Chapter 3: Returning Home

Liang Xi had finally returned to his hometown after ten long years. Though the distance was not great, sect rules forbade him from coming home. Yes, the closer one is to home, the more apprehensive one feels; his emotions surged. Ten years had passed, yet the jujube tree at his doorstep stood tall as ever, its fruits surely sweeter now. Even the air seemed more pleasant. Step by step, he approached the grand gate of the Liang family, which remained unchanged, yet at this moment, he could not muster the courage to walk through. In the past, he had passed through this gate countless times, never once hesitating as he did now.

Zhuang Yunzhen, however, had no intention of letting his junior brother wallow in sentimentality. With a hefty kick, he said, “You brat, stop pretending to be deep in front of me. That’s my job as your elder brother. Get in there! I’m hungry and it’s time to eat. Didn’t you say that once we were on your turf, I should follow you? Why are you stopping now? Did you eat too much and can’t move?”

“Zhuang Yunzhen, if you weren’t my senior brother, I’d have fought you already. You’ve ruined my good mood completely!” Liang Xi thought, this so-called senior brother must have come just to torment him. Still, for the sake of their decade-long friendship, he decided to let it go. See? That’s what it means to be magnanimous.

“Young master? Is that you, young master?” came a voice Liang Xi would never forget—Ah Fu. “Ah Fu, you’ve grown up too. That’s wonderful!” Liang Xi gave him a hearty embrace. Before meeting Senior Brother Zhuang, Ah Fu had been his closest companion; he shared every delight, every secret with him, forging a bond deep as family.

Ah Fu’s booming voice quickly brought the household to attention, and in the next moment, tears welled in Liang Xi’s eyes—tears not of sorrow and reluctance as they were ten years ago, but tears of overwhelming joy. For standing before him was his long-missed mother.

“Mother!” That warm, familiar scent—Liang Xi could no longer hold back. He wept openly. Zhuang Yunzhen, knowing how deeply Liang Xi cherished affection, was moved by the scene. “Xi’er, my child, let me look at you!” Lady Jun gently stroked Liang Xi’s brows, searching for traces of the little boy she remembered. “My son, you’ve grown; you’re more handsome than ever.” Such simple words, yet brimming with boundless love.

“Cailin, what are you doing? Don’t you see we have a guest? Let the children come inside and talk slowly. There’s no need to be so anxious.” Liang Yun Si gently reminded his wife, who in her joy had forgotten the presence of their guest. “Mother, this is my senior brother and dearest friend, Zhuang Yunzhen.”

“Wonderful, Yunzhen, welcome home. This is your house now—make yourself at home. You are Xi’er’s senior brother, and thus our child as well. Thank you for looking after him these ten years.”

Zhuang Yunzhen was deeply touched. Though their master loved him dearly, witnessing the reunion between mother and son revealed a love of a different kind. He began to understand what true affection was. “Liang Xi, your home is so warm and beautiful. Compared to this, Lingyun Palace is nothing—such a cold place, yet you managed to stay there for ten years! And to think, you used to be a crybaby, but now you’ve become so lively!”

According to their earlier agreement, Liang Xi could stay home for two days and one night before departing for the Celestial Cloud of Yunzhou. The time was short, for they had important duties, but to Liang Xi, it was more than enough. Lady Jun held her son tightly, unwilling to let go even for a moment. Once the famed beauty of Yunzhou, she now only feared her child would leave again. “Yunsi, am I dreaming? After ten years, my Xi’er has finally come home!”

“It’s true, your Xi’er is home, as you’ve confirmed a thousand times. If you don’t believe it, just pinch his cheek—it’s all real.” Liang Yun Si was equally moved, though he was more reserved. He turned to Zhuang Yunzhen, “Tell me, Zhuang, what has happened these ten years? It seems the master who took in Xi’er looked after him well indeed. You must truly be like brothers, to know his childhood nickname as Little Bamboo Mat.”

Neither Liang Yun Si nor Lady Jun practiced martial arts, but in their middle years, they remained a striking couple—true paragons of their time. Liang Xi favored his mother in appearance, but carried his father’s bearing. “Uncle, over these years, my junior brother has missed you both intensely. He may not have said it, but after ten years together, training daily, I know him well.”

