Episode 5

In a forest darkened by the dense canopy that blocked out the sun's rays, a figure shot out from the woods like a bolt of lightning.

"This is truly incredible. The lightning element is terrifying. No wonder those who possess it are so arrogant," muttered a young man, Zhao Ling, as he sprinted towards the edge of the dark forest, propelled by his lightning element. His speed defied logic; every stride he took was marked by a flash of lightning.

Zhao Ling continued his lightning-fast dash for five hours until he finally reached the forest's edge.

"Ughh, I can finally see the sun again. I wonder why sunlight can't penetrate this forest, even a little," Zhao Ling mumbled, glancing back at the forest that had been his dwelling for the past few weeks.

"Well, it's none of my business. When I'm strong enough, I'll explore this forest and search for the Cold Bone Flame," Zhao Ling murmured before leaving for Wunzen City.

After about three hours, Zhao Ling arrived at the city gates. His altered appearance rendered him unrecognizable, but he didn't care. All he wanted was to enter the city and see his family.

Before heading home, Zhao Ling decided to stop by a restaurant to satisfy his hunger.

"Welcome to Flower Restaurant, young master. What would you like to order?" a friendly waiter greeted him.

"Just bring me your best dish," Zhao Ling replied, placing five gold coins on the table.

"Very well, young master. We'll have it ready shortly," the waiter said before leaving to prepare Zhao Ling's order.

Zhao Ling took a seat in a corner of the restaurant, hoping to enjoy his meal in peace.

"Hey, have you heard? The condition of Patriarch Zhao Lin's wife has worsened. I heard she fell ill after their son was reportedly killed in the dark forest," one of the patrons said, causing Zhao Ling to freeze in his seat. He knew exactly who they were talking about – his mother, or rather, the mother of the body he now inhabited.

"Yeah, it's true. Their third son was trash, yet they still cared for him. If I had a son like that, I would've kicked him out of the house," his companion chimed in. Zhao Ling clenched his fists, his anger simmering. He had to restrain himself for now; he couldn't risk revealing his true power yet.

After a short wait, Zhao Ling's food arrived. He ate ravenously, ignoring the stares from other patrons. He just wanted to finish his meal and return home to his ailing mother.

Half an hour later, Zhao Ling finished his meal and exited the restaurant. Without hesitation, he made his way to the Zhao Clan.

Fifteen minutes later, he reached the Zhao Clan's gates, only to be stopped by two guards.

"Excuse me, who are you, and what business do you have with the Zhao Clan?" one of the guards asked.

"Zhao Ling, and I'm here to see my mother," he stated coldly, bypassing the stunned guards without a second thought.

"T-T-Third Young Master?" one of the guards stammered, shocked. News of Zhao Ling's supposed death had spread throughout the city.

Zhao Ling sprinted towards his mother's residence. Upon arriving, he barged into the house and headed straight for his mother's room. The door was ajar, and inside he saw two men and two women – his family. Lying weakly on the bed was a woman, her body frail and thin.

Zhao Ling entered, startling the three figures beside the woman. He ignored their reactions and rushed to his mother's side, kneeling beside the bed and whispering,

"Mother, Ling'er is home." Tears streamed down his face.

"Third Brother/Ling'er?" his two older brothers and father exclaimed in unison. Zhao Ling didn't respond; he continued to gaze at his mother's gaunt face, gently caressing her cheek.

His touch roused Yun Li from her slumber. She weakly opened her eyes, her vision blurry. Through the haze, she recognized the young man before her, despite the changes in his appearance.

Realizing that the young man beside her was the son she had longed for, Yun Li struggled to sit up and embraced Zhao Ling, tears flowing freely.

"Sob... sob... Ling'er... My Ling'er is alive," she cried weakly. Zhao Ling hugged his mother tightly, a warmth spreading through his heart. It had been so long since he last felt a mother's embrace. For years, he had clung to vengeance, his heart consumed by hatred.

Yun Li held onto Zhao Ling for a long time, releasing all the pain and worry she had endured since his disappearance. Finally, she released him, and Zhao Bing, his elder brother, immediately pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Third Brother... sob... sob... You scared me! I was so worried!" Zhao Bing choked back sobs, unable to contain his emotions.

"I'm sorry, Brother Bing. I didn't mean to disappear like that, but there are things I can't explain right now," Zhao Ling said, understanding his family's concern. He couldn't reveal everything he had experienced – it would expose his true power, and he wasn't ready for that. He planned to unveil his full strength during the challenge match against Ye Hu in three years.

After a heartfelt reunion with his family, Zhao Ling excused himself to rest. Yun Li's condition improved slightly after Zhao Ling's return. She started eating again, and news of his homecoming spread like wildfire throughout the clan. Some rejoiced, while others remained indifferent. Those who remained indifferent were the same people who had always treated Zhao Ling poorly; to them, his life or death didn't matter.

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