As was the custom for the Unharmed, the body of the deceased returned to the earth without a mound to mark the grave. Yet, for forty-nine days and nights, Liu Ge draped himself in mourning cloth and kept vigil in the very cave where Ren Shang had lived in life. He neither ate nor slept, growing thinner and more worn with each passing day. Having his maternal grandfather nearby had always meant having a home, even when far afield, but after the elder passed, Liu Ge felt increasingly like a rootless piece of duckweed, unsure of where fate intended to toss him next.

“You must cherish yourself so that Elder Ren may rest in peace,” Mu Tingtao approached, clapping him on the shoulder. Regardless of age or cultivation level, Mu Tingtao was not superior to Ren Shang, but they were peers in fellowship, which was why he had always shown the junior deference to Ren Shang over the years. Following the elder’s death, he maintained the role of a mourner, and more importantly, he continued to counsel and comfort Liu Ge, coaxing him to rest and eat something.

“I’m fine.”

“Go look at yourself by the river; stop lying with your eyes wide open,” Mu Tingtao stated bluntly.

Liu Ge lowered his head, silent for a long moment before suddenly saying, “Brother Mu, I want to go back to the Qingqiu Kingdom for a visit.”

“The Qingqiu Kingdom…” Mu Tingtao murmured. He had never been anywhere beyond the Mortal Realm, and all his knowledge of Qingqiu came from books. He sifted through the information in his mind, and only after a moment did he reply, “Little Brother Liu, Elder Ren actually quietly instructed me before he passed. He said that once he died, you would certainly want to return to the Qingqiu Kingdom, so he asked me to…”

“Is that so? I was just saying it casually. Forget it.” Liu Ge assumed Ren Shang had entrusted Mu Tingtao to stop him, and immediately changed his tune.

In truth, Ren Shang had entrusted Mu Tingtao to accompany Liu Ge if he insisted on returning to the Qingqiu Kingdom and could not be dissuaded. However, Mu Tingtao did not fully grasp the complexities of Liu Ge’s past or the deep-seated enmity between the Earth Wolf and the Wushang clans, nor did he understand the gravity of the situation. Thus, since Liu Ge didn't mention it, Mu Tingtao didn't press, returning instead to urging Liu Ge to rest. Many years later, both Liu Ge and Mu Tingtao would deeply regret that period; perhaps if each had only spoken one more sentence, everything might have been different…

The Qingqiu Kingdom.

Within the cave where Ren Shang had taught Liu Ge, dwelling during his instruction.

Having weathered more than two decades of wind and frost, the scene inside and out was utterly transformed. The pine tree beneath which Ren Shang so often sat drinking tea had suffered a lightning strike—when, no one knew—leaving half of its dead trunk still standing, while a small sapling had sprouted crookedly beside it. Not far outside the cave, a small stream had once flowed, but now its course had shifted, turning south halfway down and winding down the slope. The exposed riverbed was now overgrown with green grass, betraying almost no trace of its former path unless sought out carefully. Some wild beast must have nested in the cave; scattered remnants of bones, picked clean, still lay there. The utensils they had used were long since shattered beyond repair, and the stone platform was layered with soil where tufts of wild grass now swayed mockingly.

“Alas…”

He sighed deeply, walked a few paces across the grassy floor, and disappeared into the earth.

Geng Niang held a piece of clothing, sewing intermittently. Distracted for a moment, the needle pricked her finger. She put the digit to her mouth to suck the blood and drifted into a reverie.

A pair of hands quietly covered her eyes.

Geng Niang’s body went rigid, trembling with disbelief. The hands released her, leaping out from behind the wall near the bed, and settling beside her.

“Little Brother Liu…” Geng Niang clapped both hands over her mouth, tears streaming down her face.

“Mother, I’ve returned,” Liu Ge knelt before her. “Your son is unfilial; I’ve made you worry.”

“My son, my son!” Geng Niang pinched her own arm hard, finally realizing this was no dream. She pulled him into a fierce embrace, holding him tightly for a long time before examining him from head to toe, running her hands over his cheeks, murmuring, “My son has grown; his face has changed so much that even your mother almost doesn’t recognize you.”

Liu Ge was only fifty-three when he left the Qingqiu Kingdom, still a tender youth among the Earth Wolves. Now, after two decades weathering the mortal world, his appearance had naturally changed profoundly. His formerly round face had become angular, and the soft contours of his features had been replaced by the resolute bearing of a young man. His height hadn’t increased, but his shoulders were broader, his arms stronger, and his legs thicker; the lanky, youthful figure was gone. Because his cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds over these twenty years, his aura was now naturally more contained, his gaze and even the sheen of his fur subtly shrouded in a soft luminescence. His current level of mastery far surpassed what any Earth Wolf could achieve, and confidence naturally flowed through his bearing and mannerisms.

“My son…” Geng Niang was overcome with a mix of grief and joy. She wanted to weep aloud, yet feared the sound would carry through the thin walls, betraying the news of Liu Ge’s return. After a moment of stifled sobs, her body suddenly softened, and she fainted.

“Mother, Mother!” Liu Ge dared not call out loudly. He pulled out a pill refined by Mu Tingtao from his pouch and placed it in her mouth, shaking her gently while murmuring her name.

Footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by a woman’s voice asking, “Grandmother, what is wrong?”

“I’m fine!” Geng Niang had just awakened. Hearing the inquiry outside, she quickly raised her voice. “Go about your business, don’t mind me.”

The person outside lingered a few steps, and the footsteps gradually receded.

