Chapter 68: Returning Home
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After finishing their meal, Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor stepped out of the house. Lin Yongming summoned his Purple Lightning Thunder Wings, and without a word, Blue Silver Emperor positioned herself in front of him, ready to be carried.
This time, Lin Yongming didn't hesitate. He scooped her up and soared into the sky.
The small town of Wurto was within the territory of Suotuo City, not too far away. However, Lin Yongming was currently in the southern part of Suotuo City, while Wurto was to the north. The distance between them was roughly a hundred kilometers.
Since Lin Yongming wasn't in peak condition—both his injuries and his spirit power were still recovering—he didn't fly at full speed. There was no rush, and they followed a straight path. By around 4 p.m., they arrived at Wurto Town.
"Xiao Ming, are you heading to the town's Spirit Hall first, or are we going straight home?" Blue Silver Emperor asked as they spotted the town from above.
"It's still early. Let's go to the Spirit Hall first. We need to resolve the matter Wang Ming mentioned as soon as possible. I'll ask Bishop Xia to write a letter. If everything goes smoothly, the Spirit Hall headquarters will send someone. Once that's done, we won't have to worry about the Suotuo City Spirit Hall anymore," Lin Yongming explained as they landed outside the town.
"Alright, I'll wait here for you," Blue Silver Emperor said. She had no desire to interact with the Spirit Hall.
"Wait for me. I'll be back soon," Lin Yongming assured her before heading toward the town gate.
After a ten-minute walk, Lin Yongming arrived at the Spirit Hall entrance.
"Oh! Lin Yongming, what brings you here today?" one of the guards greeted him.
"Brother, I have an urgent matter to discuss with Bishop Xia. Is he inside?" Lin Yongming asked directly.
"Of course, he's here. Bishop Xia is always at the Spirit Hall, guarding the town. Please, go on in," the guard replied politely.
"Thank you," Lin Yongming said before entering.
Having visited the Spirit Hall several times before, the guards and other members recognized him. Unlike his first visit, no one stopped him to check his identification.
Lin Yongming made his way to the main hall, where Bishop Xia was seated, reading a book. Sensing someone enter, the bishop looked up.
"Lin Yongming, your parents mentioned you went out to train. It's been nearly a year. I didn't expect you to return so soon," Bishop Xia said, setting his book down.
"Greetings, Bishop Xia," Lin Yongming bowed slightly. Hearing the bishop's words, he realized that Bishop Xia must have visited Thunder Rain Village during his absence.
"It's been a year, but you're still as polite as ever," Bishop Xia remarked as he walked over to Lin Yongming.
"You're the bishop. It's only right to show respect," Lin Yongming replied with a smile.
"You…" Bishop Xia chuckled helplessly before getting to the point. "You're not one to visit without a reason. What brings you here today?"
"Bishop Xia, there's something I need to report. Over the past year, I've been training at the Suotuo City Grand Spirit Arena to improve my combat skills. During that time, I met Bishop Torres, who oversees the Spirit Hall there.
"One of his subordinates, Wang Ming, told me that Bishop Torres has been secretly abducting women and accepting bribes from nobles. Together, they've committed numerous atrocities," Lin Yongming reported with a serious expression.
"Are you certain about this? Do you have evidence? Bishop Torres is a Spirit Sage. Accusing him of such crimes is no small matter. We can't slander a bishop who has served the Spirit Hall diligently," Bishop Xia said, his expression growing grave.
"At first, I was skeptical when Wang Ming told me. But something happened that changed my perspective," Lin Yongming replied solemnly.
"What happened? Tell me everything. The Spirit Hall will ensure justice is served," Bishop Xia urged, sensing the gravity of the situation.
"Bishop Xia, take a look at this," Lin Yongming said, pulling aside his clothes to reveal the claw marks left by the Mad Tiger.
"These wounds were inflicted by a Spirit Sage who tried to kill me yesterday. His spirit is the Mad Thunder Tiger, though I don't know his name. He attacked me without warning, and I had to fight him off for an entire day. Thankfully, my speed allowed me to escape."
The claw marks were still fresh, and Bishop Xia could tell they were recent.
"What! A Spirit Sage dared to attack a member of the Spirit Hall with a Yellow Record Medal? Does he have a death wish? Does he not know you're part of the Spirit Hall?" Bishop Xia exclaimed, furious at the sight of Lin Yongming's injuries.
"On the contrary, he knew. He even offered Bishop Torres 500,000 gold spirit coins to ensure the Spirit Hall wouldn't protect me. And Bishop Torres accepted the bribe."
"Wang Ming overheard their conversation and warned me in time. I managed to escape Suotuo City and hid in the mountains south of the city," Lin Yongming explained, omitting the part where they killed the Spirit Sage.
