"Dad, I don't want to go!" Guan Lu said reluctantly in Guan Lie's study.
"No. What could you do if you stayed?" Guan Lie's expression darkened, and he said sternly, "You're already in the late stage of Bright Force and will soon break through to Dark Strength. But resources are scarce here in Yunyang. If you want to make a breakthrough, you need a bigger platform. Yunkong Martial Academy is one of the Federation's twelve major higher academies. Only there will you have more opportunities to grow!"
Guan Lu mumbled unhappily, "I don't want to go. What will you do after I leave?"
At her words, Guan Lie's expression faltered slightly. His wife had died ten years ago, leaving him to raise their two children alone. His son had grown up and left, and only his daughter remained by his side. Truthfully, he didn't want her to leave, either. He wanted her to stay with him.
But Guan Lu had good bones and talent. Keeping her by his side would be unfair to her. His expression softened, and he spoke gently. "Silly girl, your dad isn't old and infirm. I don't need you to take care of me!"
"Dad, I can't bear to leave you!" Guan Lu threw herself into Guan Lie's arms, tears welling in her eyes.
Guan Lie's eyes reddened, too. He gently patted her shoulder. "Go! Make your way in the world outside, and don't waste your talent. Ningjiang isn't far from here, just a few tens of thousands of miles. I'll come visit when I have time!"
"Dad, you're not allowed to lie!" Guan Lu immediately turned her tears into laughter, pulled away from Guan Lie's embrace, and wiped her eyes.
"You're a grown woman, and you still cry like a baby!" Guan Lie gently wiped