“Who is in our house? And why does she call you ‘Grandmother’?” Liu Ge asked, astonished.

Geng Niang sighed. “Because your father and I had no children, ten years ago the clan decided we should formally adopt my elder brother’s son as our heir…” Knowing Liu Ge’s temperament, she watched him anxiously as she spoke.

Indeed, the moment Liu Ge heard this, his face darkened. Clenching his fist, he asked, “Who? Zhigui or Zhike?”

“It’s Zhike, and the one just outside was his wife.”

“Of all people, him!” Liu Ge gritted his teeth, his hands clenched, trembling violently. He demanded, “How does he treat you?”

Geng Niang lowered her head, silent. When Liu Ge pressed again, she finally said hesitantly, “You know Zhike’s nature; he’s just as he is. It’s hard to say if he’s good or bad. Fortunately, his wife is quite virtuous and knows how to show respect to her elders.”

The sound of Liu Ge grinding his teeth could be heard: “I will not let him off!”

“Little Brother Liu, don’t be like this…” Liu Ge had slain countless demons in the mortal world over these years and had witnessed major events alongside Mu Tingtao. The sharp killing intent that radiated from him caused Geng Niang to tremble, and she hurriedly soothed him. “You already know, he is your full brother. He is your blood brother.”

“I don’t have a brother like that!” Liu Ge suppressed a breath and asked his mother, “What about Father? How has he been all these years?”

“Oh, yes! Your father will be so happy to see you return! I’ll go find him right now!” Geng Niang tidied her hair in the mirror, then worried, “Look at me; I’m so flustered with joy, will my flushed face give anything away?”

Liu Ge smiled and shook his head.

Geng Niang gave a few instructions and left. Liu Ge paced the room a few times, then lay down on his parents’ sleeping platform. He was accustomed to the sky as his blanket and the earth as his bed; the cramped dwelling of the Earth Wolves made him feel somewhat constrained. “But Mother and Father are here,” Liu Ge thought. “If the clan can accept my return, I don't mind living underground my whole life, never seeing the sun…” Even now, he believed he had done nothing wrong and felt that after twenty years, the clan would surely calm down and accept him back.

Geng Niang returned, dragging a slightly tipsy Jingshi, and pushed him into the room. Jingshi, dazed by drink, was muttering something about “just having a cup of wine,” but the moment his gaze landed on Liu Ge standing by the bed, he froze in the doorway. He stumbled, grabbing Geng Niang to keep steady. He rubbed his eyes, patted his head, and then slapped his own cheeks twice with loud cracks.

“Father.” Liu Ge quickly stepped forward and took his hand.

“It’s not a dream…” Jingshi gripped Liu Ge’s hand, trying to hold his son firmly, but his hand shook uncontrollably. With trembling lips, he asked, “Has Little Brother Liu truly returned? Am I not drunk? Am I not dreaming?”

“Father, I’m back; this isn’t a dream.” Liu Ge embraced his father’s shoulders. “Look at me, it’s really your son who has returned.”

“Son, oh, my son!” Jingshi clutched him tightly, stamping his feet as he began to weep.

Liu Ge and his father wept in each other’s arms. Only then did Liu Ge notice the immense changes time had wrought on Jingshi over these two decades. The man who once stood ramrod straight now carried a slight stoop, making him appear shorter. His hair, once streaked with white, was now completely white. Furthermore, during the embrace, Liu Ge distinctly felt that Jingshi’s lower body muscles, once firm, had slackened—whether from ceasing his martial practice or from excessive drinking, he could not tell.

“Father…” Liu Ge held his father with one arm and his mother with the other. “Our family finally has a moment to be reunited.”

“Little Brother Liu… why have you returned? Where is your maternal grandfather?” Jingshi finally stopped crying and began inquiring about Liu Ge’s life over the intervening years.

“Grandfather has passed away…” Liu Ge said mournfully. “I missed you all so fiercely that I came back on my own.”

Liu Ge spoke volubly about his life in the mortal world—the various demons there, Mu Tingtao and Ye Ling, how he fought other monsters, and even his daily routines for eating and sleeping… Time passed, and only when his throat was parched did Liu Ge pause. He felt that the words he wanted to say to his parents could not be finished even if he spoke for three days and three nights. Drinking the water Geng Niang brought, the family of three sat in silence for a time, looking at one another and smiling faintly.

“Honored Sir, Honored Madam,” the wife of Zhike began knocking again, but this time her voice was trembling.

“What is it?” Jingshi asked in a deep voice—the three of them had been so caught up in their excitement that they had spoken too loudly, and she might have overheard.

“I’m bringing the evening meal in.”

Liu Ge rose and moved to a corner, nodding to his father. With a sweep of his sleeve, his entire body vanished—the art of invisibility, a technique utterly foreign to the subterranean races, taught to him by Mu Tingtao.

Jingshi opened the door. A female Earth Wolf entered, holding a tray laden with food. She kept her head down throughout, yet her eyes darted everywhere. Only after placing the tray on the table and bowing to Jingshi and Geng Niang did she finally glance up briefly into the room before hurrying out.

Jingshi closed the door, saying with concern, “She heard us.”

Liu Ge reappeared near the door, resting his hand on it. He murmured, “Father, do you think the clan will accept me back?”

“You plan to stay?” Geng Niang asked, surprised. “No more going to the surface? No more mortal world?”

“Yes, I want to stay beside you both.” Liu Ge stated resolutely.

