Father Emperor's Promise

As for that "hand," whatever its purpose, it would reveal itself one day.

...

Yuanjiu letting out a soft murmur as she woke.

"Father Emperor…"

"My darling, you're awake?" Ouyang Qingcheng picked her up and kissed her forehead. "You were sleeping so soundly."

"Mm, Father Emperor, I'm hungry."

Yuanjiu clung to Ouyang Qingcheng's shoulder and rubbing her face against him.

"Alright, Father Emperor will have a meal prepared for you right away."

Although Yuanjiu now possessed enough ability to forgo attending the Magic Academy, she herself wasn't keen on going.

In truth, she was still unaccustomed to interacting with too many people.

Even Ouyang Qingcheng had spent two full years to gradually gaining her trust and proximity.

However, Ouyang Qingcheng wanted Yuanjiu to interact with more people.

The academy would broaden her horizons and expose her to a wide variety of people.

His rational mind told him that he couldn't keep confine his precious child to his own world.

What difference would that make from her earlier life?

He wanted his child to experience a vibrant and colorful childhood.

"Father Emperor, must I go to the academy?"

Ouyang Qingcheng felt a tinge of bitterness in his heart. "My darling, Father Emperor remembers that you've never attended school before. Don't you want to try experiencing something different?"

Yuanjiu hung her head while playing with Ouyang Qingcheng's hair as she hesitated. "I do want to, but I don't want to leave you."

His beloved child was always so honest.

Ouyang Qingcheng gazed at the child sitting on his lap and smiling warmly.

Time had flown by so quickly, and before he knew it, his precious child had grown this much.

Yuanjiu stared blankly at his smile, feeling as if she were seeing a flower bloom.

Even after living with Ouyang Qingcheng for six years, she would still often find herself mesmerized by his face.

"Father Emperor doesn't want to leave you either," Ouyang Qingcheng said, kissing her forehead, eyelids, nose, and cheeks one by one. "But don't you remember? You've been apart from Father Emperor for a long time before."

"Yes, I remember. When I was three years old, Father Emperor went on a diplomatic mission to another country and didn't take me along."

Since the Great War over 200 years ago, the nations of this world had adhered to a rule: every five years, on the ninth day of the ninth month, the rulers of various nations would convene alternately in the three great empires—Caohan Empire, Shin Theocracy, and Dar al-Majlis Council State—for what was called the "Great Assembly," which aimed at fostering friendship and lasting peace among the nations.

When Yuanjiu was three years old, the Great Assembly was held in Shin Theocracy, which had a colder climate.

Concerned about her young age, Ouyang Qingcheng left Yuanjiu under Ouyang Qingtian's care instead of bringing her along with him.

They were apart for two entire months. (On the return journey, Ouyang Qingcheng had ridden Feng Ying to fly back.)

The Yin-Yang Soul Ring also had been gifted to her during that time.

"Hmm, yes. Father Emperor remembers you lost quite a bit of weight back then," Ouyang Qingcheng said, his heart still aching at the memory. "But this time, we won't be separated by such a distance. The academy is in the imperial capital, and you'll have a rest day every seven days to return to the palace."

Yuanjiu blinked at him. "Father Emperor, after I defeated the strongest person in the academy, can I come back?"

She didn't like being away from him for too long.

"Except for a few of the old professors at the academy, no one there could be your match," Ouyang Qingcheng said, kissing her forehead gently. "How about this: I'll give you two years. If, after two years, you still don't want to stay at the academy, you can come back to accompany Father Emperor. How does that sound?"

"Alright."

"Father Emperor has already placed a large sum of money in your spatial ring. Take whatever you like with you."

"Okay," she replied, running to the bed. "Father Emperor, I want to take the pillow you gave me."

On the bed were two pillows, one black and one white, forming a pair.

The white one belonged to Yuanjiu, but she stealthily slipped the black one into her spatial ring.

Ouyang Qingcheng followed her, noticing her little trick and secretly finding it amusing.

Pretending not to see it, he said, "My darling, you must take good care of yourself at the academy. Of course, Father Emperor will also have someone watching over you."

Yuanjiu lifted her chin and said confidently, "I can protect myself now. Once my abilities are fully restored, I'll protect Father Emperor too."

Ouyang Qingcheng's heart stirred, an unfamiliar wave of sourness rising to his chest, heavy and stifling.

This child said she would protect him.

Someone as powerful as him, who had never needed protection from anyone and had always been the protector, was now hearing such words from a six-year-old child.

Had anyone else said such a thing, he might have found it insulting.

However, hearing it from this child's lips, he felt nothing but warmth.

"Alright! My darling, Father Emperor will wait for you to protect me."

On the day of their parting, everyone thought the Heavenly Dragon Palace would be filled with sorrow, but instead, the hall was frequently echoing with the Emperor's hearty laughter.

"Still, I will send someone to look after you. After all, while my darling is quite capable, she's not yet adept at interacting with others. I'm truly afraid my innocent child might be deceived by others."

Xiaoding interjected, "And I'll protect Yuanjiu too!"

Immersed in their emotions of parting, neither of them paid him any attention.

Rolling his eyes, he flopped back onto the floor.

Yuanjiu snorted softly. "Anyone besides Father Emperor, I won't take their words to heart."

Ouyang Qingcheng paused, feeling both pleased and a little melancholy.

As long as his dear child didn't wrong herself, there was no harm in it.