As night fell, the sky was dotted with stars, like countless glittering gems inlaid in the deep night sky. The three of them set out on their journey home, their footsteps remarkably clear in the stillness of the night. Chaoyang walked ahead, holding Nie Huaisang in his arms, carefully protecting him. Wei Ying followed closely behind them, still chewing on his candied haws, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Uncle, where are we going tonight?" Wei Ying asked curiously, his eyes gleaming with anticipation and excitement for the unknown. Chaoyang smiled slightly and replied, "Let's go to a nearby town and find an inn to stay in. Tomorrow morning, we'll find a way to send Huaisang home." Wei Ying nodded, indicating that he understood his uncle's plan.

He turned to look at Nie Huaisang, who was slumped over his uncle's shoulder, munching on a candied haws, the sugar dripping onto his uncle's shoulder. Nie Huaisang seemed unfazed, continuing to savor the candied haws with relish, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. He also looked around curiously, as if filled with a sense of novelty and a desire to explore this unfamiliar environment.

"Huaisang, are you afraid?" Wei Ying asked softly.

Nie Huaisang shook his head, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes: "With you here, I'm not afraid."

Chaoyang listened to the conversation between the two children and felt a little warm in his heart.

As night fell and the sky gradually darkened, the three finally arrived at a quiet town. Chaoyang carefully selected an inn that looked clean and tidy and moved in with his two children. In the inn's room, Chaoyang ordered some delicious food for Nie Huaisang so that he could replenish his energy. Afterwards, Chaoyang prepared a basin of hot water for Nie Huaisang so that he could wash away his fatigue and restore his spirit. "Huaisang, you should have a good rest first. We will continue our journey tomorrow." Chaoyang said softly.

Nie Huaisang nodded, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. He carefully lay down on the bed, closed his eyes, and soon fell asleep.

Chaoyang and Wei Ying also returned to their rooms.

The next morning, Chaoyang got up early and went to Nie Huaisang's room. He found that he had already woken up and was sitting by the bed.

"Huaisang, how do you feel?" Chaoyang asked with concern.

Nie Huaisang raised his head, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes: "I'm fine, thank you, sir."

Chaoyang nodded, feeling relieved. He brought the two children to the inn's lobby and ordered a simple breakfast. The three of them sat around the table, eating breakfast while discussing their next itinerary.

"Huaisang, do you remember the way home?" Chaoyang asked.

Nie Huaisang shook his head, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.

Chaoyang pondered for a moment and decided to take Nie Huaisang to Yunmeng first.

When the three of them finished their breakfast and were about to embark on their journey to Yunmeng, Chaoyang suddenly looked up at the sky.

I saw several white lights coming from far away in the sky, accompanied by a strong sense of oppression. A group of burly men wearing black clothes with gold edges, embroidered animal head patterns on their outer robes, and holding big swords were coming towards me.

In the center of this group of strong men stood a young boy about five feet tall. He had an expressionless face, sharp eyes, and exuded an aura that should not be underestimated, indicating that he would become an extraordinary figure when he grew up.

Chaoyang stood there, his eyes sharp as he scrutinized the people across from him. Suddenly, he sensed that Nie Huaisang beside him seemed a little nervous, and quietly hid behind him. Chaoyang's heart skipped a beat; it seemed the group before him were members of the Nie family.

When the team slowly moved to about three meters away from them, the young boy suddenly took a step forward and stood at the front of the team. His movements were calm and unhurried, as if he was the master of the team.

He raised his head, looked towards Chaoyang with a determined gaze, and then said in a clear voice, "I am Nie Mingjue of the Qinghe Nie Clan. May I ask who I am?"

Nie Mingjue saw his brother standing behind this person from a distance, and they seemed very close.

Chaoyang smiled faintly, secretly admiring the young man's extraordinary bearing. He gently patted Nie Huaisang's shoulder, indicating that he need not be afraid, then took a step forward and replied, "I am Chaoyang, a casual cultivator. I happened to save your brother yesterday and had planned to send him home today. I didn't expect you to show up so soon."

Upon hearing this, Nie Mingjue's gaze narrowed slightly as he scrutinized Chaoyang, as if trying to determine if he could be trusted. After a moment, he nodded slightly, his tone tinged with gratitude, "Thank you, Mr. Chaoyang, for saving my brother. The Nie family is deeply grateful."

