“That night, the phenomenon of the Flower King’s soul reincarnating shocked the entire Xuanling Continent.
Upon receiving the news, I rushed immediately to the place where your mother’s body had been hidden and sheltered all those years ago…
But I was still a step too late! Your mother had been murdered…
Her soul was suppressed and scattered, and her heart-soul was taken by Huan Tian…
In my grief, I initially wanted to storm the Divine Realm at once, but then I remembered how your mother had protected you with her life twice—I couldn’t let anything happen to you…
So, I secretly arranged for people to follow and protect you. Only after finally shaking off the Divine Realm’s spies and sending you into Luoyun Mountain could I focus on mobilizing the demonic forces, hoping to rescue your mother.
But Huan Tian’s power is terrifyingly unfathomable. Every attempt I made to save her was thwarted by him!
Not only that, but recently, he seems to have cultivated some sinister technique, not only greatly enhancing his magic but even severing the bond between your master, the Twin Children of Heaven and Earth…
And just a short while ago…
Huan Tian’s people infiltrated the demonic clan and took Yun Sisi away…
With Huan Tian’s cultivation, the illusion spell I placed on Yun Sisi would never deceive him!
Once he realizes Yun Sisi is a decoy, he’ll quickly connect it to you…”
“So… Senior Brother Changxing didn’t come to the Flower-Wood Clan just to visit me and be a guest!
His real purpose was to protect me?” Yun Qingxue said, her tone complex.
“Yes.” Yun Ye nodded.
Yun Qingxue turned to look out the window. After a long silence, she murmured faintly, “I’m sorry…”
Now that she knew the whole story, she felt a deep sense of self-loathing…
She believed everything was because of her!
If her mother hadn’t sacrificed to protect her back then, her parents wouldn’t have been separated, and Ning Zi wouldn’t have died…
A thousand years later, if not for her, her mother wouldn’t have suffered again, and Dai Se wouldn’t have died…
Everyone had done their utmost to protect her, yet she had foolishly remained oblivious, unaware that she was a burden to them all!
“Qingxue… It’s my fault as a father, failing you and your mother…
I couldn’t protect you… couldn’t be there for your growth, and instead let you endure so much suffering…
Would you… forgive me… and call me ‘Father’?” Yun Ye’s face was twisted with pain and guilt.
Yun Qingxue turned to look at him, her expression complicated. Her lips trembled several times, but no sound came out.
“It’s alright… It’s alright… Don’t force yourself…” Yun Ye forced a smile, though his eyes couldn’t hide his obvious disappointment…
“Father!” Yun Qingxue suddenly knelt before Yun Ye, her eyes brimming with tears yet filled with determination. “Royal Father, your daughter will stand with you to rescue Mother!”
No one had expected Yun Qingxue’s sudden action, least of all Yun Ye, who stood frozen in shock.
For a moment, his heart was tangled with countless emotions—
Relief, guilt, joy, tenderness, regret…
All these feelings fermented in Yun Ye’s heart, finally condensing into three trembling, tearful words: “My good child!”
Yun Ye stepped forward to help Yun Qingxue up. After steadying himself, he said, “My good daughter! Royal Father knows you’re filial. But the greatest filial piety is for you to live well!”
“Royal Father, my mind is made up!” Yun Qingxue declared firmly. “If I stand by and watch my parents suffer without lifting a finger, how could I call myself your daughter? How could I lead as the ruler of the Xuanling Continent? What example would I set for my people? How could they ever submit to me?”
“Qingxue…! Huan Tian has gone mad! You are the only bloodline left between your mother and me…
Your safe survival is our greatest wish…
Your living is the best filial piety you can offer us!”
“Royal Father, today is a joyous occasion for our reunion.
Qingxue wishes to personally prepare a meal for you and those who have helped me. Would that be alright?” Yun Qingxue suddenly changed the subject.
“Of course!” Yun Ye had no choice but to follow her lead.
“Mo Su, make arrangements. Decorate the grand hall and bring out the finest wine of the Flower-Wood Clan! This sovereign will personally cook today!” Having received Yun Ye’s agreement, Yun Qingxue issued orders to Mo Su.
Mo Su had no choice but to comply and went out to make preparations.
Yun Qingxue smiled at the others. “Please wait for me in the grand hall.”
“Qingxue…” Mo Changxing frowned deeply, sensing something amiss.
“Senior Brother Changxing… You’ve all done so much for me. This meal is but a small token of my gratitude!” Yun Qingxue smiled sincerely.
Mo Changxing could only nod and, under Dai Se’s guidance, followed the others to the grand hall.
Time slipped by quietly. Yun Qingxue spent two full hours in the kitchen, finally preparing a lavish feast.
Under Dai Se’s direction, the Flower-Wood Clan’s maids brought the dishes to the table one by one in an orderly fashion.
Yun Qingxue changed into fresh attire and personally poured wine for everyone before raising her cup. “This first toast is my thanks for your protection and care all this time!” With that, she downed it in one go, and the others followed suit.
She then poured a second round and raised her cup again. “This second toast is to our swift victory over Huan Tian!”
Everyone drank once more.
Without pause, Yun Qingxue lifted a third cup. “This third toast is for the eternal peace and prosperity of us all!”
Again, they drank.
After three rounds, Yun Qingxue smiled. “Now, please enjoy the fruits of my labor!”
She picked up her chopsticks first, serving a portion to her newly acknowledged father, Yun Ye, and then to the Violet Song Sage.
The others ate quietly, each lost in their own thoughts, while Yun Qingxue watched them with clear eyes, occasionally serving them more dishes…
The meal progressed slowly. Only after another hour did they finally set down their chopsticks, the exquisite tableware now empty.
Yun Qingxue chuckled. “I must say, after not cooking for so long, I’ve grown a bit rusty…”
“It was delicious! The best meal I’ve ever had!” Yun Ye gazed at her with affectionate pride.
“Then Qingxue shall cook for Royal Father often from now on, alright?” she teased playfully.
“Good… good…” Yun Ye suddenly felt his head grow heavy.
Yun Qingxue stood, a faint blue light radiating from her body.
Instantly, everyone who had just eaten slumped into unconsciousness.
“Master!” Dai Se gasped, bewildered by Yun Qingxue’s actions.
“Dai Se, take care of them with A’Dai and Liu Li. I have some matters to attend to outside,” Yun Qingxue instructed calmly.
“Master…” Dai Se looked at her uneasily.
Yun Qingxue smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious. I only resorted to this because I knew they’d object.
Just look after them with A’Dai and Liu Li. I’ll explain everything when I return!”
With that, she strode out of the grand hall.
“Master!” Dai Se hurried after her. “Where are you going? This servant will accompany you!”
“Dai Se!” Yun Qingxue’s expression darkened. “If you refuse to follow my orders, then there’s no need for you to stay by my side!”
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