Chapter 62: Lasting Bonds
Fifty long and diligent years had quietly passed as Ye Caiqian carefully nurtured humanity's greatest institutions. The Library of Wisdom and the Research University stood tall as humanity's shining beacons of progress, knowledge, and innovation. After so many decades of tirelessly laying foundations for the human future, Ye Caiqian felt an undeniable longing—a deep, emotional yearning to return to his roots, to his family.
He knew clearly that despite his elevated divine status, he could not yet bring his loved ones with him to the Divine Realm. Mortal lifespans were limited, and although he could extend their lives somewhat, Ye Caiqian understood deeply the natural order of existence. He decided wholeheartedly to spend the remaining mortal years of his parents by their side.
Thus, on a peaceful morning with the soft golden glow of dawn bathing the City of Beginning, Ye Caiqian gently knocked upon the familiar door of his family home.
The door opened slowly, revealing the astonished yet delighted face of his mother, Ye Qiumei. Her eyes widened in surprise, joy quickly filling them with tears of happiness. "Caiqian! My son, you're back!"
Ye Caiqian smiled gently, stepping forward to embrace his mother warmly. "Mother, I've come home to stay with you and Father."
From within, his father, Ye Shentong, rose slowly, his aged yet robust form trembling slightly from emotion. He laughed joyfully, his hearty voice filling the room, "Good, good! Our Caiqian is finally home!"
That night, the family shared stories, laughter, and warmth by the comforting glow of the fireplace. Ye Caiqian's heart felt lighter than it had in decades, a profound contentment settling within him. Yet, the greatest surprise was still to come.
Several days later, Ye Caiqian's two elder brothers, Ye Xuan and Ye Rong, returned home unexpectedly, having heard their youngest brother had finally moved back home. Both brothers had been legendary adventurers for most of their lives, spending their time exploring unknown lands and encountering extraordinary experiences.
But what surprised the entire family was that both brothers returned not alone—but each with a spouse. Twin sisters, beautiful and graceful, stood beside the brothers, radiating shy yet warm smiles.
Ye Xuan laughed sheepishly, rubbing his neck, "Sorry for not telling anyone earlier. We met these wonderful sisters during our journey, and our bonds deepened along the way."
Ye Rong added cheerfully, "We married quietly during our travels. We wanted to surprise you, and it seems we succeeded."
Ye Qiumei and Ye Shentong, overwhelmed by joy, immediately embraced their new daughters-in-law, welcoming them warmly into the family. The house filled quickly with lively chatter, joyous laughter, and the warmth of new bonds forming.
After several days of enjoying warm family reunions, Ye Rong proposed an adventurous idea, "How about we all travel together? Visit different human cities, enjoy various cuisines, see diverse cultures and scenery—we should experience humanity's growth ourselves!"
Excitement surged through the family. Quickly agreeing, everyone prepared enthusiastically for the journey. In the days that followed, the Ye family visited thriving cities, peaceful towns, and scenic villages. They trekked through majestic mountain ranges, played joyously on sunlit beaches, sampled delicious regional cuisines, and immersed themselves in vibrant local traditions.
Every moment spent together became a treasured memory, deepening their family bond profoundly. For Ye Caiqian especially, these carefree moments held immense significance. Away from responsibilities, surrounded purely by family love, he felt utterly human again.
Yet time continued its relentless march forward, gently but firmly reminding them all of mortality's reality.
When they finally returned to their home in the City of Beginning, it became clear that Ye Shentong and Ye Qiumei's health had gradually deteriorated. Their once vibrant energy diminished, their steps becoming slow and careful. Both elders knew clearly their days were numbered, yet their hearts remained filled with contentment.
As time passed, their conditions grew weaker. Soon, both parents lay quietly in their beds, peacefully awaiting the end. Their sons gathered around them, hearts filled with bittersweet emotion, cherishing these final, precious moments.
Ye Caiqian, kneeling beside their bed, gently held his mother's frail hand. His heart trembled painfully, eyes moistening as emotions surged uncontrollably within him. Even after ascending to godhood, he now realized clearly how painfully mortal his heart remained.
Ye Qiumei, sensing her son's sadness, gently squeezed his hand, her eyes soft and filled with warmth. "My beloved Caiqian, please do not cry. You've given us such happiness, far beyond anything we could have imagined."
Ye Shentong smiled gently, his deep voice weak but filled with conviction, "My son, these last twenty years with you at our side, seeing our family so happy, have truly been the most fulfilling years of our lives—far more valuable to us than any glory or achievement."
Ye Caiqian's voice shook slightly, his throat tight with suppressed grief. "Mother, Father…I wish I could do more, I wish…I wish our time wasn't ending so soon."
Ye Qiumei's gaze softened further, tears gently rolling down her wrinkled cheeks. Her voice was gentle and calm, comforting him, "My dear, precious Caiqian, death is never truly an end. It is merely a new beginning, the natural rhythm of existence. We will be born anew somewhere else, our souls beginning another journey."
Ye Shentong nodded quietly, his expression filled with calm acceptance, "Yes, son. Life and death are intertwined cycles, each feeding into the other. You should not grieve but instead celebrate that we were fortunate enough to spend our last moments surrounded by those we love most."
Ye Qiumei smiled gently, reaching slowly to touch Caiqian's face tenderly, "Promise us, my son, you will continue to take good care of humanity. You carry immense responsibility now, and countless lives depend on you. Fulfill your divine destiny—become the compassionate, wise god who guides humanity toward true peace and prosperity."
Ye Shentong's voice resonated deeply, a final earnest request, "Caiqian, never lose your kindness and compassion. Be the god humanity deserves—the god who loves, guides, protects, and inspires. Be the God of Humanity."
Ye Caiqian's eyes finally overflowed with tears, streaming down his face. For the first time since his rebirth into this world, he felt the powerful, raw grief of impending loss.
Voice trembling, he vowed softly, "Father, Mother…I promise you, with everything that I am, I will always watch over humanity. I will guide them, protect them, cherish them, and ensure that humanity thrives eternally. I promise…I will become the God of Humanity you both envisioned."
Ye Qiumei smiled peacefully, satisfied and serene. Ye Shentong nodded gently, pride and love radiating from his eyes. Their expressions gradually relaxed, contented smiles lingering upon their peaceful faces as they quietly closed their eyes, their life forces gently leaving their mortal forms.
The room fell profoundly silent. Ye Caiqian knelt silently, tears flowing endlessly as grief overwhelmed him entirely. Yet, within his heart, an even stronger resolve gradually emerged—born from immense sorrow and infinite love.
He whispered gently, his words resonating with profound determination, "I will fulfill your wish. I promise you…Father, Mother…I shall be humanity's unwavering guardian, humanity's eternal light. I shall give everything I have, everything I am, to protect and nurture the civilization you loved so dearly."
As he spoke these words, a subtle yet powerful energy surged gently from Ye Caiqian's being, gently illuminating the room with a soft, golden radiance. It carried his profound promise into the very soul of humanity itself.
On that day, humanity felt a gentle, loving pulse in their hearts—Ye Caiqian's divine vow resonating deep within each soul, solidifying his eternal bond as their God of Humanity.
Outside, the world continued quietly, carrying within it the memories, hopes, love, and dreams of two parents who had raised the god who would shape humanity's destiny forevermore.
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