By now, Wen Qingfei had matured considerably and understood the painstaking care Wen Shilong had shown as a parent. Although father and daughter had once quarreled, ever since she had left home to brave the world alone, longing and gratitude had long outweighed resentment, and she had forgotten all those past unhappy moments.
What was more, Wen Qingfei had reached Earth Rank. Once she became an Earth Rank cultivator, she had transcended the mundane, and no one brought up forcing her into marriage again.
The clan elders would even have liked nothing better than for her to remain in the clan and never marry, or at most take a husband who would marry into their household.
Thus, when her father raised the old matter again, Wen Qingfei was surprised to discover that her heart could now remain entirely still, without so much as a ripple.
Earth Rank cultivators enjoyed tremendous privileges. Some of the more uninhibited female cultivators at that rank even dared openly keep a whole stable of male lovers, spending their days pursuing pleasure. Their private lives were no longer constrained by the morals and proprieties of ordinary mortals. They could be said to possess true freedom.
She could marry into another household or take a husband into her own as she pleased. No one could restrain her, and no one could control her. How much less could anyone interfere when she merely held someone in her heart, quietly nursing an unrequited love?
Nor would anyone drone into her ear about family traditions, womanly virtue, or the clan's reputation, much less trade her status as a daughter of the direct line for some advantage.
The pressure on Wen Shilong had eased as well. He cherished his daughter and respected her choices, so naturally they could get along harmoniously.