Father and Daughter

Father and Daughter . . .

In the heart of the Evergreen Immortal Empire, within the opulent walls of the royal palace, a tumultuous storm of emotions raged like wild waves crashing upon the shores of destiny.

Amidst this whirlwind of intrigue and fervor, Princess Qing'er had ushered a young man into the hallowed halls of the palace, an act that was as conspicuous as a blazing comet in the night sky. Rumors spread faster than wildfire, and before long, it seemed as if even the palace's grand tapestries whispered tales of Qing'er's audacious move. The daring princess had orchestrated for this enigmatic young man to take residence within the sprawling estate of Princess Changping, solidifying the suspicions of the courtly elite. Many believed that love had ensnared Qing'er's heart, casting her into the throes of affection for this charismatic stranger.

"Considering her youth, it's only natural that the princess would fall in love," mused the courtiers in hushed tones, their eyes alight with curiosity and gossipy delight. "But who is this enigmatic young man? Whose lineage does he hail from among the immortal emperors?" They pondered these questions, hungry for the juicy tidbits of gossip that would satiate their intrigue.

However, love in the palace was no trifling matter. To win Qing'er's heart, one must be a match for her regal stature; otherwise, the hordes of would-be suitors would remain forever unconvinced.

"Is this young man truly named Qin Wentian?" wondered a sage advisor, stroking his beard as he contemplated the intricacies of the situation. "No immortal emperor of the Qin lineage graces the upper echelons of the immortal realms. He must either be the descendant of an ordinary immortal emperor or a formidable one concealed in obscurity."

Intrigue heightened as bits of information seeped from the servants and guards who lurked in the shadows of Princess Changping's estate. The whispers revealed a stunning revelation—the mysterious young man was no scion of immortal emperors, but rather, an inhabitant of a humble particle world. It was said that Qing'er and Qin Wentian had crossed paths in this diminutive realm, implying that Qin Wentian possessed a unique genius that transcended dimensions.

The ensuing commotion was nothing short of spectacular. Within the blink of an eye, every notable figure in the palace was privy to Qin Wentian's name and obscure origins. It was a whirlwind of chaos that Qin Wentian himself could scarcely have foreseen, his name echoing through the hallowed halls and causing even the most revered figures of the Evergreen Immortal Empire to quiver.

"A man from a particle world? Could his talents truly be of divine origin, heralding an era of unrivaled magnificence?"

"Perhaps Princess Qing'er's tender age has blinded her to the alluring words of this stranger. Her youth may have left her susceptible to his beguiling charms."

"Princess Qing'er's audacity knows no bounds. She has, in the name of love, taken the life of the Cloud King's granddaughter, all while they were guests at the Everpeace Marquis Manor. This audacious act may displease our esteemed Majesty."

The uproar reached unprecedented proportions. Among the younger generation of geniuses, resentment simmered like a cauldron of discontent. Many were left embittered by Qin Wentian's sudden ascent to prominence, for they had long yearned for Qing'er's favor, only to be met with her icy indifference. But now, the princess had imported a man from a distant world, a man for whom she had taken a life. Jealousy, like a venomous serpent, slithered through their hearts, leaving a trail of hatred in its wake.

Qing'er remained blissfully unaware of the tempest her actions had stirred. She had orchestrated the return of Qin Wentian with a singular purpose in mind: to unveil his existence to her family and share her profound feelings for him. Ideally, their approval of Qin Wentian would be the culmination of her heart's deepest desires.

The Great Emperor Palace, ensconced in the central realm of the royal palace's expansive dominion, stood as a testament to opulence and grandeur. The air was thick with immortal qi, exuding an aura of boundless grace and regality. Qing'er, her resolve unshaken, made her way to a resplendent hall and crossed its threshold.

"Princess Qing'er, we humbly pay our respects," declared the guards stationed outside the hall, their genuflection a testament to her station.

Within the hallowed expanse of the grand hall, an imposing middle-aged man commanded attention. Setting aside his quill, he glanced up, a gentle smile curving his lips as he beheld the graceful figure advancing toward him. "Qing'er, you have returned."

