The midsummer rain fell heavy and sudden, turning the dirt road in front of Zui Chun Pavilion into sticky mud. Inside, the tavern was in chaos, voices raised in argument.
This tavern belonged to Gu Sanjin. Normally, people of all trades would show some respect, but today seven or eight burly men in black short jackets had blocked the entrance, preventing anyone from coming or going.
"Gu Shopkeeper, your Zui Chun Pavilion's business is getting more prosperous," said a one-eyed man, legs crossed, feet resting on the table, smeared with rotten vegetable leaves.
Behind him, two thugs tossed peanut shells into wine jars with a crisp crunch, the mingling scent of alcohol making Gu Sanjin grind his teeth.
"All friends, please let's settle this matter today," Gu Sanjin said through clenched teeth, trying to control his anger. What on earth was this gang thinking today?
"Friends? Then why doesn't Gu Shopkeeper treat us as friends?" The one-eyed man laughed cruelly, his small blade dancing like a butterfly before plunging into the wooden table.
Without giving Gu Sanjin a chance to respond, he continued.
"Our Black Blade Gang has been collecting protection fees here for six months. The whole southern district knows the rules."
"You're the only one who doesn't get it. You looking down on us?"
The one-eyed man pulled the knife from the table and gestured toward Gu Sanjin's face.
"Not giving face, so what?" a calm voice interrupted. The one-eyed man frowned, about to turn and see who had spoken, when suddenly he felt a chill at his neck.
"Uh… uh…"
He clutched his neck and collapsed. A blue spiritual energy drifted like silk through the air, a few plumes of blood mist swirling before disappearing into the young man's hand.
The young man in a blue robe, chest embroidered with a green cauldron, smiled gently.
"Father, I'm home."
Gu Sanjin's eyes widened in shock, then welled up with tears.
"An'er… it's you?"
"It's me, Father." Gu An's eyes glistened as well. Eight years away from home, he couldn't deny missing his parents. Being born into this world as a "transmigrator," he had been cared for deeply by this family.
"My son has grown, he even knows how to fight… come, let me see you." Gu Sanjin praised him loudly.
Gu An blinked. Something felt off—this wasn't quite the gentle father from his memories.
"San'er, Si'er, take care of the tavern, clean up this place." Gu Sanjin said, tugging Gu An along. "You have no idea… your mother has been worried about you all these years. Let's go home."
They walked a few dozen paces down a lane to a four-courtyard estate of blue stone. Through the main gate, past the hanging flower gate, into the inner courtyard, Gu Sanjin shouted, "Wife, wife, look who's back!"
"Who is it, at this hour? Bring them to the back yard." A figure in a blue gown pushed open the door—Gu An's mother, Liu Wan.
"An'er!!"
An incense stick's worth of time later, Gu An sat at the round table, a feast laid before him.
Plates of roasted lamb, silverfish and bamboo shoot soup, delicacies arranged in jade and ceramic dishes—Gu An's mother poured him another bowl.
"Enough, Mother, I can't eat more," he said hastily. But she ignored him with a smile, while his father beamed, proud of the meal he had prepared—Gu An's favorite dishes from childhood.
Many cultivators practiced fasting, believing that avoiding grains purified the body and aided cultivation. Gu An had taken fasting pills before, but they were tasteless. Now, he couldn't resist the feast before him, enjoying each bite of roasted lamb.
"How long will you stay this time, An'er?" his mother asked eagerly.
Gu An stiffened, blinking. "I have to leave tomorrow, but I've been on missions in Heiyan County for three years. Returning briefly is convenient."
"Why so soon? Can't you stay a few more days?"
"Alright, our son is an immortal now; naturally busy," his father interjected, sparing Gu An further discomfort.
"Master, the city lord is here to pay respects." Liu, the steward, called from outside.
Gu An raised an eyebrow. The city lord knows I'm at Qingyuan Sect—why send trouble to the tavern?
"He knows. The higher-ups in Heishi City know as well. Normally, your business wouldn't be disturbed. But the lower gangs don't, and causing trouble is likely an apology in itself," his father explained.
Gu An nodded, understanding. "Alright, I won't see him. Father, handle your negotiations. As for the Black Blade Gang, I'll deal with them."
His father rubbed his hands in excitement, nodding.
The next morning, sunlight dried the dew. Gu An took two Hundred-Herb Nourishing Pills from his pouch and fed them to his parents. Their energy renewed, their skin clear, Gu An smiled.
"Father, Mother, no need to see me off. I'm leaving."
With a flicker of light and a boost from lightness technique, Gu An disappeared from sight. His parents watched, sighing, and returned inside.
Gu An arrived at a small blue stone alley, blending among the few pedestrians.
This is it.
He gazed at the decrepit estate ahead. Black bricks were loose, the air stung with a foul odor.
"Hey, what are you doing? Trying to die?" A black-clad thug at the gate barked, reaching to push him aside.
"Clang."
The Azure Yuan Sword sliced out, clean as cutting tofu. The thug's head fell.
Though semi-magical tools had little prestige in the cultivation world, this was the mundane world—think my sword is dull?
After clearing the remaining thugs, Gu An formed a hand seal. Spiritual energy surged, condensing a three-foot water spear in midair.
"Go!"
He hurled the spear at the estate. Walls collapsed, bricks flew, and life force inside faded.
"Huh, one slipped through." A movement darted away.
Whoosh.
The Azure Yuan Sword streaked like lightning, cutting a white line in the air, intercepting the fleeing life.
Done.
Gu An sheathed the sword, wiped the blood clean, stored it, and summoned Blacky from the spirit beast pouch, galloping out of the city. The street was left in stunned silence, ordinary people trembling at the aftermath.