In the Imperial Capital of the Great Yan Empire, Ziyun Pavilion.
After returning with Xu Qingxue and the others, Ling Qi temporarily brought them here. As soon as they landed, he put Xu Qiyue down and said, “Qiyue, wait outside.”
Then he pulled Xu Qingxue into the room and shut the door with a bang.
“You two…” Xu Qiyue pouted unhappily. “Do you really have something to say that even I can’t hear?”
“Let them talk alone,” Xiao Chan said as she gently rubbed Xu Qiyue’s head. “Your father… actually has many reasons you might not understand.”
Of course, Ling Qi didn’t have any real hardships. He simply hadn’t treated people as people back then. Now that he knew the truth, he wanted to make amends. As the one who had misled him, Xiao Chan naturally had to stand on his side and help clear his name.
Ling Qi wasn’t inherently a bad person. He only acted that way because she had deceived him. All the people he hurt, every sin he committed—she bore a share of the blame.
“Alright…” Xu Qiyue nodded obediently, then looked at Xiao Chan with wide eyes. “Sister, are your ears and tail real?”
“Of course. I’m a catgirl,” Xiao Chan smiled.
She crouched down. “Wanna touch them?”
“Yes!” Xu Qiyue beamed and reached out to gently touch Xiao Chan’s furry cat ears.
Xiao Chan’s ears twitched, making the little girl giggle. “So fun!”
“Sister, what’s your relationship with my daddy?” Xu Qiyue asked curiously.
“I’m his… little follower!” Xiao Chan grinned, then picked Xu Qiyue up and carried her away from the room so Ling Qi and Xu Qingxue could talk privately.
“Then you must know everything about him. Can you tell me?” Xu Qiyue asked excitedly.
“Of course,” Xiao Chan nodded and began to tell her about Ling Qi, praising him at every turn, shaping the image of a heroic father in the young girl’s mind.
…
Inside the room, once the door shut, Ling Qi pulled Xu Qingxue into his arms and held her tightly, not letting her move.
Xu Qingxue struggled. “Let go of me, you…”
“Don’t speak!” Ling Qi interrupted. “I know you want to yell at me, hit me, maybe even bite me. But let me finish first.”
After years apart, finally being alone together again—he knew her long-suppressed emotions would explode.
But he could explain.
Or… at least make excuses.
“What’s there to explain? You bastard!” Xu Qingxue’s eyes turned red.
Now that they were alone, even Xu Qiyue wasn’t present, she could finally vent. Her resentment toward Ling Qi, the longing, and all the grievances she had suffered over the years.
“I was a bastard, yes. I didn’t know you were pregnant at the time.” Ling Qi held her tightly and spoke softly. “I had my reasons.”
“That year, I had just returned from the Forbidden Demon Region. The monsters inside hadn’t been fully pacified yet.”
“I had to leave to fight off the demon race. I couldn’t let them break out of the Forbidden Demon Region.”
“If they did, it would be a disaster for the entire world.”
“This… even the Empress of the Great Yan Empire knows. You can ask her.”
Of course, that was all nonsense. But if Xu Qingxue asked Jiang Ling, Jiang Ling would cover for him.
“Then why didn’t you come find me all these years?” Xu Qingxue cried, her eyes swollen. “Six years! Do you know how Qiyue and I survived? Do you?!”
She had been alone when she learned she was pregnant. She had even thought about ending her life, but for the child in her belly, she endured.
She carried the child alone for ten months, and after giving birth to Xu Qiyue, she raised her alone.
She didn’t dare expose her identity, fearing the Snow Sect would find them and threaten the child’s safety.
Even during postpartum recovery, she would get up in the middle of the night to change clothes and clean up the child. She never slept well.
That kind of suffering—only someone who lived it could understand.
But every time she looked at her baby, she felt it was worth it. For her child, anything was worth it.
As Qiyue grew, she wandered the world with her while searching for Ling Qi. The roads they walked, the hardships they faced—only Xu Qingxue knew.
Even a child like Xu Qiyue could see her mother’s exhaustion.
“I know!” Ling Qi held her tightly, lowered his head until their foreheads touched, and said, “I’m sorry. You’ve suffered all these years.”
Hearing those words, tears streamed uncontrollably from Xu Qingxue’s eyes.
As a mother, she had always been forced to be strong. But how could she not long for support? How could she not want to give her child a father?
But she couldn’t.
