Lu Yuan lifted his foot and stepped through the vermilion gates of Nebula Manor, his whole body still carrying a trace of the crisp, clear air from his tempering in the Star Realm. He was travel-worn, yet it could not hide the warmth in his eyes.
The next second, the gentle conversation in the courtyard came to an abrupt stop. The women's gazes all shot toward him in unison, filled with longing and joy, instantly fixing on him.
Xia Qingyin held the soft, delicate infant in her arms, standing gracefully beside the stone table in the courtyard, her fingertips lightly patting the child's back.
She lifted her eyes and saw Lu Yuan. Her originally gentle brows and eyes instantly rippled open with a smile, the corners of her lips slowly rising. Her eyes brimmed with the warmth of reunion after a long parting as she nodded lightly, her expression full of tenderness and quiet peace.
Beside her, Jiang Xuanran was also holding a child in her arms. Her figure was light and graceful, her brows and eyes gentle. Her gaze fell on Lu Yuan, and a faint smile curved her lips, her eyes soft and lingering, filled with ease.
Not far away, Ye Qingyue slowly walked out from beneath the corridor. Her lower abdomen was already slightly raised, outlining a soft curve, and there was now a little more maternal gentleness around her.
She raised her eyes and saw Lu Yuan's figure. Her originally calm eyes instantly lit up, her brows and eyes curving as she revealed a bright, radiant smile. The aloofness of the past had completely faded, leaving only delight.
And when Lu Yuan's gaze swept across everyone and landed on Celicia at the very back, his steps suddenly paused, and surprise surged into his eyes.
Celicia stood