54: go home

The simulated sky of the Pillar of Leaders, following ancient Laws of timing, had silently cycled through fifteen days and nights.

For Lin Wei, these fifteen days were longer and more agonizing than all the years she had spent struggling to survive in the shantytowns.

Every minute, every second, felt like walking barefoot on cold knife edges, with piercing pain and boundless fear following her like a shadow.

Since the day Chen Jun was forcibly taken away by five Stellar-level Experts, who said they were going to the Stasis Chamber, the area around the manor had been completely isolated by an invisible and immense force field.

She tried to contact the outside world, but her messages were like stones sinking into the ocean; she wanted to rush out, but was blocked by a gentle yet irresistible energy barrier.

Even the neighbors she could usually chat with over the fence seemed to have vanished collectively; the surroundings were terrifyingly silent.

She had become a bird trapped in a magnificent cage, her only link to the outside world ruthlessly severed.

All sources of information were cut off. She did not know how Brother Jun was, did not know what they had done to him, and even less... whether he was still safe...

"Stasis Chamber"...

Just the name alone made her shudder.

She woke up from nightmares countless times, cold sweat soaking her clothes.

In her dreams, Brother Jun was haggard and white-haired, turning into ashes before her eyes bit by bit. No matter how she cried out or reached out to grab him, it was all in vain.

"Brother Jun... you must not be hurt... you must not..."

She often hugged her knees, curled up on the softest sofa in the living room, gazing at the eternal, magnificent sky outside the window as tears slid silently down her face.

In her arms, she held tightly to an old garment that Chen Jun often wore; the faint scent remaining on it was her only comfort.

Little Chen Xingyu seemed to sense her mother's immense sorrow and unease, becoming exceptionally clingy. She would often babble and reach out her little hands to wipe the tears from Lin Wei's face, her big, dark grape-like eyes filled with innocent worry.

The three daughters had not returned from the academy; according to the guards outside the manor, they were undergoing special training.

She prayed day and night, begging for her husband to return safely.

Her appetite had all but left her. If not for the little life newly conceived in her womb, she probably wouldn't have been able to eat a single bite.

Sleep was an even greater luxury. The dark circles under her eyes became more pronounced day by day, and the vigorous vitality of a War God Level seemed to have dimmed slightly in this continuous torment.

She lived each day as if it were a year, standing at the manor gate countless times, gazing fruitlessly at the deserted path, hoping that the familiar figure would suddenly appear, even if... it were in a more aged appearance...

On the afternoon of the sixteenth day, the sunlight remained warm and gentle.

Lin Wei was mechanically feeding Little Chen Xingyu some specially made energy fruit puree, her eyes gazing blankly out the window.

Suddenly—the invisible force field that had shrouded the manor for nearly half a month receded silently like a receding tide.

In the distance, on that familiar path, space rippled slightly, and a figure slowly emerged.

It was not the hunched, aged Chen Jun who had been taken away!

It was a... young man with a straight posture, thick black hair, smooth skin, and even a faint, healthy, rosy glow!

He was wearing a brand-new set of casual clothes, his steps steady and powerful, his eyes... his eyes seemed a bit dazed, and as he walked, he curiously examined his own hands, as if he were not quite used to this vibrant body.

Behind him, the attendant Lan Qing stood quietly, and further away, a super-large transport hover-vehicle seemed to be quietly departing.

The bowl of energy fruit puree in Lin Wei's hand hit the ground with a "clatter" and shattered into pieces.

She stood up abruptly, her eyes wide, her pupils contracting violently from extreme shock and disbelief.

"Brother... Brother Jun?"

Her voice trembled uncontrollably, filled with immense suspicion and a hint of wild, uncertain joy.

The person before her was definitely her Brother Jun, but that vibrant vitality, that youthful appearance...

It was clearly the state of an eighteen-year-old at his Peak! He looked even healthier and stronger than before he had overdrawn his life span!

How could this be?!

Wasn't he taken away to... consume his life span?

Shouldn't he be even more aged, perhaps even...

How could he... how could he have become so young?!

