The sun was dipping toward the horizon by the time Lin Feng and his companions crested the final hill. The wild forest behind them faded into rolling farmland, and beyond the patchwork fields, the town of Qinghe stood nestled against the riverbank, its familiar tile roofs and sturdy wooden walls bathed in golden light. Lin Feng's steps grew lighter as he breathed in the scent of tilled earth and distant cooking fires, a fragrance that tugged at his heart with memories of childhood.
"We made it," Jin murmured, awe in his voice as he took in the bustling town. The afternoon air was alive with the clamor of market stalls and the laughter of children chasing each other down narrow lanes. "It's more peaceful than I imagined."
Min grunted in agreement, slinging his battered pack over one broad shoulder. "And safer. At least for tonight."
Yu Yan glanced sidelong at Lin Feng, noting the tension in his posture. "You said your family lives here, right? Are you ready?"
Lin Feng hesitated, eyes tracing the familiar skyline. He had dreamed of this moment through every hardship—yet now, with his companions at his side and the weight of new power humming beneath his skin, he wondered if he truly belonged. But as he gazed upon the town, the longing to see his family, to reassure them he was alive and changed, eclipsed his doubts.
He nodded, voice soft but determined. "Let's go home."
The group descended into Qinghe's busy streets, drawing curious looks from townsfolk as they passed. They were a ragtag sight: Zhang Wei's weathered armor, Min's stone-like skin still bearing the faint marks of battle, Jin's limp, and Yu Yan's sharp, watchful eyes. Yet Lin Feng walked tall, guiding them past the market, where vendors hawked fresh buns and salted fish, past the old well where he'd once played with his brother, until they reached a quiet lane lined with plum trees.
His home stood at the end—a modest cottage with a tiled roof, its garden wild with spring growth. The gate creaked as he pushed it open, heart thundering in his chest.
He heard his mother's voice drifting from inside, singing a lullaby as she tended the evening meal. The sound rooted him to the spot, memories flooding back: his father's laughter, the warmth of his brother's hugs, the scent of freshly steamed rice.
Before he could gather his courage, the family dog—a shaggy mutt named Tuzi—spotted him and bounded forward, barking with joy. The noise brought his mother to the doorway. She froze, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of her eldest son, grown taller and leaner, but unmistakably her Feng'er.
"Feng'er?" she whispered, voice trembling.
Lin Feng swallowed hard, tears stinging his eyes. "Mother, I'm home."
She rushed forward, enveloping him in a fierce embrace. For a long moment, neither spoke—only the soft sounds of weeping and relief filled the garden. His father appeared next, wiping his hands on his apron, disbelief and hope warring on his face. When Lin Feng met his gaze, the older man let out a choked laugh and clapped him on the back, his grip strong and steady.
"Welcome home, son," he said, pride thick in his voice.
Lin Feng's little brother, Lin Rui, darted from behind their father and threw himself at Lin Feng, clinging to his waist. "You're really back! You promised you'd return!"
Lin Feng ruffled his brother's hair, fighting back tears. "I always keep my promises."
After the initial shock faded, Lin Feng introduced his companions. His parents welcomed them warmly, bustling to set extra places at the table. The humble meal that followed was filled with laughter and stories—Jin regaled them with exaggerated tales of their journey, Min quietly complimented the food, and Yu Yan, for once, let her guard down, smiling as Lin Rui peppered her with questions about martial arts and fire magic.
As dusk deepened, lanterns cast a warm glow over the cottage. Lin Feng's mother, Mei, insisted on tending to the group's injuries, her gentle hands skilled from years of caring for her family. She fussed over Jin's bruised leg, pressed medicinal herbs to Min's wounds, and even offered Zhang Wei a bowl of her special chicken broth, which the stoic warrior accepted with quiet gratitude.
Later, as the others dozed in the sitting room, Lin Feng sat with his father beneath the plum tree in the garden. The air was cool, fragrant with blossoms.
"I heard rumors of trouble in the wilds," his father said quietly, eyes searching Lin Feng's face. "We feared the worst, especially when news came that the Night Wolf Gang was on the move."
Lin Feng nodded, voice low. "It was dangerous. There were times I didn't think I'd make it. But… I found strength I never knew I had. And friends I'd trust with my life."
His father smiled, pride shining through his worry. "You're a man now, Feng'er. Stronger than I ever was. But remember—true strength isn't just about fighting. It's about protecting those you love, and never losing your heart."
Lin Feng looked up at the stars, the weight of his journey settling on him. "I understand, Father. I won't let you down."
Inside, Yu Yan watched Lin Feng through the window, a thoughtful look in her eyes. She saw how his family anchored him, how their love gave him a foundation she herself had always lacked. She resolved to protect that bond, knowing it made Lin Feng not just stronger, but more human.
As the night deepened, Lin Feng lay in his childhood bed, listening to the gentle sounds of his family's breathing. He reached out with his senses, feeling the faint pulse of his system panel—his powers quiet, but ready. For the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to relax, to simply be Lin Feng, son and brother, not just a survivor or a warrior.
Yet even in this moment of peace, he knew it couldn't last. The world outside was changing. The Night Wolf Gang's defeat would not go unanswered, and rumors of strange powers would spread. For now, though, he savored the warmth of home, the laughter of his brother, and the gentle touch of his mother's hand on his brow.
Tomorrow, he would face new challenges. But tonight, beneath the roof of his childhood home, surrounded by family and friends, Lin Feng slept deeply—his spirit renewed, his resolve stronger than ever.