“But…” Jingshi thought much more deeply than his wife or son. After all, the incident involving Ruoshi was still vivid in his mind, and he held little hope that the clan would welcome Liu Ge’s return.

“I know this might be difficult, but shouldn’t we at least try? I truly don’t want to be separated from you two again.”

“Foolish child, what if they come for you again? This time, the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox won’t be by your side,” Geng Niang said, tearing up in anxiety.

“They can’t deal with me now!” Liu Ge asserted confidently. “Worst case, I’ll just flee again.” The moment the words left his mouth, he realized that at some unknown point, he had lost his sense of attachment to the Earth Wolf Clan. He yearned day and night for his parents and his friends and relatives, but the feeling of belonging to the Earth Wolves, the pride of being one of them, had vanished without him even realizing it.

Jingshi and Geng Niang exchanged a look and nodded helplessly. It seemed there was no other choice.

Geng Niang began clearing the bowls and chopsticks, summoning Liu Ge to eat something. Liu Ge, however, reached up and drew the silver hairpin from his hair, testing the food and soup alike. Only after carefully observing that the chopsticks were unchanged did he say, “It’s better to be careful.” Su Xin had once manipulated him into poisoning Ren Shang; this entire sequence of torment—separation from his parents and exile—stemmed from that event, compelling him to be excessively cautious about such matters.

“Father, Mother, please eat.” Liu Ge stood by the table, first holding out the bowls of food to his parents with both hands before sitting down to pick up his own chopsticks. This was what he did every day when at home. Now, after twenty years, he had the chance to serve them again. All three were eating with tears in their eyes, masking their emotions with smiles as they looked down.

Before the three of them could set down their bowls, knocking sounded again at the door.

When Jingshi opened it, Zhike was standing outside. Although years had brought many changes to his appearance, Liu Ge recognized him instantly—even if he were burned to ash, I would recognize his bones, Liu Ge thought.

“The Clan Leader and Mr. Su Xin request your presence,” Zhike said to Jingshi without offering a greeting.

“I’ll be right there.” Jingshi waved him away, signaling him to leave first.

Zhike seemed about to say more, but then he noticed that Jingshi’s back was now ramrod straight, his eyes fixed sharply on Zhike. He was immediately overwhelmed by Jingshi’s presence. The words he had been ready to utter with self-assurance failed him; after bowing, he departed.

“I’ll go speak with them,” Jingshi told Geng Niang and Liu Ge.

“I’ll go with Father,” Liu Ge said, unwilling to let him go alone.

“No, you stay with your mother,” Jingshi shook his head. “Geng Niang, quickly pack some clothes. We must prepare for the worst. If it truly comes to it, we will follow Little Brother Liu and live in the mortal world as a family of three.”

“The mortal world?” Geng Niang started, then immediately understood, nodding.

“Go to the mortal world together!” Liu Ge was shocked by his father’s suggestion. Seeing the determined look on his parents’ faces filled him with a surge of ecstasy. Going to live in the mortal world together—at this moment, that sounded better to him than remaining with the Earth Wolves. But then he thought: His parents were born in the Earth Wolf Clan, lived here, and unlike himself, who was used to drifting, all their friends, kin, and habits were rooted here. How could he easily ask them to abandon their home and everything familiar and follow him to a completely strange environment? Unless absolutely necessary, they should not make such plans.

The Clan Leader, several clan elders, and Su Xin sat arrayed in the center of the room. Su Xin said, “Liu Ge, you can come out now. There is no need to fear.”

Fear, Liu Ge thought with a bitter smile. In the last twenty years, he had followed the meddlesome Mu Tingtao to battle dragons at sea, plundered herbs from Spirit Mountain, and chased spirits into the Nine Springs. He had witnessed countless major storms and grand scenes. To look back now at the life of the Earth Wolves brought a sense of being a frog in a well. Yet, facing a few Earth Wolves before him, he truly could not muster any fear.

“Liu Ge pays his respects to all the elders.” Liu Ge appeared before them. Following clan custom, he kowtowed several times, then stood behind his father.

“You truly have returned…” someone murmured in astonishment.

Liu Ge remained silent.

“Since you are back, you will remain here for now,” the Clan Leader finally said after a long silence.

“Yes,” Liu Ge agreed, bowing as he saw them out.

“He has changed.”

“He possesses the bearing of a great demon from the surface.”

“The first time I saw him, I couldn’t help but think of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox I saw years ago.”

“It seems his cultivation has increased significantly.”

“He was once the most talented youth in our clan; don’t forget, there was never anything he couldn’t learn.”

“Too dangerous…”

“Yes, too dangerous!”

“Let us return to discuss how to settle him.”

The clansmen dispersed, their discussions echoing through the Earth Wolf settlement. As they moved away, the news of Liu Ge’s return spread to every Earth Wolf household.

Cannot leave the residence without permission, cannot make contact with anyone without permission, cannot use magic without permission, cannot…

Liu Ge lay listlessly on the sleeping platform.

Whether abiding by the rules set by the clan or not, Liu Ge hadn't stepped outside his room these past few days, nor had he contacted anyone. He had no desire to go out, and moreover, no clan member would approach him. Especially Zhike’s wife; every time she saw him, she looked as if she were about to faint from fright. Liu Ge figured that if the Clan Leader hadn’t ordered her to watch him, she would have long since fled back to her maiden family.

