The courtyard wasn’t large but was elegantly arranged, planted with various flowers and plants, several in bloom, filling the air with a refreshing floral fragrance.
Upon entering, Zhang Ruochen’s gaze locked onto a beautiful woman watering the flowers.
Seeing her, a radiant smile spread across Zhang Ruochen’s face.
He had deliberately given Concubine Lin longevity elixirs, so despite the years, she looked nearly unchanged, still youthful, healthy, and free of ailments.
Beside Concubine Lin stood a young woman, slender, with delicate features, skin like polished jade, and a pair of seven-coloured wings on her back. She was none other than Kong Xuan, the Peacock Half-Human Zhang Ruochen had bought from Tianyue Tower at great cost.
For years, Kong Xuan had stayed by Concubine Lin’s side, diligently tending to her needs without complaint.
To Zhang Ruochen’s surprise, Kong Xuan was now a Saint King, albeit only a One-Step Saint King, a remarkable achievement.
This proved his decision to teach her the *Peacock Sacred Canon* was wise, though the canon was incomplete, and he wondered what techniques she had cultivated since.
Kong Xuan turned, spotting Zhang Ruochen, her face lighting up with excitement.
“Mas—”
She began to call out but was stopped by Zhang Ruochen.
He stepped lightly, approaching Concubine Lin, quietly watching her water the flowers.
At one moment, Concubine Lin turned, finally noticing Zhang Ruochen.
“Clang.”
Her focus entirely on him, the watering can slipped, falling to the ground.
“Mother, your Dust has returned,” Zhang Ruochen called softly, his eyes gentle.
Concubine Lin, overcome with emotion, hugged him tightly, “Dust, you’re back. This isn’t a dream, is it?”
She had missed him dearly, often dreaming of his return, fearing this was another dream that would vanish upon waking.
Zhang Ruochen felt her love and longing, hugging her back, “Mother, it’s not a dream. Your Dust is truly back. I’ve been unfilial, making you worry.”
“You’re back, that’s what matters. Our family can finally reunite,” Concubine Lin said, tears streaming down her face.
Zhang Shaochu approached, comforting her, “Mother Lin, Ninth Brother’s return is cause for joy. Why are you crying?”
Concubine Lin wiped her tears, “You’re right, I’m just too happy. Come, let’s sit inside. Kong Xuan, prepare tea.”
“Yes,” Kong Xuan replied with a smile.
Inside, even seated, Concubine Lin held Zhang Ruochen’s hand, as if afraid he’d disappear if this were a dream.
“Dust, you won’t leave right away this time, will you?” she asked, eyes full of hope.
Zhang Ruochen smiled gently, “Mother, don’t worry. I’ll stay longer this time to keep you company.”
Relieved, Concubine Lin said, “Good, that’s good.”
Soon, Kong Xuan brought a bronze tray with a teapot and three cups.
Placing it on the table, she poured tea for Concubine Lin, Zhang Ruochen, and Zhang Shaochu.
“Kong Xuan, thank you for your hard work,” Zhang Ruochen said with a smile.
Kong Xuan shook her head, “It’s no trouble. It’s my duty.”
Zhang Ruochen had bought her from Tianyue Tower and taught her the *Peacock Sacred Canon*. Grateful, she willingly served to repay him.
With a flip of his hand, Zhang Ruochen presented a seven-coloured sacred robe, handing it to Kong Xuan, “This is for you. I’ll need you to keep looking after Mother.”
“It’s too valuable. I can’t accept it,” Kong Xuan declined.
Concubine Lin took the robe and pressed it into Kong Xuan’s hands, “If Dust gives it to you, take it.”
Unable to refuse further, Kong Xuan accepted, “Thank you, Master.”
Zhang Ruochen nodded, smiling. He was a man of clear gratitude and grudges. Though Kong Xuan was a servant, he never treated her as one. Her care for Concubine Lin warranted reward.
Having been apart so long, Zhang Ruochen and Concubine Lin had much to say.
Unnoticed, the sky darkened.
As they spoke, Mu Lingxi, Zhang Yuxi, the Drunken Madman, and Gusong Zi entered the courtyard.
With a wave, Mu Lingxi set up a large round table in the yard, laden with an abundant spread of food and wine.
“The feast is ready. Everyone, come sit,” Mu Lingxi called, smiling.
Soon, everyone was seated, including Kong Xuan, at Zhang Ruochen’s insistence.
Missing New Year’s Eve, this was a belated reunion dinner.
For years, Zhang Ruochen’s nerves had been taut. It had been ages since he’d relaxed like this, wanting only to enjoy this moment with family and friends, eating and chatting like an ordinary household.
