That Woman

That woman…

Thoughts raced through Zhou Xuan's mind at the mere mention of that woman. His elderly frame quivered slightly, laden with memories and emotions that he had long buried.

He knew all too well who Zhou Hao was referring to - the woman who had caused such turmoil in their lives. As her image flickered in his mind, his aura ignited with a mix of anger and pain.

Zhou Xuan had two sons, Zhou Yunhai and Zhou Hao. Zhou Yunhai, the eldest and Zhou Yuan's father, possessed exceptional talent and had the potential to join the esteemed Luminous Dawn Sect at the age of 15. 

However, a year before the selection trials, Zhou Yunhai departed to cultivate outside the Xue Empire and never returned. 

When he finally reappeared after a decade, he had reached the Spirit Ocean Realm, accompanied by a young woman.

Initially, Zhou Xuan was both shocked and furious with his son for forsaking his responsibilities and falling in love with an unknown woman. 

But as time passed, he witnessed the woman's gentle and caring nature, and his heart softened. Gradually, he accepted her into the family. She became pregnant and gave birth to Zhou Yuan, bringing a glimmer of joy to their lives.

However, their happiness was short-lived. The woman's demeanor underwent a drastic change, turning cold and distant. 

Suddenly, she vanished, abandoning her husband and son. Tragedy struck when Zhou Yunhai set out to find her and mysteriously perished while Zhou Yuan was still a toddler, leaving behind an irreplaceable void. His death was confirmed when his life pendant, left behind in the Zhou Clan, shattered into pieces.

Driven by grief and a need for answers, Zhou Xuan launched an extensive investigation into the woman's origins, only to be shocked by what he discovered. 

Despite knowing her whereabouts, circumstances prevented him from confronting her. Zhou Xuan's expression turned somber as he contemplated Zhou Yuan's mother. 

He had hoped to shield his grandson from her, as she had inflicted immense pain and suffering upon their family.

Her actions had left indelible scars, and Zhou Xuan was resolute in his determination to protect Zhou Yuan from any further harm. This was the reason he agreed to engage Zhou Yuan to Ling Jia, fearing that his grandson might repeat his father's mistakes. 

"It's best for Yuan'er not to meet his mother, Ah Hao," Zhou Xuan said, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and hatred. 

"We are not yet desperate enough, and she has already brought enough pain into our lives. Involving her may only give rise to more complications."

Zhou Hao nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting an unwavering determination to safeguard his nephew. "You are right, Father. Little Yuan is a member of our Zhou Clan, and he should have no connection with that woman."

Zhou Hao, too, harbored a deep resentment for that woman. He greatly admired his elder brother, particularly his unwavering determination to achieve his goals. 

Initially, he had refused to believe that his brother had perished, but as the years passed, he gradually came to accept the painful truth.

A gentle knock resonated through the room, interrupting the somber atmosphere. Zhou Xuan and Zhou Hao exchanged glances, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected visitor. "Come in," Zhou Xuan called out, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Grandfather,  father, it's me and Ah Yuan." Zhou Jing'er voice sounded. 

"Jing'er? Little Yuan has come back?" Zhou Hao was surprised and quickly opened the door revealing three young figures. 

Zhou Yuan's voice broke the silence, "Grandfather, Uncle, I'm back." His return was met with a warm smile from Zhou Hao and Zhou Xuan. 

"Little fellow, after not seeing you for a while, you've grown taller." Said Zhou Hao, who affectionately ruffled his white hair.

Then, turning to Qing'er, Zhou Hao spoke gently, "Qing'er, you can first leave. The patriarch and I need to speak with Jing'er and Little Yuan."

"Understood, 5th Elder," Qing'er replied before gracefully exiting the room.

Zhou Xuan chuckled lightly, "it's good that you're back. I've heard what happened in the capital." 

Zhou Yuan's face turned serious. "Grandfather, it was my fault. I failed to control the situation properly." 

Zhou Yuan didn't hesitate to bow his head towards Zhou Xuan. 

Zhou Xuan sighed. "This matter can't be blamed on you. You've already done well enough." Zhou Xuan didn't blame Zhou Yuan at all. 

No one could have predicted the sudden reaction that Qing Yue had upon meeting Zhou Yuan. Although it was slightly embarrassing, it did little to damage the Zhou Clan as a whole. 

This stunned both Zhou Hao and Zhou Jing'er as they still had no idea about the incident at the Capital. 

"What happened? " Zhou Jing'er asked. She was naturally curious, along the way she noticed that the members of the Zhou Clan had given Zhou Yuan nasty looks. 

She didn't understand initially but now it seems that everything was related to her cousin's visit to the Capital. 

Zhou Hao looked towards his nephew, also curious. Zhou Yuan raised his head and began to narrate about the encounter he had in the Capital.