Otherwise, the longing in his eyes would not be so deep. “Our master sent us down the mountain on a mission, but before we began, he insisted Xi’er come home. He also asked me to deliver these gifts to you.”

The gifts were a set of golden-threaded armor, a sword named Autumn Water, and a letter. “Your master is too kind. We have corresponded for a decade, though never met. I have long considered Qi Ying a dear friend. In his letters, he apologized for causing our family’s separation for ten years, which is a wound no gift can heal. A sword and some armor are nothing.”

“If not for your master’s timely intervention, my Xi’er would not have grown up strong. Our family owes him an immense debt. Soon, I will thank him in person. There’s no need for apologies.” Zhuang Yunzhen respected Liang Xi’s parents greatly, believing such people deserved every blessing.

He recounted their decade together in detail, leaving nothing out. At first, only Liang Yun Si listened intently, but soon Lady Jun was equally captivated. Zhuang Yunzhen was a natural storyteller, turning even ordinary events into adventures—amusing where they should be, thrilling where they must. Liang Xi had never realized his senior brother was so eloquent. “Uncle, Aunt, you wouldn’t believe it—on his first day at Lingyun Palace, Little Bamboo Mat cried the whole night.”

“Junior brother, don’t bother denying it. I stayed up watching you sob quietly. The next day I told our master, who immediately named you the Crybaby.”

“Haha, so the young master was always the crybaby! Now you see, I was wrongly accused all those years, forced to bear it all. Today, the truth is finally clear.” Ah Fu at last dared to speak out.

“Ah Fu, this is just the beginning. I can tell you everything about your young master, so if he ever bullies you again, you’ll have plenty to share with others. How’s that for a plan?”

Did Liang Xi not know how to retaliate? He certainly did. “Senior brother, you know much about me, but I also know things about you. For example, when you were ten, you stole our master’s wine and got a thorough beating. You swore you’d never do it again. And when you were twelve…”

That could not go on. “Little Bamboo Mat, I surrender!” The group burst into laughter. In Lady Jun’s heart, both boys were equally dear; seeing Liang Xi so cheerful was her greatest joy.

“Madam, the meal is ready.” Ah Fu beamed—his young master was home at last, and he was truly elated.

“Oh, my memory! Let’s eat and talk. Xi’er, sit by me so I can look at you. All these years, I could not care for you, and I blame myself deeply. Whenever I missed you, I would gaze upon Lingyun Palace, knowing you were there. Did you feel that, Xi’er?”

“Mother, I’ve missed you terribly. Just yesterday, I told my senior brother how I used to love shopping with you. Over these years, I would look down from the mountain at our home.” Afterward, Lady Jun wiped her tears again. Liang Xi’s bowl was piled high with all his favorites, and in his heart, he swore to eat every bite—none would go to waste.

Lady Jun, radiant with happiness, barely touched her food; most was eaten by Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi. It had been so long since they tasted a home-cooked meal—it was truly delicious. Lady Jun loved hearing about Liang Xi’s days at Lingyun Palace, and before they knew it, evening had fallen. As the lanterns glowed, Yunzhou revealed a different splendor.

“Hahaha, I hear my dear nephew is back! What wonderful news! Yun Si, how could you not tell me of such an event? Am I not your friend?” A hearty laugh rang out as a man strode in, exuding both poise and strength, his eyes bright with spirit. “Brother, what brings you here? It’s nothing major—you’re the Lord of Yunzhou City! Xi’er, come meet your Uncle Yun Hailan. When you were young, he cared for you often.”

Yun Hailan was a figure of great renown, not just in Yunzhou but throughout Baiyang County, which contained both Xuan and Yun prefectures. His mastery was matched by his generosity; he never shirked any task within his power. This was why, despite not practicing martial arts, the Liang couple could live safely in Yunzhou. Yun Hailan had always said they were extraordinary, able to overcome any challenge.

“Excellent, truly excellent. And, my nephew, I sense an extraordinary energy within you—your master must be a remarkable figure. Who is he?”