"Mhm," responded Qing'er, her countenance maintaining its characteristic composure even in the presence of her father. Yet, the Evergreen Immortal Emperor understood her well and harbored no resentment, placing the blame squarely upon himself for missing out on so much of Qing'er's formative years.

"I..." began Qing'er, but before her words could find purchase, the Evergreen Immortal Emperor extended his hand, halting her. He wore an understanding smile as he interjected, "I already know. It's about Qin Wentian, isn't it? His journey from a particle world to the City of Ancient Emperors is nothing short of astounding."

The enigmatic flicker in Qing'er's captivating eyes prompted her father to continue.

"At present, the entire royal palace is aflame with this sensational news. Kings, dukes, and marquises are voicing their discontent, asserting that Qin Wentian is unworthy of your affections," he remarked, his tone light yet loaded with implication. Qing'er remained silent, but her gaze turned frostier.

"I understand that you may suspect my involvement in the incident with the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor," continued the Evergreen Immortal Emperor, unfazed. "However, you needn't entertain such suspicions. Let me be unequivocal—I did not instruct the Eastern Sage to manipulate Qin Wentian in any way." He paused for a moment, his expression unclouded. "I also did not advise the Eastern Sage to take Qin Wentian under his wing. Every decision he made was of his own volition. If he had chosen to mentor Qin Wentian, I would not have objected. But fate had other plans, as I had not foreseen Dongsheng Ting's infatuation with you, leading them to intentionally suppress Qin Wentian."

"But you, too, harbored reservations about his arrival in the immortal realms, didn't you? You didn't want him to become the Eastern Sage's disciple or even step foot in this realm," observed Qing'er, her eyes locked onto her father, her perceptiveness and sensitivity unwavering.

"You could say that. But do you know why?" inquired the Evergreen Immortal Emperor, inviting Qing'er to delve deeper into the nuances of his thoughts.

The Evergreen Immortal Emperor's words hung in the air, heavy with meaning and concern. "Because of you," he sighed, a weariness etched in his voice. "Throughout our empire, kings, dukes, and marquises are locked in fervent debates about the prerequisites a person must meet to be considered your equal. Yet, they all understand that I am indifferent to titles and status. In this world, fairness reigns supreme. To ascend to great heights, one must scale the ladder of their own accord. And as you climb, others will seek to ride on your coattails. Given my current stature, there are few I need to look up to. What I've always desired is for you to flourish in strength."

The Evergreen Immortal Emperor's gaze softened as he fixed his loving eyes on Qing'er. He continued, his voice gentle and heartfelt, "In our world, among the apex beings like immortal kings and emperors, men outnumber women. Have you ever wondered why? Men possess an insatiable hunger for cultivation, an unquenchable thirst for power. Even when they love, they seldom lose themselves completely to that affection. Women, however, are different. They are driven by sentiment and emotion, and love often carries them away on its currents. Qing'er, you are a testament to this."

Qing'er's mesmerizing eyes flickered with understanding. Rarely did her father share his innermost thoughts with such candor. She had brought Qin Wentian back to convey her feelings on the matter, and it seemed her royal father grasped her intentions, reciprocating with honesty.

She couldn't refute the truth in his words. Women, she acknowledged, were indeed more inclined toward sentiment and emotion, often swept away by the force of love. Her father's words struck home; they resonated with the depth of her own heart.

"Child," the Evergreen Immortal Emperor continued, "I did hope that he wouldn't come to the immortal realms. I wished to see you avoid drowning in the river of love at such a young age. Sometimes, the things we can't obtain, the things just beyond our reach, become the driving force that propels us forward. During your time apart, both of you thrived at an astonishing pace. Qin Wentian's journey to the immortal realms and his swift reunion with you in the City of Ancient Emperors are testaments to this phenomenon."

He concluded with a sense of unwavering resolve, "Even if you hold me accountable, I stand by my belief. When both of you reach a level of strength that rivals my own, you may chart your own course. But for now, I cannot endorse your union."

Qing'er found herself at a loss for words. She couldn't fault her father for his profound love and concern.

