As he was led by his father to the Baek household, Yang-hui finally took notice of his situation.
"'Defying Fate, Returning Life, Fate's path has been changed. Restoring the Flow, Retracing the Path, Return, and carry out your will.'"
A mysterious voice had spoken to him right after defying time itself.
"The Defiance of fate has altered destiny's course; it must be corrected."
Was this some decree issued by the Celestial Realm or Heaven itself?
Yet, aside from the cryptic instruction to "return and pursue one's own desires," there were no further demands.
For now, Yang-hui had no way to understand the full extent of what had occurred.
And yet, a smile of pure joy crept across his face.
How it happened and why didn't matter.
"The one thing that's certain—I'm back in the past."
His muscles were underdeveloped, and his hands, small and delicate like ferns.
Yang-hui's body was so small and light that Baek Mu-ryang could carry him on his back while running at full speed.
When he joined the Baek family, he had been eight years old, meaning he had traveled back thirty whole years.
In other words, it was an opportunity.
A monumental opportunity.
Despite wandering the martial world for over a dozen years, he had never stumbled upon such a chance.
Only after dying did he receive such a grand opportunity.
"Thank you, Original Heavenly Sage, Elder of the Supreme!"
Or perhaps he should be thanking Buddha, since it felt similar to reincarnation.
Whoever had granted him this reversal of time, he would certainly go to a temple soon to offer a generous donation.
As these thoughts ran through his mind, Baek Mu-ryang sprinted along the road to Mujoo, specifically toward Akhyeon County, where the Baek family resided.
Though Akhyeon was not as prominent as Namchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province, it was still a large city home to dozens of martial sects, including the Baek family.
"We've arrived, Hui-ya. You can see the family estate up ahead."
There, in the center of Akhyeon County, was a large manor, old yet well-maintained.
The main gate was adorned with a plaque reading "Baek Family Clan" in four characters.
Unusually, it was crafted from sturdy black steelwood rather than ordinary timber and engraved with clouds numbering in the dozens, perhaps hundreds.
"Unique gate, isn't it? The founder of the clan carved it himself."
Yang-hui's gaze lingered, not because he found the gate unusual, but because he recalled the fate it would soon face.
"I know."
"Hm? Have you been here before?"
"How could I not? Hundreds of beggars owe their lives to the generosity of the Baek family. I am one of those fortunate souls."
This wasn't a lie; even before becoming an adopted son, Yang-hui had often come to the Baek household seeking food.
"Is that so? It seems our fates were intertwined even before now. Let us go inside, then."
There were no gatekeepers stationed outside. The Baek family was not so wealthy that they could afford to pay doorkeepers to stand idly by when no visitors were expected.
Baek Mu-ryang personally opened the door and stepped inside.
"My lady! Steward Han! We have returned!"
At his loud call, the doors of the main hall opened, and members of the household emerged.
There was Steward Han, Baek Mu-ryang's wife, two children, and about a dozen retainers.
These were all the members of the Baek family.
"Master, you have returned! Who is the child on your back?"
Baek Mu-ryang gave a slightly awkward smile.
He was about to announce something that, even as the family head, would likely spark some resistance.
Yet, Baek Mu-ryang had no intention of altering his decision, and with a hand resting on Yang-hui's shoulder, he answered.
"From today onward, this child will be my son. His name is Baek Yang-hui!"
The gathered retainers stared, wide-eyed, at the filthy, ragged child on Baek Mu-ryang's back.
Yang-hui, too, looked at each family member with a sense of nostalgia.
His mother, Jeong In-hwa. His younger brother Baek Heon-so and younger sister Baek Yeon-yeon. Steward Han Seok-eon, as well as the rest of the household.
After a moment, Han Seok-eon, who oversaw the family's internal and external affairs, stepped forward and addressed Baek Mu-ryang on behalf of the group.
"Master, may I confirm—you intend to adopt this child formally as your son?"
Baek Mu-ryang looked away briefly before answering.
"Indeed, Steward Han."
"... …"
A faintly troubled expression crossed Steward Han's face.
It was as though he were thinking, 'Once again, the head's compassion has led to an unusual decision.'
Of course, Steward Han respected Baek Mu-ryang deeply and upheld his authority.
Thus, he chose his words carefully.
"Master, if you are considering formal adoption, shouldn't you first consult with the Madam?"
Upon finishing his question, Steward Han looked over at the Baek family's matriarch, Baek Mu-ryang's wife, Jeong In-hwa.
Despite it being mid-summer, she wore thick clothes, suggesting poor health.
"The master… would have his reasons." Jeong In-hwa spoke, smiling even as she coughed.
There was an old saying, "A good wife follows her husband's wishes." Jeong In-hwa possessed a similar temperament to Baek Mu-ryang's.
"Madam! This isn't something to simply smile about!"
"How could I cry on a day that brings a new addition to our family, Steward Han?"
While Baek Mu-ryang's face brightened, Han's darkened further.
However, he couldn't let the matter go so easily.
As steward, it was his duty to uphold the family's laws and dignity.
Steward Han sighed, then saluted Baek Mu-ryang with clasped hands.
"As a descendant of the Han family, which has served as stewards to the Baek family for centuries, I must ask, Master: what is your reason for officially declaring this child as your son?"
"To nurture."
"I understand your intentions, but in addition to bringing him in as a ward, what justification is there for establishing him as a true heir?"
"The answer lies… in his eyes. They tell of a fate too forlorn for one so young."
Baek Mu-ryang responded, and Steward Han, speaking on behalf of the family, inquired further.
Yang-hui listened quietly to the exchange, observing each person.
"It's clear that I truly am in the past. Their unwillingness to welcome me as an adopted son remains unchanged."
It was natural, really. Baek Mu-ryang was not an ordinary man but the head of a family, albeit a minor one.
Furthermore, he already had a son, Baek Heon-so, and a daughter, Baek Yeon-yeon.
"In my previous life... I hid behind my father, hoping he would resolve everything on my behalf. For some time afterward, the household treated me with disdain."
This time, he wouldn't let things follow the same path.
With that thought, he boldly took a step forward, drawing attention to himself.
As all eyes fell upon him, Yang-hui respectfully clasped his hands and bowed.
"Old sayings tell us that introductions are the beginning of a connection. Please forgive my delay. I am one who has lived under the sky as my roof and the grass as my bed."
He then bowed again toward Baek Mu-ryang and continued.