He had once hoped that his old friends and relatives would come to see him. Yet, since his return, no one had visited. Was he truly meant to spend the rest of his life here? He couldn't help but harbor this doubt. But returning to his homeland, nestling under his parents’ knees, had been his heart's desire for years; he was prepared to endure anything to achieve it. Perhaps, given time, the clansmen would understand him, realize he held no thought of betraying them, and slowly, perhaps they might accept him? The question was, even so, could he truly reintegrate into that life?

“Little Brother Liu, come try this on.” Geng Niang came in carrying a freshly sewn garment. Although Geng Niang had kept all his old clothes from his return, they were all too small now. He couldn’t wear the mortal world style garments all the time, so Geng Niang had diligently rushed production; this was the third time she had called him to try on new clothes. In truth, Mother Liu could use a simple spell to change the style of the garments, but he preferred wearing clothes sewn by his mother, and he knew she was eager to make clothes and shoes for him by hand.

Geng Niang tugged at Liu Ge’s collar, marking the ill-fitting places with pins as she asked, “You must be feeling stifled staying inside all day, aren’t you?”

“No.”

“I know your nature; you can’t stand to be idle for a moment.”

“Since I’ve finally come home, I don’t want to go anywhere.”

Liu Ge flicked his finger, and a mirror-like surface of light appeared before him. He turned his body to view his new clothes.

“Oh dear! The Clan Leader forbade you from using magic!” Geng Niang glanced worriedly toward the door.

“They can control whether I go out, and whether I meet people, but can they control me using magic?” Liu Ge pouted. He realized he was growing increasingly resentful of these constraints, whether reasonable or not.

“Little Brother Liu…” Geng Niang hesitated before asking, “Are you finding it hard to get used to life here?”

“No, no, I’m quite fine.”

“Don’t lie to your mother; you can deceive others, but not me.”

“…It’s just a temporary adjustment. It will pass in a few days.”

“Oh, you. Mother knows you’ve grown used to freedom over the years, and subjecting you to such restrictions again is too hard for you. Moreover… sigh, moreover, given the clan’s situation, your future…” Geng Niang opened the door to look outside, then closed it and said, “Your father and I have already discussed it. We will go to the mortal world with you.”

Liu Ge’s movements instantly stopped, and he looked at his mother.

Geng Niang smiled. “We’ve lived here for the better part of our lives; it would be good to see the world with our son while we have the chance.”

“Mother, you and Father want to do this for me…”

Geng Niang hastily waved her hand, telling him to lower his voice. “We are being watched everywhere these days; I’m afraid we can’t leave unnoticed. In a little while, the three of us will go to where you live, meet your Brother Mu, and offer incense for your grandfather.”

“Mother…” Liu Ge embraced his mother, acting spoiled just as he did when he was small.

“No!” Jingshi flatly refused.

The Earth Wolves surrounding him all showed looks of indignation.

Jingshi heavily tossed the prey onto the ground—ever since Liu Ge had departed for the Human Realm under Shang’s care, Jingshi had been submerged in grief, drowning his sorrow with wine daily, his martial arts skills long withered and forgotten. Now that Liu Ge was back, it reinvigorated him. Whether staying or going to the Human Realm, he desired to hunt alongside his son once more. Thus, he resumed his martial cultivation. Although the slack muscles and the trembling hands caused by excessive drinking were difficult to recover in a short span, he managed to hunt a ground mole by himself today, preparing to cook it for his son. “You actually ask me to harm my own son!” Jingshi stared at them, speaking each word deliberately.

“This isn't poison, merely something to render him unconscious temporarily,” a Earth Wolf explained.

“And after he’s unconscious?” Jingshi narrowed his eyes and asked.

Liu Ge had learned a bitter lesson; returning this time, he had become extremely cautious and wary. Trying to use poison in his food again was now nearly impossible unless it was Jingshi or Gengniang who attempted it.

“I won’t do it. If you truly cannot accept him, I will take my son and leave immediately!” Jingshi roared. He had expected his clansmen might at most reject Liu Ge and force him to leave again, never imagining they harbored such a dreadful plan.

“Jingshi, the clan or the family—which weighs heavier? You are a dignified Earth Wolf man; how can you fail to uphold justice and cut ties with your own kin for the good of the entire clan!”

“What wrong has Liu Ge done!”

“His mistake is being born into this world!”

Jingshi and this Earth Wolf glared at each other.

“I will not allow you to touch a single hair on my son’s head,” Jingshi spoke again, his voice surprisingly calm. “It was my mistake; I should have left with him twenty years ago, sparing him the fate of returning to this place!”

“He won’t be leaving this time!”

“Hahaha, do you even grasp the extent of his cultivation? With your abilities, you cannot stop him! My son is stronger than every single one of you!”

“No, no matter how powerful he is, it’s useless, because you are here…”

The Earth Wolves slowly began to close in. Jingshi understood their true objective. His gaze swept over the assembly, and he slowly drew his sword…

Liu Ge followed Leifeng down the long underground passage, listening to the echo of his own footsteps. He felt a strange sensation. How had he never noticed before how low and damp the underground tunnels were, how utterly silent the environment within the earth felt, unlike the surface world where, day or night, the sound of life constantly resonated.

“Leifeng, where exactly are you taking me? The Elders forbid me from wandering off freely.”

“Is Liu Ge scared of the Elders’ rules? Weren’t you always someone who feared nothing?” Leifeng chuckled softly. “I think you’ve truly been gone too long; you don’t even recognize the path anymore.”

Hearing this, Liu Ge carefully surveyed his surroundings. Recognizing the direction the path led, a smile touched his lips. He darted ahead of Leifeng, entering a natural stone cavern up front. The weapon racks lining the four walls, displaying the eighteen kinds of arms, the tea tables, and the wine jars—nothing had changed much; it was exactly as he remembered from practicing martial arts every day.