Now that she had finally found Ling Qi again, the softness she had buried deep in her heart burst forth.
She had been just a naive girl.
From an innocent girl to a mother with no experience—it was a sudden, harsh transformation that would break most people. But she endured it.
Xu Qingxue raised her fists and pounded against Ling Qi’s chest. Her fists were weak and powerless, but she continued anyway.
Ling Qi simply held her and let her vent all those years of bottled-up emotions.
“I won’t forgive you!” Xu Qingxue choked. “These missing years… you can’t make up for them unless… unless Qiyue forgives you.”
Ling Qi smiled gently and continued to hold her. “So… was it you who told Qiyue to kill me?”
Xu Qingxue froze. “Of course not! How could I teach her something like that?”
Though she hated Ling Qi, she’d never go so far as to tell her daughter to kill her own father.
“Then she must’ve made that decision on her own,” Ling Qi said with a faint smile. “That girl… really is far more mature than her peers.”
Xu Qingxue looked down and noticed a bloodstain on Ling Qi’s chest.
Immediately, she reached out and tore open his robe, revealing two wounds.
One was old, surrounded by strange void-like patterns.
The other was new, shallow but still bleeding.
“This… what happened? Where did these wounds come from?” Xu Qingxue quickly held back her tears.
“This one—” Ling Qi pointed to the older wound, “—was from the Forbidden Demon Region. I’ve gotten used to it.”
“And the new one… that’s Qiyue’s doing!”
He chuckled. “She really did want to kill me when we met.”
If he’d acted even a bit forcefully back then, she might not have let him live. After all, she’d hated him for so many years.
“I…” Xu Qingxue was momentarily speechless.
She hadn’t expected her daughter to go that far.
After a moment, she took a deep breath. “You can’t blame Qiyue. After all these years… she has every right to hate you.”
“Of course I don’t blame her,” Ling Qi smiled.
Even if she stabbed him again, he would accept it without complaint.
“You’re… really okay?” Xu Qingxue gently touched his chest.
The wound from Qiyue wasn’t too serious and would heal after some rest. But the one from the Forbidden Demon Region… looked ominous.
“I’m fine,” Ling Qi said with a soft smile, pulling his robe closed. He didn’t want her to worry too much.
“From now on, you and Qiyue will live here in the Imperial Capital.”
He smiled again. “The Empress of the Great Yan Empire is actually Qiyue’s master.”
Xu Qingxue was surprised. In just a few months, the little girl had managed to find such a powerful teacher?
She really was lucky—heaven must be watching over her.
“What about you?” Xu Qingxue sniffled. “If you dare abandon us again, I won’t forgive you.”
“And don’t forget—I haven’t forgiven you yet! Hmph!”
Ling Qi laughed softly, raised his hand, and gently cupped her face. “Don’t worry. I’ll live here too.”
“By the way, I gave Qiyue her name on a whim. Now that you’re back, you should name her properly,” Xu Qingxue added.
“This one is fine. Ling Qiyue or Xu Qiyue—either way, it’s the same,” Ling Qi replied with a smile.
There was no need to change it.
“You’re still weak. I’ll take you to the imperial physician to get some medicine to help you recover,” Ling Qi said gently. “I’m sorry I didn’t protect you and Qiyue well.”
Everything she had become… it was all his fault.
He would never let anything happen to them again.
Xu Qingxue nodded and left the room with him.
Though she said she hadn’t forgiven him, the fact that he had returned and was willing to take responsibility as a father was already enough for her.
Whether she forgave him or not didn’t matter anymore…
…
Outside the room, Xiao Chan was chatting with Xu Qiyue.
She did her best to portray Ling Qi as a great hero, even explaining how he had prevented a massive disaster.
Xu Qiyue was surprised after hearing it.
“So Daddy wasn’t with me and Mommy because he was off saving the world?”
Her resentment disappeared instantly. In fact, she felt admiration.
Her father was the greatest hero in the world.
“Yeah… that’s right,” Xiao Chan laughed dryly and nodded. Since the little one thought that way, she let her believe it.
In a child’s heart, their father should always be a hero.
“Surprising, isn’t it? He really has a child?”
A voice interrupted.
Xiao Chan and Xu Qiyue looked up and saw Chu Xinyue approaching.
She had just learned that Ling Qi had a daughter—and that the Empress Jiang Ling had even accepted the girl as a disciple.
Seeing them return, she had come to take a look.
