Zhen, Naer, Lei Wei, Yu Xiatao, Shi Feng, and Bing Xueer headed to Class 2. The morning sunlight streamed through the wide windows, painting golden patterns across the desks. Students whispered among themselves, but as soon as the classroom door opened and Guan Fang stepped in, silence swept the room. All the students immediately rose from their seats and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Head Teacher."
Guan Fang's eyes scanned the classroom, lingering for a moment on the faces of each of his students. His calm expression softened slightly as he nodded. "Just a few more months, students…" His voice carried a quiet weight, filled with meaning.
Confusion stirred instantly. A murmur rose like a tide until Wang Xuan, always bold, raised his hand and asked, "Head Teacher, what will happen after a few more months?"
The students leaned in, their hearts beating with anticipation. Even Zhen and his close friends held their breaths, sensing something important.
A faint smile tugged at Guan Fang's lips. "After a few more months, you will be granted a full month of vacation. During that time, you will be able to return to your homes and see your families again."
The announcement was like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. A wave of joy swept through the class. Excited chatter burst forth, some students nearly leaping from their seats. Many had not seen their parents since arriving at the academy nearly a year ago. Homesickness was a quiet burden they all carried, and now the thought of reunion filled them with warmth.
Zhen turned his head slightly toward the window, the blue sky stretching endlessly above. His small fists clenched as his chest tightened with emotion. Mom… Dad… I miss you so much. Just a few more months, and I'll finally be with you again… His heart raced with happiness.
Naer, sitting beside him, noticed his distant look. She reached out and gently held his hand, her touch warm and steady. When he turned, she gave him a sweet smile. "I miss Uncle Hua and Aunty Xin too," she said softly, her voice carrying the same longing.
Yu Xiatao beamed with joy, unable to hold back. "I'll finally get to see my mother and my little sister. I've been counting the days! I'm so happy!"
Shi Feng laughed, his eyes lighting up. "I'll be heading to Star City. My cousin lives there. He promised me ages ago he'd take me around the big markets. I can't wait!"
Their gaze shifted to Lei Wei, who grinned with pride. "I'll return to the Lei clan and meet my parents and relatives. My father told me before I left that he expected me to grow strong. I want to show him my progress."
Bing Xueer lowered her eyes shyly, but a small smile spread across her face. "I'll go back to the Bing clan with my elder sister."
Happiness hung in the air like a warm blanket. Each of them, despite their different paths, shared the same feeling: the yearning for family and home.
Far away, within the Zhao clan, Zhao Xiong sat cross-legged, cultivating in silence. His breathing was steady, his spirit calm. His once-broken arm had healed, and with it, his heart felt renewed. He remembered Zhen's words from their battle, and a soft determination burned in his chest. Zhen, thank you for opening my eyes. You taught me that strength is not about arrogance, but about protecting those I love. I won't forget. I'll cast away my pride and walk a new path.
Elsewhere in the clan, deep within the third elder's mansion, Zhao Hai lounged upon his ornate throne. The dimly lit room smelled faintly of incense, though the aura around him was suffocating. A servant entered, bowing low. "Greetings, Third Elder."
Without looking up, Zhao Hai asked, "How is Xiong doing?"
The servant answered quickly, "After recovering, young master Xiong has been cultivating diligently. And…"
Zhao Hai's eyes narrowed. "And what?"
The servant swallowed nervously. "He no longer displays arrogance, Elder. His demeanor has changed."
The third elder's face twisted with irritation. He waved the servant away harshly. Not long after, Zhao Gao entered, bowing low. "Greetings, Third Elder Hai."
Zhao Hai's voice was sharp. "Were you able to take care of his parents?"
Zhao Gao's head lowered further. "I could not, Elder."
A dangerous flame flickered in Zhao Hai's eyes. "Why not?"
Zhao Gao trembled slightly. "Lan Zhen's parents live near the academy's market district. They often walk in crowded streets and sometimes pass close to the academy itself. There has been no safe chance to act."
Zhao Hai's rage flared. His aura burned like fire, and he roared, "USELESS!" His teeth ground together, and after a long pause, his tone turned cold and venomous. "It seems I'll have to do this myself. Not now… but in front of Lan Zhen. He will watch everything be taken from him. Hehehehehe…"
Five months slipped by in what felt like a blink. Training, battles, and growth filled every day. The young students had pushed themselves to their limits, driven by ambition and the desire to prove themselves.
Lan Zhen, only nine years old, had reached rank 18, his talent shining brighter than ever. Naer, Wei, Feng, Xueer, and Xiatao all reached rank 17, their progress astonishing the instructors. Most of Class 2's students achieved ranks between 14 and 15, their potential still developing. The academy buzzed with pride as the time for vacation finally arrived.
The dormitories became scenes of chaos and laughter. In the boys' dormitory, students hurriedly packed, racing each other, calling out across the halls. In Room 21, Zhen, Wei, and Feng worked on stuffing their belongings into their bags.
"Hey, Wei, that's my pant!" Feng exclaimed, snatching a folded garment from Wei's hands.
Wei laughed. "Oops, my mistake. Here, take it back."
Zhen smiled faintly at their antics, but inside his heart was trembling with anticipation. Mom… Dad… I'm finally coming home. I'll see you again.
Later, Zhen, Naer, Wei, Xiatao, Xueer, and Feng gathered near the academy gates. The wide stone arch loomed overhead, beyond it the bustling road where families awaited. Excitement danced in their eyes as they stood together one last time before parting ways.
One by one, their families arrived.
Bing Xueer's elder sister emerged first, her graceful figure drawing attention. She rushed forward, embracing Xueer tightly before taking her hand and leading her home.
Not long after, a bodyguard dressed in the Lei clan's distinct armor arrived, bowing to Wei before escorting him back with dignity. Wei's proud grin lingered as he left, waving to his friends.
Yu Xiatao's mother and little sister came soon after. Her sister squealed with joy as Xiatao hugged her, laughing through her own tears. Zhen and Naer greeted them politely before Xiatao departed, clutching her family's hands.
Shi Feng's cousin, tall and broad-shouldered, appeared next. He placed a firm hand on Feng's shoulder. Feng grinned brightly, waving to the others before walking away toward Star City.
At last, only Zhen and Naer remained at the gate. Families continued to reunite around them, the air filled with cries of joy, laughter, and tears of reunion.
And then, a voice rang out, warm and trembling with emotion. "My little Zhen…"
Zhen froze. His breath caught in his throat as he turned slowly. His eyes widened, tears spilling instantly. There, standing amidst the crowd, were his mother, Lan Xin, and beside her, his father, Lan Hua.
"Mom…" Zhen whispered, his voice quivering. Then, unable to contain himself, he screamed with all his heart, "MOMMMM!"
He sprinted forward, his small legs carrying him as fast as they could. Tears streamed freely down his cheeks as the world around him blurred. Lan Xin dropped to her knees, her arms outstretched, her own eyes glistening with tears.
Zhen leapt into her embrace, burying his face in her chest. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, trembling as she held him close. "My Zhen… my precious boy…" she whispered, her voice breaking. Tears flowed down her cheeks, falling into his hair.
For a moment, nothing else mattered. Time seemed to stop as mother and son reunited after so long apart. The academy, the struggles, the dangers of the Zhao clan—everything faded away. All that remained was the warmth of family, the love that had carried Zhen through the hardest days.
The long wait was finally over. The boy had returned to his mother's arms.