“After Jingshi stopped coming here, I took care of everything,” Leifeng said, taking two silver spears from a rack and tossing one to Liu Ge. “Come on, let me see if you’ve gained any strength over the years.”

“You want to spar with me.” Liu Ge looked at the handed weapon, then casually stuck it into the ground. “I never use weapons.”

Liu Ge and Leifeng had practiced martial arts together since childhood; sparring was a common occurrence. Generally, Liu Ge won more than he lost, which fueled Leifeng’s ambition to defeat him one day. Unexpectedly, the first friend who came to visit after his return wanted to fight him. Liu Ge shrugged off his outer garment, assumed a stance, and beckoned Leifeng over.

Leifeng also tossed his spear aside and lunged toward Liu Ge.

In the years spent beside Mu Tingtao, Liu Ge’s training focus had returned to spellcasting. Given Mu Tingtao’s disposition, magic was inherently more elegant to cast than martial arts, which defined his specialty. Now, engaging with Leifeng, Liu Ge couldn't help but recall their rigorous martial training days. Perhaps staying with the Earth Wolf Clan, not worrying about other attachments, hunting daily with his father and Leifeng, and serving his mother at home—that might have been a decent life.

Leifeng had never abandoned his martial practice; his skills were now even more refined, his strikes sharp and fierce. Liu Ge, having seen countless battles over the years, possessed richer practical experience. The two fought to a standstill. They only stopped when both were drenched in sweat, then sat on the ground laughing heartily.

“Here!” Leifeng tossed a jug of wine to Liu Ge. “It seems you haven’t forgotten your skills after running off for so many years.”

“You haven’t been slacking off either!” Liu Ge raised the jug and drank, wine splashing all over him.

“You didn’t use any magic just now. If you had, I surely would have lost, right? Everyone says I am the top master in the clan after Uncle Jingshi, but if you hadn’t left, that title should have been yours.”

“Heh heh,” Liu Ge had seen too much in recent years to retain the arrogance of an ignorant youth. He knew clearly that he was still far behind Mu Tingtao, let alone Ye Ling whose power surpassed Mu Tingtao’s, not to mention the countless unknown great demons across the realms. For the rest of his life, he dared not claim the title of ‘Number One.’

“Liu Ge, I truly wish we could hunt side-by-side again, practicing together every day…” Leifeng said with deep feeling.

“I might not leave this time I’ve returned,” Liu Ge patted his shoulder.

“No, you must leave! Persuade Uncle Jingshi and Aunt Geng to go with you!” Leifeng suddenly exclaimed.

“What?”

“Go! Trust me, Liu Ge, you cannot stay here any longer. I am your friend; I would never harm you!” Leifeng finished, stood up, and walked away quickly. As he reached the exit of the cave, he glanced back at Liu Ge. “If I didn’t have a wife and children, I’d truly want to see the outside world with you.”

Liu Ge watched his figure disappear. So, there were people in the clan like Leifeng, who, like him, didn't want to be confined to this small world. However, according to the Earth Wolf Clan's customs, once adolescents came of age, they were married off according to their parents’ wishes, and once they had a family, they could no longer fly far away. Liu Ge pondered, his smile slowly fading. “Leifeng said he wouldn’t harm me, so… is someone else intending to harm me…”

Liu Ge hurried home. He found his mother still mending clothes and his father still out, no different from when he left, yet a sense of unease began to stir in his heart. He reached for the tea set, wanting a cup to calm himself.

“Liu Ge, come out.”

A group of Earth Wolves rushed in. Liu Ge was sitting by the table, preparing tea for himself—Earth Wolves didn't drink tea, but he had long made drinking tea a habit. He looked up, put down the cup, and stood, his face devoid of expression.

“The Clan Leader wants to see you; come with us!”

“Alright,” Liu Ge stepped forward to leave.

“Hold on,” the leading Earth Wolf stopped him, raising a cup. “Drink this before you go.”

“No thank you, I just had tea,” Liu Ge narrowed his eyes.

“Brother Jingshi is at the Clan Leader’s place,” the Earth Wolf said, not elaborating further, because for Liu Ge, that single sentence was enough.

“You… My father…” Liu Ge clenched his fists. He never imagined that his clansmen, whom he had once been so proud of, would commit such an act.

“Drink it quickly, and let’s go.”

“Hahahaha…” Liu Ge burst into loud laughter. “To mobilize the entire clan against me—it was worth it! Hand it over, I’ll drink!”

The Earth Wolf handed him the cup. Watching him bring it to his lips, the wolf secretly breathed a sigh of relief. In truth, the talk of the Clan Leader waiting, or leaving afterward, was just a ploy to make Liu Ge relax his guard. The poison in that cup, once it touched his lips, was enough to end his life.

Liu Ge raised the cup toward his mouth.

“Liu Ge.”

“Mother,” Liu Ge said without turning around, “I am going to see the Clan Leader and Father. Wait for us to return, and then, we will all go to the Human Realm.”

“Where is your father?” Gengniang walked over and asked.

“Brother Jingshi is with the Clan Leader, waiting for Liu Ge,” one of the wolves replied.

“Is that so,” Gengniang’s face turned pale. She gazed at Liu Ge for a moment, reached out, and took the cup from his hand, asking, “They are using your father to threaten you into drinking poison?”

