The aroma of food drifted over the dining table, and Andrew Han waited impatiently for quite a while.
Click.
A soft sound rang out.
Andrew Han instinctively turned his head. "Huh?"
He saw the precision smart lock on the security door turn left twice, then right three times. Its translucent, crystalline mechanism shimmered with colorful light, and with a clatter, the entire lock disengaged.
It was like a chain reaction of unraveling.
Or perhaps, just a completely natural scene.
The mechanism twisted, and the door was smoothly pulled open. This was the most advanced security technology from the Chenriver Empire, but in front of Miles Ning, it was like scrap metal—utterly useless.
That was simply the reality.
Once a living being evolves through cultivation to a sufficiently profound realm, they can easily surpass technology.
"Master?"
Andrew Han looked closely and frowned.
Standing at the doorway was Miles Ning, his posture straight as a mountain. His cloudy eyes hid a trace of gentleness, his clean black cloth shoes and slightly worn black leather jacket completing the look.
Sss.
Miles Ning took a drag of his cigarette.
His wrinkled, old face remained as cold as ever, his outfit dominated by deep black tones. Those drooping eyelids radiated a silent, heavy aura—at once calm and imposing.
Yet...
From a distance...
He looked like an ancient beast crouched in the sky, about to awaken and open its dim eyes.
No exaggeration—if a stranger were here, they’d probably tremble in fear, half scared to death. Even the casual aura Miles Ning released carried a heart-stopping intensity, as if a terrifying darkness had descended.
But in Andrew Han’s eyes, it was a long-missed, indescribably familiar feeling, and a warmth that never changed.
"Sigh."
"Master is still the same as ever."
As everyone knows, madmen have peculiar and wide-ranging ways of thinking.
Therefore...
Sitting on his plastic stool, Andrew Han was full of thoughts. Hoping Miles Ning would become gentle and amiable was a wild, impossible dream. It wouldn’t happen this life—maybe in the next!
"Grandpa Ning!"
Lucy Han stood up, complaining, "Why are you late again? Hurry in, my brother’s about to drool from waiting."
As she spoke, she turned her head, tugged Andrew Han’s arm, and shook it twice, her little chin raised in a show of pride. "See? My brother’s getting impatient. Good thing I kept persuading him!"
Andrew Han, still seated on his plastic stool: "..."
Heavens, have mercy!
Who’s drooling? Who’s impatient? Clearly, it’s you!
Obviously, little Lucy was craving the food too.
ᕙ(`▿´)ᕗ But she’d never admit it, not even under threat!
"Sorry."
For once, Miles Ning actually smiled, glanced at little Lucy, then at his disciple Andrew Han. "I’m a bit late."
With that,
His withered hand rested on the edge of the security door, a Zhonghua cigarette between his lips. Miles Ning took two deep drags.
Sss, sss—the tobacco burned away, the glowing ash drifted back and, in an instant, was obliterated by some mysterious force. No ash entered the room, no trace of smoke lingered. Miles Ning’s surroundings became fresh and clean, as if the smell had never existed.
A mighty power wielded with effortless grace.
It seemed ordinary, but was truly unfathomable. Andrew Han’s pupils contracted slightly. "This... this is..."
"Grandpa Ning!"
Lucy’s little face puffed up in annoyance. "Why are you still smoking at the door? My brother just said he’s not happy and he’s going to teach you a lesson!"
He’s not happy!
He’s going to teach you a lesson!
Lucy’s clear, bright voice echoed, as melodious as a lark, repeating the message two or three more times.
The whole world fell silent.
Only the aroma of food continued to rise.
The central air conditioning ceased its hum, birdsong and floral scents faded, even the distant sounds of traffic vanished. Andrew Han instinctively stood up, meeting those cold, cloudy, ancient eyes.
Their eyes met, both standing their ground, each shining like half a kingdom’s brilliance.
Even the spring sunlight through the clouds turned dim and colorless.
"Wait!"
Andrew Han slowly reached out his hand.
"It’s not me, I didn’t do it, don’t listen to Lucy’s nonsense!"
Right after, with a soft thud, Miles Ning casually closed the security door, stepped inside, and rubbed his hands expressionlessly.
Tick.
Tick.
The living room clock’s hands swung back and forth, making an extremely regular, faint sound.
As the old man walked, his deep black leather jacket smoothly floated off, soaring for over ten meters before landing perfectly on a wooden wall hook. Miles Ning then sat down with ease.
He completely ignored Andrew Han.
He simply lifted his head and offered a compliment.
"Xiao Meng’s cooking has improved again." Miles Ning cheerfully picked up his chopsticks. "Really good."
Pfft.
Dressed in home pajamas, Monica Zhang couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh.
"Eat up, Old Ning." Mother Chen Shu nudged the serving tray. "Don’t mind these kids causing trouble."
"Alright, alright."
Miles Ning looked around the table, doing his best to soften his cold gaze, resembling a kindly old neighbor.
Beside him,
Andrew Han took a deep breath, watching his master Miles Ning settle into the solid wood chair, then glanced down at his own little plastic stool.
"It’s just like always."
"Nothing’s changed."
He muttered twice under his breath, shook his head, and gazed at the steaming dishes on the table.
At this moment, the table was already full.
Exquisite, plump white rice, fragrant and flavorful squirrel fish, spicy tofu soup with a few pieces of kelp floating on top—even the finest gourmet meals in the universe couldn’t compare to the rich aroma of home-cooked food.
The taste of home.
Unmatched, destined to be unique!
Gulp.
Andrew Han was getting hungry. Unable to resist, he squeezed Monica Zhang’s left hand and turned to gaze at her. Sitting beside him, Monica smiled gently, and all complaints seemed to vanish in that instant.
Of course...
This was only a temporary illusion of happiness...
After being away from home for so long, even though Andrew Han brought back countless beauty treasures...
"Hmph."
Monica’s lips curled with anger and a cold smile as she fiercely squeezed Andrew’s palm. Even though her Harmonization-level life couldn’t harm a Palace-level being like him in the slightest...
But so what? Her beautiful eyes carried a hint of murder, her delicate face tense. "Andrew Han, you heartless jerk who abandoned your wife! I’ll strangle you!!"
???
Andrew Han was stunned, but facing his boss, he quickly put on a smile. "How would I dare? Never even thought about it. Calm down first."
"Pfft!"
Monica shot Andrew a glare.
"Give me a kiss (っ╹◡╹)ﾉ❀"
"Don’t touch me!"
"Okay."
As it turns out, Andrew Han’s survival instinct was strong. He sat up straight, then, at lightning speed, snuck a quick kiss.
...
Andrew Han returned home but didn’t rush to wander around.
Though so many years had passed, there were many people to meet, old friends to catch up with, and plenty of things to handle to protect Earth’s development.
"But."
"The Seventh Profound Gate is about to be completed—it’s a critical moment." Sitting above the clouds, Andrew Han breathed in vast power, as if a great sun was rising behind him.