Phoenix Cry, nestled in her arms, seemed to sense Xun Er's dejection. She stretched out her little hand and gently patted her shoulder. "Mother, Father will come back, right?"
At her words, Xun Er's nose stung. Lowering her head, she pressed a soft kiss to Phoenix Cry's hair, her voice trembling slightly yet exceptionally firm. "He will. Your father will definitely return. We will cultivate well and wait for him to come find us."
Ahead, Gu Yao and Ling Quan led the Black Annihilation Army, guarding the unicorn at the center.
Gu Yao turned back to glance at Xun Er. In his usually icy eyes was a trace of complicated emotion that others would find hard to detect—he knew that the beauty before him had long since given her heart to another and had no room for anyone else, yet he still could not let go.
His Adam's apple bobbed, and in the end, he merely said in a deep voice, "Rest assured, Young Lady. With the Black Annihilation Army here, we will never let anyone harm you in the slightest."
With that, he withdrew his gaze and slightly raised the spear in his hand. The group picked up speed once more.
Meanwhile, in the valley behind the Inner Academy.
After watching them leave, Su Qian walked over to Xiao Yao's side, gently patted his shoulder, and comforted him softly. "Kid, don't be sad. With your talent, given time, you will surely become a powerhouse of this continent. When that day comes, you will be able to bring her back openly and honorably."
Xiao Yao smiled faintly. "Thank you for your concern, First Elder. I understand all of this."
He raised his hand and clenched it into a fist, his voice gaining a few more notes of grim determination. "The