“…”

“You actually resorted to such actions! You bring utter disgrace to the Earth Wolves!” She spun around and cursed the Earth Wolves furiously. “The Earth Wolf Clan now has such vile wretches in power, indiscriminately persecuting a child! You have grossly underestimated my family! Jingshi is a true man; he would protect his son at any cost, which means he is not at the Clan Leader’s place…” She tilted her head back, and a single tear escaped her eye. “I knew it the moment you spoke. He is already dead, having protected his son…”

“No! Mother, Father won’t die!”

“Look at their faces, just look! They forced your father to his death; the blood of your father is still on their claws!” Gengniang pointed her finger at the Earth Wolves.

Some of the Earth Wolves lowered their heads, others averted their gaze, and some retreated, tucking their hands away.

Seeing their reactions, Liu Ge’s heart instantly turned cold. “You killed my father…”

“He was an Earth Wolf just like you! You lived and trained together for so many years, yet you killed him…”

“Seize him!” The leading Earth Wolf waved his hand, and the others closed in on Liu Ge, brandishing their weapons.

“Liu Ge, Mother cannot accompany you to the Human Realm anymore…”

“Mother!” Liu Ge whipped around to see Gengniang had already brought the poison to her lips. “Mother! What are you doing!” He lunged forward to strike the cup away, but it was too late; Gengniang had already swallowed a large portion of the liquid. “Mother, how are you?” Liu Ge caught his mother, shoving medicinal pills toward her mouth.

“It’s no use. I promised your father: to sleep together in life and share a grave in death. We… Liu Ge, go quickly, don't let us hold you back… Go live freely in the Human Realm… The Earth Wolf Clan is no longer your home…”

“Mother, Father must still be alive! I’ll take you to find him!”

“I know he’s gone… I know it… Go, you must go…” A tragic smile touched the corner of Gengniang’s mouth as she reached out to brush Liu Ge’s cheek.

Liu Ge forced a few more pills between her lips and carried her toward the door. But before he reached the threshold, Gengniang’s head slumped, and her breathing ceased in his arms. “Mother! Mother!” Liu Ge screamed, glaring at the Earth Wolves before him. “Where is my father! Where is my father?”

“Kill.” The Earth Wolves surrounded him, each armed.

“You murdered my parents,” Liu Ge’s killing intent eclipsed his rage, bringing a sudden calm. “From this moment on, I am no longer your clansman. I demand you pay with your lives for my parents!”

When Liu Ge’s claw pierced the chest of the first Earth Wolf, a collective gasp arose. Perhaps the Earth Wolves, even though they intended to eliminate Liu Ge, never expected him to actually slaughter a clansman. But for Liu Ge at that moment, slaughter was the only way to vent his grief.

One, two…

Blood, flesh, severed limbs…

Liu Ge lost count of how many clansmen he had killed, nor did he know what he planned to do next; he just charged forward relentlessly, cutting down any creature that dared block his path, driven only by the hope that Jingshi, longsword in hand, would appear before him at any second.

An Earth Wolf’s sword swept in diagonally. Liu Ge sidestepped the attack, and without thinking, he lunged. As his claws neared the face of his attacker, he clearly saw the features.

“Gao’er…”

Liu Ge recoiled, using all his strength to alter the direction of his attack, sparing the life of this old friend. Before he could make another move, a searing pain shot through his abdomen—Gao’er had seized the moment Liu Ge showed mercy and driven his sword into Liu Ge’s lower belly.

“Gao’er!” Liu Ge roared, raising his claw to strike down. Gao’er, at such close range, had no time to dodge and stared at him fearlessly, awaiting death. He dared to intercept Liu Ge because he had already placed life and death behind him.

“Damn it!” Liu Ge retracted his hand halfway through and turned to fight in another direction. At that moment, he felt numbness spread through his arm; he had dropped his mother’s body. He bent to retrieve her, his legs buckled, and he almost fell. “The sword is poisoned!” Liu Ge realized with alarm. As he staggered to his feet, a thrown dagger lodged itself into his shoulder.

A tall figure blocked his path. Liu Ge looked up and saw Leifeng standing there, sword in hand. “Liu Ge is poisoned! Hurry and kill him!” Cries erupted from all around, but Liu Ge couldn't even distinguish who was shouting. Leifeng brought his sword down. Liu Ge raised his hand to block, but Leifeng’s sword deflected back and plunged into his own shoulder. He staggered, then whispered urgently in Liu Ge’s ear, “Go quickly!” before retreating.

Seeing even Leifeng wounded, the Earth Wolves hesitated to charge forward again.

The poison was gradually spreading through Liu Ge’s body. He shook his head, looking at the mass of Earth Wolves closing in and his mother’s corpse being dragged away. Gritting his teeth, he made a sweeping gesture in the air and shouted: “Thunder!” A massive bolt of lightning rolled toward the Earth Wolves, sounding deafening in the underground cavern. After the thunder and lightning flashed, Liu Ge had vanished.

In the underground cave, Liu Ge was curled up in a corner. The poison and injuries far exceeded his own expectations. A day had passed. No matter how he regulated his breathing or used Mu Tingtao’s elixirs, his condition worsened. The area around the wounds began to fester with an offensive odor.

The Earth Wolves must be searching everywhere for him. He knew he should flee this place quickly, but his parents’ bodies were still in their custody; how could he possibly abandon them? Since he had never seen Jingshi’s body, a faint hope lingered in his heart that his father might still be alive.

“I knew I would find you here.”

Liu Ge instantly jumped up, fully alert.

