C28 Returning Home

Upon hearing his master's words, Aotian quickly scooped up Little White, who was nestled beside him, and stood up to walk into the distance.

"Little White, now that you're my demonic beast, I think it's time for a better name. 'Little White' just doesn't cut it."

Aotian pondered as he cradled the little creature in his arms, which peered curiously around. In the past, he had simply used its color as a convenient label. But now that the beast was truly his, it deserved a proper name. Aotian mulled over the options.

"Hmm, how about Devil Tiger? No, that's not right. What to call you?"

He continued to brainstorm as he walked.

"Ha, I've got it! Your name will be Snow Treader! With your snow-white fur, it's a perfect fit. What do you think?"

Aotian exclaimed excitedly to the little one.

It seemed as though the creature understood him, responding with a couple of soft whimpers, as if in agreement with Aotian's suggestion.

"Heh, Snow Treader, that's an excellent name! From now on, we'll be companions. You need to grow up fast, and then we'll take on the world together, laughing all the way!"

A sharp gleam appeared in Aotian's eyes as he spoke the final words.

After seven days of playful journeying with Snow Treader, Aotian finally arrived back at the Loong family's home, returning to the small courtyard he hadn't seen in a year.

"Aunt Maria, I'm back!" he called out eagerly as he entered the courtyard.

"Is that you, Aotian? You've returned!"

Maria emerged from his house, questioning the familiar voice.

"Yes, it's me! Auntie, I've come back!" Aotian replied with excitement upon seeing her.

"It's good to have you back. It's been almost a year, hasn't it? Come in and rest!"

Maria welcomed him with joy, recognizing her nephew.

"Alright, will do!"

Heading towards his room, Aotian was struck by the familiar surroundings. Time truly flies. It had been over a year since he last slept in his own room. The sight of the tidy bed and clean floor made everything seem so pristine. Aotian felt a surge of emotion, knowing Aunt Maria must have kept his room clean every day since he'd been gone.

"Aotian, come eat something first!"

Maria approached with a bowl of desserts in hand.

"Thanks, Auntie!"

It had been a while since Aotian had enjoyed Maria's cooking, and upon seeing his favorite dessert, he eagerly grabbed it and began to eat with gusto.

"Hey, take it easy. What's the rush? No one's going to take it from you. Eat slowly," Maria cautioned with concern as she watched Aotian devour the sweets.

"Mmm, mmm," Aotian mumbled, his mouth too full to speak clearly.

"Awoo, awoo!"

Just then, Treading on Snow, who had been hiding inside Aotian, couldn't stay put any longer and scampered out, eyeing the treat in Aotian's hand. But upon noticing a stranger nearby, the little creature quickly retreated into Aotian's embrace.

"Ha, how could I forget you? Come on out, little one. This is my Aunt Maria. There's nothing to be afraid of. Join us for some food," Aotian said, suddenly remembering his furry companion.

"Aotian, what was that just now? A cat?" Maria inquired, intrigued by the sight of Treading on Snow.

"Ah? Oh, yes, it's a cat!" Aotian replied, dodging the question. He wasn't ready to share his secrets with Maria just yet.

"Oh, then let it come out. It shouldn't always be hiding in your arms; it might get stifled," Maria suggested.

"Alright," Aotian agreed.

He coaxed Treading on Snow onto his lap, and together they savored the long-missed flavors.

"Aotian, how have you managed to lose so much weight this past year?" Maria asked, concerned, after Aotian finished his meal.

"Heh, Auntie, it's nothing. Being at school without your care, it's natural to slim down a bit. But I'm doing well, see? And don't you think I look better this way?" Aotian reassured her.

"That won't do. You're still growing. You should come back more often, and I'll make sure to prepare some delicious food for you," Maria insisted, her worry evident.

"Don't worry about me, Auntie! I'm doing great! Plus, the food at the academy is fantastic, and since it's so far from home, it's just not possible for me to come back all the time!"

"You're right about that. Well, try to make some time to visit us more often in the future, okay?"

"Sure thing."

"Alright, then make sure you rest up these next couple of days. You'll be heading back to the academy for classes soon!"

"Got it!" Aotian said with a sigh of relief as he turned and walked away.

Today marked the last day of vacation. Aotian got up early to continue his training, planning to head to the mountains behind his house to practice his spear techniques. But just as he dashed out the door, Maria called out to him.

"Aotian, stay home today and rest up. Why don't you join the family for lunch at noon? It's been a year since you've seen them, after all."

Aotian, about to leave again, paused when Maria spoke. He knew he didn't want to meet with his family, but he couldn't ignore her concern.

"Really? Oh, okay then," Aotian reluctantly agreed upon hearing his aunt's words.

By noon, Aotian was ready to leave his small courtyard and head to the Loong family's main hall to see his father and grandfather.

"Aotian, you're back! Heading to the main hall? Let's go together," Loong Qian greeted him on the way.

"Oh, sister, you're back too? Where's our brother?"

"He joined our father's army last year, and our second brother left early this morning for the academy with his classmates."

"I see. Let's go, then."

Entering the hall, Aotian laid eyes on his father and grandfather, whom he hadn't seen in a year. He understood why only they were present; his uncle served in the military, while his grandfather was the military chief, and his father also served there. They were the ones who were often at home. As for his great-grandfather, Loong Wudi, whom Aotian had never met, rumors were he was somewhere enduring rigorous training to advance to the Divine Level.

"Grandfather, Father!"

Upon seeing them, Aotian approached with due respect and performed a courteous bow.

"Ah, Aotian has arrived too! Come, let's all sit down and enjoy a meal together," Loong Ming declared upon noticing Aotian.

"Understood."

With the formalities complete, Aotian and Loong Qian took their seats at the lower end of the table and started their meal.

"Aotian, Qian, school starts for you both tomorrow, doesn't it? Are you heading to campus this afternoon?" Loong Ming inquired after they finished eating.

"Yes, Grandfather! I plan to go this afternoon," Loong Qian replied sweetly.

"And what about you, Aotian?" Loong Ming turned to ask.

"I'll be going this afternoon as well."

"Is that so? Then it makes sense for you to go together with Qian," Loong Ming suggested after a moment's thought.

"Indeed, that's the plan!"

"Very well, you should both head back and get ready," Loong Ming advised.

Taking his cue, Aotian and Loong Qian made their way out of the hall, moving at a leisurely pace.