Time Travel: Ancient Martial Arts Chronicles

After the thrilling and soul-stirring decisive battle in the Western Regions, a long-awaited tranquility returned to the martial arts world. Lin Xiaoxiao's name, resonating with the storytellers, spread throughout the streets and alleys, becoming a legendary hero hotly discussed on the streets. Yet, despite this fame, every night, as Lin Xiaoxiao sat alone in the sect's courtyard, gazing at the bright moon hanging high above, a lingering sense of melancholy lingered: a deep longing for her hometown—the distant city.

Lin Xiaoxiao, born into an ordinary urban family, stumbled upon the martial arts world by chance, weathering trials and tribulations, growing from a naive young woman into a renowned heroine. Now that the "Dark Night Buddhist Sound" has been eradicated, her chivalrous pursuits have temporarily ceased, and the longing to return home grows stronger, like a weed growing wildly in her heart. She shared her feelings with Su Yao and Ye Wuhen, and while they were reluctant to let her go, they also understood her attachment. They offered her the money and provisions she had prepared, and repeatedly urged her to return.

Lin Xiaoxiao, carrying a simple bag, bid farewell to her master and set out on her journey home. From the Jianghu to the city, the journey is long, separated by mountains and rivers. At first, the official road was smooth, and she galloped along, enjoying picturesque scenery. But as she advanced, the mountains and forests grew denser, and the path became more rugged and difficult to navigate. One day, they reached a deep valley, shrouded in mist, as if a ghost lurked. The frightened horse neighed and refused to move forward. Lin Xiaoxiao calmed the horse and carefully explored the road with her sword. The faint sound of hidden weapons piercing the air in the mist made her sidestep and, looking closely, she saw a group of bandits entrenched in the area, intent on taking advantage of the chaos to rob.

Lin Xiaoxiao sneered, unsheathing her Emei sword. Her strikes were so sharp the bandits had never seen such skill before. They were subdued in just a few moves, falling to their knees and begging for mercy. She offered a few warnings and continued on her way. After crossing mountains and ridges, they encountered a turbulent river. The water was icy cold, and the undercurrent was surging. Lin Xiaoxiao found a thick vine, tied one end to a tree on the bank, and clutched the other end tightly. Using her Qinggong skills, she treaded the water, crossing it. Though the path was extremely dangerous, she escaped unscathed.

As she approached the city, a familiar atmosphere washed over her, yet the sight of tall buildings and the hustle and bustle of traffic intensified her fear. She remembered her hometown as tranquil and pristine, yet now it felt so bustling and unfamiliar, like a world away. She wandered the outskirts of the city for several days, trying to adapt, learning modern etiquette and manners. She traded her ancient attire for simpler clothes and carefully sheathed her sword.

Finally, she made it to the city, relying on her vague childhood memories to find the street where her old home had once stood. The small courtyard had changed, with high-rises replacing the bungalows. Standing downstairs, she gazed at the familiar yet unfamiliar place, her eyes welling with tears. Lost in thought, she heard an elderly man pass by. She summoned the courage to ask and learned that her parents had long since moved out and found a new place.

After many twists and turns, I found my parents' new home in another corner of the city. I knocked on the door, my heart pounding. When the door opened, my parents' weathered faces came into view, and for a moment, a thousand words froze in my throat. Confusion filled their eyes at first, but when they saw it was their daughter, tears welled up in their eyes. The three of us hugged each other tightly, sobbing uncontrollably.

At home, Lin Xiaoxiao slowly recounted her experiences in the martial arts world, her parents listening with rapt attention, alternately filled with worry and pride. Since then, Lin Xiaoxiao has integrated into urban life, finding work as a martial arts instructor and imparting all she's learned to her children who love the art. In her spare time, she meets with old friends and reminisces about the past, which feels like a dream. Only late at night, gazing out the neon lights, does the passionate chivalry and the flashes of swordsmanship from the martial arts world resurface in her mind. Those years have become the most dazzling treasure of her life, shimmering in the ordinary city life and nourishing the rest of her life.