The return of Chu Mo and his group left countless people in shock. The initial reaction of nearly everyone who saw Chu Mo was to be speechless for a long time, only to then reveal an expression of boundless excitement.

"You're alive?"

"This is wonderful!"

"Young Master Chu has returned!"

"Young Master Chu is still alive!"

"Quick, report this to the emperor!"

"Hurry and notify Princess Qingyu and the consort!"

"Young Master Chu has returned alive!"

The news of Chu Mo's return quickly spread throughout the imperial city.

The Demon Lord looked at Chu Mo and said, "I didn't expect your reputation within the Imperial Clan to be so high."

Chu Mo gave a wry smile. "Perhaps it's because of those previous battles."

"No matter the reason, you are, after all, part of the Imperial Clan." Over the years, the Demon Lord's temperament had changed greatly. During battle, he remained as indomitable and domineering as ever, but in daily life, he had learned how to interact with others. His personality had become significantly more tempered. Words like these, he would never have said in the past.

The Drifting Empress and others looked around the imperial city with curiosity.

This ancient imperial city, bearing the weight of countless ages, was steeped in history. Its profound legacy stunned anyone who set foot here for the first time.

Soon, Ji Qi arrived, bringing a large group of members from the Imperial Clan. Upon seeing Chu Mo, the usually composed Ji Qi also revealed a rare look of excitement. Taking a deep breath, he smiled faintly. "You're back!"

Chu Mo nodded. "I'm back!"

He then introduced everyone to one another.

Ji Qi's way of handling matters demonstrated a typical royal demeanor—impeccable and courteous, ensuring no one felt uncomfortable.

Qi Xiaoyu and Shui Yiyi, who stood by Chu Mo's side, were also exceptionally polite.

Ji Qi then led Chu Mo and his group into a luxurious complex of palaces within the imperial city. Turning around, he smiled at Chu Mo and said, "Aunt and Uncle thought you had met with misfortune and led troops to attack the Zhong Family. Just before your return, I received a battle report: the Zhong Family's Grand Elder, Zhong Caiyun, was gravely injured under the combined attack of the Patriarch of the Jiang Family and Old Vine, and fled in desperation, her whereabouts unknown. The Zhong Family and their allies are on the verge of collapse under our assaults. Once I relay the news of your survival to Aunt and Uncle, I'm sure they, along with everyone else, will be overjoyed!"

Chu Mo looked at Ji Qi and said, "Thank you!"

Ji Qi shook his head, "We're brothers. There's no need for thanks. By the way, there's one more matter..." He looked at Chu Mo with some profound meaning and said, "Ji Sheng, upon hearing that you had fallen in the Heavenly Realm Sea, clamored to go save you. We stopped him, and after that, he went to the battlefield. I'm not defending him, but this time, he's matured."

Chu Mo fell silent for a moment before saying, "The past is long forgotten."

"That's good. Regardless of past misunderstandings, we are brothers in the end." Ji Sheng reached out to pat Chu Mo's shoulder but then suddenly laughed and said, "My brother's shoulders nowadays are not something just anyone can pat!"

Chu Mo smiled faintly, not minding Ji Qi's gesture of goodwill. In fact, as Ji Qi had said, no matter what had happened, they were brothers at heart—close maternal cousins at that!

Ji Sheng's reaction, upon hearing of Chu Mo's presumed death, demonstrated that he truly regarded Chu Mo as one of his own and had matured in the process.

Ji Qi continued, "For now, stay here and rest for a while. Aunt and Uncle will return soon. Also, I've sent people to the Trial Field to secretly protect your close friends and family."

Chu Mo looked at Ji Qi with gratitude. "Thank you!"

Ji Qi smiled, "As I said, we're brothers—no need for thanks!" He then instructed the servants to settle everyone in before excusing himself, promising to personally oversee the arrangements for dinner.

As the imperial heir, with the emperor no longer deeply involved in governance, Ji Qi had many responsibilities to handle. His personal presence to greet Chu Mo was already a significant gesture.

The news of Chu Mo's survival quickly reached the frontlines. Ji Qingyu was overjoyed, her eyes filled with tears, while Chu Tianji's eyes reddened. Though both had believed their son wouldn't die, they hadn't expected him to return so soon.

Zi Dao and Liu Yunfeng, upon hearing the news, were ecstatic.

The entire Imperial Army was heartened by the announcement. However, in their battle against the Zhong Family, they showed no mercy whatsoever.

In wars of this magnitude, there was no room for leniency. The Zhong Family had to be utterly crushed—they wouldn't return without achieving that.

Half a month later, the Zhong Family was defeated. The Imperial Army returned victorious!

Reunited with family, the joy was indescribable. Ji Qingyu held onto Chu Mo, refusing to let go for a long time, crying as she apologized to her son. She lamented her failure to persevere in finding him. As for Qi Xiaoyu and Shui Yiyi, her two daughters-in-law, Ji Qingyu was utterly smitten with them.

She expressed deep gratitude to the Demon Lord, the Drifting Empress, Chu Qing, Purple Smoke, and Hongyue. She candidly admitted that, as a mother, she had failed to meet her responsibilities.