“Spirit Martial Realm, seventh stage? Not bad at all,” Chu Xinyue said as her beautiful eyes landed on Xu Qiyue.
She instantly saw through the girl’s cultivation.
To have such strength at her age—what monstrous talent.
As expected of Ling Qi’s daughter. No wonder Jiang Ling took her as a disciple.
“This sister is so pretty—just like Master,” Xu Qiyue said, her big eyes filled with admiration.
“Just like her?” Chu Xinyue smiled and walked up. “Only just like?”
“Mm…” The little girl thought for a moment, then nodded. “Just like!”
Although Chu Xinyue and Jiang Ling had different temperaments, their beauty was equally stunning. A child wouldn’t lie about that.
Chu Xinyue didn’t mind. She stepped forward, crouched down slightly, and asked, “Your name is Ling Qiyue?”
“Mm… yes,” the little girl nodded.
Since she had found her father, it was only natural to take his surname.
Xu Qiyue or Ling Qiyue—both were her names.
“Do you want… another master?” Chu Xinyue asked with a gentle smile on her beautiful face.
Who wouldn’t like such a clever little girl?
And she was Ling Qi’s daughter.
Since Jiang Ling had already accepted her as a disciple, then of course Chu Xinyue should take her in too.
Not only would it add another connection between her and Ling Qi, but a disciple like this would definitely become renowned in the future. Being her master would be an honor.
“Huh?” Xu Qiyue looked a little embarrassed.
Another master? Was that even allowed?
She already had a master. Wouldn’t taking another one be like betraying her sect or being disloyal?
“I… I’ll ask Master the Empress first?” she said cautiously.
“No need. Your master and I are good friends,” Chu Xinyue smiled as she rubbed the little girl’s head.
“Uhh…” Xu Qiyue was still uncertain whether to accept or not.
“You’re quite clever!” a voice sounded just then.
Ling Qi came out, holding Xu Qingxue’s hand.
Chu Xinyue stood up and said, “Even if I’m not as strong as you, I wouldn’t disgrace your precious daughter.”
“That’s true,” Ling Qi smiled, then walked over and picked up his daughter. “Qiyue, do you think this sister is beautiful?”
“Of course she is! Just like Master the Empress and like Mother!” the little one laughed.
“Then take her as your master. Having another teacher isn’t a bad thing,” Ling Qi said with a gentle smile.
Chu Xinyue was one of the strongest cultivators in the world. Since she sincerely wanted to take in Qiyue, letting her have another master was certainly a good thing.
“Alright then!” Qiyue nodded and said clearly, “Master!”
“Mm… such a good girl.” Chu Xinyue’s lovely face showed a satisfied smile.
She immediately handed her umbrella to Qiyue. “Since you’ve acknowledged me as your master, I must give you a gift. Take this sword.”
“This is a sword?” the little one took the paper umbrella and gave it a gentle pull.
Sure enough, a beautifully crafted slender sword slid out from within the handle.
“So pretty! Thank you, Master!” Xu Qiyue beamed with joy.
Now she had two weapons—one was the dagger from Master the Empress, and now this longsword from Master the Fairy.
“You’re really generous,” Ling Qi chuckled.
Giving away something so valuable showed how much she liked Qiyue.
“I can’t remain stagnant forever, can I?” Chu Xinyue laughed. “Can’t I, like you, go from having a sword… to no longer needing one?”
Ling Qi never used weapons. Everything in the world could be his weapon. That itself was a realm of cultivation.
Now, Chu Xinyue was also moving toward that realm.
The Nine Dragons Sword Technique she had been cultivating didn’t rely on swords but on sword intent.
Her gaze then turned to Xu Qingxue. With a slight smile, she asked Ling Qi, “So… do you still think everyone in this world is a NPC?”
Hearing this, Ling Qi gave a bitter smile and shook his head. “I was teasing you that day.”
Chu Xinyue rolled her eyes.
His tone that day definitely didn’t sound like teasing—it had been deadly serious.
But now… at least he knew he was wrong.
“Did you get what you wanted on this trip to Demon Island?” Chu Xinyue asked again.
“Half of it,” Ling Qi smiled. “No rush. The other half… she’ll give it to me sooner or later.”
“Good!” Chu Xinyue nodded gently.
As long as Ling Qi could stay alive, that was already a huge blessing for the human race.
“And… what does that demon woman plan to do?” she continued. “She must already know we’re planning to eliminate the Demon Sect.”
