Chapter 1635: A Family

Lory drifted to sleep not long after finishing her tea. Her breathing gradually became slow and even, the tension in her delicate features melting away as slumber claimed her.

Zhao Li Xin gently adjusted the pillow beneath her head before pulling the blanket up to her shoulders. Satisfied that she was comfortable, he remained seated on the edge of the bed for a while, silently watching her peaceful sleeping face.

A faint smile curved the corners of his lips.

Carefully, he brushed a stray strand of silver hair behind her ear, his fingertips lingering for the briefest moment. Only after making sure she was truly asleep did he rise from the bed.

A moment later, his figure dissolved into empty air, then in the blink of an eye, he reappeared in the Mystique Realm.

[Master] The Fire Spirit greeted him immediately, its small flaming body darting through the air before circling him excitedly.

Zhao Li Xin slowly swept his gaze across the realm, then realized. The Mystic Realm had grown even larger, a place where a miniature world existed, born from his desires and maintained entirely by his will.

Every tree, every stream, every blade of grass first existed as a thought before taking shape within this secluded realm. Here, he was both creator and ruler. The laws of the realm obeyed his command, and its growth reflected the strength of his soul.

At its heart stands a familiar mansion, unchanged as ever. Built in the traditional style with elegant pavilions, curved roofs, and tranquil courtyards, it exudes the serene dignity of a timeless abode. The surroundings, however, had changed dramatically.

The grassland stretched farther than he remembered, each emerald-green blade of grass swaying gently in the breeze, which carried an incredibly pure spiritual aura. The grass seemed softer, thicker, and more vibrant, as if each blade had been nourished by heavenly essence for countless years.

All the flowering trees were in full bloom. Blossom-laden branches arched gracefully over the winding stone path, releasing clouds of delicate petals that drifted lazily through the air like pink and white snow. Their fragrance wafted everywhere, soothing the mind and soul. Nearby, fruit trees bent beneath the weight of their harvest. ⅇ

Crimson peaches, golden pears, jade-green plums, and other spiritual fruits hung heavy on the branches, glowing with rich spiritual qi. Larger than before and perfectly ripe, they looked as though they had been carved from precious gemstones.

Nearby, the lotus pond shimmered beneath the sunlight. Giant lotus blossoms radiated a soft, ethereal glow while tiny spirit fish darted through the crystal-clear water, leaving faint trails of light in their wake. Even the air itself felt different.

It was denser with spiritual energy—

Pure, refreshing, and gentle, every breath filled him with warmth. The entire realm now resembled the legendary celestial gardens of ancient records, overflowing with spiritual energy.

[It has grown considerably...] Zhao Li Xin murmured.

The Fire Spirit puffed out its tiny chest with pride. [The realm expands as the Master’s cultivation and soul grow stronger. Since it is bound to your spirit, your growth naturally nourishes it]

It then gestured toward the flourishing landscape.

[As for the plants, that kid’s power has greatly accelerated their growth. His life essence continuously enriches the soil, allowing every herb, flower, and fruit tree to absorb purer spiritual qi. Given enough time, many of them may evolve into true heavenly spiritual plants.]

[Where is Jade?] Zhao Li Xin asked.

The Fire Spirit pointed toward the center of the lotus pond, [At the floating pavilion.]

Zhao Li Xin followed its gesture, his gaze settling on the solitary pavilion standing amidst the tranquil waters.

Nestled amidst endless blooming lotuses stood a solitary pavilion, its jade-green roof reflected perfectly upon the mirror-like water. Wisps of faint mist drifted lazily across the pond as flower petals danced on the gentle breeze, painting a scene as tranquil as a dream. With his hands clasped behind his back, Zhao Li Xin crossed the arched white jade bridge toward the pavilion.

Before he reached the pavilion, a gentle guqin melody drifted through the air. Soft and soothing, each note carried a quiet melancholy, like longing for a distant past beyond reach. Yet beneath the sorrow lingered an unshakable hope, as though the player believed dawn would always follow the darkest night.

As Zhao Li Xin stepped into the pavilion, he found Jade seated before an ancient guqin. Jade had changed considerably.

He now looked to be around fifteen years old. The childish softness had faded from his face, replaced by refined, elegant features. His emerald curls cascaded to his slender waist, framing a face of almost ethereal beauty.

Amber eyes, warm as honey beneath the afternoon light, shone with quiet serenity. Though he had grown into a graceful young man, an unmistakable innocence still lingered about him.

His fingers slowly left the strings, then he lifted his head, and his eyes immediately brightened. "Zhao Papa."

Zhao Li Xin regarded him quietly before his gaze fell upon the guqin resting on the stone table. "You know how to play the guqin." It was less a question than a simple observation.

Jade nodded obediently. "I found a book that teaches the basics. Then I remembered hearing Zhao Papa play before." he smiled sheepishly. "I practiced little by little until I could imitate him."

Zhao Li Xin watched him silently. The boy had an exceptional talent for learning, and that was a good thing for Zhao Li Xin, because he never tolerated fools. Fools tended to have an uncanny ability to wear down his patience, and, on particularly bad days, his sanity.

Zhao Li Xin stared at the still pond silently, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever. Jade knew something was bothering him. Zhao Li Xin wasn’t the type of man to seek someone out for no reason.

