ETR | Chapter 108

Yun Rong and Lin Yuan were both present, and they were all stunned. Besides Xiao Xueman, Qin Lou was also standing there.

Even after two hundred years, the sect had welcomed a lot of fresh blood, but given the urgency of the situation, it was the old members who came out, and there was no way they wouldn't recognize Qin Lou.

In an instant, the entire Wangtian Immortal Gate was in an uproar.

"…Dijun?"

Qin Lou knew where he was. Xiao Xueman had mentioned the matters of Wangtian Immortal Gate to him, and although he couldn't remember some people immediately, Xiao Xueman had briefly introduced them on the way.

However, this wasn't the place to talk.

Once the immediate matters were mostly dealt with, everyone quickly moved to another place to catch up. Meanwhile, Yin Ying, who had unfortunately left earlier, was also sent for, and Yu Zhengrong at the arena was notified immediately.

After a flurry of activity, everyone calmed down and gathered in a circle in Xiao Wan's chamber.

Xiao Xueman sat in the middle of the circle and briefly recounted the events between him and Qin Lou. It was evident that the two had reconciled and started anew because of these events.

"…After being reborn, Qin Lou lost all his spiritual power and has to start over," Xiao Xueman said. "He also lost his memory and only recently started to remember a little. If anyone has questions, ask me. He hasn't fully recovered yet."

Indeed, although Qin Lou had been introduced to these people by Xiao Xueman and knew that the people in the room were his and Xiao Xueman's subordinates, with whom they had good relationships, he couldn't recall the past. He only knew his identity, which made it hard to fully integrate.

In such a crowded environment, he instinctively relied on Xiao Xueman, gently holding his waist without letting go. However, he had a natural fondness for Xiao Wan, who was sitting to the side, occasionally glancing at him with a hint of affection in his eyes.

He really was their child.

After Xiao Wan fully grew up, he still resembled Xiao Xueman a lot, but he had his own experiences. Although their facial features were similar, their temperaments were quite different. Xiao Wan was more stern, and now no one would confuse the two.

After looking at his son, Qin Lou glanced around at the people surrounding him, feeling a stronger desire to recover all his memories.

The people before him were his friends, his family, and his most important love.

Regardless of whether his past experiences were good or bad, he very much wanted to remember them.

As they exchanged stories of the past two hundred years, Xiao Xueman's tale was relatively simple. On his timeline, only half a year had passed, and the experiences weren't complicated. But for Wangtian Immortal Gate and the others present, it had been a trial.

Su Mingming and Jiang Yan had always wanted to raise a child. A few years ago, they finally nurtured a spiritual fetus, carefully tending to it, though it hadn't been formally born yet.

Lin Yuan was still single, never having found a partner. Over the past two hundred years, she had been focused on cultivation, advancing quickly, now reaching Spirit God Level Six.

Yin Ying remained a highly respected elder within the sect, becoming even more stable and reliable.

Yu Zhengrong's interactions with the arena and Wangtian Immortal Gate had noticeably increased. Due to Xiao Wan's connections, the guild maintained a good relationship with Wangtian Immortal Gate, benefiting both sides and allowing for mutual development.

The sect had welcomed a lot of fresh blood, expanding the nine inner pavilions to twelve. The three new pavilion masters were all nurtured by Xiao Wan, who was skilled at mediating internal conflicts.

On one hand, the confrontation between new and old forces kept the inner sect vibrant, and appropriate competition served as motivation, ensuring the sect’s continuous progress without stagnation.

On the other hand, conflicts couldn’t be too intense, avoiding internal strife.

The inner sect was divided into three factions: Qin Lou’s old subordinates, Xiao Xueman’s old friends, and the new blood brought in by Xiao Wan.

As the sect master, he maintained good relations with each faction, which was quite rare.

Thus, in some ways, the only person who could maintain this balance was Xiao Wan.

Even if Qin Lou fully regained his strength, he wouldn't reclaim the position of Dijun and take over power. Xiao Wan was doing an excellent job, and there was no need. He had done enough in the past and now just wanted to be with Xiao Xueman.

On the first day back at Wangtian Immortal Gate, everyone's long-held concerns were finally laid to rest. After catching up, no one lingered long, as there would be plenty of opportunities now that they were back.

Qin Lou's old chamber had been kept tidy, and no one had taken it over. It wasn't far from here, so Xiao Xueman suggested he rest there first, as he had some things to discuss with Xiao Wan.

At this point, Qin Lou naturally wouldn't be jealous of his son. After returning, he saw how much his son relied on Xiao Xueman. After two hundred years apart, it was time to give them some space.

Once everyone had left the chamber, Xiao Xueman and Xiao Wan sat down again.

Xiao Wan slowly brewed a pot of tea, placing new snacks on the table, which Xiao Xueman found somewhat familiar.

