully. What is this song called?"

With her naturally delicate sensibilities, Ji Anran stepped forward to address the singer.

The songstress glanced at Ji Anran and Liang Xi, her expression remaining entirely composed. Naturally, she recognized who the couple before her were, but she was merely a wandering singer expressing her emotions through song—that was her proper calling. The piece she had just performed had exhausted every ounce of emotional depth she possessed, leaving her with barely the strength to speak.

"Lady Ji, if it pleases you, you may name this song yourself. I composed the melody only yesterday. I know you two are devoted lovers, so I present this song to you, hoping it brings you joy."

It didn't have a name yet? Ji Anran pondered for a moment, deciding that any ordinary title would fail to match such an extraordinary melody. She turned her gaze to Liang Xi, hoping he might offer a suggestion.

After a brief thought, Liang Xi smiled and said, "How about *'Unswerving'*? Love requires steadfast devotion, and so does the future!"

*"Unswerving... Unswerving..."* The singer softly rolled the name over her tongue, finding it richer with every repetition. "A splendid name! Unswerving—yes, let this song be called *Unswerving*."

With eyes shining with unshed tears of excitement, the singer offered a deep, graceful bow to Liang Xi. "For half a lifetime I have drifted, searching in vain for a kindred spirit. I never imagined that today, Young Master Liang would capture the very soul of this melody with a single word. I am eternally grateful!"

"Lady, what are you doing? You sang wonderfully; I merely provided a title, which is no great feat. Please rise—you mustn't kneel to me, I cannot accept such a gesture!"

"No! Young Master Liang granting the name *Unswerving* today has given this song its soul. To me, that is a matter of paramount importance. After today, I shall leave Zuoming Mountain to wander further, creating even more moving music. May we meet again by fate someday!"

With those words, the songstress drifted gracefully away into the distance!

"Well, well. She's long gone and you're still staring. Time to snap out of it! I'm standing right here, you know."

A distinct hint of vinegar hung in the air—sharp and bracingly fresh!

"Hahaha, what nonsense are you thinking? I merely feel such a person deserves deep respect. We express ourselves through martial arts, while she does so through song—ultimately, it is the same path."

"Brother Liang, do you know who that singer was? She is Yan Xiangjun, renowned across the realm as the foremost talented woman, celebrated above all for her vocal artistry. She has always led an unfixed, wandering existence, so none of us expected to encounter her here today. Born into the Qin family, she ultimately chose to depart and live in seclusion by the Yan River because she could not stomach the former family head's tyrannical ways."

"She sings of wandering travelers leaving home, of heroic champions, and above all, of touching romance. Legend has it that no matter how foul one's mood might be, hearing her voice could instantly lift the spirit. There are countless tales told of her, yet even I never dreamed I would lay eyes on her today. It seems that despite leaving the Qin family, a deep attachment still lingers in her heart."

The vendor at a nearby wonton stall proved quite knowledgeable about the songstress. A sense of profound respect for the woman blossomed in Ji Anran's heart. Liang Xi was right—such individuals were truly worthy of admiration.

"What a wonderful tale. Boss, two bowls of wontons, extra spicy!"

"What do you mean, two? Clearly, it's three!"

Emerging from nowhere, Gu Zhenzhen appeared with her hands full of snacks, having seemingly eaten her way around the market yet somehow still harboring room for wontons.

Seeing Gu Zhenzhen's indignant expression as if to say *"How could you forget me?"* Liang Xi couldn't help a chuckle. "Right, right—three large bowls of wontons, extra spicy."

The stall owner naturally agreed readily. Never did he imagine that his very first customer of the day would be Liang Xi himself. Moments later, three steaming, fragrant bowls of shrimp wontons were served.

Without minding the heat, Gu Zhenzhen immediately dug in, blowing frantically at her mouth a moment later to cool it down before grinning. "Delicious! So fresh! I've never tasted wontons this good before—I'm practically moved to tears!"

"Why eat so fast? No one is taking them from you. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were a starving ghost reincarnated! If that's not enough, we'll order another bowl!"

Gu Zhenzhen nodded vigorously. "Yes, please! And I want a sesame seed flatbread too—the flaky, crispy kind to go with the wontons. It's the best combination!"

To know how to eat and exactly what to order was a skill in its own right.

"Done!"

To Gu Zhenzhen, Liang Xi acted as an indulgent, doting older brother.

