Myth Beyond Heaven

“Yes,” Nantian Fengyu nodded gently, elaborating, “The True Phoenix Ancestral Ground has been lost since the Primordial War. But I have a feeling it might still be out there somewhere.”

Yun Lintian pondered momentarily before replying, “We’ll search for it together. It’s too dangerous for you to go alone.”

Nantian Fengyu hesitated briefly. “Alright,” she conceded.

Initially, she’d planned a solo exploration, but she recognized the limitations of her strength. It would be akin to suicide. Besides, she didn’t want to burden her junior brother with worry again.

Yun Lintian felt a wave of relief wash over him. He’d feared her stubborn streak would lead to her insisting on going alone.

He glanced at Linlin, perched obediently on his shoulder, and asked, “Have you sensed anything about your ancestral land?”

Linlin shook her head. “No.”

Yun Lintian picked her up and offered her a gentle hug. “It’s okay. We’ll find it together, alright?”

“Mhm.” Linlin nuzzled her head against Yun Lintian’s chest. In truth, her ancestral land held no interest for her. Her home was wherever Yun Lintian was. Whether it existed or not made no difference.

Yun Lintian settled in to enjoy the panoramic view, pulling out some snacks for a peaceful moment.

***

**

*

Everyone gathered in the dining room for a shared breakfast the next day.

“I’ve made a decision,” Ye Ling suddenly announced. “I’m going to stay here.”

Yun Lintian and the others turned to her in surprise.

A smile softened Ye Ling’s features as she explained, “After training these past months, I’ve realized combat isn’t for me. I wouldn’t want to hold anyone back. Plus, it’s incredibly reluctant for me to leave. My family is here, after all.”

Her reasoning resonated with the group. Among them, Ye Ling was the only one with such strong ties to Earth; her family remained. Leaving them would undoubtedly be difficult.

“That’s perfectly alright,” Yun Lintian said with a smile. “The gate here allows you to access my side anytime.”

Since Ye Ling had made her choice, Yun Lintian respected it. In truth, he even harbored a similar hope for Yang Ningchang and Lynn.

“That’s fantastic!” Cai Yaoyao exclaimed, squeezing Ye Ling’s hands with joy. She had genuinely feared this might be a final goodbye.

“This is the best decision for you, Sister Ling,” Yang Ningchang offered her genuine happiness.

“Don’t worry, we’ll definitely visit often,” Lynn echoed.

Ye Ling smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry for being so selfish.”

“Nonsense!” Yang Ningchang countered, shaking her head.

“Absolutely, Sister Ye, don’t give it another thought,” Cai Yaoyao said quickly.

“Let’s move past this,” Yun Lintian interjected with a dismissive wave. “Finish your breakfast.”

The conversation quieted as everyone focused on their remaining food.

After breakfast, Yun Lintian, mindful of not disturbing the children, led the group to the orphanage entrance.

Just then, a sleek black car pulled up. Ren Jie emerged swiftly and opened the doors for Li Zong and the old man.

“Glad we made it in time,” the old man greeted Yun Lintian’s group with a smile.

“Seniors, what brings you here?” Yun Lintian inquired, curious about their unexpected arrival.

Li Zong chuckled. “Nothing much. We heard you were leaving today and wanted to see you off.” His gaze landed on Ye Ling, a knowing smile on his lips. As a seasoned veteran, he could easily discern the deep bond that had formed between her and Yun Lintian.

Ye Ling felt a blush creep up her cheeks under Li Zong’s scrutiny. “What are you looking at, Grandpa?”

“Haha!” Li Zong boomed with laughter. “Don’t worry. I’ll look after your family well.”

“Actually, Grandpa, I’m not leaving,” Ye Ling clarified quickly. .

“Oh?” Li Zong raised an eyebrow, surprised.

“Cultivation isn’t for me,” Ye Ling explained succinctly. “Combat isn’t something I’m cut out for.”

“I see,” Li Zong said, a flicker of pity crossing his features. Anyone in Ye Ling’s shoes would likely have chosen differently.

“Isn’t this a good thing for you?” The old man glanced at Li Zong. “She can look after you now.”

“What are you talking about, Chief? I’m strong now!” Li Zong protested, flexing his bicep. He’d regained his youth and resumed training over the past two months. He was now as strong as a young man.

“Maybe I should call you Uncle Li from now on,” Ye Ling teased with a smirk.

Li Zong shook his head firmly. “Absolutely not. We can’t disrupt the seniority.”

“You actually look younger than my father now. He might even call you brother,” Ye Ling continued playfully.

A helpless chuckle escaped Li Zong’s lips.

The old man smiled and turned to Yun Lintian. “Besides seeing you off, we have a gift for you.”

Ren Jie opened a bag and revealed its contents to Yun Lintian.

Yun Lintian peered inside curiously, spotting several documents – land deeds.

“We know you don’t need us to build anything,” the old man began, “but this is the only way we can show our gratitude.”

The land deeds encompassed the entire community where Yun Lintian’s villa once stood. Over the past two months, the old man had hired the best construction team to build a luxurious mansion for Yun Lintian, ensuring he had a home to return to in the future.

Yun Lintian offered a sincere smile. “I truly appreciate your kindness, Senior. Please keep an eye on the mansion for me in my absence.”

“I’m glad you like it,” the old man smiled.

“Allow me to offer you a parting gift in return,” Yun Lintian declared, raising his hand. Three thick vines shot out, immediately wrapping around the old man and Li Zong.

They instantly felt a surge of power coursing through their bodies, granting them the seeming illusion of an extended lifespan by centuries.

“This…” The old man was speechless. While the Spirit Tea Yun Lintian had previously gifted him was already significant, this present far surpassed it.

Yun Lintian had deliberately maintained the old man’s appearance in his sixties to preserve his prestige. Otherwise, appearing too young would make public appearances difficult.

“Consider this a farewell gift,” Yun Lintian explained as he retracted the vines.

The old man took a deep breath. “May your journey be filled with success,” he said, unable to express his full gratitude with mere words.

Yun Lintian smiled and turned to Yang Wu and Ye Ling. “We’re off.”

Ye Ling stepped forward and embraced him gently. “Don’t overexert yourself.”

“I won’t,” Yun Lintian replied softly.

He cast one last lingering glance at the orphanage and Hangzhou City before waving his hand, vanishing from everyone’s sight…