The Second Rank Alchemist badge gleamed in my hand, still warm from Grandmaster Yun Hai's grip. Recognition had come swiftly—but the weight of it was nothing compared to what followed.
After the storm at the Alchemist Association, we stepped away from the bustling heart of the city, making our way along a tranquil stone path that wound through ancient trees and gardens in bloom. The air was calm now, filled only with the rustle of wind against leaves.
We walked in silence.
I glanced at Meng Ruo, her expression unreadable, though her shoulders were tense.
"You alright?" I asked gently.
She hesitated. "I've waited years for this. But now that I'm here... I don't know what to feel."
The imposing gate of the Meng Residence soon rose before us—an estate befitting one of the Western Continent's most powerful clans. Its high walls shimmered with jade-like luster, and spirit wards pulsed softly along its surface. Two cultivators in silver armor stood guard, alert and disciplined.
"Halt!" one barked. "This is private land of the Meng Clan. State your business."
Meng Ruo stepped forward, her chin lifted with pride and pain. "I am Meng Ruo, daughter of Meng Yuelan."
The guards stiffened. One blinked, then paled. "Meng Yuelan's… daughter? Wait here!"
He rushed inside.
Moments passed. Then from beyond the courtyard, a woman emerged—a vision of serene elegance. Her lavender robe fluttered in the breeze, silver threads woven through her dark hair. She walked slowly, as though afraid the sight might vanish if she moved too fast.
Her eyes fell upon Meng Ruo—and for a moment, time stood still.
"Ruo'er?" she breathed.
"Mother?" Meng Ruo's voice cracked.
Tears welled instantly. Meng Yuelan's poised mask shattered as she rushed forward and enveloped her daughter in a fierce embrace.
"My child… My daughter… Is it really you?"
Tears streamed down both their faces. The years of separation—the aching silence—melted away in that one, long-overdue embrace.
I stepped back respectfully, allowing them their moment.
"I thought you hated me," Meng Ruo whispered into her mother's shoulder.
"Never," Meng Yuelan choked. "I longed to return for you, but the clan… your grandfather… I was powerless then."
"Why did you leave?" Meng Ruo's voice trembled.
Yuelan's expression darkened. "Your father, Shen Hong, and I defied the clan's will to be together. But the Meng elders... disapproved. When chaos broke out within the clan, they dragged me back, forbidding me to ever return."
She cupped Meng Ruo's cheek gently, her fingers trembling. "You look just like him."
"I missed you every day."
"I missed you more."
Then Meng Yuelan's gaze turned toward me. "And this young man… is he your boyfriend?"
Meng Ruo's face lit up red. "Mother! Don't say something like that!"
I cleared my throat and bowed slightly. "No, Madam Meng. I am Zhen Huan, disciple of Sect Leader Shen Hong. I was ordered to escort Meng Ruo to the Western Continent."
Yuelan's expression softened, her eyes misting again. "Thank you, Zhen Huan. For bringing my daughter safely to me. You have my deepest gratitude."
Just then, another figure approached—an older man clad in stately green robes. His presence was quiet, but commanding.
"Yuelan," he said. "Is this… the girl?"
"Yes, Father. This is Meng Ruo—your granddaughter."
The elder studied Meng Ruo silently. After a long pause, his stern gaze softened, if only slightly.
"The blood of the Meng flows in her veins. That is enough for now. Let her stay."
Meng Ruo looked at him with wary eyes.
Yuelan took her daughter's hand. "Don't worry. No one will separate us again."
A maid approached and bowed. "Madam, the guest chambers are prepared."
Yuelan turned to me. "Zhen Huan, the Meng Clan welcomes you as an honored guest. Please, stay with us."
I nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Madam Meng. I am honored."
As the gates opened and we stepped into the majestic courtyard, the tension that had followed us for days seemed to lift.
Inside, the wind carried the scent of blooming spirit lotuses, and moonlight danced upon reflecting pools. I looked up at the vast, starlit sky of the Western Continent.
A mother and daughter, reunited. A mission fulfilled.
But in the quiet of that moment, I felt something else stir inside me.
A change.
A calling.
After the emotional whirlwind of the reunion, I followed quietly behind the poised maid as she led me through the inner halls of the Meng Residence. The corridors were wide, polished with spirit-laced stone, their walls adorned with ancient paintings and lanterns that emitted a soft, calming glow.
We walked in silence, the only sound being the gentle click of her shoes on the polished floor.
Finally, we arrived at a side wing of the estate. The maid paused before a finely carved door and gave a respectful bow.
"This is your room, honored guest," she said softly. "If you need anything, simply ring the bell inside."
"Thank you," I replied with a nod.
She turned and walked away, leaving me alone.
I pushed the door open.
Inside, the room was spacious yet serene. A wide bed rested near a large open window that let in the night breeze. Soft silk curtains danced gently, and a low table stood in the center, surrounded by meditation cushions. A pot of warm tea steamed quietly on a nearby tray, its fragrance calming.
But I barely noticed any of it.
I walked straight to the bed and collapsed onto the soft mattress.
"Finally…" I murmured.
The weight of the journey, the battles, the pressure of the Alchemist Test—all of it caught up to me. I sank into the sheets, my mind finally allowed to drift.
The ceiling above was painted with stars—faintly glowing patterns mimicking the sky.
And as I stared up at them, my thoughts slowed, my body relaxed…
And sleep about to came but....