“Of course she knows,” Ling Qi smiled. “But she’s not easy to deal with. I suggest none of you act rashly.”
Making preparations was fine—but never let it actually escalate into a full war. That would benefit no one.
All the preparation should be aimed toward the eventual battle with the Forbidden Demon Region.
Because once war broke out, Ling Qi honestly didn’t know which side to help.
Jiang Ling and Chu Xinyue were both his daughter’s masters—and his friends. Naturally, he should help them.
But Ye Youluo’s life was tied to his. He should help her too.
So… if a war really did break out, he might be forced to act as a mediator.
“If not for you, we might’ve already started fighting,” Chu Xinyue said with a smile.
To protect Ling Qi’s life, of course they had to restrain themselves for now.
“That’s why you need to hurry and get what you’re after,” she added.
Ling Qi nodded. He would get it—sooner or later.
“What is it you’re after?” Xu Qingxue asked, curiosity in her eyes.
“Nothing important!” Ling Qi glanced at Chu Xinyue, signaling her not to say anything.
Their family had just reunited. He didn’t want his woman or daughter worrying because of him.
Right now, the most important thing was for them to be happy.
Chu Xinyue understood and said no more.
“Since you’ve given Qiyue such a valuable gift, let me give you something too,” Ling Qi said, changing the subject.
He pulled out an icy-blue pearl from his robe—an Ice Element Pearl.
“This pearl contains a powerful cold spiritual Qi. If you refine and absorb it, your strength will increase greatly,” he said, handing it to her.
“Oh?” Chu Xinyue took the pearl and smiled. “Thanks!”
“We’ll head to the palace first. See you later,” Ling Qi said, waving his hand.
He still needed to talk to Jiang Ling about the Demon Sect.
Ye Youluo was currently uniting the surrounding forces of the empire. He couldn’t let her suffer—but he also couldn’t let Jiang Ling or Chu Xinyue suffer either.
Chu Xinyue nodded, and Ling Qi took Xu Qingxue and the others toward the palace.
She remained standing in place, watching them walk away.
A moment later, she sighed and shook her head. “You… probably don’t have just one child.”
Based on what Ling Qi had said before, he had been with countless women.
And he used to treat everyone like puppets.
Now that he had a child, he finally realized people weren’t puppets at all.
So… how could only Xu Qingxue have gotten pregnant?
The karmic entanglements Ling Qi carried were probably far from over.
In the future… he was going to have his hands full.
…
Elsewhere, on a coastal port, Ye Youluo returned with the Demon Sect’s people.
Everyone boarded the ship, preparing to return to Demon Island.
Ye Youluo looked a little gloomy. The thought of Ling Qi having a wife and child left a hollow feeling in her heart.
It was as if something that could’ve been perfect… was now broken.
Deep down, she had entertained some thoughts about Ling Qi. That’s why she had always treated him differently.
But who could’ve guessed? He already had a child.
Now, there was no longer any possibility between them.
In the future… they might remain nothing more than friends.
After boarding, Ye Youluo took a deep breath and waved her hand, signaling the crew to set sail.
Forget it. If fate ends here, let it end.
But just then, as the Demon Sect prepared to leave, a voice called out behind them, “Sect Master, wait! Sect Master, wait!”
Ye Youluo turned at the bow of the ship and saw a group of people rushing over.
“What’s going on? Aren’t those Snow Sect people? What do they want now?” the Demon Sect disciples were puzzled.
The Snow Sect had been utterly ruined by Ling Qi. They were now worthless to the Demon Sect.
So why were these people chasing after them?
As Ye Youluo waited, the group quickly arrived and stood on the shore, cupping their fists respectfully. “Sect Master, our Snow Sect Ancestor invites you to discuss a joint plan to annex the Great Yan Empire.”
Everyone from the Demon Sect was slightly surprised.
Your Snow Sect has an ancestor?
“How come I’ve never heard… that you even had an ancestor?” Ye Youluo asked coldly.
“Our ancestor has been in deep slumber for countless years. He just awakened today and ordered us to invite you back to discuss the great plan together!” one of them said respectfully. “The ancestor said that if Sect Master is truly interested, he’s confident he can take down the Great Yan Empire completely.”
“Oh? Confident, is he?” Ye Youluo chuckled.
In this world, aside from Ling Qi, who else had that kind of ability?
Could that Snow Sect Ancestor also be in the Supreme Limit Realm?