"I learned to make them myself," Xiao Wan explained. "I remember Daddy used to make snacks for me often. Unfortunately, I didn't pay much attention to the recipes back then, so I had to rely on memory to recreate them. The taste is somewhat similar."

The tea was also one that Xiao Xueman liked, and Xiao Wan had always remembered that.

"Xiao Wan," Xiao Xueman said, having expressed his emotions countless times today, "you've grown up."

But he had indeed missed the process of him gradually growing up.

"It's okay," Xiao Wan replied. "I remember everything. If Daddy didn't see it, I'll tell him. There are still many opportunities in the future."

Xiao Xueman felt comforted, reaching out to pat Xiao Wan's head as he used to.

Though he had grown up, in Xiao Xueman's heart, his son would always be a child who hadn't grown up.

"I'll listen carefully," Xiao Xueman said. "We missed these two hundred years, but we have a long future ahead. I'll stay here and always be with you."

He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Qin Lou will too."

Xiao Wan knew they had reconciled. He had just heard about the past, how Qin Lou had saved Xiao Xueman's life twice, even now having to start over with his spiritual power.

At least, Xiao Wan had no stance or reason to oppose them being together. He accepted it in his heart.

"I know," he smiled at Xiao Xueman. "Whatever choice Daddy makes, I accept. I just want Daddy to be happy."

For Xiao Wan, having one more person be good to his daddy was no loss.

Hearing this, Xiao Xueman finally breathed a real sigh of relief.

He really wanted his son's blessing.

The two talked for a long time, well into the night. Ever since seeing Xiao Xueman return, Xiao Wan's eyes had been shining brightly, as if his life was now complete.

In the end, Xiao Xueman didn't stay in Xiao Wan's chamber. He was still thinking about how Qin Lou had returned alone, with incomplete memories, and didn't know how he was feeling.

In fact, it was the first time Xiao Xueman had stepped into Qin Lou's residence at Wangtian Immortal Gate. For Wang Tian Dijun, the chamber was indeed a bit small, usually about half the size of an inner pavilion master's residence.

He walked through the front reception hall, along the corridor, and soon found Qin Lou.

Qin Lou was standing in the small garden. When he saw Xiao Xueman return, a smile immediately appeared on his face.

"Finished talking with Xiao Wan?"

"Mm," Xiao Xueman naturally nestled into his embrace. "What are you thinking about?"

Qin Lou honestly replied, "Still thinking about you."

He had already experienced enough today, but returning to this chamber naturally brought back other memories.

Qin Lou hadn't lived here long before. After Xiao Xueman left, he spent a long time at the Broken Emotion Peak Star Chart. Before the star chart was completed, he personally designed this place.

The chambers of Wang Tian Dijun and the Empress were connected, with only one master bedroom.

This was Qin Lou's wish at the time. He hoped that when Xiao Xueman returned, they would live here together like an ordinary, happy couple.

There were many things here that Qin Lou had made himself.

In the garden, he had built a swing, and the small rattan chair and couch were also his creations.

Xiao Xueman loved lazily lounging on the couch.

Inside the room, the screen was in Xiao Xueman’s preferred style. The carvings on the walls and various decorations were also to Xiao Xueman’s taste.

Every plant and flower, he had decorated with the patience and love of making a home.

The large bed was even a spirit instrument, made by selecting materials and crafting it bit by bit, making it very comfortable to lie on.

Every detail was a memory.

Qin Lou thought he would feel lonely waiting during this time, but he didn't.

After returning here, every little thing reminded him of the feeling of decorating for his beloved, never feeling it was troublesome or tedious. Although Xiao Xueman had never lived here, he was everywhere.

"I remembered these things," Qin Lou said, holding his lover on the large bed, gently kissing his cheek and lips. "Xueman, it's wonderful."

The family of three was finally reunited. As he gradually remembered his love, each day after returning was better than the last.

Xiao Xueman had drunk a lot of tea with Xiao Wan, so he should have been very clear-headed.

But listening to Qin Lou recount his memories here, the two of them nestled in the large bed, he felt a bit dazed. Maybe it was because the plush bedding was too soft, and once he sank in, he couldn't get out.

He clutched Qin Lou's arm, a slightly silly yet genuinely heartfelt smile appearing on his face. All the people he cared about were now by his side, and he had no more regrets.

The next morning, Xiao Xueman woke up a bit late. He looked quite tired, with red marks on his neck and back trailing down, disappearing into the incredibly soft bedding.

Qin Lou woke up on time, kissing Xiao Xueman's face. The latter didn't react, seemingly in a deep sleep.

He got up to prepare breakfast for Xiao Xueman, but when he opened the door, he found Xiao Wan standing there, looking like he had just arrived.

Qin Lou and Xiao Wan were both taken aback upon seeing each other.

Author's Note:

Qin Lou: Even though he’s my biological son, why does it feel like I’m the stepfather…?