Chaoyang smiled slightly and waved his hand: "It's just a small favor, no need to thank me."

Nie Mingjue's gaze lingered on Chaoyang for a moment, then turned to Nie Huaisang, concern flashing in his eyes. He carefully examined his brother, and only breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that he was safe.

"Nie Huaisang, why don't you come over?" Nie Mingjue's tone was irritable and filled with blame, but more of it was concern for his brother.

Hearing this, Nie Huaisang hurriedly walked out from behind Chaoyang and walked quickly to his brother's side. He looked up at Nie Mingjue, a trace of guilt flashing in his eyes: "Brother..."

Nie Mingjue gently patted Nie Huaisang's shoulder, his tone softening, "It's okay, as long as you're safe."

Then he asked, "What's going on this time?"

Nie Huaisang lowered his head and explained softly, "I was knocked unconscious. When I woke up, I was already in the carriage. I then managed to escape. After I fainted, I was rescued by A Ying and my uncle."

Nie Mingjue's brow furrowed, his expression darkening. He reached out and, with a thump, smacked him hard on the buttocks. "Let's see if you dare to escape the guards again. Do you know how worried your father must be when he finds out you're missing?"

Nie Huaisang covered his buttocks, a trace of grievance flashed in his eyes, but he nodded: "Brother, I know I was wrong."

Nie Mingjue stretched out his hand again and snapped, "Let's see if you can run around again. Behave yourself from now on!"

Nie Huaisang covered his buttocks. He was already feeling wronged, but he suffered another blow, which made him feel even more wronged. He then burst into tears. "Aw, big brother is bad!

Nie Mingjue's heart softened when he saw his brother's tearful eyes, but he still maintained a serious expression: "Why are you crying? How can a man shed tears so easily?"

Chaoyang watched this scene with a wave of emotion. The Nie family's upbringing was truly strict. He knew that, while Nie Huaisang was mischievous, he had also been quite frightened by this incident. Chaoyang softly said to Nie Mingjue, "Master Nie, Huaisang has certainly learned a lesson this time. I hope you won't be too harsh on him."

Nie Mingjue nodded upon hearing this, his tone softening a bit, "Mr. Chaoyang is right, I will pay attention to it."

He then bowed deeply to Chaoyang and said, "Master Chao, thank you for saving my brother's life. The Nie family will always remember this kindness. If you need anything in the future, as long as it does not violate morality, I will do my utmost to help you, even if it means going through fire and water!"

Chaoyang raised his eyes and glanced at the young boy. This Nie Ming was indeed worthy of being the heir of a big family.

But at such a young age, why should he learn to talk like an adult? No matter how mature he pretends to be, it can't stand up to his short stature and childish face! Although his words are full of sincerity.

He waved his hand and said gently, "Mr. Nie, you are too kind. I saved Huaisang out of my own conscience, not for any reward. You don't have to worry too much."

As Chaoyang finished speaking, Nie Mingjue's face showed a hint of admiration. He looked at Chaoyang deeply, as if silently remembering this favor in his heart.

"Mr. Chaoyang, since you say so, I won't force you. However, no matter what, the door of the Nie family will always be open to you." Nie Mingjue said solemnly.

Nie Huaisang was still wiping his tears, trying hard to control his emotions.

Chaoyang smiled and said, "Master Nie, Huaisang has already realized his mistake. I think we should take him back first."

Nie Mingjue nodded, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes: "Mr. Chaoyang, thank you for your care. We will take Huaisang home now."

Chaoyang smiled slightly and nodded: "Okay, we won't bother you any more. Huaisang, goodbye." After that, he turned around and left with Wei Ying.

Suddenly, Huaisang's childish voice called out from behind: "Goodbye, pretty uncle, goodbye, Aying!"

After hearing this, Wei Ying also raised his head and imitated the loud response. "Huaisang, goodbye! Goodbye, big brother!"

Chaoyang didn't turn around, but just waved his right hand gently.

Nie Mingjue watched them leave. Although Chaoyang didn't seem to mind, he still remembered the favor in his heart. He planned to ask his father to send someone to investigate upon his return and find a chance to repay the favor.

The unclean world of Qinghe.

Nie Mingjue brought Nie Huaisang back to the family mansion. The mansion was quiet, but there was a tense atmosphere in the air. Nie Huaisang lowered his head and followed behind his brother, feeling uneasy.