“My master is Qi Ying of Lingyun Palace,” Zhuang Yunzhen answered before Liang Xi could. “Ah, so it’s old friend Qi Ying! How interesting. I haven’t seen him in years and now he’s your master. All the better! Sit, all of you—the guest of honor today is Liang Xi, not me!”

Though famed throughout the land, Yun Hailan loved tranquility. As city lord, his deeds had always been above reproach. “Now, my dear sister-in-law, you can rest assured. I’ve always said Xi’er would become outstanding. I’m delighted today. I came in haste and brought no great gift, so I’ll give you a manual for lightness skills. It will serve you well!”

He tossed over a slim, gold-bound booklet inscribed with the words “Bird Flight Technique.” The first page revealed its core: to move like a bird, one must master the use of one’s internal energy, blending it with the energy of the world. This echoed the teachings of the Lingyun Manual’s Earth Scroll, which taught using the world’s energy to supplement one’s own. The Bird Flight Technique was indeed invaluable.

“Good. If you can grasp it, then I’ve given it to the right person. Enough, I must leave—you are the main event today, not I. If you ever have trouble, come find me!” With a hearty laugh, Yun Hailan vanished in a flash.

“Xi’er, your Uncle Yun’s gifts are always worthwhile. Since this skill suits you, practice it well, but remember to share it with your senior brother. Good things must be shared.”

Many believed the Heaven Scroll of the Lingyun Manual held mental techniques and the Earth Scroll martial forms, but the master who created it had his own ideas. Deep into the night, Liang Xi studied the Bird Flight Technique and, having trained in the Earth Scroll for ten years, quickly grasped its essence in just two hours.

Mastering the Bird Flight Technique did not grant flight but made one’s movements lighter. Zhuang Yunzhen, too, learned it. His Heaven Scroll focused on techniques, so he excelled in unpredictable maneuvers, whereas he had not yet mastered movement. As rain fell, he watched water bead and roll off lotus leaves in the Liang family’s vast pond.

“I understand now! The key to using the Bird Flight Technique is to gather energy around oneself, allowing one to slip easily away from danger!” The two began to practice, combining lightness with martial forms. It wasn’t Zhuang Yunzhen’s invention, but it was effective for now.

“Cailin, you must be at ease now. Have you ever seen Xi’er like this? I know you regretted sending him to Lingyun Palace, but now you see—he was meant to train and find his own path, not remain under our protection.”

“You always see the bigger picture, but when it comes to Xi’er, you lose your composure. His mission will be dangerous—you know that. What will you do next?”

Lady Jun, wise as ever, understood. “Yun Si, you don’t need to say more. Xi’er has grown up. He has his own road to walk. I only wish he keeps safe.”

Watching her son run through the rain, Lady Jun smiled gently. With her beloved by her side, she felt content.

At dawn, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen, both early risers since childhood, seized the quiet morning to practice. After a night’s refinement, Liang Xi had mastered most of the Bird Flight Technique, the rest would come with time. “Senior brother, take this!” Though he had never learned formal techniques, his foundation in the Earth Scroll made even basic forms powerful.

Liang Xi’s style was agile and lively, captivating to watch, and he often added his own twists, having grown up wild and free. Lady Jun had never seen such exquisite skill in her son, and her heart overflowed with joy.

At fifteen, Liang Xi was still a youth, eager to impress his mother. Unconsciously, he merged the Lingyun Manual’s inner power with his forms, and suddenly, whirling currents of energy surrounded him.

Seeing this, Zhuang Yunzhen grew wary and unleashed his full strength, his palms sending howling waves through the air. The energy clashed, and Liang Xi, caught in the midst, let out a cry as his aura surged, the vortices around him swelling rapidly. What began as practice teetered on the edge of a life-and-death struggle. Just as their moves collided, both boys collapsed, falling into unconsciousness.

Master Qi Ying had foreseen this. Fearful the boys might one day come to blows, he had placed a safeguard within the Lingyun Manual. If they tried to battle in earnest, the manual’s power would instantly render them unconscious, ensuring their safety. If anyone sought to seize the manual’s power in such a moment, their memory would be erased.

Lady Jun cared little for power—her only concern was her son’s safety. She quickly summoned Ah Fu, and together they carried Liang Xi to his room to rest. By afternoon, Liang Xi awoke.

