Lin Yan stayed on the Central Continent for a few more years before returning to the Southeast Region with Zi Che Shao Hao.
The Suitor's procession from the Zi Che family did not accompany them, but departed behind them.
The Suitor's procession was quite grand, with the Zi Che family dispatching a flying ark. They not only departed after Lin Yan and the others but also planned to tour the entire Central Continent.
Such a grand display was intended to honor Lin Yan and demonstrate the Zi Che family's regard for her.
However, they did not inform Lin Yan of this matter.
After years away, Lin Yan finally returned to the Southeast Region. Upon her arrival, she felt a sense of discomfort, but she quickly cast it aside.
Zi Che Shao Hao also frowned. Having been born and raised on the Central Continent, he found it difficult to adapt to the spiritual energy of the Southeast Region.
He had visited the Southeast Region before, but it was only at its border. It was during that visit that he found Lin Yan, the love of his life.
Lin Yan gazed at the familiar mountains and rivers, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.
"I've made you suffer a little," Lin Yan turned to Zi Che Shao Hao and said.
"With you by my side, how could I suffer? Let us go. Show me where you grew up," Zi Che Shao Hao took Lin Yan's hand, and the two of them transformed into a beam of light, vanishing from their original spot.
The massive flying ark flew slowly across the skies of the Central Continent. Those on board seemed in no hurry, making their leisurely way towards the Southeast Region.
Along the way, everyone looked at the flying ark with curiosity, wondering where they were headed.
At this point, well-informed individuals would know that this flying ark belonged to the Zi Che family, who were traveling to the Southeast Region to propose marriage for their young master.
"Truly enviable!" This thought crossed the minds of many female cultivators.
The Zi Che family's actions truly showed how much they valued this prospective young mistress. They wondered what kind of beauty she possessed to earn such high regard from the Zi Che family's young master.
"The Southeast Region? Junior Brother Wan Si, I recall you are also from the Southeast Region," Cheng Ying inquired of Wan Si Rui beside her after hearing this news.
Wan Si Rui's heart stirred, but he showed no outward reaction. "Senior Sister is correct. I am indeed from the Southeast Region."
"Then do you know who this prospective wife of the Zi Che young master is?"
Zi Che Shao Hao's reputation as a prodigy had long been known on the Central Continent, and she was certainly aware of it.
Not only was she aware, but she had also seen the Zi Che family's young master. He was a man like a flower on a high mountain, his mutated ice spirit root making him appear very aloof. Yet, every female cultivator on the Central Continent had dreamt of plucking this lofty flower.
Alas, he had never shown any kindness to any female cultivator.
"I truly don't know. After all, I am but a rogue cultivator and don't know any gifted female cultivators," Wan Si Rui said, but his mind suddenly drifted to someone.
Tan Tai Wang Shu, the esteemed senior disciple of the Ling Xiao Sword Sect, a beauty known as the number one beauty of the Southeast Region.
If it were truly her...
For some reason, Wan Si Rui couldn't bring himself to think further. He thought that by joining the Zhou Tian Immortal Sect and becoming a disciple of a cultivator in the Integration stage, he could completely forget the days he once looked up to her.
She must have reached the Nascent Soul stage by now. With her talent, if she came to the Central Continent, she would surely be a prodigy sought after by various sects.
Wasn't he still benefiting from the assistance she had given him?
"Indeed. But I wonder how that person managed to get acquainted with Zi Che Shao Hao."
Seeing that Cheng Ying no longer dwelled on his origins from the Southeast Region, his heart settled slightly.
He knew of the Zi Che family. The young master of such a vast family could only be interested in someone like Tan Tai Wang Shu in the entire Southeast Region, he mused.
So, is it really you, Senior Sister?
Lin Yan had informed her sect before her return, so upon her arrival, the members of the sect were waiting for her at the sect's grounds.
When Lin Yan returned to the sect with Zi Che Shao Hao, she was met with a welcoming reception from everyone.
Lin Yan looked at the changes in the Ling Xiao Sword Sect and felt very pleased, realizing her efforts had not been in vain.
"Xiao Wang Shu, you finally decided to come back!" Xu Lan was the first to greet her.
Yang Cong, standing behind Xu Lan, also looked at Lin Yan with great excitement.
"Master, your unfilial disciple has returned!" Lin Yan released Zi Che Shao Hao and bowed to Xu Lan.
"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!" Xu Lan immediately stepped forward to help Lin Yan up, preventing her from kneeling.
The others crowded around, chattering and asking about Lin Yan's experiences over the years. Sword cultivators were usually aloof, but that was because they hadn't met someone they valued.
Zi Che Shao Hao was squeezed out by the crowd. He didn't show a cold expression; instead, he quietly retreated a few steps, giving them space.
But just as he settled, a young man approached him.
"Junior Yang Cong pays his respects to Senior," Yang Cong, appearing to be seventeen or eighteen, was somewhat youthful but handled himself with composure.
"Junior is a disciple of True Person Wang Shu. Senior is a friend of my Master, correct?"
Upon hearing that this Foundation Establishment stage youth was Lin Yan's disciple, Zi Che Shao Hao's demeanor softened.
"Mm," Zi Che Shao Hao nodded.
"Master has been away from the sect for a long time, and the elders are very concerned. Therefore, we have been remiss in attending to Senior. I hope Senior will forgive us," the young boy was very courteous.
"You are very good," Zi Che Shao Hao took out a storage bag and handed it to Yang Cong. "Take this. A meeting gift. I am your master's future Dao companion, so you are also considered my disciple."
Future Dao companion? Master didn't mention anything about this in her letter. Did she just bring him back like this? Does Grand Master know?
Yang Cong lowered his head slightly, not showing his surprise.
What should he call this Senior? Master's wife or Grand Master?
"You may call me Martial Uncle," Zi Che Shao Hao seemed to understand the boy's dilemma.
"Thank you, Martial Uncle," Yang Cong accepted the storage bag.
As soon as he received the storage bag, he quickly put it away without looking inside. He then prepared to guide Zi Che Shao Hao to a place to rest.
Master would likely be busy for a long time. It would be best to let this Martial Uncle rest first.
"No need. I will wait here," he said, then looked towards Lin Yan, who, though surrounded, was handling the situation with ease. He wondered when she would remember him, her future Dao companion.
In truth, when Lin Yan was first surrounded, she realized her elders had overlooked Zi Che Shao Hao. She had intended to introduce him, but then she saw Yang Cong going to attend to him. She decided to finish her greetings first before formally introducing Zi Che Shao Hao to her elders.
Her young disciple had grown up and was so thoughtful in his conduct; it truly filled her with joy.