Forge of Destiny Threads Chapter 515-Homecoming 3

Ling Qi acknowledged Shenglu's beauty, admitting her own bias, yet a profound sense of gladness bloomed within her heart as they surmounted the final hill, revealing the lake below. This, she mused, was her true home. Previously, it had been the Argent Peak Sect, but even that felt constrained by her limited understanding; she would depart from it. Tonghou was merely a lingering nightmare, a memory of isolation that had fueled her cultivation.

She pondered when precisely this deep-seated feeling had taken root.

The small town nestled by the lake had flourished, with the walls encircling the manor and the central city area reaching new heights. The core of the town itself was more densely populated, leaving less empty space. A prominent shrine stood at the heart of the docks. Beyond it, she could discern the rich brown and black hues of fields prepared for the upcoming spring sowing, and the sight of fluffy white clouds of sheep grazing leisurely on one of the hills overlooking the town.

A strong impulse urged her to leap from the carriage window and descend the rest of the way under her own power, but she restrained herself. She could indulge in a flight later, perhaps with Biyu.

She noticed a similar subtle release of tension in some of the others. Gan Guangli was the most evident, his face alight with pride as he surveyed the small boats scattered across the lake's surface. Cai Renxiang's expression softened almost imperceptibly. Xia Lin's gaze followed the movements of workers emerging from the dense cluster of trees on the lake's western side, their convoy transporting freshly cut lumber from an expanded camp deeper within the forest along a newly widened path. Even Xia Lin offered a small nod of satisfaction at their disciplined execution.

Only Meng Dan's expression conveyed more curiosity than relief, and his eyes met hers when he sensed her attention. "Quite a lot of progress for such a fresh location. I hope to get to know its secrets well."

"Hoho! I shall give you a proper grand tour, Sir Meng!" Gan Guangli exclaimed, clapping him on the shoulder. "As my new brother-in-arms, I can do no less!"

Ling Qi blinked, a smile playing on her lips as Meng Dan appeared momentarily taken aback. "Ah, my thanks, Sir Gan."

"An excellent idea," she chimed in playfully. "We should forge all of our bonds strongly. Shall we inspect the new forestry camp together later, Xia Lin?"

"I suppose."

Meng Dan caught her eye and let out a soft chuckle.

It felt good to be home, even if only for a brief period.

***​

Cai Renxiang graciously dismissed her upon their arrival. Ling Qi planned to follow up with the craftswoman, who blinked owlishly, and the other new residents later, but for the moment, she had a much more significant duty to attend to.

"Sis!"

Ling Qi ascended with a barely perceptible rustle, her feet leaving the ground as she became a fleeting blur. Her arms passed through the wooden railing of the manor balcony like smoke, yet they were all too solid as she clasped a squirming small body in her hands. Biyu shrieked with joy as they spiraled upwards into the air, the momentum causing the hem of her gown to flare out, its trailing ribbons snapping in the wind.

She descended just as rapidly, releasing her hold on the wind and allowing her weight to reassert itself, applying a gentle pull to ensure a smooth landing on the balcony's edge. She offered a sheepish smile to her mother, who regarded her with a distinctly unimpressed expression.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself," she apologized, lowering her head.

Biyu kicked her feet gleefully. "Again! Again!"

Mother sighed, her eyes squeezed shut. "You may do one more."

Biyu cheered, Ling Qi smiled, and they soared upwards once more.

What began as a single flight turned into two, then three, before Mother finally put a stop to it. Ling Qi felt it was acceptable to indulge her younger sister a little.

"I know Mother enjoys a sweet or two, so I hope my gift will grant me forgiveness." Ling Qi bowed playfully, presenting a blue ceramic jar.

Biyu had gone for her nap, and the two of them were in the upstairs dining hall. Their family dining hall was distinct from the general areas designated for visitors to the manor and for civil servants, respectively.

"Honey?" Mother inquired, examining the label.

"I recall you mentioning you enjoyed a spoonful in your tea back at the sect town," Ling Qi stated, straightening up.

"I see. Is this some kind of cultivation aid, like that dreadful tea you once asked me to drink?"

"No," Ling Qi replied defensively. "Well, it does possess properties that improve circulation and blood flow due to a slight inherent spark of wind qi, but its primary purpose is to taste sweet. I promise!"