Truthfully, he longed for such a simple life, but he couldn’t have it. Life was full of obligations beyond his control.
Visiting Phoenix Lake meant inevitably meeting the Mu Family.
Years ago, Zhang Ruochen had stormed Wuding Mountain, forcefully taking a bride, causing the Mu Family to miss a marriage alliance with Wutong Qiuyu and lose face.
Thus, most Mu Family members held no goodwill toward Zhang Ruochen, their faces cold upon seeing him.
Having returned to their ancestral land, the Mu Family’s strength had surged, making them arrogant and dismissive of Zhang Ruochen.
This was largely because, secluded in the sacred awakening land of Phoenix Lake, they were unaware of external events, ignorant of the Kunlun Realm’s changes and Zhang Ruochen’s monumental deeds.
“Zhang Ruochen, this is Mu Family ancestral land. You’re not welcome. If you’re wise, leave now,” Yun Zheng said coldly.
As Mu Lingxi’s father, he had hoped she’d marry Wutong Qiuyu, a high branch that could bring immense benefits if Qiuyu became the Kunlun Realm’s spiritual root.
But Zhang Ruochen had ruined it, shattering his hopes and making him a laughingstock, fueling his resentment.
“Don’t think being the Moon God’s envoy makes you special. We don’t buy it.”
“Exactly. We welcome Guanghan Realm’s saints, but not you.”
“A traitor to Kunlun Realm, daring to return.”
“He probably thinks Kunlun Realm can’t survive without him.”
“Laughable. With powerhouses from Heavenly Court’s worlds flooding Kunlun Realm to fight the Hell Realm, what is he?”
…
Mu Family members spoke freely, belittling Zhang Ruochen, eager to drive him from Phoenix Lake.
If not for Mu Lingxi, they’d have acted already, not bothered with words.
In their eyes, Zhang Ruochen, even if strong, wasn’t exceptional, and the Mu Family could easily suppress him.
Especially with their highest-ranking ancestor present in the hall, they were fearless.
This Mu Family ancestor, a Saint King before the Kunlun Realm’s revival, had advanced rapidly since, reaching the Nine-Step Saint King’s Rule of Heaven and Earth Realm, close to condensing a Dao Domain.
“Zhang Ruochen, leave. Don’t humiliate yourself,” Mu Family Patriarch Mu Qingtian said gravely.
Having once suffered at Zhang Ruochen’s hands, he held the deepest grudge.
The Mu Family now boasted three Saint Kings: the ancestor Mu Xinghe, Mu Qingtian, and Mu Lingxi.
In time, more would emerge.
Seeing so many target Zhang Ruochen, Mu Lingxi’s face darkened, regretting bringing him to meet her family.
No longer the manipulable Demon Sect saintess, she needed no one’s interference in her affairs.
“Enough. Anyone who speaks out of turn, don’t blame me for being unkind,” Mu Lingxi said coldly.
Yun Zheng slapped the armrest, standing, “How dare you? Do you still see me as your father?”
Mu Xinghe, with his crane-white hair, sat in the main seat, exuding powerful authority, eyes lowered.
“Lingxi, don’t forget you’re a Mu Family disciple. Threatening your kin for an outsider is outrageous,” Mu Xinghe said in a low tone.
Unfazed, Mu Lingxi was about to retort.
Zhang Ruochen stepped forward, stopping her, and said loudly, “Lingxi is my partner. What’s wrong with me coming to see her?”
“Nonsense. I’ll never agree,” Yun Zheng roared.
Mu Xinghe stood, radiating a terrifying aura, his eyes sharp, locking onto Zhang Ruochen like a beast eyeing prey.
“Zhang Ruochen, our Mu Family’s heavenly maiden isn’t for you to claim. Do you think you’re worthy of Lingxi?”
Mu Xinghe was domineering, aiming to intimidate.
To him, Zhang Ruochen was a mere junior. Even with talent, how far could he have grown in so little time?
As a Nine-Step Saint King, close to condensing a Dao Domain, he could easily crush Zhang Ruochen.
Facing Mu Xinghe’s pressure, Zhang Ruochen remained calm, unaffected.
Suddenly, a powerful aura erupted from him, like a long-dormant volcano awakening.
“Step, step, step.”
Mu Xinghe stumbled back, shock in his eyes.
Zhang Ruochen’s earlier restraint had hidden his true strength, leading Mu Xinghe to grossly underestimate him.
“This aura…”
In the hall, every Mu Family member’s expression changed.
“How is Zhang Ruochen so strong? Impossible. When he left Kunlun Realm, he was only at the Mysterious Yellow Realm,” Yun Zheng thought, stunned.
