A middle-aged couple stood side by side.
"He's been gone for so long without even a phone call; it makes us worry," the middle-aged woman couldn't help but softly complain, yet her face was filled with an undisguised joy.
Yang Chuxue was over forty but looked as if she were in her early thirties, growing younger with age. When Lin Mo was young, Yang Chuxue had a tough time with him, and by the age of thirty, she looked like she was forty. The hard work and fatigue made her appear older than her peers.
However, in recent years, Lin Mo taught her some cultivation and wellness techniques, along with various elixirs, which naturally brought back her youthful glow and restored her beautiful appearance from her younger years.
"Xiao Mo is an adult now, and he's the Sect Leader of the Star Sect. Does he need to report to you his every move?" the middle-aged man said in a deep voice. The man was tall, robust, and exuded an aura of authority, yet a hint of anticipation showed in his deep eyes.
"So what if he's the Sect Leader? He's still our son, and of course, I worry about him," Yang Chuxue retorted.
Lin Guang shook his head helplessly, not arguing with his wife.
Beside them stood a woman in a pure white long dress with long black hair like a waterfall. She had a tall and graceful figure, an exquisite appearance, and her thin lips held a faintly excited smile. She was Lin Mo's wife, Xia Mengdie.
Behind her were Su Mei, Lin Shanshan, and Lin Mei, who had left the Star Sect. Lin Mei still enjoyed venturing in the business world but occasionally returned to the Star Sect.
"Welcome home, Sect Leader!"
"Welcome home, Sect Leader!"
At the entrance.
A young boy with black hair and eyes and a lively girl approached. Cheng Ying and others immediately bowed slightly with cupped hands, respectfully calling out.
"Son."
Yang Chuxue smiled.
Seeing this group of familiar relatives, Lin Mo couldn't help but show a happy smile.
"Alright, everyone, get back to your work. No need to waste your time because I'm back. Elder Cheng Ying, prepare to hold an elder council meeting tonight," Lin Mo said straightforwardly, pausing for a moment. "By the way, make sure the elite disciples attend the meeting too."
"Yes, Sect Leader," Cheng Ying respectfully nodded.
"Dad, Mom, Shanshan, wife." Lin Mo looked at his family and said with a smile.
The recent journey to the west, although not long, was eventful. Of course, this period would feel long for ordinary people.
In the backyard to the southwest of the sect.
Living there were Lin Mo's family, along with a few disciples responsible for some chores, and inside one of the rooms.
Lin Mo took out the jewelry he bought in Las Vegas and gave it to his family one by one.
"Mom, this bracelet is for you, one for Shanshan, for Yingzi, and this is for Mengdie."
Lin Mo turned and said to Su Mei, "Mom, this is for you."
"Dad, I bought you a pipe. How do you like it?"
"It's alright," Lin Guang said with a smile.
The family was happy, and Yang Chuxue was delighted, admiring the jade bracelet her son bought her. "Son, this jade bracelet is so beautiful. How much did it cost?"
"I think it was two hundred million," Lin Mo pondered.
His words nearly turned Yang Chuxue's face pale with shock. Lord, two hundred million? That's the total assets of some companies, and now it's just a single bracelet.
"That's too expensive," Yang Chuxue clicked her tongue.
Lin Guang, however, laughed, "You forget our son is a cultivator. Besides, his Die Mo Pharmaceutical absorbs several hundred billion in funds annually. To him, money is no longer money."
Hearing Lin Guang's words, Yang Chuxue realized it and gladly accepted.
Lin Mo also chuckled. Indeed, worldly wealth meant little to him now, but hearing his father mention Die Mo Pharmaceutical, Lin Mo remembered it had been a while since he checked in. He resolved to visit them next time he returned.
"Let's not waste Xiao Mo's time. Your mother and I will prepare the meal while you and Mengdie go chat," Lin Guang suddenly said.
Xia Mengdie stood by, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Lin Mo and Xia Mengdie left the courtyard and stood before a mountain peak within the sect. Lin Mo waved his hand, summoning a gentle breeze to envelop them as they soared to the mountaintop amid rolling clouds, as idyllic as an immortal realm.
Though the cold was biting and the temperature low at the mountaintop, Xia Mengdie had reached the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation, a small achievement. Though not yet capable of calling the wind and rain, she easily handled the cold at the peak.
Moreover, Lin Mo had specially made her an amulet that could resist cold, flames, and lightning.
"Did you not tell the truth when your mom asked you earlier?" Xia Mengdie suddenly laughed, like a pure snow lotus blooming on a glacier, making Lin Mo stare for a moment.
Xia Mengdie's eyes shone coolly, and noticing Lin Mo staring at her, she felt shy despite having been together for several years. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, yet there was a hint of girlish joy beneath it.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"Because my wife is beautiful. Can't I look at my own wife?" Lin Mo laughed, holding Xia Mengdie's soft, boneless hand, pulling her close to him.
Xia Mengdie felt her heart race, her face reddening a bit more as she gently rested her head on Lin Mo's shoulder, gazing at the distant fluffy clouds like cotton candy.
"You didn't tell your mom the truth. You surely encountered many things in the Western countries. I know your personality; you always hesitate to tell those close to you for fear they'll worry." Xia Mengdie spoke softly.
"Yes." Lin Mo nodded, knowing the Cultivation World was unbelievably cruel and treacherous, thousands of times harsher than the mundane world. Murder and treasure-snatching, even a single word or a glance from the strong, could obliterate the weak like ants. He only wished for his parents to cultivate, maintain health, and prolong their lifespan.
"But I'm your wife; I want to be by your side, and you can't make me live in a fairy tale," Xia Mengdie said seriously, turning her head to look straight at Lin Mo.
"I'm sorry, wife."
Lin Mo was momentarily stunned, gently holding Xia Mengdie's shoulders, "I'll tell you about the cultivation matters in the future. You must also work hard on your cultivation."
"Hmm, am I really that stupid? I've cultivated for so long and only just reached the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation, even Yingzi is better than me," Xia Mengdie said gloomily.
"My wife is beautiful, and now she's a CEO, a business powerhouse. She also has great talent in cultivation. In the Cultivation World, your cultivation speed is above average," Lin Mo laughed.
"You better not be lying to me," Xia Mengdie teased, showing an endearing girlish playfulness.