Setting Out Once More

"Where are the two seniors? Why is even the house gone?" Liu Xu looked at the empty clearing, asking in confusion.

Liu Anran patted her head and said with a smile, "Reclusive masters are all like this—one sees the dragon's head but never its tail."

"Is that so?" Liu Xu murmured. She quickly stopped dwelling on it, then excitedly grabbed Liu Anran's arm. "Dad, I can cultivate now."

Liu Anran and the Venerable both raised their brows at that.

"Really?" Liu Anran asked happily.

"Hehe~" Liu Xu grinned so widely her eyes vanished, nodding. "Of course it's true. I've already entered the ranks of cultivators."

As she spoke, she showed Liu Anran the spiritual power that had only just been born within her.

The instant Liu Anran saw that spiritual power, joy burst from his heart. He threw back his head and laughed. "Hahaha, my Xu'er can finally cultivate! My Xu'er can finally cultivate..."

Overcome with excitement, he scooped Liu Xu up, tossed her high into the air, caught her, then tossed her up again, repeating it several times.

Only when Liu Xu told him to stop did he finally suppress his excitement and come to a halt.

The Venerable watched the father and daughter with a faint smile, wisely refraining from interrupting them.

Once Liu Xu had steadied herself, she gazed at Liu Anran, tears welling in her eyes. Then she slowly said, "Dad, this time, I thought I'd never see you again!"

"What happened?" Liu Anran wiped away her tears and asked gently, "Didn't you gain the ability to cultivate? Why are you crying?"

Liu Xu sniffed and explained through choked sobs, "I thought I would grow old and die in there."

Liu Anran paused slightly, then immediately understood. She had been afraid her lifespan would run out.