Ji Qingyu and Chu Tianji truly felt remorse. They hadn't expected that even when they had given up, this group had persevered, traveling north to find Chu Mo.

After learning about what had transpired at the Heavenly Realm Sea, the group was moved once again, shocked by the twists and turns of the journey.

"Who could've imagined the Kun Fish Great Saint was still alive? This is truly good news. If the Seven Great Saints reunite, their power will be terrifying! Throughout the vast Luotian Universe, few cultivators exist who can challenge the giants like they can. Their presence will make the giants wary," Ji Qingyu remarked.

Chu Mo agreed with this sentiment, having witnessed the combat strength of the Monkey and Kun Fish Great Saints in person. Even if he sacrificed all his cultivation power, Chu Mo couldn't guarantee how long he'd last against the Monkey. Against the Kun Fish Great Saint, perhaps he had a slightly better chance, but victory was far from certain.

The combat strength of the Seven Great Saints was undoubtedly the pinnacle below that of the giants!

"Mother, I want to hold a wedding for Xiaoyu and Yiyi," Chu Mo said, after days of deliberation.

Ji Qingyu was momentarily stunned, then slapped her forehead in regret. "I realize now how inadequate I've been as a mother! Such an event required you to bring it up—what a failing on my part. It's my fault, entirely my fault! I'll go make preparations right away!"

Saying this, Ji Qingyu dashed off in a fiery rush.

Chu Mo and Chu Tianji stood there, dumbfounded. After a long while, Chu Tianji muttered softly, "Forgive your mother. That's just who she is—wise in big things but muddle-headed in small matters. Besides… I owe your mother a wedding too."

Seeing his father's look of regret, Chu Mo suggested, "Then let's hold one together!"

"What? Together?" Chu Tianji stared blankly at his son.

"A wedding—together!" Chu Mo said with a smile.

"What nonsense is this? Who does such a thing?" Chu Tianji flatly refused, but a hint of interest flashed in his eyes. Deep down, he also harbored some guilt toward his wife. For cultivators, forming a Daoist couple required only mutual affection, but a grand wedding would bring unparalleled joy.

"What's wrong with it?" Chu Mo gave his father a knowing look and said with a grin, "Don't you want to give Mother a surprise?"

"A surprise?" Chu Tianji furrowed his brow, as if moved by the idea.

"Yes—leave it to me!" Chu Mo promised confidently, patting his chest. He was certain that the emperor, Ji Qi, and the entire Imperial Clan would support him in this endeavor.

In the days to come, the Imperial Clan secretly dispatched many cultivators to the Yanhuang Domain via the Trial Field. They brought many of Chu Mo's associates to the Luotian Imperial City. Naturally, all of this was carried out in absolute secrecy—even Chu Tianji, who was preparing a surprise for his wife, was unaware!

Chu Mo wanted not only to surprise his mother on behalf of his father, but also… to give his father a surprise in return!

Thus, all the friends and family from the Yanhuang Domain were settled in a secluded and serene, yet luxurious, corner of the Luotian Imperial City.

Only Chu Mo himself sneaked over to take a look at the arrivals. Among them were also Shui Yiyi's family!

Surprises needed layers to be truly impactful!

Many thought Chu Mo lacked a romantic side or finesse with women, but in truth, he wasn't clueless—he simply hadn't had the right opportunity. Now, after so many years, countless things had changed, but Shui Yiyi's unwavering love for him remained. It was time to give her an answer.

This gathering of acquaintances also included Liu Yun. Upon meeting again, the unresolved issues of the past had long been let go. Liu Yun could now face Chu Mo with a calm heart and offer him her sincerest blessings.

Many familiar faces had arrived—practically everyone Chu Mo had ever known.

This was a truly grand gesture—something only the Luotian Imperial Clan could pull off. Just transporting so many people here without alerting anyone required an astronomical amount of resources and manpower.

Considering Chu Mo's contributions to the Imperial Clan, there wasn't a shred of opposition to his request within the clan's leadership.

The peripheral branches of the Imperial Clan, which had previously opposed the main line, had fled with their followers in fear of retribution after Chu Mo subdued the Ancient Nine Nether Clan in the southern war. This signaled their official split from the Luotian Imperial Clan.

The main bloodline now spoke with one unified voice.

The atmosphere was noticeably more tranquil.

When Chu Mo visited his friends and family, he saw every single one of them from the Mortal Realm gathered there!

Xu Fufu, Liu Meier, Chu Yan, Wang Dafa, Gao Dasha, the Nameless Eunuch, Mr. Tantai, Mr. Weichi, He Xu, Mr. Qi—the members of Piaomiao Palace, including Miao Yi Niang's fellow disciples—Shen Xingxue, Hua Xiaoya, Huang Hui… all of them were present before Chu Mo.

These were people he had parted with in the Yanhuang Domain. Meeting again here evoked unique emotions for them all.

Only here could they begin to grasp the vastness of this world and… the astonishing nature of Chu Mo's status and power!

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