“This is the place where Jingshi taught you martial arts. Everyone has gone to the surface to search for you, but I believed you would be here.”

“Chen Zhu…”

Chen Zhu approached Liu Ge, carrying several small bottles and jars, his expression complicated.

“Are you here to kill me?” A bitterness surfaced in Liu Ge’s mouth.

“How could I kill my own friend?”

“Chen Zhu…” Liu Ge’s heart warmed, and ignoring caution, he rushed forward to grip his hand.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll stab you while you’re distracted?”

“Then I accept that fate.”

“Why, Liu Ge, why did things turn out this way…”

“I never did anything wrong! They relentlessly forced my hand! Why must they drive me to a dead end? Chen Zhu, I have never betrayed the Earth Wolf Clan!”

Chen Zhu squeezed Liu Ge’s hand back, offering a bitter smile. “Even if everyone suspects you, I should believe you. I have never forgotten that statement, nor the judgment I place on my friends.”

“Friends…” Liu Ge had never expected to hear that word from an Earth Wolf. Tears slowly welled in his eyes.

“I stole these. They might not cure the poison Master Suxin used, but… take them.” Chen Zhu shoved all the medicine into Liu Ge’s hands. The self-made elixirs Liu Ge carried from Mu Tingtao had failed to counteract the poison, let alone these common remedies Chen Zhu brought. Still, he let Chen Zhu clean and bandage his wounds. Chen Zhu remained silent until he finished treating all of Liu Ge’s injuries. Then he stood up, took a deep breath, and said, “Let’s go. If you don’t leave now, you will die here too.” Chen Zhu looked at Liu Ge’s wounds. “Don't try to seek help from the Nine-Tailed Fox; the path there is guarded by the clan.”

“Chen Zhu…”

“Liu Ge, take care of yourself. This is the last time I will treat you as a friend.” Chen Zhu stepped back a few paces and pulled his hand away from Liu Ge’s grasp.

“No, Chen Zhu, you are my friend for life, forever…”

“No,” Chen Zhu shook his head, tears welling. “Among the clansmen you killed yesterday, there was my wife’s younger brother.”

Liu Ge froze instantly.

“When I return, I will tell the clan where you are, and I will be among the next group of pursuers. So, hurry and leave.” He turned and walked a few steps, then looked back to advise, “Liu Ge, you must not die by my hand. Live well and reach the Human Realm.”

“Chen Zhu!”

Chen Zhu did not look back this time, vanishing into the vast expanse of the earth.

“Chen Zhu…” Liu Ge chased a few steps in the direction he disappeared, only to be stopped by two Earth Wolves who had been waiting nearby, watching for Chen Zhu to leave.

“Uncle, Grandfather…” Liu Ge looked at the elderly Earth Wolf being supported and the familiar middle-aged face, murmuring their names. He had lived with Ren Shang for so many years that he had almost forgotten this ‘Grandfather’ who, despite no blood relation, had once doted on him immensely.

The old man instantly wrenched free from his support and rushed over, delivering a harsh slap across Liu Ge’s face. “You little beast! You beast! How dare you come back! Your grandmother has cried herself blind for you! You still dare return to harm your mother and father…” Saying this, the old man broke into loud sobs.

“Grandfather… I have failed you, I have failed my parents…” Liu Ge knelt, wrapping his arms around the old man’s legs, crying out loud. “Grandfather, beat me to death; I don’t want to live anymore anyway…”

“My poor daughter… My poor Liu Ge…” The old man embraced Liu Ge. Grandfather and grandson wept together in a heap. The uncle beside them also wiped away tears, but he managed to maintain some composure. After letting them cry for a while, he pulled them up. “Father, stop crying. It’s time for Liu Ge to go on his way.” He took a bone urn from his pouch and handed it to Liu Ge. “These are the ashes of your Second Sister and Brother-in-law. Take them with you.”

“Father, Mother…” Liu Ge touched the urn with his forehead, weeping uncontrollably. “I won’t go! I’ll die together with Father and Mother…”

“You still dare speak such words? Why do you think your parents died? Get out of here!” The old man swung his staff, striking Liu Ge again and again. Liu Ge endured every blow, continuously bowing his head, yet refusing to leave.

“Liu Ge, must you make me die of worry before you are satisfied!” The old man clutched his chest and roared.

“Liu Ge, go. As long as we are alive, perhaps there will be a day we meet again,” the uncle tried to be calmer, but tears streamed down his face as he urged Liu Ge to hurry.

Liu Ge pondered for a moment, then turned and rushed into the vast wilderness…

Liu Ge stumbled to the doorstep of the ‘home’ he shared with Ren Shang in the Human Realm, finally unable to hold on. He collapsed onto the ground. He bore over a hundred injuries, large and small. Many wounds inflicted by poisoned weapons dripped black blood that had already solidified into hard scabs. The first and most grievous sword wound had begun to putrefy and rot, causing his entire body to emit a scent of death. Footsteps approached rapidly. Liu Ge knew the Earth Wolves had caught up. Perhaps the sight of Liu Ge gravely wounded gave them the confidence that they could eliminate this traitor, as they had pursued him relentlessly from the underground all the way to the surface, from the Land of Qingqiu straight into the Human Realm.

Liu Ge tightly clutched his parents’ ashes and crawled with one hand toward the place where Ren Shang was buried. Death was something he had long been prepared for. His Grandfather was dead, his parents were dead, and he himself had no will to live, but at least the family should be together.

“We found him here!”

“Kill!”

“Cut him into a thousand pieces!”

