Read Longing to Return East on Xiaoxiang Academy ↗
The story follows Lu Zhao — she grew up in the Ming Cult of the Western Regions, wearing a longevity lock inscribed with “Long Life.” At nineteen she was ordered to enter Tong Pass, delivering messages, guiding the way, and saving people amid the chaos of war.
The story traces the past of her parents, Li Muqiu and He Yi, and her journey eastward along their old route in search of her origins and her own choices in life.
The central theme is: can an ordinary person avoid having her life decided for her by her sect, her family, and history?