Xiao Yan still stood outside that thatch cottage, quietly watching the breathtaking young girl diligently cultivate in the distance.
Though only a few minutes had passed in Xiao Yan's eyes, several years had clearly gone by for the girl. She had grown much taller, and her already pleasing features had become increasingly beautiful with age. Her face was gradually approaching the appearance Xiao Yan remembered. The setting sun's afterglow shone upon her profile, making her seem like a portrait of a beauty painted by the heavens, utterly intoxicating.
However, unlike the silver-white hair Xiao Yan remembered, the girl's long hair was still jet-black. A few sweat beads trickled down beside her forehead, revealing her unyielding heart.
At that moment, the wooden door of the thatch cottage opened. Xiao Yan glanced sideways and saw a beautiful woman slowly emerge, leaning against the doorframe.
After several years, the weakness on her face had noticeably lessened.
After stepping outside, the beautiful woman looked at her daughter cultivating with her eyes closed. She did not step forward to disturb her, merely leaning quietly against the doorframe as she stared at the girl's pretty face. Before long, she became lost in thought, sorrow filling her eyes.
Three years ago, after learning of her husband's death, the beautiful woman had once wanted to follow him into death. Yet she had ultimately forced herself to endure until now.
The beautiful woman knew clearly that although she was now nothing but a burden to the girl, she was also the girl's only emotional support. Before the girl could truly grow strong enough to stand on her own, she absolutely could not let go of life.
After an unknown amount of time, the girl finally finished cultivating. She slowly opened her eyes, her ruby-red pupils brimming with spirited vitality.