The old man wasn’t loud, but the yearning in his voice attracted much attention as Xiang Ning and his sister jogged up to him. 

“Grandpa, why’re you here?” To be honest, Xiang Xiaoyu was delighted for Grandpa Director to be the first person they met upon returning to Marsh City. However, her brother was a little afraid of meeting Grandpa’s eyes because he felt like he was being dishonest. He could recover to his peak condition, but due to his own selfishness, had chosen to rest instead. No matter what, he felt apologetic, especially to the old man. 

Grandpa Director clutched tightly both of their hands as if the kids would dissolve into the wind at any time. 

The two children next to him giggled when they met Xiang Ning, “Brother Xiang Ning is a hero, brother Xiang Ning is a hero! I want to be like you when I grow up!” 

Xiang Ning still remembered the two children. It was the girl who had shyly asked him to marry her at the orphanage and the boy who wanted to be him. He stroked both their heads without a word, looking deep into their eyes and smiling as he said, “I believe you.” 

Intercity travel was expensive, so there weren’t many people at the station, but they still attracted attention. The emotional scene on the battlefield was still fresh in their minds. 

“Oh, so that’s why! Xiang Ning is back!” 

“Our children!’ 

“He suffered much for the city. I hope he can live a good life.” 

News of his return hadn’t spread, but many people already knew he no longer possessed cultivation abilities. There had been too many people watching the livestream after all, so any experienced person could guess. Thus, meeting him now wasn’t really a surprise. 

Although they were unrelated to him, he was still a boy from their city. The Son of Marsh City was what they called him these days, because he had no family. Some people wanted to help investigate, but they could never find any information on his parents. The people of Marsh City felt proud and took him as their son. 

These days, If you ever said anything bad about him, a gang of students would show up and have a ‘chat’ with you involving ‘twelve-step martial arts’ and ‘attacking your weaknesses’. It didn’t matter if it was among the people or in school, he held high status in the people’s eyes. 

The five of them walked out of the station. Many people received news of Xiang Ning’s return. Looking at the grown child, the adults wanted to say something, but in the end, settled for a round of applause. 

Xiang Ning looked at everyone. To be honest, he wasn’t used to treatment like this. He didn’t feel like he was that impressive; plus, he felt guilty. Even if he really was permanently disabled, at least he was still alive. What about those soldiers who died out there? He had personally witnessed the last shred of longing in their eyes before death, thinking of their families waiting at home. 

He didn’t smile. Holding Grandpa and the boy’s hand, they entered a small car. 

“Follow me home, the kids are waiting for you.” When Grandpa Director entered the vehicle, tears freely flowed from his eyes. He had watched Xiang Ning grow up and knew how much the child had suffered. Xiang Ning wasn’t exactly a loner as a child, but was gentle to everyone... though he never let anyone into his heart. Not until Xiang Xiaoyu had appeared. After that, he tried to let more people in. But still, it was too difficult for anyone to truly get close to him. 

When he saw Grandpa’s tears, Xiang Ning hesitated, then nodded. The orphanage wasn’t far from his house, after all. Now that he was back, it would be easy for him to join Dong Qianyi’s research from there, too. 

“Good, good, good.” How bright was the smile on Grandpa Director’s face when Xiang Ning agreed? It was indescribable. 

Xiang Xiaoyu had observed the gentleness her brother possessed when he talked to the children and Grandpa Director. He truly hadn’t had an opportunity to rest yet. Was this time finally his chance? She privately clenched her fist tight. She must become strong, as strong as her brother, and just like he did, she must protect him! 

Dong Qianyi didn’t leave with Xiang Ning, giving them space. 

As they passed through the familiar streets, Xiang Ning reminisced about his past struggles to survive. At the time, did he hate the city? Not exactly. He still remembered the exact location of the cracks in the brick path, and that the bakery opened at five-thirty every morning. At the time, he was always there for the first bao dumpling because the lady at the bakery said the first dumpling of the day was free. 

He was so naive back then. It was only after two whole years of eating the dumplings that he understood what they thoroughly meant, and what the city had given him. 

Then, he deeply loved the city. 

Xiang Ning got out of the car and stood before the orphanage, looking at the familiar yard. “Grandpa, did you do some renovations?” 

“Yeah, because of you, many kind souls donated to us. Just like when you first came, right?” he chuckled. 

Following the director into the yard, Xiang Ning saw many children standing with their hands behind their backs, brightly grinning. He laughed, “Why are you all so happy?” 

The moment he spoke, all the kids rushed out and hugged his legs, buzzing around him. Perhaps because of his weak body, he lost his balance and almost fell; he would have, in fact, save for his sister supporting him from behind. 

The teachers who saw him almost cried on the spot. Was this how weak he had become? They remembered how straight his back had been the last time he came, how proud he was. He could finally protect his family! But now he couldn’t even catch the kids properly… 

How did Xiang Ning feel? It felt real. Ever since he got the system, life had been a dream. Now, he had woken up from the dream and his feelings from before had returned. 

After he ate dinner in the yard and playing with the kids, Dong Qianyi sent his staff for him. He hadn’t fully recovered, after all. They took him away for a checkup, as well as for him to check on his bioweapon. 

The Devourer had shattered in battle, but its core was still there. Just like Xiang Ning, it was in a weak state. 

MC be bamboozling everyone rn