451: Chapter 451 The Diligent Qin Xiaoxi!

More than half a year had passed since the Lunar New Year.

The scene of leaving home at the beginning of the year was still vivid in his mind: his mother stuffing all kinds of food into his backpack, his father telling him to take care of himself while away, and his younger sister holding his hand and saying, "Brother, you have to come back early."

In the blink of an eye, half a year had gone by.

Including this summer vacation, he hadn't gone home, but had spent it at Canglin Ancient Peak.

During that time, he fought with Evil Spirits and clashed with powerful enemies, experiencing narrow escapes and gaining much.

But because of that, he missed out on time for family reunions.

This was the world of a Martial Artist.

A hint of emotion welled up in Qin Yan's heart.

Ordinary people could go home every day, eat dinner with their families, accompany their parents on walks, and watch their younger sisters grow up day by day.

But a Martial Artist could not.

The path of a Martial Artist was destined to be lonely.

Especially for those truly pursuing the Peak of the Martial Dao; they often had to endure a loneliness unimaginable to ordinary people.

And this was while his strength was still relatively low; for those powerful experts, a single session of secluded cultivation could last years or even decades!

He had read in ancient records that some Ninth-Grade Venerables went into seclusion to break through to a higher Realm, staying there for decades or even centuries.

By the time they emerged, the world outside had long since changed beyond recognition.

Of the friends and family from back then, some had grown old, and some had already passed away.

That kind of loneliness and helplessness was something ordinary people could hardly comprehend.

Now he was about to set off on a long journey, and he didn't know how long this trip would take.

Taixuan Academy had a four-year academic System.

Four years was not long, but it wasn't short either.

Would he return after four years? What would happen during those four years?

Would his parents grow old?

Would the bond with his sister grow distant?

He didn't know.

He only knew that he had to take this time to go home and say goodbye to his family.

Otherwise, he wouldn't know when they would meet again.

...

After an unknown amount of time, the train slowly decelerated, and the station announcement came over the broadcast.

Linhai City, arrived.

Qin Yan opened his eyes and got off the train with the flow of people.

Walking out of the station, the night breeze blew against his face, carrying a hint of moist coolness.

This was the unique atmosphere of a seaside city, making him feel a sense of familiarity and warmth.

He hailed a taxi and gave the address.

The taxi drove through familiar streets, passing by dim yellow streetlights.

The shops along the streets and the familiar buildings came into view one by one.

This was the place where he grew up; every inch of land carried his memories.

Twenty minutes later, the car stopped outside a residential complex.

Qin Yan paid the fare, got out, and looked up at the floor where his home was located.

...

The moment he pushed open the door, a slight sound came from inside the house.

In the living room, Qin Father and Qin Mother were sitting on the sofa watching television.

Hearing the door open, both of them turned their heads at the same time, their gazes landing on the familiar figure at the doorway.

They were momentarily stunned.

Then, surprised smiles burst onto both their faces simultaneously.

“Xiao Yan, you're back,” Qin Shouzheng spoke first, his voice carrying a smile.

Qin Yan nodded, walked into the house, and closed the door behind him.

“You child, you didn't even report that you were coming home. What? Now that you're grown up, your wings have hardened?”

Chen Juan quickly walked over to Qin Yan, looking her son up and down.

Although she was complaining, the joy in her eyes could not be hidden no matter what.

She reached out to pat Qin Yan’s shoulder and felt his arm, as if checking to see if her son was injured.

Qin Yan: “...”

He looked at his mother somewhat helplessly, but his heart felt warm.

This was the feeling of home; no matter what you experienced outside, when you returned home, your parents would always be your warmest harbor.

“Alright, alright, the food is just ready, let's eat together.”

Qin Mother spoke, pulling Qin Yan toward the dining table.

Several home-cooked dishes were laid out on the table—Braised Pork, Stir-fried Seasonal Vegetables, Tomato and Egg Soup, and a plate of steaming hot Mantou.

Though simple, they emitted an enticing aroma.

“Then I’ve returned at just the right time to have a hot meal.”

Qin Yan smiled as he came to the table, picked up his chopsticks, and began to eat.

The familiar taste melted on his tongue; it was a unique flavor that could only be found at home.

Qin Shouzheng also put down his chopsticks, watching his son eat heartily with a look of gratification in his eyes.

“By the way, Mom, Dad,”

Qin Yan ate a few bites and suddenly remembered something, looking up to ask, “Where's Xiao Xi? Why haven't I seen her?”

He had been back for a while, yet he still hadn't seen his sister's figure.

Qin Shouzheng and Chen Juan exchanged a glance, both of their faces showing a bitter smile.

“Xiao Xi is currently training at the Martial Arts Association,” Qin Shouzheng said.

The Martial Arts Association.

Only then did Qin Yan remember that his sister had already started high school this year.

During the high school stage, one could officially come into contact with the Martial Dao and begin systematic training.

As a Martial Artist, he had access to relative training rooms at the Martial Arts Association, and Xiao Xi had gone there to train.

“But it’s already this late, why isn't my sister back yet?”

Qin Yan checked the time and frowned slightly.

It was already almost nine o'clock in the evening.

For a high school student, this time was indeed very late.

“This sister of yours is exactly like you.”

Chen Juan said helplessly, “Always training desperately, leaving early and returning late.

Every morning she leaves before dawn and doesn't come home until nine or ten at night.

We've talked to her and tried to persuade her, but she just won't listen.”

She looked at Qin Yan and said, “When Xiao Xi comes back later, go and talk to her, tell her not to work so hard.

She's a girl; practicing martial arts is fine, but she shouldn't be so desperate.”

Qin Yan heard this but didn't say anything.

Of course he knew his parents' thoughts.

They were an ordinary family with a limited understanding of the Martial Dao.

But he was different.

He truly knew the cruelty of the martial world.

...

Half an hour later.

The door was pushed open again.

A figure walked in.

Qin Xiaoxi.

She was wearing a Martial Arts Uniform, her high ponytail swaying, her neck slender, revealing fair skin.

Her eyes were large and bright; the moment she saw Qin Yan, they widened suddenly, and then burst with a light of pleasant surprise.

“Brother—!”

She almost ran over, reaching Qin Yan in a few steps and grabbing his arm.

“Brother, you're back!”

Qin Yan looked down at his sister, a smile appearing in his eyes.

However, beneath the smile, he carefully noticed something.

His sister's expression was somewhat weary.

Although those eyes were startlingly bright, deep within them was a tiredness she couldn't hide.

Her Martial Arts Uniform still bore slight sweat stains, marks left behind after long hours of training.

“Xiao Xi, you've worked hard,”

Qin Yan said softly, his tone carrying a bit of heartache.

He had also gone through high school himself.

The kind of aching exhaustion from training until he was spent was something he still couldn't forget.

Back then, he was the same, waking up before dawn and not returning home until it was pitch black.