"?" Su Hao froze, almost thinking he had misheard. "Where did you get that idea?"
"Quite a few junior sisters on Wan Guang Peak have children who've already started cultivating. They're so cute and clever. Even some senior sisters and martial aunts have grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
Now that Little Cai had said it, she relaxed somewhat, and her voice grew louder.
Su Hao fell silent. By careful count, he was now over a hundred and twenty years old.
Cultivators of this age, if they felt their potential had been exhausted, would often choose to spread branches and leaves, enjoying the warmth of family; or, once their strength reached a certain level and they dominated a region, they would establish a clan, selecting prodigies from among their descendants to further strengthen their power.
Yet ever since he had set foot on the path of cultivation—from cultivating the Joyful Zen Sacred Art to taking in the Twelve Heavenly Maidens—he had acted more out of circumstances and calculations of benefit.
Having children? He had never truly considered it.
"Come here." Su Hao beckoned.
"You agreed?" Little Cai walked over, her face full of anticipation.
Su Hao reached out and lightly pinched her smooth, tender cheek. "Don't let your imagination run wild. If you like children, adopt a few gifted infants. As for having children, I've never considered it. The Chiqing Realm looks peaceful, but powerful enemies surround us on all sides. Children would only become my weak spot."
"You have me sheltering you from wind and rain, so you're comparatively naive and unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface. But I hope you will cherish your talent and cultivate diligently, so that when I need help, you can step forward and help me."
His tone gradually turned solemn. Both hands rested on