Rising from the wooden chair, Jade walked over and stood beside him, waiting patiently in silence. After a while, Zhao Li Xin finally spoke. "Judging by those who have consumed the Seed of Life, it seems Zalchana’s powers have grown even stronger."

Jade fell silent. Lowering his gaze then stared at the rippling water for a moment before returning his gaze to Zhao Li Xin.

"I know," he said quietly. "I can feel it too."

Complicated emotions were evident in his eyes. "My powers are connected to his, so I know..." he paused for a moment, then looked at Zhao Li Xin with quiet determination.

"So, Zhao Papa... what do you want to tell me?" His voice was calm, almost serene, as if he had already accepted whatever decision Zhao Li Xin would make.

Silence settled between them once more, broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft rippling of the pond. At last, Zhao Li Xin spoke, "We already know where Zalchana is."

Jade’s fingers clenched unconsciously at his side as he understood the true meaning of those words. The day when Zhao Li Xin and his mother would inevitably face each other was drawing near.

"Oh..." he murmured, that single syllable carrying a weight beyond words.

After observing him for a moment, Zhao Li Xin asked, "If you can sense her power... can she sense yours too?"

"Yes," Jade answered readily.

Zhao Li Xin’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Can Zalchana find your location?"

Jade slowly shook his head, "No, but he knows I’m alive, but he can’t possibly know where I am." he paused for a moment before raising his eyes to meet Zhao Li Xin’s. "But, if she wants to find me..."

A cold, disdainful smile tugged at the corner of Zhao Li Xin’s lips. "She’ll come looking for me."

A trace of guilt crossed Jade’s face, "Yes..." he admitted softly. "I’m sorry."

"For what? You’re not the one who invited her," Zhao Li Xin scoffed. "Besides, I’ve always welcomed a worthy opponent."

The corners of Jade’s lips curved into a faint, teasing smile. "Are you... comforting me, Zhao Papa?"

Zhao Li Xin flicked his sleeve, his expression as indifferent as ever. "Don’t overthink it." He turned and walked away, his steps steady and unhurried. After a few paces, however, he suddenly came to a halt.

Without looking back, he said, "Your Lory mama is pregnant." The words were spoken so suddenly, and in such a straightforward tone, that for a moment the world seemed to stand still.

Jade’s eyes immediately lit up, genuine joy spreading across his face, "Congratulations, Zhao papa!"

The smile lingered, but was quickly replaced by confused doubt. "But..." Jade tilted his head slightly, confusion evident on his face. "Why are you telling me this?"

To him, Zhao Li Xin had never been someone who shared his private affairs with others. Even though Jade had called him Zhao Papa from the very beginning, he had always believed it was nothing more than his own selfish wish.

He had simply wanted a family.

Zhao Li Xin turned to look at him, his brows furrowed slightly, as if the answer should have been obvious. "Didn’t you always call me ’Papa’?"

Jade blinked.

"Then my wife is naturally your mother, right?" Zhao Li Xin’s voice remained as flat as ever. "Why would it be strange to tell you that you’re going to have younger siblings?"

Time seemed to stand still for a moment, the Jade’s eyes widened, and a flush quickly spread across his face. His lips parted, yet no words came. He could only stare at Zhao Li Xin in stunned disbelief.

It wasn’t the pregnancy itself that had left him stunned, but it was the effortless way Zhao Li Xin had told him, as though there was nothing unusual about sharing such intimate family news with him. As though it was only natural that Jade should know.

As though...He was part of their family.

Seeing Jade standing there with a dumbfounded face, Zhao Li Xin clicked his tongue impatiently.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he scoffed. "Now, you look like an idiot again"

Despite his harsh words, he never took back what he had said.

Clasping his hands behind his back, Zhao Li Xin turned away and strode toward the bridge. His figure gradually disappeared into the drifting mist, leaving only the quiet ripple of the lotus pond behind.

The realm fell silent once more.

Jade remained where he stood, rooted to the spot as if afraid that moving would shatter the moment. Slowly, a smile spread across his face, a bright, almost foolish smile that overflowed with unrestrained joy.

He had always believed such warmth was meant for someone else. Never for him, but today...

Tears gathered at the corners of Jade’s eyes. A radiant smile bloomed across his face like the first flower of spring after an endless winter, bright enough to chase away the loneliness that had lingered in his heart for so long.

"...Brothers?" he whispered.

The word felt unfamiliar on his lips, yet it filled his heart with an indescribable warmth.

He was going to have younger brothers.

The thought was both strange and wonderful, leaving him awkwardly happy in a way he had never experienced before. More than anything, though, he was excited.

He couldn’t help but wonder what they would look like. Would they take after Zhao Papa’s striking features, or inherit Mama Lory’s gentle beauty? Perhaps they would resemble both.

Whatever the answer, Jade was certain of one thing. His little brothers would be absolutely adorable.

"Your face looks weird." The familiar snarky voice pulled Jade from his thoughts.

The Fire Spirit appeared beside him, its tiny body flickering as it tilted its head in bewilderment, staring at the absurdly blissful smile on Jade’s face.

Jade let out a soft laugh."This is a happy face, you know."

He tried to suppress his smile, but the joy shining in his amber-colored eyes betrayed him completely.

The Fire Spirit watched him in silence before turning toward the bridge where Zhao Li Xin had disappeared.

...Master has truly changed.