We Pay Our Respects to the Sword Emperor!

Lin Tianxiao drew a deep breath. The stale, pent-up breath that had weighed on his chest for so many years finally seemed to leave him completely. The gloom and tension of a battle-hardened infiltrator eased from his brow, replaced by the steadying feeling of a burden lifted and a son at his side, even though the road ahead remained rough. He patted his son's broad shoulder, now strong enough to bear a mountain, and said in a low voice, "Hao'er, there's no time to lose. Let's return to the Sword Sect first and discuss things with Sect Master Duan Tian and the others. Then we'll decide what to do."

Ye Wan'er wiped away the last trace of tears from the corners of her eyes. They were still a little swollen, but her gaze had grown much clearer. She tidied her slightly disheveled hair and smiled warmly at her son, her expression full of pride and trust. "Mm. We'll listen to your dad—and to you, too."

Lin Hao nodded. He could feel the change in his parents' attitude—from their initial unease, guilt, and almost humble pleading, to now truly regarding him as someone with whom they could discuss matters as equals, someone who could share the burden and serve as the family's pillar and even its decision-maker. That shift made the last trace of unfamiliarity and distance in his heart, born of their long separation, quietly vanish like mist beneath the sun.

The three rose to their feet. Lin Tianxiao naturally moved to his wife's side, while Ye Wan'er kept her arm linked through Lin Hao's. For the first time, the family of three walked shoulder to shoulder toward the wooden door that separated the little courtyard from the outside world, truly reunited.

Lin Tianxiao reached out and pushed open the