Chapter 891: Back Again

Chapter 891: Chapter 891: Back Again

The fence in the distance was covered with green vines, a few butterflies dancing gracefully among the flowers. Everything was so familiar, so nostalgic.

Ye Qingchen stood in the center of the yard, his gaze sweeping over every corner, and a surge of warmth and emotion filled his heart.

He never thought that the setting of the Trial of the Heart would be his little courtyard.

Every plant, every brick and tile here stirred up endless memories for him.

"Is this... my little courtyard?" Ye Qingchen murmured to himself, his eyes filled with confusion.

He reached out and gently touched a bamboo beside him, feeling the real tactile sensation, he couldn’t help but frown. "Why is it here?"

Ye Qingchen walked slowly towards the small house and pushed open the familiar wooden door.

The arrangement inside remained the same, a simple wooden bed, a bookshelf with books he usually liked to read.

On the table, there was a celadon teapot, as if freshly brewed tea was still steaming with warmth.

As he looked around the room, his initial surprise was gradually replaced by a sense of unease.

This trial was definitely not just a simple nostalgic scene.

Ye Qingchen knew that the real test might be hidden within this seemingly peaceful courtyard.

"What on earth is going on?" Ye Qingchen asked himself softly. He took a deep breath and decided to explore this familiar yet strange courtyard carefully.

Just as Ye Qingchen was exploring around, he suddenly heard familiar footsteps coming from the courtyard gate.

Looking up, he saw his senior brother Qin Chuan stepping into the courtyard with a beaming smile.

"Junior brother, you finally came back!" Qin Chuan shouted enthusiastically as he walked quickly towards Ye Qingchen. His voice was full of passion and joy, as if meeting a long-lost family member. "You’ve been gone for quite some time, everyone was worried sick about you!"

As Qin Chuan spoke, he patted Ye Qingchen on the shoulder, his eyes filled with concern.

He looked Ye Qingchen up and down, ensuring that he was safe, then let out a long sigh of relief. "Seeing you safe and sound really sets my mind at ease."

Ye Qingchen was a bit overwhelmed by his senior brother’s enthusiasm, but at the same time felt a warm feeling in his heart.

He nodded, managing a slight smile, "Senior brother, here I am, safe and sound."

"Indeed." Qin Chuan laughed heartily, pulling Ye Qingchen into the house. "No matter what, it’s good that you’re back safe. Come, let’s sit and chat inside, I’ve got some good tea prepared for you!"

The two of them walked into the small house, and Qin Chuan adeptly brewed a pot of tea.

The aroma of tea filled the room, instantly warming the atmosphere.

Qin Chuan handed a cup of tea to Ye Qingchen with a smile and said, "Here, junior brother, drink a cup of hot tea to warm up. We all missed you so much."

Ye Qingchen accepted the tea cup, feeling a hint of warmth in his heart.

Even though the scene was somewhat puzzling, the enthusiasm and care from his senior brother were genuine.

Qin Chuan sat opposite Ye Qingchen, continuing to smile, "By the way, junior brother, what have you learned on your journey this time? Did you encounter anything interesting?"

Ye Qingchen smiled slightly, trying to relax, "I did learn a lot and encountered some interesting things. But, it’s a long story."

Qin Chuan patted Ye Qingchen on the shoulder, chuckling, "No rush, no rush, take your time. We’ve got plenty of time."

Amidst this warm conversation, Ye Qingchen maintained a sense of vigilance in his heart.

He knew that the Trial of the Heart was definitely not this simple.

While Ye Qingchen and Qin Chuan were happily chatting, there was another burst of hearty laughter from the courtyard gate.

The second brother, Cheng Liang, strode into the courtyard, seeing the two talking, he laughingly scolded Qin Chuan, "Senior brother, the junior brother’s back, and you didn’t call me! That’s not fair!"

Qin Chuan, hearing Cheng Liang’s voice, laughed heartily and waved his hand, "Second brother, you’re just in time! I was chatting with junior brother, come over and sit down."

Cheng Liang came up, patted Ye Qingchen on the shoulder, his face full of smiles, "Junior brother, welcome back! We’ve been unsettled since you left."

Ye Qingchen felt Cheng Liang’s enthusiasm, and his heart warmed, "Second brother, I just got back, chatting with senior brother."

Cheng Liang laughed heartily, found a chair to sit down, "It’s a rare chance that the three of us are together, we must have a good chat today." He turned to Qin Chuan and said, "Senior brother, pour me a cup of tea too."

Qin Chuan nodded with a smile, picked up the teapot, and poured a cup of hot tea for Cheng Liang, "Second brother, drink up, the tea is freshly brewed, just right."

Cheng Liang took the tea cup, sipped it, nodding in satisfaction, "Not bad. Senior brother’s skills haven’t changed."

He turned to Ye Qingchen, asking with concern, "Junior brother, did you take care of your health while you were out looking for a cure? It seems your cultivation has improved quite a lot."

Ye Qingchen smiled slightly and nodded, "My cultivation has indeed improved by two or three realms, but as for my health, there’s no need for the two of you to worry."

Qin Chuan and Cheng Liang exchanged a glance, laughing heartily.

Qin Chuan said, "Oh? Your cultivation improved by two or three realms! Hurry up and tell us how you did it! Don’t make us beg you!"

Ye Qingchen immediately burst into laughter.

He began recounting his experiences while he was away to his two brothers.

Cheng Liang occasionally interjected, and the three of them exchanged words, creating a very congenial atmosphere.

Ye Qingchen knew he was in an Illusory Realm, but the warmth from his senior and second brothers made him feel a hint of warmth, as well as a hint of unease.

The trial couldn’t be this simple, yet he couldn’t bear to disrupt this long-missed brotherhood.

He listened intently to his brothers’ conversations while secretly observing his surroundings, searching for any potential flaws.

Every word, every action from Qin Chuan and Cheng Liang was so natural, making him wonder if this was truly an illusion or reality.

"Junior brother, you’ve gone through a lot this time." Qin Chuan asked with a smile.

Ye Qingchen smiled slightly and nodded, "Yes, senior brother, I’ve experienced a lot. Encountered quite a few difficulties too."

"Encountering difficulties is a good thing," Cheng Liang took over the conversation, looking earnestly at Ye Qingchen, "Only after weathering the storm can you see the rainbow. Junior brother, you will definitely become stronger."

Ye Qingchen smiled gratefully, yet his thoughts were silently pondering.

He decided to probe a bit, so he said, "Senior brother, second brother, I encountered some strange things outside, and some things didn’t seem real. Have you ever had such experiences?"

Qin Chuan and Cheng Liang exchanged a look, Qin Chuan laughed, "Junior brother, it’s normal to encounter strange things outside. We cultivators often come across things beyond imagination."

"Exactly," Cheng Liang agreed, "As long as your heart is steadfast, no illusion can bewilder you."

Ye Qingchen nodded, finding it somewhat amusing.

These two phantoms saying this, aren’t they referring to themselves?