The massive contrast left Lin Wei's mind blank, even generating a sense of absurd fear: Was this really her Brother Jun? Or some illusion created by the Federation? Or... something else?...

Hearing the voice, Chen Jun looked up and saw Lin Wei standing at the doorway, pale, teary-eyed, and trembling all over. His heart ached, and the daze and secret joy he had felt due to his physical recovery vanished instantly, leaving only deep guilt and the shame of having mentally strayed over the past half-month.

"Weiwei!"

He quickly stepped forward and pulled his ice-cold wife into his arms, holding her tightly. "I'm back! It's okay, it's okay!"

The familiar embrace, the familiar scent... Lin Wei's nerves, which had been taut for half a month, suddenly relaxed at this moment, and the immense sense of grievance and lingering fear rushed out like a burst dam.

She grabbed Chen Jun's lapels tightly, buried her face in his solid, warm chest, and began to cry loudly, sobbing heart-wrenchingly with her whole body trembling.

"Waaah... Brother Jun! Brother Jun! You've finally come back! I was so scared! I was so scared you wouldn't come back! I was afraid they would... wuu wuu wuu..."

Little Chen Xingyu was frightened by her mother's crying and began to wail along with her.

Chen Jun felt as if his heart were being twisted by a knife. He could only hold his wife tighter, clumsily comforting her over and over. "I'm sorry, Weiwei, I'm sorry for making you worry... I'm fine, look, aren't I perfectly fine? I'm even better than before..."

The more he said this, the harder Lin Wei cried. Perfectly fine? Better than before? How is that possible?! This was clearly even more wrong!...

After crying for a long time, Lin Wei's emotions finally calmed down slightly, though she was still sobbing. She lifted her head, looking closely at her husband's face through teary eyes, her fingers trembling as she stroked his smooth, taut cheeks and his thick, black temples. Her voice was filled with a crying tone and immense confusion. "Brother Jun... what is going on? They... what did they do to you? How could you... become like this?"

She would rather have seen her husband return dragging a weary, aged body; that would at least prove he had "normally" consumed his life span, rather than being so unnervingly refreshed as he was now! This was too abnormal! So abnormal that it made her feel terrified! She even suspected whether this was some kind of final flare-up induced by the Federation through some bizarre means!

Chen Jun looked at his wife's suspicious and worried eyes, knowing she must have imagined many terrifying scenarios. He took her hand and sat down on the living room sofa, then gently placed Little Chen Xingyu, who had cried herself to sleep, into her crib. He carefully weighed his words, trying to speak in as relaxed a tone as possible. "Weiwei, don't let your imagination run wild. Really, I didn't suffer. On the contrary... uh, I actually had a pretty good time."

He scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed, but his eyes were sincere. "They just took me to a place called the 'Stasis Chamber.' The environment was quite nice, clean, just a bit boring. Then... um... it was that thing you were thinking of... but don't worry! It was very strange this time, really! That... special Physique didn't seem to trigger!"

He lowered his voice, as if sharing a huge secret. "Really! This time, not a single bit of life span was deducted! I don't know why either! And those big shots didn't know why either, they kept stuffing me with all kinds of supplements—the kind at the level of the Moon Essence Secret Treasury, or even better! They desperately made me eat, as if they were terrified that I wouldn't be in good condition..."

He pointed to his rosy cheeks and strong arms. "Look, I became like this from eating those things! I feel like I have endless energy in my body! Really, I'm not lying to you! For this half-month, other than being a bit... um... 'busy,' I really didn't suffer. I was served good food and drink, it was basically like a vacation!"

Chen Jun was telling the truth, even looking a bit elated, because for him, this half-month had truly been the happiest half-month since his Transmigration.

However, to Lin Wei, this "truth" sounded completely different! The special Physique didn't trigger? Not a single bit of life span deducted? How could this be?! Didn't it happen every time before... The big shots desperately stuffing him with supplements? Terrified that he wouldn't be in good condition? This... this must have been such frequent, such terrifying "consumption" that even those high-and-mighty big shots were worried he wouldn't hold up, and needed to constantly force-feed him top-tier treasures to maintain him?! Served good food and drink? Like a vacation? This was clearly something he said to comfort her! It was Brother Jun not wanting her to worry, swallowing all the suffering and humiliation himself!

