Chapter Twelve: Secrets

Qiu Han and Yun Rou saw their parents waiting at the door to greet them and called out together. It was their first time away from home for a month, and returning now filled their hearts with countless indescribable emotions.

“You’re home, children—Mother missed you so much!”

Chen Yuerong and Zhou Lihong hurried forward, embracing their children tightly, only letting go after a long moment. Ever since the children had left for the Hengyuan Sect, their mothers had thought of them day and night, standing at the doorway every day, hoping to see their beloved children return. Sometimes, they would even call their names out loud, only to realize, with a pang, that they were not there.

After a while in their mothers’ arms, Qiu Yuanshan and Yun Tianhong stepped forward. Turning to their wives, they said, “The children are home now. Let’s talk inside—our neighbors are watching.”

Then, raising his voice to the villagers nearby, Qiu Yuanshan said, “Everyone, thank you, but it’s time to disperse. In a few days, our families will host a feast to celebrate. If you’re willing to honor me and Brother Yun, you’re all warmly invited—we shall drink heartily together.”

After the villagers had returned to their homes, the Qiu and Yun families gathered in the Yun family’s main hall. The parents eagerly asked Qiu Han and Yun Rou how their month at the Hengyuan Sect had been, whether they had suffered any hardships. The two answered honestly, assuring their parents that all was well at the sect and there was nothing to worry about.

After a time, Qiu Yuanshan and Yun Tianhong exchanged glances, then Qiu Yuanshan cleared his throat and addressed the family solemnly. “I have an announcement. This matter was agreed upon by Brother Yun and me eight years ago. It concerns our children, Qiu Han and Yun Rou. Now that they have grown, we’ve decided to tell them.”

He paused, then continued, “Eight years ago, Brother Yun and I decided to betroth our children, Qiu Han and Yun Rou. The two of them are now of an age where, in another three to five years, their marriage can be arranged, fulfilling a long-held hope of ours.”

Qiu Han and Yun Rou were both taken aback at these words, turning to look at their parents, who only smiled and nodded with approval.

At that moment, Yun Tianhong spoke as well: “Rou’er, Han’er, do you have any objections?”

Yun Rou lowered her head and answered softly, “My marriage is for my parents to decide.”

“And you, Han’er?” Qiu Yuanshan pressed. “Answer Uncle Yun—do you like Rou’er? Would you be willing to marry her?”

“Uh… Uncle Yun, I… I don’t know if immortals are allowed to marry. But if we are, when we’re grown, I will marry Rou’er,” Qiu Han replied awkwardly, stealing a glance at Yun Rou, whose cheeks were as red as ripe autumn apples, her head bowed so low it seemed she wished to disappear.

Their parents exchanged glances and burst out laughing, their faces full of joy. Just then, Zhou Lihong exclaimed, “Oh, we’ve been chatting so long, it’s already midday! The children must be hungry after their early return. I’ll go prepare a meal. Everyone, continue talking.”

After lunch, the Qiu family rested briefly, then returned home. On the third day after Qiu Han and Yun Rou’s return, the two families began making preparations for the celebratory feast. The whole village bustled with excitement, and even prominent households from the nearby town came to offer gifts and congratulations. The festivities lasted three days before everyone finally departed.

Six days had passed since their return. During this time, Qiu Han stayed close to his parents. News had spread that he had been accepted as a disciple by an immortal sect, and many strangers brought gifts to their house, making the Qiu family increasingly prosperous.

In these days, his childhood playmates visited every morning, begging him to demonstrate his immortal arts. When Qiu Han casually displayed a few fireballs and telekinesis spells, the boys’ astonished faces were beyond words—all gazed at him with admiration.

Qiu Han relished these days, rediscovering the joys of childhood with his friends. Everyone has their own tale of youth—filled with laughter and tears, joy and sorrow—but whether happy or not, these memories are among the most precious of a lifetime.

Time flew by, and those children who once played in mud, splashed in streams during summer, and built snowmen in winter grew up. Yet those childhood memories and friendships remained the most beautiful and cherished.

Now, as a cultivator, Qiu Han knew such days would be rare. He was destined for a different path. Fate is capricious—once, he had dreamed of passing the imperial exams, learning a trade, marrying, and living a simple life with his parents. Who could have foreseen that destiny would make him an immortal, soon to leave behind the mundane world entirely?

Throughout his stay, Qiu Han cherished every moment with his parents, knowing such days would not last. His parents, ordinary folk without spiritual roots, were destined for brief, simple lives. All he could do was accompany them as much as possible, honor them, and ensure their comfort in their final years—for that, he would be content.

His ultimate goal was the highest realm of cultivation, to seek the Way of Heaven and the secret of immortality. Though the path would be arduous, he was determined to walk it. Entering the world of immortals, Qiu Han was beginning to mature, but he had no idea that soon, an event would occur that would change his life forever…

Time passed swiftly—only one day remained of his half-month stay. That day, while his wife was out shopping for groceries, Qiu Yuanshan retrieved a box from a secret compartment in his room. This was a secret he had kept for eight years, one so grave he had shared it only with Yun Tianhong, keeping it even from his wife.

With trembling hands, he held the box and called Qiu Han over. Composing himself, he began, “Han’er, do you remember how I insisted you return home within a month after joining the immortal sect? Today, I must tell you something important—something I have kept hidden for eight years. You must never speak of this to anyone.”

Seeing the gravity in his father’s expression, Qiu Han nodded solemnly, signaling his promise. Only then did Qiu Yuanshan continue. “Eight years ago, when I was making a delivery to a family in the county, I passed by Xiling Mountain and found a man lying on the ground, gravely wounded and near death. I intended to help him to the nearest doctor, but he told me he was a cultivator—far more powerful than any ordinary one.

He went on to recount his story. He was a disciple from a sect in the Zhao Kingdom, which lies several countries from Wu. On one journey, he discovered a legendary treasure site and invited an old friend to explore it with him. After obtaining the treasure, his friend betrayed him and ambushed him when he least expected it, leaving him severely injured.

A fierce battle ensued, and in the end, both were badly wounded. The man fled to Wu, but knowing his days were numbered, he prepared a jade slip detailing the entire affair and the secrets of the treasure, intending it for a worthy successor, someone who could avenge him. By chance, he encountered me and, after telling me all this, placed the ancient immortal’s treasure inside his storage pouch and entrusted it to me, asking me to find a young mortal with the potential for cultivation and pass it on to him.”