After consuming three large bowls of wontons and two flatbreads, Gu Zhenzhen patted her stomach and casually informed the vendor she would definitely be returning in the future.

While regular customers were normally welcome, this particular girl's appetite was staggering, and the Great Elder had forbidden them from charging Liang Xi any crystal currency. The vendor's face twisted into an expression uglier than crying. *Return again? Another round like this and I'll have to shut down the stall!*

Yet Liang Xi detested taking advantage of others. Having grown up in a merchant family, he understood the value of crystal currency all too well. He left a fist-sized crystal stone right on the table before pulling Ji Anran away.

Staring at the table with a bitter grimace, the vendor suddenly spotted the glowing crystal stone. Pressed beneath it was a note: *"Please accept this crystal. The wontons were exceptional, and we will certainly return."*

The stall owner had merely been grumbling; how could he actually take Liang Xi's money? This savior had given the entire Liang family a new lease on life—what was the cost of a few bowls of wontons? Though he thought thus, he picked up the crystal and safely pocketed it nonetheless.

"Was that really necessary? It was just a few bowls of wontons! Did you see the look on his face? Do I really look that terrifying to you?" Gu Zhenzhen wasn't entirely oblivious; she had naturally caught the vendor's comical expression.

"Whether you look terrifying is debatable, but your appetite is genuinely terrifying. If I were him, I'd probably look the same way! Under normal circumstances, a few bowls wouldn't matter, but the Qin family has just undergone reconstruction and crystal currency is needed everywhere!"

"Actually, I've been thinking ever since earlier: what can I possibly do to help? And just now, it hit me—I want to help the Qin people rebuild their home. That way, even when we leave later, our hearts will feel lighter."

"What's this, Brother Liang? You want to help us rebuild our home? No, no, you've already done far too much for us! These rough chores aren't meant for someone of your stature. Go enjoy yourself instead."

"Someone of my stature? What kind of stature is that? If you all can do it, why can't I? We've shared life and death together, which makes us friends. Is it wrong for me to help friends?"

The Great Elder was left speechless. This young fellow was truly extraordinary; he had never imagined such a person could exist in this world. "Very well, as you wish!"

Upon learning that their benefactor Liang Xi intended to join them in reconstructing the Qin estate, the disciples threw themselves into the labor with renewed vigor and surging morale.

Guided by Liang Xi, even more market denizens joined the rebuilding efforts. What should have taken a full month was completed in a mere fortnight.

"Everyone! Our Qin estate has finally been fully restored. Are you happy?" The Great Elder stood upon a high platform, calling out in a resonant voice.

"Happy! No, we're beyond happy! This is a miracle—we actually accomplished something deemed impossible!"

"Indeed! This is the Qin family's miracle. You must all be wondering why I bring this up today. It is because I believe the time has come to choose a new family head. Is this not a matter of utmost importance? Furthermore, I already have a candidate in mind: Liang Xi!"

"I know what you wish to say—that he does not bear the Qin bloodline and thus lacks qualification. Hmph! But look around you. Had it not been for him, would the Qin family have ever recovered? Never! They say that destruction must precede construction; today, I see no reason why this old rule cannot be altered. Does anyone object?"

"Young brother Liang, forgive me for not consulting you beforehand. We knew you would refuse if asked, so we simply bypassed the question. You are our benefactor, and today, only you possess the qualification to lead. Please, do not decline!"

Liang Xi genuinely felt a wave of panic. He had always been a creature of absolute freedom; asking him to become a family head—what nonsense was that? Many disciples here were older than him, and besides, he still had far more critical matters to attend to. The role of patriarch simply did not suit him.

"Great Elder, I appreciate your kind intentions, but I truly cannot accept the position of family head. I am young, not yet twenty. Although you revere me now due to some meager contributions, I know my own nature well. If I stay too long, you will eventually regret this decision—leading either to mutual resentment or my own departure, neither of which I wish to see."

"Therefore, for the sake of the friendship we have forged, I cannot take this seat. However, I do have someone truly suitable in mind: you, Great Elder. In terms of merit, you are the true pillar of the Qin family. Even when the family endured its darkest adversity, you never abandoned it, remaining steadfast throughout. Such dedication commands my utmost respect!"

"Thus, if you ask me, you are the only rightful choice for family head. Am I right, everyone?"

