Chapter Eighteen: You’re Overthinking It

Delicately stifling a yawn, her large eyes brimmed with tears. Her body was still far too small, requiring long hours of sleep each day to recover. After spending the entire night pondering her future path, and having just advanced to a first-level mage, she truly felt exhausted. Regardless of the hour, she dove into the soft, cozy bed and soon drifted into a deep sleep. Deep sleep swiftly replenished both her strength and spirit, and the efforts of the previous night had left this young body a bit overwhelmed. In truth, she had long accepted her father, hadn’t she? To trust him enough to fall so quickly into such deep slumber?

Elsewhere, in the study, Wan Qi Lianhao quietly entered the room, sat by the bedside, and gently ran his fingers through his daughter’s hair. It was unbelievably soft, a tenderness that seeped right into his heart. Xuanxuan, still deeply satisfied, nuzzled against his hand, showing no intention of waking.

Six years ago, he had been a newly recognized prodigy in the imperial capital. For Xuanxuan’s sake, he had resolutely left behind that splendid city—a place that could have given him everything, that could have made his dreams come true. He was, after all, barely an adult at the time, yet he shouldered this responsibility without complaint. No matter how busy he became, he devoted all the free time he had to Xuanxuan, letting her needs dictate his schedule. For six years, his entire life had revolved around her.

This daughter was his entire world for those six years.

He ignored his father’s expectations, disregarded the hopes of his mentors, and took her to that remote little planet to ensure her safe upbringing. Many had asked if it was worth it, but he never answered. No one who asked ever did so twice, because the look in his eyes as he gazed at his daughter was answer enough.

No, he had never regretted it. He had grown up bearing the hopes of his father, his clan, his teachers. Only these six years had truly belonged to him, spent doing what he most cherished—whether it was preparing breakfast for Xuanxuan or dressing her, every moment brought happiness.

Now, regardless of how turbulent things had become in the imperial capital, he was willing to return for the sake of his daughter’s well-being, to carve out a clear sky for her growth.

Yet, he had never felt such anxiety before. Was it the potion, or perhaps the injury she had suffered, or even since her birth? Never had he worried as much as he did now.

Wan Qi Lianhao took Xuanxuan’s small hand in his, savoring the feel of her tender skin, still carrying a faint, milky scent. Who would imagine that those miraculous feats were accomplished by these tiny hands?

Since the Federation’s inheritance from Earth, there had always existed certain individuals with unique gifts—people with exceptionally strong spiritual power and abilities beyond the ordinary, collectively known as espers.

Some could command fire, others could control metal, manipulate plants, or share a remarkable affinity with animals. Yet such people were exceedingly rare. The Federation always believed that if these individuals could be placed under government control, its strength would increase tremendously.

But the truth was, those with such powers were too few, their emergence too unpredictable. The Federation had yet to find a way to stimulate the awakening of these abilities in the population.

Just now, based on Xuanxuan’s skillful actions, Wan Qi Lianhao could be certain she understood these powers well. He couldn’t help but wonder how she had learned them.

Even though the abilities Xuanxuan had just displayed weren’t powerful, her proficiency was astonishing—even most adults couldn’t wield such power so deftly. What kind of talent could teach such a young child to this degree?

Moreover, he knew that, to this day, hardly anyone in the Federation possessed more than one ability. He himself had one, though he never showed it in public. He called it “Oblivion.” Xuanxuan’s final spatial rift and the withering of the seedlings in her hands seemed to resonate with his own power.

But just now, Xuanxuan had demonstrated ten different abilities—ten! That number alone would have left even his own father dumbstruck.

As for the previous incident with the potion, Wan Qi Lianhao had never questioned Xuanxuan about it. He assumed she had stumbled upon it by accident, or perhaps someone had deliberately left it within her reach. But now, he couldn’t help but suspect that Xuanxuan knew exactly what it was, and even its origins.

He had always assumed her mind was still immature. But now, perhaps, that was not the case?

He was deeply anxious. He liked to think his own abilities were enough to protect Xuanxuan, yet time and again, she had encountered danger right before his eyes, making him doubt himself. Xuanxuan was so small, barely able to tell right from wrong. How could he not worry?

He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling utterly drained, weary to the core.

One incident after another had occurred lately. The results were already in for the potion he had bought on the star network: it was genuine, with real effects. He had to admit, he was afraid. If word ever got out that the former Lord of the Night was now afraid, would people laugh out loud?

But he truly was afraid. Where had that potion come from? Where had Xuanxuan’s abilities come from? What were the intentions behind all this?

If Xuanxuan were here, she would surely say, “You worry too much!” For the first few years, her mind really had been undeveloped—her consciousness immersed, barely aware of the world. As for having any hidden motives, that was nonsense. What hidden motives could she have? For money? If she wasn’t given an allowance, she’d just find a way to earn it herself.

ps: Recommending a book by a friend—b00kid22's "Legend of the Witch."