As they made their way through the village, the dusty yellow earth clung to their clothes, leaving them covered in a fine layer of dust. But returning home—who would care about such things?
Ever since he left Chengjia Village, Cheng Xiao had spent every waking moment cultivating, not for anyone else, but for himself. He wanted to grow stronger, to be able to provide his grandfather with a better life. At the very least, he wanted to ensure that the old man no longer had to work tirelessly just to make ends meet.
Though he was not originally from this world, Cheng Xiao was not someone without a sense of gratitude. He clearly remembered who had treated him well and who had not.
He was an adult, but even adults had their emotions. He had not endured five hundred years of torment at the hands of fate like some ancient immortal. He had not suffered countless slights or been consumed by the envy of others.
What he could do, however, was become stronger. Strong enough to protect those he cared about and to ensure that the people around him could live better lives.
As he walked down the familiar dirt road, he finally turned left. Before long, he came to a stop in front of a humble clay house. It was not the most dilapidated home in the village, but it certainly could not be considered luxurious either.
Gazing at the familiar structure, Cheng Xiao's expression softened, his lips curving into a gentle smile. He could already imagine his grandfather's surprise when he saw him. Turning to the person beside him, he said, "This is my home. Come on, let's go in."
Hearing this, Ye Lingling smiled and nodded.
The home he had left behind was now right in front of him. Cheng Xiao could hardly contain his excitement. The front door was open, and wisps of white smoke drifted out—a sign that someone was cooking inside.
Quickening his pace, he stepped into the house. Nothing had changed. Everything was just as he remembered it. At the stove, an elderly man was preparing a meal. Sensing someone enter, the old man turned around, a puzzled look in his eyes.
"Xiao… Xiao Xiao?"
Though it had been years since he last saw his grandson, the moment he laid eyes on the young man before him, Cheng Lao still recognized him instantly.
Hearing his grandfather's trembling voice, Cheng Xiao felt a surge of emotion swell within him. Instinctively, he rubbed his eyes, trying to suppress the stinging sensation. Forcing a smile, he said, "Grandpa, it's me. I've come home."
"As long as you're back… That's all that matters. That's all that matters."
Cheng Lao's voice quivered with emotion as he hurried over, reaching out his wrinkled hands to gently touch his grandson's face. His eyes, filled with affection and concern, scanned Cheng Xiao's features. "You've gotten thinner, child… Have you been suffering out there?"
"Not at all. I haven't suffered one bit," Cheng Xiao reassured, though his voice was thick with emotion, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears.
At that moment, Cheng Lao's gaze shifted behind his grandson, noticing for the first time the young woman standing there. She was beautiful, poised, and unfamiliar to him. His brows furrowed slightly as he asked, "Xiao Xiao, and who might this young lady be?"
Before Cheng Xiao could answer, Ye Lingling stepped forward with a warm smile. "Hello, Grandpa Cheng. I'm Cheng Xiao's friend. My name is Ye Lingling."
"Ye Lingling… That's a lovely name." Cheng Lao chuckled heartily. Then, noticing how weary they both looked, he said, "You two must be starving after traveling so far."
He clapped his hands together. "Xiao Xiao, take Lingling inside and rest for a bit. I'll finish up in the kitchen and make you both a good meal."
With that, the old man ushered them into the house and returned to his cooking.
Seeing his grandfather bustling about, Cheng Xiao hesitated. "Grandpa, I'm not a child anymore. Let me help you."
But Cheng Lao adamantly refused. In his mind, children who had traveled far to visit home should be allowed to rest. To him, being able to cook a meal for his grandson was a blessing, a privilege. He was still strong enough—he didn't need help.
Despite his grandfather's stubbornness, Cheng Xiao couldn't just stand by and do nothing. Even if he wasn't allowed to take over, he stayed close, handing over ingredients and making sure his grandfather didn't overexert himself.
Before long, they had prepared a full table of home-cooked dishes. They were nothing fancy, just simple countryside meals, yet they were full of color, fragrance, and warmth.
Cheng Lao's cooking was exceptional. Even the most basic dishes tasted incredible in his hands.
The three of them sat together, eating and talking. Laughter filled the small home, making the meal all the more satisfying.
During dinner, Cheng Xiao recounted his experiences over the past few years—his cultivation progress, the places he had traveled, the interesting encounters he had along the way. Of course, he left out the hardships and dangers, not wanting to worry his grandfather.
When Cheng Lao heard that his grandson had reached the level of Soul Ancestor, he beamed with pride. "You rascal! You've really made a name for yourself! You've done your grandfather proud."
After dinner, Cheng Xiao and Ye Lingling cleaned up the dishes before Cheng Xiao retrieved a small, jade-green pill from his spatial storage. Holding it up, he grinned. "Grandpa, a friend of mine gave me this pill. If you take it, it should extend your lifespan by at least five years."
"Five years?" Cheng Lao was momentarily stunned. Then, shaking his head, he chuckled. "Child, I already have one foot in the grave. What difference does five years make? I don't need it. As long as you're doing well, and you come visit me when you can, that's enough for me."
"Grandpa, please take it," Ye Lingling urged, gently pressing the pill into the old man's hand. "No matter what, Xiao Xiao still needs you by his side."
"She's right, Grandpa." Cheng Xiao smiled mischievously. "Didn't you say you wanted to see me get married and have kids? You'll need to live a few more years to make sure you don't miss that."
Hearing this, Cheng Lao sighed in mock exasperation. "Fine, fine. You two are relentless."
With that, he swallowed the pill.
The moment he did, he felt warmth spread through his body, a surge of vitality coursing through his veins. It was as though he had regained the strength of his younger years.
Seeing this, both Cheng Xiao and Ye Lingling exchanged satisfied smiles.
As night fell, Cheng Lao insisted that they sleep in the larger room while he took the smaller one. Despite their protests, he refused to budge, eventually heading outside to chop firewood to warm up the smaller room for them.
That night, Cheng Xiao and Ye Lingling lay side by side on the heated brick bed, separated only by a thin blanket.
Staring at the worn ceiling, Cheng Xiao suddenly said, "Lingling, I'm sorry."
"For what?" Ye Lingling turned her head to look at him, smiling softly. "Do you think I'll complain about the living conditions?"
"More or less… After living at the academy for so long, this place must seem…"
"I don't mind at all. In fact, I like it."
Cheng Xiao turned to face her, surprised. "Really? You're not just saying that to make me feel better?"
Ye Lingling chuckled. "I mean it. You've come so far despite all the hardships. I can't imagine how much effort you've put in."
Cheng Xiao smiled. "All I want is for the people I care about to live better lives. That's all."
"And you will," she whispered. "If it's you, I believe you will."