“Xi’er, you’re awake! You scared me just now. Are you alright?”

Scared her? What had he done? Liang Xi was puzzled, so Lady Jun explained what had happened that morning. He was alarmed—thank goodness disaster had been averted, or he might have lost his senior brother forever.

“Mother, how is senior brother? Where is he?” Liang Xi was truly worried he might have hurt him.

“No need to worry. Zhuang is fine—he’s right outside, afraid to come in. You two really are brothers, worrying about each other in the same way. You fear you’ve hurt him, and he wants to apologize to you.”

“To have a friend and brother like you both really is wonderful. Zhuang, you heard all that, so you’re worrying needlessly. Come in.”

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen had known each other for ten years, but this was the first time they’d nearly made a terrible mistake. “I’m sorry!” they both said in perfect unison, then stared and burst out laughing. Having gone through this together, their friendship was all the deeper. They finally understood why their master forbade them to display the Lingyun Manual in front of others.

“So, the Lingyun Manual really is powerful—it can even control the mind. Let’s promise, junior brother, never to use it unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise, we’ll end up hurting ourselves and others. Luck won’t always be on our side.”

But boys will be boys, and keeping them cooped up was not right. “So, senior brother, didn’t I promise to show you around? This is one of the liveliest markets in Yunzhou!”

The street bustled with crowds and shops. Zhuang Yunzhen, having grown up in Lingyun Palace, had never seen such sights, and his curiosity drew many odd looks—a seventeen-year-old who had never been to market? Unthinkable, but understandable given Yunzhou’s size and wonders. Zhuang Yunzhen paid no mind to the stares. Lady Jun accompanied them, and if she liked something, she bought it. With her wealth, she could have bought the entire market, but she refrained; everyone in Yunzhou knew her. Today, she was more beautiful than ever, like a fairy from a painting. If she knew that in the hearts of Yunzhou’s people she was an immortal, she would surely laugh; she cared little for her looks, admired instead for her chivalrous spirit.

“Up ahead is the Dieyun Teahouse. Xi’er, I remember you always loved their rice dumplings. Zhuang, since you’re finally off the mountain, you must try them—they say there’s a new flavor.”

It was mealtime, and the teahouse bustled with diners, all drawn by its famous dumplings. “Madam, you’re here! I hear young master is back—what wonderful news. Today’s dumplings are on me. Let me share in your good fortune!” The owner, generous and warm, was nothing like the usual sharp-tongued shopkeepers—perhaps that was why his business thrived.

“Uncle Shopkeeper, it’s been so long! I’ve missed your dumplings—please, bring me a few right away!” Liang Xi was never one to stand on ceremony.

The shopkeeper was astonished. “Xi’er, you’ve grown so much! And your silver tongue is just like your father’s. Take any seat—your dumplings will be right out.”

Zhuang Yunzhen, for once, was at a loss for words. Never mind—if he had nothing to say, his mouth could be put to better use eating. Being with his junior brother was always an adventure. The teahouse had only one floor, so everyone dined together, making for a lively atmosphere; the truly distinguished cared little for private rooms.

“So many people today! Look, isn’t that Brother Liang? Well, looks like we’ve found our lunch companions!” Mu Chenyuan led a group of juniors and sisters over.

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen exchanged glances. Even eating couldn’t escape trouble; with Mu Chenyuan here, peace was unlikely. But he’d been warned by their master, so he wouldn’t dare act out. Mu Chenyuan, seeing them, was furious—for their master had injured his meridians before they left, and only the intervention of Yan Shiyu saved him.

Now, faced with his “enemies,” Mu Chenyuan would never let them off lightly. “Brothers, what a coincidence! Here for dumplings as well? I’ve long wanted to try them. And this elegant lady must be your mother—the only woman who could have such a fine son.”

“Thank you for the compliment, though I’ve never been outstanding. But I am better than you. Senior brother, aren’t you injured? Should you be out and about? Success on this mission depends on you—you’re our role model, right, Zhuang?”

Zhuang Yunzhen, mouth full, could only nod in agreement with his junior brother.

