The Road Was Their Own Choice

Lin Hao was bombarded with one question after another until his head began to spin. His handsome face flushed slightly, and he put on a stern expression. "You're just a kid. Why are you asking about this? Hurry back and go to sleep!"

"Hmph! If you won't tell me, then don't! So stingy!" Yun Zhixi made a face at him, then hummed an unknown little tune and skipped away like a happy butterfly.

Lin Hao watched her disappear into the night. He stood alone on the bamboo-lined path as the evening breeze stirred his white hair and robes. He looked up at the night sky, where stars were scattered everywhere, his heart full of tangled thoughts.

His parents would soon return home and reunite with their loved ones on Blue Star, which filled him with relief. The grand vision of the Two Realms Passage still lay a long road ahead, but at least he had taken the first step. The title of Sword Emperor had brought him supreme honor, but also a mountain of responsibility. And his feelings... Fang Yao's courage and resilience, Jiang Weiwei's gentleness and kindness, Su Xiaorui's liveliness and determination—all three had long been etched deeply into his life, impossible to let go of. He had passed the test with his parents today, but the road ahead was still long. How to find balance, how to protect them, how to let none of them down—these were questions he would have to keep pondering and facing.

Still, whatever happened, he was no longer alone. He had his parents' understanding, the three women standing united with him, the support of his elders and friends, and the great cause of the Human Race before him. He clenched his fist, his eyes growing firm and sharp once more.

He turned and