The more lightly he spoke and the more "healthy" he appeared, the more certain Lin Wei was that her husband must have suffered unimaginable, inhuman treatment over the past half month!

He had been treated as a tool, exploited down to his very last shred of value!

Those supplements—how could they be for nourishment? They were clearly meant to keep him alive!

They were afraid that this "tool" of theirs would break down prematurely!

And if his special Physique wasn't reacting... did that mean... Brother Jun's Origin had been completely drained, even causing his special Physique to break down? Was that why it was no longer deducting his lifespan?

At the thought of this possibility, Lin Wei's heart felt as if it were being tightly gripped by a cold hand, the pain making it impossible to breathe.

She looked at her husband's "forced" relaxed smile and the "healthy" body he was trying so hard to show off, and tears gushed out once again. This time, it wasn't a breakdown, but silent tears filled with endless heartache and sorrow.

"Brother Jun... don't say anymore... I understand everything..."

She reached out and gently stroked his cheek, her voice choked with sobs, "You've suffered... you've really suffered... I'm sorry, it's my fault for being useless and unable to protect you..."

She would rather he had come back crying to complain about his grievances than see him "putting on a brave face" to comfort her like this.

"???" Chen Jun looked at his wife's even sadder and more pained expression, completely bewildered.

No... I'm telling the truth! I really did have a great time! Why won't you believe me?

"No, Weiwei, listen to me, I really didn't suffer! I swear!" Chen Jun was getting a bit anxious and tried to explain, "Look at my muscles! My complexion! I look even younger than Old Man Zhang! Those supplements were really effective! I feel like I could punch a hole through an old-era aircraft carrier right now!"

To be more convincing, he even thumped his chest hard, producing a solid "thump-thump" sound.

It would have been better if he hadn't said anything; the more he "proved" it like this, the more convinced Lin Wei became that he was covering something up.

It had reached the point where he needed top-tier rare treasures to maintain his bodily functions, possibly even overdrawing all his future potential, yet he was still here pretending to be relaxed...

Her Brother Jun was always like this, carrying everything on his own shoulders, swallowing even the greatest grievances.

"Mm... mm... I know, I know you're very 'strong'..." Lin Wei wept, nodding vigorously, going along with his words and trying her best not to expose his "lie," but her tear-filled eyes were full of heartache that said, "I understand, don't force yourself anymore."

Chen Jun opened his mouth, and looking at his wife, who completely disbelieved him yet was trying so hard to play along, a sense of helplessness washed over him. Forget it! Now it was completely impossible to explain.

He finally understood how those Stellar-level Experts felt when he "sincerely declined" them. Sometimes, the truth is the one thing no one believes.

He sighed, stopped trying to explain in vain, and just pulled his wife tightly into his arms again, whispering, "Alright, alright, let's not talk about it. Anyway, I'm back, and I won't be leaving again. Let's live our lives well as a family."

This sentence finally touched the deepest desire in Lin Wei's heart. That's right, no matter what had happened, Brother Jun was finally back alive, back by her side. That was enough!

As for those pains and humiliations, she would use all the love and tenderness of her remaining life to slowly smooth them over.

"Mm... a family... living our lives well..." She snuggled into his arms, repeating these words, as if she had grabbed onto the most solid piece of driftwood.

At this moment, crisp and cheerful laughter drifted in from outside the manor; it was the three sisters, Chen Xi, Chen Yao, and Chen Lu, returning from their special training.

"Dad! Mom!" Chen Lu, who was the first to rush in, spotted her father in the living room and cried out in surprise.

Chen Xi and Chen Yao followed closely behind, and seeing their father looking so "young and strong," they both widened their eyes in surprise and gathered around.

"Dad! How did you... become so young?" Chen Yao curiously poked her father's rock-hard arm.

"Is the Federation's technology that powerful? It can actually make people look young again?" Chen Xi was also full of wonder.

Looking at the children's gazes, Chen Jun and Lin Wei exchanged a look, tacitly deciding to temporarily push aside all heavy topics.