"Being together can be a wellspring of motivation for both of us. It won't hinder our cultivation; rather, it will drive us to greater heights," Qing'er stated, her voice resolute. Her father's worries were valid, as women were often more deeply entrenched in the river of love. Extracting oneself from its currents was an endeavor fraught with difficulty, a task she found herself unable to accomplish.

The Evergreen Immortal Emperor sighed, a melancholic note in his voice. "Cultivation level is merely one facet of my reservations. Would you like to know the primary reason?"

Qing'er nodded in response.

"Imagine this scenario: you and Qin Wentian are confronted with dire peril, and he faces a life-and-death crisis. As you are now, would you be willing to sacrifice yourself to save him?" The Evergreen Immortal Emperor posed the question gravely, his tone laden with gravity. Qing'er's body quivered slightly as she met her father's intense gaze.

Would she? Without hesitation, her heart cried out with a resounding "Yes!"

A heavy silence enveloped the room as the Evergreen Immortal Emperor gazed upon his daughter, Qing'er. A faint, bitter smile tugged at his lips. "The look in your eyes has already told me your answer," he murmured ruefully, his heart heavy with understanding. "I'm aware of the incident at the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Moreover, during your time in the City of Ancient Emperors, Qin Wentian's presence set in motion a series of profound events. Each time he faced danger, you stood by his side, battling shoulder to shoulder with him. Whether it was in his clash with the Xuan Emperor's descendant or his confrontation with Zi Daoyang, you were there."

He continued, his voice filled with concern, "Even if we set aside those instances, consider the future. When Qin Wentian embarks on his journey to immortality and faces even graver perils on his path to ascend to the pinnacle, would you leave him behind?"

Without hesitation, Qing'er replied, "No." Her calm response held no surprises; the Evergreen Immortal Emperor had anticipated this answer.

The Emperor turned away, fixing his gaze upon a portrait that adorned the grand hall—a portrait of a supreme beauty. Her smile possessed the power to topple empires, and there was a striking resemblance between her and Qing'er.

"I lack expertise in spatial energy, a gift you inherited from your mother," the Emperor began, his voice taking on a wistful quality. "The energy sealed within you was her legacy, bestowed upon you just before her untimely passing." His voice grew distant as he delved into the depths of his memories. Qing'er listened in somber silence until he continued, "Qing'er, do you know how your mother met her end?"

Shaking her head, Qing'er confessed, "No." The tragic tale of her mother's demise was a topic that had remained shrouded in silence within the royal palace.

"She sacrificed herself to protect me," the Emperor revealed, his gaze now firmly fixed upon Qing'er. His voice, though composed, resonated with a profound sorrow, sending tremors through his daughter's heart.

In that moment, Qing'er realized the immutability of her father's stance.

"Child," the Emperor began, his voice heavy with emotion, "Your achievements in cultivation will forever hold second place in my heart. Your safety is my paramount concern, my greatest priority." He sighed deeply. "I do not wish for you to tread the path your mother took, nor do I want your footsteps to echo in her wake. Qin Wentian, as he stands now, lacks the capacity to safeguard you."

"Only when he has grown strong enough to protect you will the gates of our immortal empire open for him," the Emperor concluded, his words bearing the unassailable truth of his heart. Despite his reluctance to support Qing'er and Qin Wentian, there was no doubt that the Evergreen Immortal Emperor was a loving father.

There was nothing Qing'er could say to counter his reasoning. She lacked the authority to sway her father's convictions, nor did she possess the means to persuade him.

Qing'er's father valued her life above all else, surpassing even his concern for Qin Wentian. After all, she was his daughter.

"Father..." Qing'er's voice was soft and filled with emotion. Her words brought a smile to the Evergreen Immortal Emperor's face. The simple utterance of the word "father" and the expression of gratitude warmed his heart.

"I understand your love," Qing'er continued, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with her father. A gentle smile graced her features as she spoke, "But, Father, I too have the right to choose whom I love. You may choose not to support us, but, Father, you cannot veto this."

Staring into the depths of Qing'er's eyes, the Evergreen Immortal Emperor was rendered speechless for a long moment.