The glow of the Star Gate faded before the main tent of the Heaven Dou Army. Lin Zhixia had barely steadied herself when she saw two familiar figures standing outside—Tang Hao was dressed in black, his posture still upright and imposing, though a few more traces of hardship had appeared at his temples. Ah Yin stood beside him, her skirt woven from Blue Silver Grass fluttering gently in the evening breeze, her features as warm and gentle as ever.
"Mother!" The emotions she had suppressed for so long burst through the instant she saw her family. Lin Zhixia rushed forward and threw herself fiercely into Ah Yin's arms, her voice carrying a barely perceptible choke. Ah Yin hurriedly stroked her back, slowly channeling life energy from her palm, her tone full of heartache. "Silly child, it's good that you're back. Why have you gotten so thin?"
Lin Zhixia nuzzled against Ah Yin's embrace, soaking in that long-lost warmth before slowly pulling away after a moment. She raised her hand and carefully traced Ah Yin's cheek, then looked toward Tang Hao. Her eyes gradually reddened, and crystalline tears finally rolled down her face. "Let your daughter have one more good look at you..." She did not dare linger, nor did she dare speak of the resolve in her heart, afraid that one more word would make her collapse. The moment her tears fell, she abruptly turned around. "Father, Mother, I still have important matters to attend to. I'll take my leave first."
Tang Hao frowned slightly and was just about to call out to stop her when Lin Zhixia had already gone several steps away. The Star Orbit Shadow Wing spread behind her, making it clear that she was rushing toward Jialing Pass. Ah Yin watched her hurriedly departing figure, an