I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

—

“Apologies for the strange words; truly, I am quite happy. Let us eat, everyone, and savor Yong’s culinary skills.” Lin Wei quickly adjusted her demeanor, smiling as she assured them she was fine.

Ye Yong sat beside her, serving her dishes, urging her to eat more.

Afterward, the atmosphere at dinner was warm and cheerful. Lin Wei could hardly recall the last time she had eaten so heartily; her appetite was satisfied, and her spirit was nourished, a dual delight.

Suddenly, she found herself wishing that Ye Yong would not return to Tianluo Sect so soon, hoping he could linger a while longer to keep her company. But as the thought arose, it was swiftly quashed. A great dragon ought to soar through the skies, not be bound and coiled upon the earth by her.

She reminded Ye Yong to be cautious upon his return to the sect, asking Qin Shiming and Liang Xiaorou to help look after him. She wanted to say more, but the words would stretch endlessly, so Lin Wei took her leave under the pretense of needing to enter seclusion for cultivation.

Lin Wei could have taken the Ye family’s airship to see Ye Yong off, but she chose not to, just as she had when Ye Yong first departed for Tianluo Sect; she preferred to retreat into solitude rather than shed tears before outsiders. No jesting—watching her son’s figure recede into the distance would truly unleash a torrent of emotions.

Qin Shiming envied the closeness between Ye Yong and Lin Wei, akin to her bond with Bu Yue… but never mind, that surely wasn’t her biological mother.

Liang Xiaorou had a good relationship with her own mother, so she felt little concern; at most, she planned to learn a few dishes to share with her family.

Hua Ningyan had remained in her room, too afraid to come out; she was quite intimidated by Lin Wei. Xia Shi Qi felt the same; otherwise, during meals, she would certainly be under the table making a ruckus, just shy of speaking human words, asking Ye Yong to prepare a bowl and chopsticks for her.

—

Returning to the sect was no trouble; as long as Ye Yong spoke, the elders would prepare everything, be it morning, noon, or night.

Liang Mengchao, the master of the Battle Axe Hall at Tianluo Sect, took the opportunity to accompany him back, while the remaining Liang family members stayed at the Ye and Qin households, discussing further matters following their alliance.

“Daughter, has Ye Yong done anything strange to you these past few days?” On the deck, Liang Mengchao quietly approached Liang Xiaorou.

“It’s you who should stop asking such odd questions, alright?” Liang Xiaorou shot him a glance.

“I’m just worried,” Liang Mengchao replied, having heard that Liang Xiaorou had not returned to the room arranged for her last night but had instead spent the night with Ye Yong. Though Qin Shiming had done the same, the three of them discussing sword techniques was the most likely scenario, yet one could never be too cautious.

“I can’t be bothered with you.” Liang Xiaorou huffed, walking to the front to feel the wind.

“Fine, I suppose that kid lacks the ability to play the field.” Liang Mengchao had intended to ask Qin Shiming as well but refrained, fearing it would only anger his daughter further.

More than ten hours passed without incident, and the Ye family airship smoothly arrived at the territory of Tianluo Sect.

—

Do you need help?

Although returning to the sect was a sudden decision, and he hadn’t informed anyone in advance, as the center of attention for the masses recently, the moment the Ye family’s spaceship took off, the surrounding elements immediately sensed it, and the news of Ye Yong’s return to the sect naturally spread like wildfire.

As soon as the spaceship landed, a group of young cultivators swarmed around. If they were holding support signs and shouting Ye Yong’s name, it would be no different from fans welcoming their idols on Earth.

Actually, Ye Yong couldn’t understand the purpose of the crowd gathering around. He could understand the female cultivators, as they always had a share in the commotion. But the male cultivators… their numbers had increased significantly compared to before. It was unlikely that they all came to apply for the position of Ye Yong’s lackeys.

The impact of the three families’ alliance had far exceeded his expectations.

A group of guards disembarked first, forming two rows, with Ye Yong walking in the middle, wearing a white robe, looking elegant and refined, with a calm expression, holding a white fox, resembling a transcendent immortal.

The Ye family elders walked behind, not too far away, as there were many people around, worried that some troublemakers might harm their Yong’er. Following them were Qin Shi Meng and the Ye family juniors.

“What are you all crowding around for? Do you want to come to my War Axe Hall for a one-day trial of cultivation?” Liang Meng Chao was the last to disembark, his tall stature and loud voice exuding an aura of dominance, scaring off many people.

The training at War Axe Hall was notorious for being arduous, and a one-day trial was not something ordinary cultivators could endure.

The Ye family elders escorted Ye Yong to the main gate, where several officials immediately came out to welcome him. This treatment wouldn’t be given to just anyone, as it not only showed respect to the Ye family but also reflected their high regard for Ye Yong.

After all, it was rare to see a genius like Ye Yong, who had achieved great things one after another in a short period. In the past decade or so on the Eastern Continent, there hadn’t been anyone like him. Those geniuses who could achieve great things, if they didn’t die prematurely, would inevitably become powerful cultivators, even saints. Such a precious talent couldn’t be treated lightly.

After bidding farewell to the elders, Ye Yong entered the sect and immediately took out his small magic carpet, bringing Wu Xue and the two wolves with him, flying directly to Hui Yin Peak.

He didn’t want to stay and be surrounded by the crowd.

Those young cultivators seemed to have no intention of surrounding him, instead blocking Ye Mao and Ye Gou, chatting with them and saying flattering words.

Ye Mao snorted, this young man was indeed loyal to Ye Yong, but that didn’t mean his personality had changed, still being as proud and aloof as before.

As for Ye Gou and the others, as members of a branch family, their status was slightly lower, but they were still part of the Ye family. Usually, people would try to get close to them, but today’s grand scene was a first, and they couldn’t help feeling excited and thrilled.

“Don’t get too full of yourselves.” Ye Mao glanced at Ye Gou and the others, transmitting his voice, “Do you really think you have a reputation of your own?”

Ye Gou and the others, of course, knew that these people were all here for Ye Yong, but who wouldn’t enjoy the feeling of being admired?

On the other hand, Qin Shi Meng and Liang Xiao Rou didn’t have anyone bothering them. One was notorious for being cold and distant, skilled at ignoring various attempts at flattery. The other had a violent temper that no one dared to provoke.

“Ye Shidi, you have finally returned!” Outside, he was not besieged, but within the Echoing Painting Hall, he could not escape the clamor.

His senior sisters had long awaited him at the mountain gate, offering him the warmest of welcomes.

Needless to say, Ye Yong knew well what would follow: a flurry of caring words, urging him to rest well, and then the feast would commence the next day.

Every three days a small feast, every five days a grand one; Ye Yong had grown accustomed to it. After all, any little event warranted a gathering.