The morning light had yet to fully dispel the thin mist lingering in the mountain valley, and crystal-clear dewdrops still hung on the tips of the grass blades.
The birds had already begun their morning chorus. This valley, embraced by mountains on all sides, felt like a secluded paradise forgotten by time, radiating peace and tranquility everywhere.
Three years had passed since that final battle that changed the fate of the continent.
The details of that battle were gradually fading in memory, leaving only a few vivid fragments: the thunderous collapse of the Demon King Castle amidst holy light and blazing fire, the sky-darkening demonic aura utterly dispelled by pure power, and the crisp shattering sound from deep within the soul when Qingmu unleashed the complete version of the “Soul Qi Technique” at the crucial moment — as clear as the cracking of spring ice.
Since then, all shackles had been broken, and fate had been reshaped. The five of them, like ships finally reaching harbor after weathering a storm, found their eternal home in this mountain valley.
Morning
Qingmu awoke before the first crow of the rooster. He put on his outer robe and tiptoed out of the bedroom, starting his busy day.
In the kitchen, the stove was already lit. He skillfully kneaded dough, preparing the sesame cakes everyone loved. The flour was traded from the small town at the foot of the mountain, and the sesame seeds had been harvested from the valley last autumn. These trivial farm chores had a special charm for him.
Outside the window, the little fox that Nongli had transformed into was napping under the peach tree, her nine tails fanned out like clouds. Occasionally, her ears would twitch, catching sounds from the kitchen. Ever since she had freed herself from the predicament of having her power constantly drained, her demon energy had become even purer, yet she now preferred these lazy postures.
When the first ray of sunlight crested the eastern ridge, Lin Qiyou had already finished a set of sword techniques by the pool. Her movements were smooth as flowing clouds, the sword light as fluid as moonlight, no longer carrying killing intent, but instead blending harmoniously with the surrounding mountains and waters. As she sheathed her sword, she glanced at the kitchen with its curling smoke, a faint smile flashing in her eyes.
Yueqi and Yuelan, the sisters, walked out of the house side by side. Yueqi took a deep breath of fresh air and started jogging around the valley—her way of staying in shape. Yuelan carried a bamboo basket, picking fresh vegetables in the garden to prepare side dishes for breakfast.
“Sesame cakes today.” Qingmu walked out of the kitchen carrying the freshly baked cakes, their aroma instantly filling the courtyard.
Nongli instantly transformed back into her human form, dashing to the table first: “I want three!”
Lin Qiyou walked over quietly and sat down. Yueqi returned from her morning exercise, fine beads of sweat on her brow. Yuelan placed the washed vegetables on the table and poured floral tea for everyone.
The five of them sat around the wooden table, sharing a simple breakfast in the morning light. The sesame cakes were crisp on the outside and tender within, the vegetables fresh and sweet, the floral tea fragrant and lingering. Such ordinary daily life was, for them, the most precious happiness.
—
Afternoon
After breakfast, the valley gradually became lively.
Nongli pestered Qingmu to go mushroom picking on the back mountain: “I saw lots of porcini mushrooms growing in the pine forest yesterday! If we don’t go soon, the squirrels will eat them all!”
Qingmu let himself be pulled by the sleeve, smiling helplessly: “Alright, alright, let’s go. Remember to bring the bamboo basket.”
Lin Qiyou sat by the study window, reading an ancient tome. It was one she had salvaged from the ruins of the Demon King Castle, recording the lost history of this world. Sunlight streamed through the lattice, casting gentle shadows on her focused profile.
Yueqi was in the training ground instructing Yuelan in swordsmanship. The sisters’ figures interwove in the sunlight, their swords glinting.
“Raise your wrist a bit higher.” Yueqi gently supported her sister’s hand. “Yes, just like that.”
Yuelan earnestly adjusted her stance, holy light flowing along the blade: “Sister, is this right?”
“Very good.” Yueqi showed a gratified smile.