Liu Ge dragged his body the last inch and was pinned down by the back by an Earth Wolf.

“I hope it isn't Chen Zhu…” This was Liu Ge’s only thought.

“Don’t kill him, take him back for judgment!” It was Suxin’s voice.

“Yes, sir, I’ll just sever his limbs to prevent any further complications,” came Zhi Ke’s voice.

If I must die, let it be here! Liu Ge suddenly straightened, wanting to resist a few more moves, to let them kill him right here. Seeing his movement, the Earth Wolves immediately became wary.

“What are you doing? Who told you to come here?” A voice rang out above the Earth Wolves’ heads. They craned their necks to locate the source, but their attention remained fixed on Liu Ge.

“Just a pack of Earth Wolves? I don’t like that…” Ye Ling dropped down from a tree. “Didn’t you hear me asking you a question?”

“May we ask, revered senior, if we have caused any offense?” The leading Earth Wolf bowed to her. The Earth Wolves could tell she was a powerful demon, and though their intent was murderous, they answered her questions with utmost respect.

“What do you think?” Ye Ling raised an eyebrow slightly. “Who permitted you to enter my mountain?”

So, this was her territory.

The Earth Wolves understood immediately. For a demon who ruled a domain, the intrusion of outsiders was indeed a great offense. It was no wonder Ye Ling was so unfriendly. The lead Earth Wolf hastily apologized, “We come from the State of Qing Qiu and were unaware of the local customs. Please do not be offended; we shall leave at once.” He gave a subtle signal, and one of the Earth Wolves reached out to drag the now-powerless Liu Ge away.

“Wait a moment.” Ye Ling finally noticed the other Earth Wolf on the ground. She stopped them, carefully lifted the hem of her skirt, and stepped around the bloodstains to look closer. “This little black dog looks awfully familiar; it looks like the one Mu Tingtao keeps…” she murmured. With a wave of her hand, the trees throughout the forest began to resonate, surging like a sound wave through the woods. A streak of green light shot out from the foliage and landed beside her, transforming into a man.

“Ling’er, did you call me?”

“This little dog…” Ye Ling prodded Liu Ge lightly with the tip of her foot.

“Liu Ge’er…” Mu Tingtao gasped and knelt down. “What happened to you? Why are you so badly injured?”

“Brother Mu…” Liu Ge’er was groggy but vaguely recognized Mu Tingtao.

“Don’t be afraid, I’ll save you right now.” Mu Tingtao quickly checked his pulse.

“Revered senior, he is a traitor to our clan. Please permit us to take him back for punishment.”

“He is my brother! Since when did he become one of yours?” Seeing Liu Ge’s severe injuries, Mu Tingtao’s rage flared. “Who hurt him? Step forward now, and I will spare the rest of you!”

“Brother Mu… they are… my… clansmen…” Regardless of any past grievances, Liu Ge still couldn't bear to see his kin perish at Mu Tingtao’s hands.

“Then hurry up and scram!” Mu Tingtao waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t let me see any of you in the Human Realm again.”

“Hand over the traitor of our clan, and we will leave immediately!” Having pursued him for a thousand li, the Earth Wolves were not about to give up easily.

“Scram!” Mu Tingtao clearly had no desire to speak further. With a sweep of his sleeve, countless pine needles flew out, shooting toward the Earth Wolves like innumerable steel darts. The Earth Wolves fled swiftly—the strong are always right, a maxim every demon understood well.

“Brother Mu, my parents… my parents…” Liu Ge clutched Mu Tingtao’s robe, managed to utter a few words, and then his body went limp as he fainted.

Mu Tingtao busied himself treating Liu Ge. Ye Ling propped her chin on her hand and watched for a while, then reached out and tugged Liu Ge’s furry ear. “If you want to keep him, then keep him. He looks quite adorable,” she said, then slowly walked away.

And so, Liu Ge abandoned his homeland and lost his family, beginning a new life alongside Ye Ling and Mu Tingtao…

The sky was just beginning to lighten, the rising sun sending its first rays from beneath the horizon. People practicing their morning exercises started appearing downstairs in small groups, and the sound of tentative vocal warm-ups drifted all the way to the rooftop.

Liu Di pinched out his last cigarette and tossed the butt over the railing. He turned to Zhou Ying, who stood silently behind him, and asked, “What are you thinking?”

“What time is it?”

“Six o’clock. Why do you ask?” Liu Di glanced at the sky.

“We didn’t go home for dinner, and if we skip breakfast too, Gui’er will be angry,” Zhou Ying stated his concern.

Liu Di made a gesture as if he were about to fall from the building, his eyes wide. “That’s it? I rambled on all night, and that’s all you have to say?”

“…I don’t know what I’m supposed to be thinking, Liu Di,” Zhou Ying placed a hand on his shoulder, looking directly into his eyes. “You can stay at my place indefinitely, really.”

“How many beautiful women are begging me to stay at their places? Why should I stay at yours?” Liu Di tapped his head lightly.

“But that’s not a home,” Zhou Ying said earnestly. “Anytime, my door is open for you.”

“I don’t use the door!” Liu Di playfully struck him again, then regained his usual carefree grin and clapped his hands. “Let’s go back. Time to eat. I wonder what Gui’er is making for breakfast?”

“I don’t know either.”

“Who asked you? I never expected you to know!”

“…”

Liu Di and Zhou Ying walked downstairs side-by-side. The very first rays of the morning sun had risen, illuminating their backs perfectly, stretching their shadows long and humanoid behind them…