Mother regarded her with a performance of suspicion. Ling Qi maintained a chastened demeanor. Even though she knew it was a jest... well, why not play along? She was pleased that her mother felt confident enough to embrace a touch of humor these days.

With a sigh, Mother broke the seal and carefully spooned a tiny bead of the luminescent, golden liquid into her teacup, stirring it gently.

Ling Qi gracefully overlooked the slight, undignified sound her mother made. They were alone now, as the servants had been dismissed after serving the tea.

"Thank you, Ling Qi," Mother said, placing her cup down.

Ling Qi offered a smile over the rim of her own cup. "You are most welcome. How fares the clan?"

"We are quite settled now. Biyu has taken to the gardens, and she's even made friends with some of the staff's children. I did wonder if it might be... inappropriate..."

"No more inappropriate than our household already is," Ling Qi replied with a hint of wryness.

"Yes, I suspected you would say that. I believe I am close to opening a meridian," Mother continued.

"Oh? Which one did you decide upon?"

"The one in my arm. I was considering a calligraphy art from your library. It could be helpful for correspondence, and perhaps I could even learn to inscribe messenger birds," Mother said hesitantly, as if seeking approval.

"I can see how that might prove useful. This manor is vast, even when compared to our former residence at the Sect," Ling Qi chuckled. "Mother, I am happy for you to pursue whatever you choose; your cultivation path is entirely your own to decide."

"Indeed," Mother replied. "Now, do tell me about your own recent endeavors. I've heard whispers of multiple courtships?"

The question was posed so casually, yet Ling Qi felt a bead of sweat form on her brow at the knowing look in her mother's eyes. She found herself scratching the back of her head like a child, a nervous laugh escaping her.

"Ah-ha… Well, you see… Um. Ahem. First, you were already aware of Xuan Shi," Ling Qi stammered, offering a weak defense.

"And from what I understood, it was merely a polite interest that you indicated had been addressed. He appears to be a kind and responsible young man, so I put my concerns to rest."

"He is certainly that," Ling Qi affirmed. "Mother, the reason I was hesitant about him after you pointed out what I was trying to ignore… you understand, don't you? I was afraid. After all, what else could a young woman with my experiences be?"

She did not wish to delve into her past tribulations or the wounds she had witnessed healing since.

Mother's expression grew somber, her gaze dropping to the tabletop as she gripped her teacup tightly. Mother understood; she certainly understood, having navigated those perilous paths for half of her own life.

"I do understand, Ling Qi. However, you have changed. I do not sense that same fear in you as strongly. It worries an old woman."

"You are hardly old, Mother," Ling Qi protested. "I know several individuals referred to as 'Young Mistress' who are twice your age."

Mother's expression tightened, but she could also see the relief that she hadn't caused any distress. "That does sound rather peculiar."

"Doesn't it? Xuan Shi is incredibly dedicated. He gifted me the gauntlets that once protected me at the summit – artifacts likely worth more than this entire manor – without the slightest hesitation. He hasn't implied any debt for their loss, despite their subsequent destruction."

Ling Qi reached for the teapot to pour herself a cup.

"And I don't feel any obligation to repay him. He's simply very kind, even if he is awkward about expressing it. I wish to give him a chance, and for some reason, he wishes to accept it, though I'm certain he could find someone far better suited. Zhengui smooths over the practical aspects."

"And I presume Bao Qian represents the more obligatory of these agreements?" Mother inquired for clarification. "An offer you entertained for political expediency?"

"That feels rather harsh to say," Ling Qi demurred. "I like him well enough; we work together effectively. I find him dependable in business matters and trust him with Hanyi's well-being."

By all conventional standards, this was sufficient grounds for marriage. Cai Renxiang's perspective on matrimony simply differed in its bluntness: a cultivator's union was primarily a strategic alliance for stability and fortified connections. Affection between partners was considered a pleasant bonus, desirable but not essential, as long as no active animosity existed.

"He is a good business partner. Whether he can be more, I'm uncertain," Ling Qi concluded with some awkwardness.

"He did strike me as a reliable sort, though I admit, you now comprehend the modest plans I once harbored for you."

Her mother had once hoped that imparting literacy and numeracy would be enough to secure a stable marriage for Ling Qi with a merchant or tradesman who would value a wife capable of managing accounts and correspondence. In doing so, she had also hoped that the malice of the Liu clan would not be passed down to the next generation.