The storm had passed, leaving the night eerily quiet. The air still crackled with lingering energy, the scent of burnt wood and scorched earth heavy beneath the calming breeze.

Ling Li cradled Chu Yan in her arms, his body limp, barely clinging to consciousness. His skin was pale, marred by fresh wounds, but his breathing, though shallow, was steady. Without hesitation, she lifted him, her movements fluid and effortless, and carried him back to their room. The tribulation had exhausted him, drained him of every ounce of strength, and now, he lay at the mercy of his own recovery.

At the same time, Shi Min, ever responsible as he is, stepped out of his quarters, his sharp gaze sweeping across the household. He had heard heaven's rage, had felt the oppressive force of the tribulation, and he knew that such a spectacle could not have passed without consequence. He moved swiftly, checking on everyone, ensuring that no harm had befallen their people.

When Shi Min finally made his way to his parent's room, he hesitated for only a moment before stepping inside.

His brows furrowed at the sight before him.

Ling Li was kneeling beside his stepfather, carefully stripping away the remnants of burned, tattered clothing. Her expression was unreadable, her hands precise, methodical. Though her movements were gentle, there was urgency in the way she worked, an unspoken worry clinging to the air around her.

Shi Min's voice was calm, but his concern was evident. "Is Pap's alright? The tribulation for the fifth level isn't usually that harsh. Why was it stronger tonight?"

Ling Li did not stop her work as she replied, her tone steady but laced with quiet frustration. "Because of your Pap's black magic."

Shi Min stiffened.

Of course. It made perfect sense. The heavens abhorred black magic and viewed it as an aberration, an unforgivable defiance against their sacred order. His stepfather had not merely faced a tribulation — he had faced 'divine punishment.'

Shi Min exhaled slowly, watching as Ling Li retrieved a small vial from her space ring. A single pill tumbled into her palm, its surface glistening under the soft glow of the lanterns. She parted Chu Yan's lips and placed the pill into his mouth, knowing that it would melt on contact, spreading its restorative properties throughout his body.

Ling Li sat back slightly, watching Four Eyes, waiting.

Shi Min crossed his arms. "Will he recover quickly?"

Ling Li sighed, brushing strands of damp hair from Chu Yan's forehead. "He'll live." Her voice softened, but there was still an edge to it. "But the heavens were harsher tonight than I expected. He won't wake soon."

Shi Min nodded, exhaling deeply. "Then I'll keep watch with you."

Ling Li didn't respond, but the quiet gratitude in her gaze was enough.

Ling Li's gaze softened as she looked at Shi Min, the warmth in her expression unmistakable. He had always carried himself with a quiet strength, a reliability that had only grown with time. His words — words of gratitude rather than burden — tugged at something deep within her.

Ling Li let out a quiet sigh, a smile playing on her lips. "Shi Min, you truly have grown into a fine man," she murmured, her voice laced with pride. "Your siblings are lucky to have you."

Shi Min shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "Of course. If I weren't here, who else would keep my four sisters in check?"

Ling Li chuckled, shaking her head. "I suppose that's true."

Ling Li's gaze lingered on Shi Min, her heart swelling with a mixture of pride and quiet guilt. Her son, her steadfast, responsible, ever-reliable despite being a middle child — had carried more weight than most children ever should. Ling Li knew that. She had seen it in the way he always stepped up and always looked after his siblings without question.

Ling Li let out a quiet sigh, her voice soft but laden with emotion. "Shi Min, thank you. You've always been responsible since you were young. I just hope you don't feel like I've thrown too much onto your shoulders." She hesitated before adding, "I never wanted you to bear more than you had to."

Shi Min blinked, then dramatically clutched his chest. "Oh, Mom, come on. What's with the drama? You're making me cry here," he teased, forcing his voice to tremble for effect.

Ling Li couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head. Typical Shi Min, always lighthearted, always quick to ease the mood. But beneath his playful demeanor, she knew he understood her concerns.

Then, Shi Min's expression softened. His teasing nature faded just enough to reveal something sincere beneath it. "Mom, on the contrary, we should be thanking you," he said firmly. "You single-handedly raised us while carrying the responsibilities of the entire Li family as the family head. We all saw it. We all knew how hard you worked for us."

Ling Li felt her throat tighten, a warmth settling in her chest.

Shi Min continued, his voice steady, unwavering. "Now that we're adults, we have to share in the burdens too. You don't have to carry everything alone anymore. And besides…" He glanced toward Chu Yan, who lay unconscious but alive, his breathing finally even. "We're happy that you have Pap's now by your side."

Ling Li inhaled sharply, willing away the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She had faced storms, fought battles, and endured tribulations, yet this moment, this simple acknowledgment, was enough to bring tears to her eyes.

Instead of speaking, she reached out and placed a firm hand on Shi Min's shoulder, squeezing it gently.

Shi Min grinned, sensing her unspoken gratitude. "That's right, Mom. No need to get all sentimental now."

Ling Li chuckled, shaking her head. "You really are impossible."

But her heart, for the first time in a long time, felt a little lighter.

Nevertheless, the weight of the evening lingered in her chest. Her gaze drifted toward Chu Yan, whose face remained eerily still in his unconscious state. Though the restoration pill would work its magic, it couldn't banish the unease in her heart. The heavens had been merciless tonight. She knew he was strong, but even strength had its limits.

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