My Xianxia Harem Life-Chapter 404 Bumper

"What is it, Father?" Riley asked quietly, kneeling beside the old man’s bed.

He had long known that he possessed no powers in this fragile mortal body, yet his true form—far beyond this realm—could see all that unfolded here.

His divine sense drifted like an invisible mist through forests, rivers, and mountains, constantly watching over this small corner of the world.

It was the reason he hunted with such ease; no deer, boar, or fish ever escaped his awareness.

And it was the reason he had known, long before anyone else, that tonight would be Craig’s final night on earth.

Hak

Hak

Hak

Craig’s frail body shook with each cough.

Riley steadied him, lifting the cup to his lips and helping him sip slowly.

The dim firelight flickered across the old man’s sunken cheeks, casting long shadows on the walls of the little wooden house they had built together over the years.

After a while, Craig’s breathing eased.

His cloudy eyes searched Riley’s face, as though gathering the last scraps of courage he had left.

"Riley... my son..." he began, each word trembling. "I must tell you something. Something I should have said long ago."

Riley was silent, waiting.

"I am not your real father," Craig whispered. "I found you in a ruined village... a place burned and abandoned. You were barely breathing. I couldn’t leave you there. From that day on... I raised you as my own. But the truth—I needed you to hear it before I go. I don’t have much time left."

He coughed again, harsher this time, but froze when Riley’s calm voice interrupted him.

"I know, Father."

Craig blinked. Riley continued gently.

"I’ve known for years. The women in the village always tried to tell me. Especially when they kept offering their daughters to me." He let out a short, amused laugh.

Craig stared—and then burst into a genuine, warm laugh that shook his shoulders.

"Hahaha! Those mothers... as they should! You’re the best hunter this village has seen in my entire life, Riley."

Riley only gave a small smile, but there was affection behind it.

Craig reached out and took Riley’s wrist with surprising strength for someone at death’s door.

His fingers trembled, but his eyes remained steady.

"You’ve grown into a fine man. Strong. Reliable. Fearless. I couldn’t have asked for a better son... even if you were truly mine by blood."

Riley felt a weight rise in his chest.

"Father... you are my father," he said softly.

"Blood means nothing. You raised me. You taught me everything. I... I would not be who I am without you."

Craig’s eyes glistened. His grip tightened for a brief moment.

"I love you, my son," he whispered.

"I love you too, Father."

Silence settled gently between them, the kind that only exists between two people who understand each other deeply.

Craig’s gaze drifted upward then, becoming distant—soft.

"Maria..." he breathed, thinking of his wife, Riley’s adoptive mother. "My dear... I’ll be with you soon."

His breathing slowed.

The fire crackled softly in the quiet room.

Riley remained seated beside him, unmoving, listening to each weakening breath... until finally, Craig exhaled one last time.

A peaceful smile rested on his wrinkled face, the same tender smile he often wore while watching Riley return from hunting.

He looked content—as if the world had finally lifted its burdens from him.

Riley bowed his head.

"Rest well... Father," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

The night outside was calm.

The stars shimmered quietly above the house, as though keeping vigil for the man who had lived a long, humble, and loving life.

Craig passed away happy. And Riley, though solemn, felt no regret—only gratitude for the years they had shared.

***

Morning arrived slowly, the first rays of sunlight slipping through the shutters and warming the quiet house. But peace did not last long.

The moment the girls discovered Craig’s still body, their cries shattered the dawn.

"Nooooo... Master Craig!"

"It can’t be—no, please... no..."

"Wahhhh...!"

Sarah, Ivy, and Grace—each only fifteen but already carrying more hardship than most adults—sobbed uncontrollably.

Their small shoulders shook as they clung to one another, their tear-streaked faces crumpled with grief.

To them, Craig had been more than just a master—he was a guardian, a father figure, the one who fed them, sheltered them, and protected them when the world had abandoned them.

Riley stood beside them, the weight of responsibility and sorrow blending in his chest.

"Hush, girls," he said softly, placing a comforting hand on each of their backs.

Despite the heaviness in his voice, he kept himself steady for their sake.

"Father is in a better place now. He’s at peace."

The girls cried harder, but the words eased a bit of their fear.

By midday, word had spread across the village. People arrived at the house in groups—some carrying cloth, some bringing food, others simply coming to offer support.

Craig had been respected by everyone: a hard-working man, honest and humble, always raising his "strange but talented son" as best as he could.

Riley found himself surrounded by helping hands.

