Dad, Mom, You've... Been Through So Much

They hadn't abandoned him. They had chosen another way to protect him—one far more difficult and desperate. In the name of "disappearance" and "sacrifice," they had exiled themselves to the deepest reaches of darkness, all to win a glimmer of light, perhaps one they would never see, for the family they had left behind in the light.

After a long while, Lin Hao slowly opened his eyes and clasped his parents' hands. His grip was steady, carrying the strength and warmth unique to the young.

"I understand." His voice was quiet, yet unusually clear, as if the final knot in his heart had at last come undone. "Dad, Mom, you've... been through so much. Truly... so much."

This time, those three words—"been through so much"—were no longer simple consolation. They held all his understanding, his aching heart, and the respect he had been too late to give them for ten long years.

Ye Wan'er's tears welled up again. She shook her head hard. "It wasn't hard, it wasn't hard. Seeing you safe and sound means more than anything... Hao'er, you're the one who's... been through so much all alone..." Her heart ached for him all over again.

Lin Tianxiao drew a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "Hao'er, there's no point dwelling on the past. We've come back now. The Demon Emperor might not be able to keep our identities hidden for long, but at least we're safe for the moment. From here on..." He paused, looking at Lin Hao with pride and relief. "You've done very well—better than we ever imagined, a thousand, ten thousand times over. Sword Emperor of the Human Race... the Xuanyuan inheritance... Dad is proud of you."

Lin Hao shook his head. "It was just a fortunate coincidence. There's still a lot I