"Outrageous! Does Bishop Torres not understand the significance of the Yellow Record Medal? Does he not know how important its bearers are to the Spirit Hall?" Bishop Xia roared in anger.
"It's possible that Bishop Torres didn't know. I used a pseudonym while fighting in the Grand Spirit Arena, and though he knew my real name, I never publicized my Yellow Record Medal," Lin Yongming said with a sigh.
"Very well. I'll write a letter to His Holiness the Pope, detailing everything you've told me. The Spirit Hall will not tolerate such actions, especially against a Yellow Record Medal holder. Bishop Torres will face the consequences," Bishop Xia declared.
"Thank you, Bishop Xia," Lin Yongming said, clasping his hands in gratitude.
"It's my duty. The Spirit Hall has strict rules, and such behavior must be dealt with severely. The Pope may even make an example of him to deter others," Bishop Xia said sternly.
"Then I'll take my leave. I came straight here after returning, and it's been nearly a year since I've been home," Lin Yongming said, preparing to depart.
"Go ahead. But before you leave, have your injuries been treated? Should I call a healing spirit master for you?" Bishop Xia asked with concern.
"Thank you, Bishop, but I've already been treated. I'll be going now," Lin Yongming replied before turning to leave.
Bishop Xia watched Lin Yongming exit the hall, then returned to his seat and began writing a detailed report on the incidents Lin Yongming had described. Once finished, he summoned a messenger to deliver the letter to the Spirit Hall headquarters.
Meanwhile, Lin Yongming left the Spirit Hall and glanced back at the building. By reporting the attack, he had ensured the Spirit Hall would back him. As a legitimate member of the Spirit Hall, he had every right to seek their protection.
He knew this might mean more responsibilities in the future, but for now, it was the best course of action.
Lin Yongming rejoined Blue Silver Emperor, who had been waiting outside.
"Did you finish? How did it go?" she asked curiously.
"It's done. Bishop Xia wrote everything down and will send the letter soon," Lin Yongming replied, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.
"Did you mention the Spirit Sage attacking you?" Blue Silver Emperor pressed.
"I did, but I left out the part where we killed him. I only said I was injured and managed to escape into the mountains," Lin Yongming admitted.
"Good. If word got out that a Spirit Master killed a Spirit Sage, it would raise too many questions. Your secrets—like the mysterious powerhouse from the Extreme Sea Thunder Domain and your external spirit bone—would be exposed. It's best to keep them hidden for as long as possible," Blue Silver Emperor advised.
"I know, Sister A'Yin. I wouldn't tell the Spirit Hall everything," Lin Yongming said with a hint of exasperation.
A Spirit Master killing a Spirit Sage was unheard of. Even if someone believed it, they'd assume Lin Yongming had used some powerful artifact. That would only invite more trouble, as people would come seeking answers, disrupting his peaceful life.
"Good. I'm glad you're not completely clueless," Blue Silver Emperor said with a satisfied smile.
"Hey! I'm not that dumb," Lin Yongming retorted.
"Alright, let's head home. I've missed your mother's cooking. It's so delicious," Blue Silver Emperor said, her stomach growling loudly.
After nearly two days without a proper meal, Lin Yongming was equally hungry.
"Let's go!"
Lin Yongming carried Blue Silver Emperor as they flew back to Thunder Rain Village, landing just outside the village after about an hour.
"The village is as peaceful and quiet as ever. It's so much more relaxing than the hustle and bustle of the Grand Spirit Arena," Blue Silver Emperor remarked, taking in the serene atmosphere.
"Yeah, even though Suotuo City is lively, I prefer the tranquility here," Lin Yongming agreed.
"Let's go. It's time to go home," Lin Yongming said, stepping through the village's stone gate.
Once inside, they were greeted by familiar faces.
"Oh! Xiao Ming, Blue Silver Spirit Master, you're back!"
"Yes, Uncle Li. Have you had dinner yet?" Lin Yongming replied.
"Not yet. I was just about to start cooking. Why don't you come over?" Uncle Li offered warmly.
"Maybe another time, Uncle Li. I just got back," Lin Yongming said with a smile.
"Alright, another time then."
As they walked through the village, many villagers greeted them warmly, and Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor responded with equal warmth.
Finally, they arrived at the familiar courtyard. Everything was just as they had left it. Lin Yongming felt a lump in his throat as he called out,
"Mom, I'm home!"
Hearing the voice she had longed for, Ying Lan dropped the fire tongs she was holding and rushed out.
"Ming'er!" she cried, embracing her son tightly.
Lin Yongming hugged her back, savoring the warmth of his mother's love.
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