Farmers, hunters, elders, and even children joined in the preparations.

A few wept openly, recalling the times Craig had helped repair their fences, given them advice, or shared a drink at the tavern.

"He was a good man," old Tanner said, gripping Riley’s shoulder. "A rare one."

"He raised you well," another murmured. "You made him proud, boy."

Riley bowed his head politely, swallowing the ache in his chest.

The funeral was held a week later.

The villagers built a sturdy coffin, decorated with simple etchings of feathers, leaves, and the river that Craig had loved fishing in.

As the sun dipped behind the hills, they carried him to a peaceful spot under a tall oak tree—an oak Craig himself planted over thirty years ago.

Sarah, Ivy, and Grace sobbed through the entire ceremony.

Riley stood quietly, listening to the villagers’ blessings and memories.

When the final shovel of earth fell onto the grave, Riley closed his eyes.

Rest well, Father. I’ll carry your teachings with me.

When night came, the village dispersed, leaving Riley and the three girls alone at the grave.

They prayed silently until the wind grew cold, then returned home.

The house felt colder now. Quieter. Too empty.

Riley didn’t sleep that night.

***

The next morning, he gathered the girls in the main room.

The fire crackled faintly, offering warmth that felt out of place in the heavy silence.

"I’m leaving," Riley finally said. "And... I don’t think I’ll be coming back."

The girls froze. Their eyes widened, and in an instant, they were crying again.

"Young master, please take us with you!"

"We can’t stay here alone!"

"We’ll do anything—just don’t leave us behind!"

They rushed toward him, gripping his clothes, clinging to his arms as though he might vanish at any moment.

Riley sighed gently and stroked their heads.

"It’s going to be a harsh journey," he warned. "Long, dangerous. I don’t know where I’ll end up."

"We don’t care!" Sarah declared through tears.

"We’re used to hardships!" Ivy added.

"And we’ll serve the young master forever!" Grace said with unwavering devotion.

Riley paused.

He thought of Craig taking in children no one wanted. Giving them a home. A purpose.

If he left them... they would be right back where they started.

He couldn’t do that.

"...Alright," Riley said quietly. "Stay by my side, and I’ll protect you."

The girls cried again—but this time with relief, even joy.

They hugged him tightly, almost knocking him over as their emotions spilled out.

***

The following week was filled with preparations.

Riley sold everything—the tools he crafted over the years, the equipment he used in the forest, even the house Craig built with his bare hands.

Villagers came to bargain, but most overpaid intentionally, wanting to show their support.

"You’ve earned it, boy," a farmer said as he pressed extra coins into Riley’s palm.

"This is for your journey," the baker insisted, handing the girls three bags of sweetbread.

"Come back someday," children pleaded.

"Make your father proud," the elders said.

Every farewell made Riley’s heart weigh heavier.

By the end of the week, the house was empty.

Only the echo of footsteps remained in the rooms where Craig once laughed, snored, and told stories.

Riley stood at the doorway one last time, taking in the quiet interior.

"Goodbye, Father," he murmured. "It’s time."

With three travel packs slung over their shoulders, Sarah, Ivy, and Grace lined up behind him, ready to follow wherever he went.

And so, with the rising sun behind them and the unknown world ahead, Riley stepped forward.

The adventure he had waited for his entire life had finally begun.

What Riley did not expect was that, just as he finished packing the last of his belongings and prepared to take his final step out of the house, someone would come to visit him before he left.

It happened early in the morning, when the sky was painted in soft hues of pale gold and silver.

The girls were adjusting their travel packs, whispering excitedly about the journey ahead.

Riley was securing the strap of his bow when—

Knock.

Knock.

Knock.

The sudden sound echoed through the nearly empty house.

All four of them froze.

Riley frowned. By now, everyone in the village knew he was leaving.

They had already said their goodbyes—some with tears, others with blessings, many with hopeful words for his future.

He expected no more visitors, no more farewells.

So who could it be?

Riley stepped toward the door slowly, instincts sharpened by years of hunting.

The girls huddled together behind him, whispering softly.

"Who could it be at this hour?"

"Did someone forget to say goodbye?"

"Or maybe... someone came to stop him?"

Riley pulled open the door.

And there, standing in the early morning light, was a figure he had not expected to ever see again—certainly not today, and certainly not at the very moment he was about to leave the village forever.

The visitor’s presence alone shifted the air, sending a quiet ripple through the peaceful dawn.

Riley blinked, stunned.

"...You?" he whispered.