“If it’s dumplings you want, I’ve already had them sent to the side room. Rest assured, as long as you’re on my turf, you’ll never go hungry.”

Only today did Liang Xi realize just how sharp-tongued he could be. He was kind by nature, but to those he disliked, he showed no mercy. The other juniors and sisters cared little for the quarrel; what mattered was enjoying the dumplings.

“Liang Xi, you’re too much! Don’t think you can always get your way. Don’t expect help from Senior Brother at Celestial Cloud!” Junior Sister Xu, infatuated with Mu Chenyuan, could not bear to see Liang Xi’s confidence, but he ignored her, focusing instead on his meal.

Xu prided herself on her beauty, but seeing Lady Jun, she felt suddenly inferior. Liang Xi was fifteen, which meant Lady Jun’s beauty fifteen years ago surpassed today’s by a thousandfold. With a heavy huff and a stamp of her foot, she left in frustration.

“Liang Xi, your tongue is deadly—you see why I keep eating? If I say something wrong, you might kill me with a word. That’s all I need to do to stop being your friend.” Zhuang Yunzhen was honest to a fault. Lady Jun paid no mind to the earlier scene; her son handled such things well—it was a gift in itself.

“I’m furious! That wretched Liang Xi! I heard even Lord Yun Hailan of Yunzhou showed up yesterday—the very master my own teacher wishes to befriend! And I only heard about it last. But, nursing my injuries, I couldn’t have gone anyway. Still, after they leave for Celestial Cloud, I’ll see what they’re made of. I’ve sacrificed too much for this mission; anyone who gets in my way will end up dead!” Mu Chenyuan stormed off to seek allies.

“Don’t be upset, Senior Brother. Once we’re at Celestial Cloud, I’ll help you.” Junior Sister Xu, seeing her beloved so troubled, offered comfort. But Mu Chenyuan cared only for being first; if he could wipe out the Thunder Gang, he’d be first to enter the competition. He didn’t even know what Junior Sister Xu looked like, nor did he care.

The meal was satisfying. If Mu Chenyuan tried to make things difficult, Liang Xi would ensure he was even more uncomfortable. “Senior brother, when we get to Celestial Cloud, we’ll settle things with him.”

“Of course. But first, we need a map. Celestial Cloud is vast; without a map, getting in is easy, getting out is hard.” The teahouse’s back courtyard was the best place to find one—the owner was a renowned mapmaker, having traveled far and wide in his youth.

“Uncle Shopkeeper, I hear you have maps. We’d like one of Celestial Cloud, if you have it?” The shopkeeper looked at Liang Xi, still carrying traces of the boy he once knew, then at Zhuang Yunzhen, sensing the aura of a future master in him. He had seen many people and seldom misjudged.

“A map of Celestial Cloud? I do have one—my only copy. I’ll give it to you. If you’re mentioning Celestial Cloud, you must be headed there soon. It’s a dangerous, lawless borderland between Xuan and Yun prefectures. There’s a Wild Blade Tavern there; its owner, Old Blade, is an old friend of mine. When you arrive, seek him out and mention my name.”

“Old Blade loves excitement and seldom appears in his own tavern, but that’s all I can do to help you.” Liang Xi was surprised the shopkeeper knew such people, but it made sense—one needed skills to thrive in Yunzhou. “Thank you, uncle.”

Of course, Mu Chenyuan overheard this. He appeared suddenly. “Hand over the map, and I’ll let you go. Otherwise, you’ll be seriously hurt!”

“Senior brother Mu, I won’t give you the map. If you want it, come and take it yourself—if you think you can.” With a glance at Lady Jun and Zhuang Yunzhen, Liang Xi invoked the Bird Flight Technique; in a flash, they were several yards away.

The Bird Flight Technique was truly marvelous. When dealing with a pest like Mu Chenyuan, the best tactic was swift escape. “Senior brother, we have no time to play with you—enjoy yourself alone!”

Tomorrow, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen would leave Yunzhou. After they were gone, Mu Chenyuan thought, let’s see if they can hold onto that map. He had friends too, and for this mission, he would allow no interference. Anyone who got in his way would meet only one fate—death.

Mu Chenyuan set off to find allies.