As night descended upon the Phoenix Cry Empire, the palace remained lively with celebrations, yet within the imperial chambers, an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy settled over Long Chen's family. After the grand feast, Long Chen found himself in a quiet garden pavilion with his parents, his infant sister cradled in his mother's arms, and his beloved ones' beside him. The moonlight bathed them in a gentle glow, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, Long Chen could simply sit with his loved ones, unburdened by the weight of war and destiny.
His mother, suddenly with tears brimming in her eyes, gently rocked Long Xiaoyu in her arms. "My son, you've been through so much… How many times have you come close to death? How many wounds have you hidden from me?" Her voice was tender but carried the pain of a mother who had spent countless sleepless nights worrying about her child.
Long Chen reached for her hand, his calloused fingers wrapping around her delicate ones. "Mother, I won't lie to you. There never were any opponents who could danger me, my life and any one of my comrades and also, aren't I here now, stronger than ever? I promised you before that I would always return, and remember that I have and will always have kept that promise."
His father, Long Tianxiao, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "You have become a true warrior, Long Chen, beyond anything I could have imagined. But strength means nothing if it doesn't have a home to return to. This will always be your home. No matter how vast the world may be, no matter how powerful you become, you are still my son."
Long Chen felt his heart tremble slightly at his father's words.
The family remained together, cherishing the rare peace they had found. Long Chen sat with his father and mother under the stars, their conversation drifting into the night. "No matter where I go, no matter how far I travel," Long Chen murmured, "this will always be my home."
His mother smiled, brushing his hair back like she did when he was a child. "Then remember that, my son. And come back to us always."
Though war and battles awaited them in the future, this moment of peace was a treasure they would carry in their hearts forever.
"I will always return," Long Chen whispered.
His mother and father smiled. "Then we will always be waiting."
For the first time in past two years, Long Chen had properly allowed himself to rest, knowing that no matter how far he roamed, he would always have a home to return to.
He looked at his infant sister, who lay peacefully in their mother's embrace. She was too young to understand any of this, too small to know the battles he had fought just to ensure she would grow up in a world without fear. He gently reached out, brushing a strand of fine black hair from her forehead. "Xiaoyu, you have no idea how lucky you are to grow up surrounded by love. I will make sure no one ever harms you."
His mother smiled through her tears. "She is blessed to have a brother like you. And I am blessed to have you home."
Chu Yao, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. "Long Chen, do you ever wonder if you carry too much on your shoulders? Even now, you talk about protecting everyone, but who is there to protect you?"
Long Chen turned to her, his expression soft. "I have all of you. That is enough. As long as I know I have a home to return to, I will never falter."
Their conversation stretched deep into the night, with laughter and tears blending into cherished memories. Just then came Emperor Chu, not as a Heavenly Genius or great figure but like that of a normal person was seated beside Long Tianxiao saying, "Brother Long!", his eyes filled with unspoken emotion as turned to Long Chen, "You have returned," he said simply, but there was a weight to his words.
Long Chen bowed respectfully. "Father-in-law, I have come back, just as I promised."
The emperor studied him for a moment before sighing. "You are no longer just a warrior, Long Chen. You are a symbol of strength for countless people. And you are my daughterss husband. Tell me, is your path one where she will find happiness?" as he pointed at almost all of Long Chen's lover calling them his daughters hearing which all the girls got emotional.
Long Chen met his gaze with unwavering determination. "They are all the precious parts of my life, my soul. As long as I breathe, none of them will know suffering. But I cannot change who I am. My path will always be one of battle. If they chooses to walk beside me, then I will spend my life ensuring they never regrets it."
The emperor remained silent for a long moment before nodding. "Then I trust you. Not just as my son-in-law, but as a man and not one just with strength but also one with wisdom."
Their conversation stretched deep into the night, with laughter and tears blending into cherished memories. But Long Chen knew there were still others he needed to meet. The next morning, he made his way to his master, the Pill Emperor Master Yun and his wife.
Master Yun resided in the imperial alchemy hall, where he was brewing a new concoction when Long Chen arrived. Without looking up, he said, "Still alive and kicking well, I see. Good but I have been disappointed that you have returned to me being late."
Long Chen chuckled. "Master, I couldn't bear the thought of coming without a proper gift."
Master Yun finally looked up, his usually stern face softening. "Hmph, you brat. Do you know how much trouble you've caused? The world is in chaos after the feats you've pulled. But… I am proud of you. You have surpassed my expectations."
Long Chen bowed deeply. "I owe everything to your teachings, Master. Without you, I would not be where I am today."
Master Yun waved a hand dismissively. "Spare me the formalities and buttering-words. Just don't go dying on me. I expect you to carry on my legacy, and dead disciples aren't very useful."
Long Chen laughed. "I promise to keep that in mind."
Over the next few days, Long Chen spent time with his sworn brothers, Guo Ran and other member of Dragon Blood Legion also retuned home outside of Phoenix Cry Empire to meet their family-- some to enjoy time with their family and some in order to break ties with their families (Vile and Corrupted Families).
While so the Capital of Empire and especially the palace became a place of warmth and love, with warriors who had once only known bloodshed now basking in the peace they had long fought for.
After meeting with everyone else, Long Chen made his way toward the most ancient soul within the Phoenix Cry Empire—Elder Xie who has been dedicating his life to managing the Spirit Stone Mine and Starry Sky Legion of the Phoenix Cry Empire.
Inside the royal chamber, an ancient figure sat cross-legged in deep meditation. His white robes fluttered slightly despite the absence of wind, his translucent skin glowing with an ethereal light. When Elder Xie opened his eyes, they shimmered with the wisdom of countless years. Though a Soul, he had enough strength to affect Physical realm to some extent.
"Long Chen. So, how was your journey in the past two years?," Elder Xie spoke, his voice old yet filled with clarity.