Returning home

Li Heng wasn’t alone. Beside him were familiar faces—his trusted colleagues from the city guard, longtime friends, and even kind-hearted townsfolk who had braved the freezing night to help in the search.

Among them were also Yuntai’s friends, their expressions filled with concern.

For hours, they had traversed the unforgiving snow, their torches flickering against the chilling wind. Each step had been heavy with dread, fearing the worst.

Then, suddenly—

A dark silhouette emerged in the distance, moving hastily toward them.

The murmurs began.

“Is that not Li Yuntai?” someone whispered.

The tension that had been gripping the search party finally loosened as heads turned toward the approaching figure.

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Even Li Heng’s unease eased slightly, though his grip on his torch remained firm.

The moment Yuntai reached them, the gathered men fell silent.

Their eyes took in his torn clothing, the bruises on his body, and the exhaustion that weighed heavily upon him—the unmistakable marks of a desperate struggle.

No one spoke.

No questions were asked.

The story of his survival was etched into his very being.

Then, one of the older men finally broke the silence, his voice steady yet firm.

“Let’s go back,” he said.

No objections. No hesitation.

One by one, they turned back toward the village, their torches guiding the way.

Without a word, Li Heng placed a strong, reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder, and together, they walked home through the snow.

Upon reaching the village, Li Heng (Yuntai’s father) was immediately pulled aside by the gathered townsfolk. He needed to properly thank those who had stood by him, braving the cold night in search of his son.

Meanwhile, Li Yuntai, exhausted and worn, made his way toward the familiar, unassuming courtyard—the place that had sheltered him from childhood to now.

The moment his hand touched the aged wooden gate, he felt the weight of the night’s events pressing down on him. But he pushed forward, slowly opening it.

As the gate creaked open, a small figure was already waiting.

Seated on a simple wooden stool in the courtyard, Li Yue, Yuntai’s adorable little sister, had been anxiously watching the entrance. Her big round eyes, usually full of mischief, now carried a trace of unease.

But the moment she spotted her brother, all worry vanished.

“Brother Yuntai is back!” she cried out excitedly.

Without hesitation, she jumped from the stool and ran toward him.

Yuntai, seeing his little sister rushing over like a tiny snowball, felt a warmth spread through his heart.

Dropping his axe and the heavy bundle of wood, he bent down and scooped her up into his arms.

“Little Yue, you’re getting heavier! What have you been eating?” Yuntai teased, pretending to struggle under her weight.

The little girl giggled, her small hands patting his face as she pouted.

“Brother is lying! I eat the same food every day!”

Yuntai chuckled, twirling her around once before gently setting her down.