Chapter 1: Retreat from the World

Phoenix City International Airport.

At this moment, the airport was not as crowded as it used to be. Instead, it felt rather empty. Among the sparse travelers, a man with a resolute face and an air of blood and steel supported another pallid man as they slowly exited the terminal.

"Five years. I never thought I’d be gone for five years. I wonder if she’s been well," Xiao Yu murmured, gazing at the city before him—a place both familiar and strange.

A gust of autumn wind brushed past, making Xiao Yu, already weak, break into a fit of coughing. A faint trace of blood colored his lips. Upon seeing this, Tai Sui hurriedly took a pill from his pocket and pressed it to Xiao Yu's lips. Only then did Xiao Yu find some relief.

Xiao Yu—an utterly ordinary name. Perhaps no one would recognize it, but mention the War King of Yanxia, and none would be ignorant of his fame. Standing by Xiao Yu was his companion, Tai Sui. To call him a companion was generous; he was, in fact, more like a subordinate.

Xiao Yu had been a boy from a simple family, but in his youth, he met the woman who changed his life—Ye Shihan.

The Ye family held great prestige in Phoenix City. Naturally, Ye Shihan’s kin looked down on Xiao Yu’s humble origins. Yet the two were deeply in love, and despite her family’s opposition, Ye Shihan secretly married Xiao Yu. The Ye family had no choice but to acknowledge him, on the sole condition that he become their son-in-law by marriage.

For Ye Shihan’s sake, Xiao Yu agreed to join her family. But as a live-in son-in-law, he had no status in the household. To win their approval, Xiao Yu left shortly after joining the family, enlisting in the army despite Ye Shihan’s pleas.

What he did not expect was to be gone for five long years.

In the military, Xiao Yu rose from a mere foot soldier to the revered War King of Yanxia, gathering around him the twelve Celestial Generals who now served under his command. Now, Xiao Yu was a man of overwhelming power, admired by thousands.

Over these five years, Xiao Yu and the Celestial Generals rescued Yanxia from countless dire crises. He had no regrets for his homeland or for those who had nurtured him. Yet deep in his heart, he bore a heavy guilt toward one person—his wife, Ye Shihan.

Outside the airport, a woman dressed in white, her long hair cascading down, stood with a weary beauty, eyes fixed intently on the exit. Her gaze was strange, mingling nerves and resentment. This was none other than Ye Shihan, Xiao Yu’s wife.

Five years had passed since she last saw Xiao Yu. The years had left her uncertain how to face him; his image had grown blurry in her mind.

"Xiao Yu, I hope you won’t let me down," Ye Shihan whispered.

Just then, Xiao Yu appeared before her, a gentle smile on his face. At first sight of him, Ye Shihan froze, then her gaze fell on his deathly pale face and her brows furrowed. "What happened to you?"

Seeing Xiao Yu in this state, Ye Shihan’s resentment ebbed, replaced by a pang of sorrow. After all, it was for her that Xiao Yu had gone to war, and now he had returned in such condition.

Xiao Yu smiled softly. "I’m fine. How have you been?"

But before the words had scarcely left his lips, a sharp slap landed on his face. Tai Sui, witnessing this, was astonished—it was the first time he’d seen their king struck by anyone. Yet, knowing the woman’s identity, he remained silent at Xiao Yu’s side.

"Five years! Do you know what I’ve endured these five years, you bastard!" As if venting all her pent-up grievances, Ye Shihan struck him again, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Shihan, believe me—I will make something of myself. Wait for me; I, Xiao Yu, will become someone you can be proud of!" The words he’d promised her before leaving echoed in her mind, as vivid as if spoken yesterday.

"Sister-in-law, my brother—" Tai Sui, seeing the woman he’d never met so distraught, wanted to explain, but Xiao Yu stopped him with a gesture.

Seeing Ye Shihan so heartbroken, Xiao Yu was at a loss for words. After a long moment, he simply opened his arms and held her tightly. "Shihan, I’m sorry. I know you’ve suffered these five years. But this time, I’m back for good. I won’t leave your side again."

Power and glory were now nothing but passing clouds in his eyes. All Xiao Yu wanted was to stay by Ye Shihan’s side, shielding her from the storms of life. He had no wish to speak of what he’d endured these past years.

Held in Xiao Yu’s arms, Ye Shihan’s sobs slowly faded. After a long while, she broke free, wiped her tears, and said quietly, "Let’s not talk about this now. Let’s go home."

She stepped forward to support Xiao Yu, leading him to the car parked by the roadside.

The three got into the car. Soon, Ye Shihan was driving them swiftly toward the Ye family estate.

They arrived before long.

Xiao Yu gazed at the familiar surroundings, his expression growing complicated. From the moment he’d joined the Ye family, he’d suffered endless humiliation, but he’d never uttered a single complaint. All he’d wanted was the approval of Ye Shihan’s father. In the end, it was this desperation that drove him to enlist.

The army had been his only chance. Though of common birth, Xiao Yu had loved martial arts since childhood. He believed that, with his abilities, he could make a name for himself in the military. Should he earn merit on behalf of Yanxia, not only Ye Shihan’s father, but the entire Ye family would see him in a new light.

"Well, if it isn’t my useless brother-in-law," a girl of seventeen or eighteen sneered as she looked at Xiao Yu.

As soon as she spoke, a wave of icy air swept through the room, making everyone shiver.

Xiao Yu, well acquainted with the Ye family’s ways, chose not to react. But Tai Sui, one of the Celestial Generals, saw things differently. To him, Xiao Yu was a godlike figure—how could such a man be insulted by mere mortals? The chill emanated from Tai Sui himself.

Sensing Tai Sui’s hostility, Xiao Yu gestured for him to stand down. Tai Sui reluctantly withdrew his murderous intent and stepped aside.

But the girl seemed oblivious, glancing at Xiao Yu’s bloodless face, exclaiming, "You look half-dead already. If you ask me, you’re just a burden—might as well give up the ghost."

"Xue Mei! Mind your words. Whatever you think, Xiao Yu is still your brother-in-law!" Ye Shihan, shocked by her sister’s rudeness, scolded her sharply.

Seeing that Ye Shihan was truly angry, the girl said no more, but shot Xiao Yu a glare before storming off into the villa.

Xiao Yu managed a bitter smile in Ye Shihan’s direction. Her expression, too, was conflicted. Without another word, she walked toward the inner hall, and, with Tai Sui’s support, Xiao Yu followed after her.