"Patriarch, Young Master Heng and Miss Yao have returned, they are currently..."
"What?!"
Crack.
The sound of porcelain shattering echoed instantly within the study. Before the servant could finish speaking, the doors were blown open by a gust of wind, and a middle-aged man with graying temples rushed out, his robes swirling with an imposing aura.
However, after taking a single step out of the room, the man paused, immediately commanding in a deep voice, "Go inform the madam at once! Send someone to bring that rebellious son and Yao’Er to the study!"
In the outer mansion of the Li Family, a young woman uneasily twisted her trimmed nails, repeatedly glancing towards the direction of the inner mansion, worry evident between her brows.
"Brother Heng... if father finds out we’ve returned, will he break your legs later?"
Li Heng, who was sipping tea nearby, twitched his wrist nearly spilling the tea, his mouth quivering unsure whether his little sister was truly concerned about him or secretly cursing him.
Before he could respond, a servant in gray briskly approached, bowing and whispering:
"Young Master Heng, Miss Yao, the Patriarch orders you both to the study immediately."
Li Heng’s throat tightened, his unease intensified, and he felt like crying without tears. This time, both left the family together, but with his father’s temperament, he might indeed impose a heavy punishment on him alone.
"Uncle Fu, how has father been recently?"
"Young Master Heng will know once you see him."
During the journey, Li Heng tried to ask indirectly about his father’s recent condition, hoping to prepare mentally, but Uncle Fu didn’t directly answer anything.
Approaching the inner mansion with trepidation, the moment Li Heng caught sight of the small courtyard where the study was located, a sudden instinctive shiver ran through him.
He stepped inside.
"Hmph! You rebellious son still knows to return home, causing trouble all day. If you want to die outside, that’s fine, but don’t drag Yao’Er down with you. Get in here immediately..."
"Well, Li Linfeng, you sure act with great patriarchal authority. Heng’er and Yao’Er have returned safely, and you try to push my son to his doom? I won’t let this go today!"
Before the angry voice faded, an urgent female voice interrupted.
"Clang—"
Amidst the crisp sound of a teacup smashing to the ground, Li Heng and Li Yao exchanged a glance, secretly breathing a sigh of relief.
With mother present, at least the death penalty could be avoided. As this thought crossed their minds, the two bowed their heads and stepped into the study.
"Father..."
Li Heng opened his mouth to speak, but upon his gaze falling on the two figures in the study, his pupils contracted. In less than two months, his father, the Patriarch of the Li Family, seemed to have aged over twenty years. That grandmaster’s solemn countenance was now full of ravines, and the once jet-black temples had turned frosty gray.
Meanwhile, his mother, who always valued her appearance, now had slightly disordered hair, eyes carrying unbrushed tear stains, and a face full of weariness.
"Rebellious son!"
"Li Linfeng, why are you so harsh with Heng’er?!"
Upon seeing Li Heng in the study, Li Linfeng immediately glared in anger. Madam Xiao, witnessing this, was again furious.
"Father, mother..."
The shame was evident on Li Heng’s face, his throat choked, and with a heavy ’thud,’ he knelt before the two of them, Li Yao hurriedly knelt beside him, clutching tightly onto her brother’s sleeve.
"Your child knows his mistakes..."
Looking at the dusty pair of children before him, half of the anger in Li Linfeng’s chest suddenly dissipated. He let out a cold snort and turned his back, but his sleeve slightly trembled.
"Speak! You rebel...what have you been doing outside during this time?"
Li Heng kept his head down, recounting events from his time outside, starting from encountering the apprentice Su Mu in Feng Town, then the night exploration of the Wang Family, until Wang Family’s downfall and Zhou Ying’s death, narrating everything truthfully, albeit lightly brushing over the dangers involved.
However, a mother knows her child best, and Li Heng’s feigned nonchalance could not deceive Madam Xiao nor could it fool Li Linfeng in the study. Especially when mentioning Zhou Family people, Li Linfeng’s face showed no expression, but his hidden hand suddenly tensed.
After Li Heng finished his account, the room fell into complete silence.
Eventually, it was Madam Xiao who broke the stillness.
"Heng’er, Yao’Er, it’s good that you’re back safely. Besides, you’ve also avenged our family this time. Don’t kneel anymore, both of you stand up."
"You rebellious son, continue kneeling."
"Yes."
"Li Linfeng you..."
This time, Li Linfeng did not back down, "Madam, you return with Yao’Er to rest first, I have more to discuss with Heng’er. Rest assured, I will not heavily punish him."
"You..." Madame Xiao sensed the earnestness in Li Linfeng’s tone this time, and finally left the study with Li Yao.
Once the two departed, the study plunged into another brief silence.
Li Linfeng rose and stepped forward to Li Heng, placing a hand on his trembling shoulder. After a mix of chilling and fiery Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi surged through his body, Li Linfeng withdrew his hand, and a quick burst of Spiritual Power enveloped the study.
"Heng’er, carefully listen to what I’m going to say next..."
Cascade of raindrops formed a curtain outside the study, pouring all night.
...
At dawn, the rain ceased and clouds scattered.
Outside the deserted temple, the damp soil exuded the fresh scent of vegetation, inside the temple Hai An and Lu Sandao packed their bags, bidding farewell to two others inside the temple.
"Doctors, sorry for any inconvenience last night."
"Safe travels."
Li Lu leaned against the door, waving hand, watching the backs of the two slowly fade away.
Gathered briefly due to the rain, parted as the rain ceased, their acquaintance lasted only through a single rain.
After they left, Su Mu, who had meditated all night, finally slowly opened his eyes. On the mist-shrouded mountain path, two figures walked side by side, one of whom radiated a faint glow undetectable to ordinary people.
"The Deer Roaring Banquet... Scholars about to attend the Autumn Imperial Examination, with Great Yan’s Destiny huh..."
Su Mu’s eyes narrowed slightly, from the first glance at the two last night, he had observed a faint glow of destiny on Hai An, which was why he did not stop them from entering the deserted temple, nor did he prevent Li Lu from approaching for conversation.