After passing through a long corridor, they arrived at a grand living room. Inside, the elders of the Nie family had been waiting for a long time. Nie Mingjue bowed respectfully to the elders and then led Nie Huaisang to the front of the group.

"Father, Huaisang is back." Nie Mingjue saluted.

The head of the Nie family, Sect Master Nie, was a serious-looking middle-aged man. He stared at Nie Huaisang sharply and asked in a deep voice, "Huaisang, do you know how big a mistake you made this time?"

Nie Huaisang lowered his head and replied weakly, "I know I was wrong. Please punish me, father."

Before Sect Leader Nie could speak, Madam Nie interrupted eagerly, "Huaisang just returned. Can't you let him rest for a while? He's been through quite a bit of a shock this time."

Seeing his wife's anger, Sect Leader Nie quickly nodded in agreement, "Madam is right, Huaisang, you should go and rest first."

Nie Huaisang felt relieved, and he quickly bowed to his father and mother before leaving the living room. Nie Mingjue, watching his brother's back, also breathed a sigh of relief.

Sect Leader Nie sighed, a hint of helplessness in his tone: "You, child, are always a cause for concern."

"I'm glad you're back safely." Mrs. Nie replied.

Nie Mingjue looked at his father, knowing full well that his brother's disappearance had truly unnerved the entire family. He replied respectfully, "Father, Huaisang did indeed make a grave mistake this time, but fortunately, Mr. Chaoyang intervened and saved him, allowing him to return safely. I will teach him a lesson and make sure he understands this lesson."

Sect Leader Nie nodded, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. "Mr. Chaoyang? Who is he? Why would he help?"

Nie Mingjue recounted in detail how Chaoyang had rescued Nie Huaisang. Sect Leader Nie's eyes flashed with admiration as he listened. "Mr. Chaoyang is a man of integrity and righteousness. Have you ever asked about his background?"

"He said he was a casual cultivator, but judging by his words and actions, it seems that he is not from an ordinary family." Nie Mingjue replied.

"Well, in that case, you can send someone to investigate Mr. Chaoyang's background, but remember to treat him with courtesy and not lose your manners," Sect Leader Nie ordered.

"Yes, father," Nie Mingjue replied respectfully.

"Also, although Huaisang has returned safely this time, he must be strictly disciplined and not allowed to act recklessly again." Sect Leader Nie said in a serious tone.

"I understand, and I will definitely teach him well." Nie Mingjue nodded in agreement.

Sect Leader Nie nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Madam Nie and said softly, "Madam, we should be relieved that Huaisang has returned safely. As for his discipline, Mingjue will be responsible for it, so you don't have to worry too much."

Madam Nie nodded, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes: "Yes, as long as the child is safe, other things can be taken care of slowly."

Seeing that his parents had calmed down, Nie Mingjue said goodbye and left, preparing to arrange for someone to investigate Mr. Chaoyang's background. He knew that although Mr. Chaoyang had saved Huaisang, his origins were unknown, and the safety of his family could not be ignored.

Returning to his study, Nie Mingjue summoned his trusted subordinates and whispered, "Go and find out who this Mr. Chaoyang is, but be careful not to alarm him."

"Yes, sir." The trusted subordinate took the order and left.

Nie Mingjue was alone in his study, lost in thought, filled with curiosity about Mr. Chaoyang's origins.

At the same time, Chaoyang and Wei Ying just returned home.

Wei Ying asked curiously, "Uncle, who exactly is that Nie Huaisang?"

Chaoyang smiled slightly and replied, "Huaisang is just a naughty child, but his family has an extraordinary background. The Nie family is one of the five great families."

Wei Ying nodded thoughtfully, a glint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "Then, uncle, since you saved him, does that also mean we have a relationship with the Nie family?"

Chaoyang gently patted Wei Ying's head and said with a smile, "In the martial arts world, grudges are intricately intertwined. Saving his life today may earn you friendship tomorrow."

Wei Ying nodded, seemingly understanding, but his eyes still gleamed with admiration for his uncle. Chao Yang looked at Wei Ying and couldn't help but sigh in admiration. Although this child was still young, he already showed some wit and intelligence.

In the unholy world of Qinghe, Nie Mingjue's trusted subordinates have begun investigating Mr. Chaoyang. However, no matter how hard they try, they are unable to uncover his true background and are forced to give up.

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like