Liang Xi spoke from the heart. He had zero ambition for the Qin patriarch's seat, whereas the Great Elder possessed both toil and merit. For such a man not to lead would be a true tragedy.

"Right! Right! Right!"

"The Great Elder should be our family head!"

Liang Xi's proposal naturally won the overwhelming consensus of the crowd, raising cheers that rolled wave upon wave.

The Great Elder was an honest man who had merely done what was required of him. He had never harbored ambitions for the patriarch's seat—or at least, he hadn't dared to before. But now, perhaps he could. Under the guidance of such a leader, the Qin family was destined to thrive.

"You lot are just following along and causing a ruckus. Is it really proper for me to take this position?"

"More than proper! Otherwise, I'm leaving right now. If you consider me a friend, take the seat today. That way I can eat comfortably and play to my heart's content—killing two birds with one stone, how wonderful!"

Completely cornered, the Great Elder could only shake his head. Never had he imagined events would unfold thus. "Very well! Since everyone insists, I shall serve as family head for a time!"

"Hooray!"

This was the outcome the Qin disciples truly desired.

"Brother Liang, tell me—since things have turned out this way, how am I ever to repay you?" Even after ascending to the patriarch's seat, the Great Elder remained entirely unchanged, retaining his innate rustic simplicity.

"Repay me? Haven't you already? I've been eating marvelously these past few days—what is that if not repayment?"

"How can that be called repayment? That's merely some food, it counts for nothing! How can someone like you refuse everything? Tell me, what am I supposed to do now?"

"All right, all right, let's speak no more of this. Are we not friends? If you truly wish to repay me, simply govern the Qin family well—that will be the greatest recompense of all. I know you are entirely capable of it!"

"You really are a piece of work..." The Great Elder was left utterly speechless.

"Is this Zuoming Mountain? The young master must be here. After traveling for so many days, I've finally found him."

Outside the mountain gates, Liang Zheng looked travel-worn and disheveled. "Please announce my arrival—Liang Zheng has come to see Young Master Liang. Thank you!"

"Patriarch, someone outside the gates claims to be from the Liang family and wishes to see Young Master Liang. Suspecting he might be an impostor, we didn't let him in immediately. Oh, right, he said his name is Liang Zheng."

Hearing this, Liang Xi leaped to his feet. "Where is he? Lead me to him!"

*Why has Xiaozheng come? Unless something extraordinary has happened, he would never make a special trip to find me. Could something have gone wrong at home?*

"Let's go together! If there's any way we can help, we certainly will!"

"Xiaozheng? Is it really you? Why are you here?"

Liang Zheng and Liang Xi had grown up together; how could he possibly fail to recognize his back?

"Young Master, I've finally found you! Seeing you safe and sound sets my mind at ease."

Liang Zheng avoided answering Liang Xi's question directly, which instantly heightened Liang Xi's suspicion, darkening his expression.

"Xiaozheng, we grew up together. You've never kept anything from me. Tell me the truth—why did you come here? Has something happened at home?"

"N... no! It's just that I missed you and wanted to check in. Now that I see you're well, I can head right back. Everything is fine at home, Young Master, you needn't worry!"

"You needn't worry? Do you think I don't know you? Every time you lie, you can't bear to look me in the eye. Speak! What on earth has happened, or else I'll give you something to regret!" Using a harsh tone was the only way to get Liang Zheng to utter a single honest word.

"Young Master, please come home with us! The Second Master has publicly declared that he intends to reclaim everything that rightfully belongs to him. You know what kind of person the Second Master is—when has he ever changed his mind once a decision is made? When has he ever failed to grasp whatever he set his sights on? My lord and mistress are furious, cursing the Second Master as a beast. But upon returning home, the mistress was gravely wounded... Tell me, what are we to do now?"

"So it is as I feared—my second uncle has refused to give up his sinister ambitions. Don't worry, I shall return with you immediately to protect our home! Great Elder, you heard him—some urgent matters have arisen at home, so I cannot linger here any longer. My second uncle is practically a madman; if I return too late, there's no telling what atrocities he might commit!"

"So that's how it is. You needn't fret, Liang Xi; since we now know, I shall accompany you back. As you said, we are friends, and friends ought to support one another in times of greatest need!"

"No refusals! You may have stepped down as family head, but surely you won't refuse my help as well?"