In the pine forest behind the mountain, Qingmu and Nongli searched for mushrooms.
“Look! I told you there would be lots here!” Nongli exclaimed excitedly, pointing at a patch of brown caps.
Qingmu squatted down, carefully picking them: “These really are top-quality porcini. We can stew them in soup tonight.”
Nongli changed back into her fox form, rolling joyfully among the pine needles: “Let’s roast some too! Sprinkle your special spices!”
Seeing her childlike antics, Qingmu couldn’t help but laugh. Who would have thought that this once awe-inspiring Demon King’s greatest joy now lay in searching for delicious food?
—
Dusk
In the afternoon, each of the five enjoyed their leisure in their own way.
Qingmu was in the study, sorting his notes on the “Qi Technique.” The complete version held endless mysteries, and he gained new insights every day. Shadows of bamboo outside the window swayed gently across the paper in the wind.
Nongli, back in her fox form, curled up at Qingmu’s feet, napping. Her nine tails flicked now and then, like a flowing flame.
Lin Qiyou played the zither in the courtyard. The clear notes intertwined with the mountain breeze and birdsong. This had been her elegant hobby since her days in the world of xianxia, and now she could finally enjoy it in peace.
Yueqi tended the herb garden, transforming her Hero’s Power into life force to nourish the plants, which grew especially lush. Yuelan helped by her side, the sisters chatting softly, laughter drifting now and then.
At sunset, the five gathered in the pavilion by the stream.
Qingmu brewed a pot of fresh tea, its aroma delicate. Nongli couldn’t wait to report on today’s haul: “We picked lots of mushrooms, and wild berries! Tonight, I want grilled mushrooms!”
Lin Qiyou put down her book: “The bamboo shoots on the back mountain should be ready too. We can check tomorrow.”
Yueqi wiped sweat from her brow: “The honeysuckle in the herb garden is blooming. We can pick some to make tea.”
Yuelan smiled as she refilled everyone’s cup: “I tried making a new flower cake today. I’ll let everyone try it later.”
As dusk deepened, the distant mountains turned indigo. The stream murmured, and the evening breeze was refreshing. The five of them simply sat together, enjoying this tranquil moment.
—
Night
Dinner was especially lavish: chicken soup with mushrooms, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, grilled wild mushrooms, flower cakes made by Yuelan, and Qingmu’s special fruit wine.
Nongli ate with the most gusto, her cheeks stuffed full: “These grilled mushrooms are amazing! I want to pick more tomorrow!”
Lin Qiyou savored the flower cake, nodding in praise: “Sweet but not cloying, with a delicate texture.”
Yueqi picked up a piece of chicken for her sister: “Eat more, you worked hard at sword practice today.”
Yuelan’s cheeks flushed: “Thank you, sister.”
After the meal, the five cooled off in the courtyard. The night sky was filled with stars, like a black silk drape studded with diamonds.
“Look, a shooting star.” Lin Qiyou spoke softly.
Everyone looked up, just in time to see a streak of silver flash across the sky.
Nongli quickly made a wish: “I hope there’s delicious food every day!”
Everyone laughed. Yueqi gazed at the stars, sighing with emotion: “Remember that battle at the Demon King Castle? Back then, the sky was stained purple by demonic aura.”
Qingmu nodded: “But now, the night sky is beautiful.”
Yuelan softly said: “It’s all been worth it.”
Yes, it was all worth it. For this peaceful starlit sky, for this moment together, all the hardships of the past now seemed insignificant.
As night deepened, silence returned to the valley.
Qingmu checked the doors and windows, and cast a last glance over the sleeping valley. Moonlight, like water, gently draped over this pure land.
Here, there were no shackles of fate, no predetermined path. All that remained were five souls, freely accompanying each other, and the simple happiness of day following night.
Once, they were the Hero, the Saint, the Demon King, the Sword Immortal, and the Traveler. At last, they had found the resting place of their hearts here. From now on, each day would be a brand-new beginning.