"Yeah, the Federation gave Dad some good stuff." Chen Jun smiled and ruffled his daughters' hair, his tone light, "How about it, do I look even younger than you guys now?"

"Vain!" Chen Lu giggled and made a face.

"Dad is the most handsome!" Chen Yao praised him sweetly.

Chen Xi was more observant; she noticed her mother's red-rimmed eyes and how she was snuggled up beside her father. She didn't ask any questions, just smiled gently.

The warm and happy atmosphere dispelled the previous sorrow and heaviness.

Lin Wei looked at her daughters chattering incessantly around her husband, looked at her husband's smile—which was slightly helpless but filled with doting love—looked at little Chen Xingyu sleeping soundly in the stroller, and then gently stroked her slightly rounded belly...

A tremendous sense of happiness and relief at having regained what was lost, like a warm tide, slowly enveloped her heart that had suffered so much.

Although deep down, she still felt a sting for her husband's "drained" Origin and his potentially short future, at least for this moment, the family was reunited, and the hearth was warm. That was enough!

She stood up, wiped away her tears, and revealed the first genuine, tear-filled smile she had shown in half a month: "Alright, alright, stop pestering Dad. Xi'er, Yaoer, come help Mom prepare dinner. We'll make a good meal today; the whole family will have a nice gathering!"

"Yay!" The children cheered. Soon, the sounds of clattering and the busy chatter of the mother and her three daughters drifted from the kitchen.

Chen Jun held little Chen Xingyu, sitting in the living room, watching this scene full of domestic life, smelling the aroma of food gradually filling the air, and listening to the laughter of his wife and daughters. The gloom in his heart from being unable to explain things gradually dissipated, replaced by a plain, real warmth.

Whatever. Let Weiwei think whatever she wants. As long as she is at peace and happy, that's all that matters. Anyway, he really had "gained a blessing in disguise," even if the process was a bit absurd.

As for that remaining six-year lifespan... He looked at his daughter babbling in his arms, looked at the backs of his busy wife and daughters in the kitchen, and his eyes became gentle and firm. Six years, that's enough! He would use these last six years to accompany them well, to protect them, until the very last moment!

Dinner was exceptionally sumptuous; Lin Wei had brought out almost everything she had learned in her life, preparing a table full of dishes, all of which were favorites of Chen Jun and the children. Throughout the meal, laughter never ceased.

The children excitedly recounted interesting stories from their academy, and Chen Jun also picked a few "things he saw and heard" in the Stasis Chamber that he could talk about, of course, omitting all key details, just saying he went to cooperate with some "special examinations" and was treated very well.

Lin Wei kept smiling, constantly putting food into the bowls of her husband and children, her gaze mostly lingering on Chen Jun. Her eyes were so gentle they could melt, though occasionally, a trace of imperceptible sorrow and worry would flash in the depths of them.

After dinner, the family squeezed onto the huge sofa in the living room to digest. Chen Xingyu crawled back and forth on the soft carpet, chasing the little butterflies that her three sisters had conjured with energy, letting out giggles.

Chen Jun held Lin Wei, Chen Xi and Chen Yao leaned against them, and Chen Lu simply lay down, resting her head on her mother's lap.

Outside the window, the night sky simulated by the Pillar of Leaders was filled with bright stars. The soft radiance spilled in through the window, shrouding the embracing family in a quiet and beautiful halo of light.

No one spoke, only the soft sound of breathing and little Chen Xingyu's babbling. Time seemed to become slow and gentle in this moment.

Lin Wei leaned into her husband's solid, warm embrace, feeling his strong and powerful heartbeat, with his reassuring scent lingering at the tip of her nose, and slowly closed her eyes.

The fear, anxiety, and sorrow of the past half month were completely dispelled in this moment. Although the future was still shrouded in unknown shadows, at least for now, she had everything. That was enough!

Chen Jun looked down at his wife's peaceful sleeping face, at the satisfied curve slightly raised at the corners of her lips, and his heart was filled with tranquility. He gently tightened his arms. Happiness and harmony, time flowing peacefully. As for the future... leave the future to the future...