Chapter Three: A New Father, A New Beginning

Watching her father leave, she let out a faint sigh of relief. Though she was barely of age, she had grown up on her own and truly did not know how to communicate with her parents. Regardless, the simple fact that she had survived was a blessing in itself.

The first thing she needed to do was nurse her body back to health. She took from her space a vial of “Soul-Nourishing Elixir” and drank it, then lay down to slowly tend to her own soul. Once her soul was repaired and her spiritual power restored, she would at least have some means of protecting herself.

Meanwhile, outside, Wanqi Lianhao felt anything but at ease. To have achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel in the army before coming of age had already caused much dissatisfaction among others. This time, because of his daughter’s incident, he had dealt swiftly and decisively with all those involved, provoking even more discontent.

His daughter’s situation weighed on him. Her increasing withdrawal was by no means a good sign; it seemed her psychological counselor would need to be replaced once again. He had thought the complex environment of the ancestral home would be detrimental to Xuanxuan’s growth, but now it appeared returning might be better for her after all.

He sighed softly. In truth, he hated the idea of his child growing up in such a tangled environment, especially on the Imperial Star—a place teeming with all sorts, where relationships were endlessly complicated. While the family’s status deterred many from making a move, there were always those who would seize any opportunity in the chaos.

He truly did not want to risk his child’s safety.

He had thought life here would be simpler, but—ha!—with the petty machinations of those in the capital, nowhere was truly simple. Even children were exploited. In such circumstances, they could not remain; returning was inevitable.

Moreover, this remote planet lagged far behind in terms of education and medicine. He always wanted the very best for his daughter, never willing to let her suffer any slight. Clearly, this was no longer a suitable place for her. It seemed this incident gave him the perfect reason to return.

“Yiqiong, have all matters been dealt with?” Wanqi Lianhao sat in his study, calling in the person who had been waiting outside as he looked at the documents in his hand.

“Yes, Master, everything has been taken care of. But, might this not force people into a corner?” Yiqiong had not seen his master this enraged in a long time. The young lady was always the treasure of his master’s heart.

Wanqi Lianhao gave a cold snort. “I’ve only been away five or six years, and already they think I’m easy prey. Do they believe anyone can bully the Wanqi family? It’s time we returned.”

“Yes! Master should have gone back long ago. Staying here only lets them run amok, and now they’ve dared to target the young miss. In just five or six years, they’ve all forgotten the name of the Emperor of the Night.” Yiqiong wholeheartedly agreed.

Staying here was a waste of time, and those people had forgotten what it meant to bow their heads and tuck their tails in. Now they dared to trample on the Wanqi name. All who followed Wanqi Lianhao felt it a disservice to him—what did a mere lieutenant colonel’s post matter to their master?

Wanqi Lianhao smiled faintly. “You all must feel you’ve had little use for your talents, following me here.”

“Wherever you are, Master, is where we belong. Serving you is our purpose.” Yiqiong and the others had followed Wanqi Lianhao since childhood. Their loyalty was unshakeable, for he had always treated them with absolute trust.

“Very well. Go and make preparations. Once Xuanxuan is fully recovered, we’ll set off. See that all remaining matters are wrapped up, and begin preparations on Imperial Star as well.”

Knowing his people well, Wanqi Lianhao continued, “Find a new psychological counselor on Imperial Star for Xuanxuan. Begin investigating the kindergartens there to find a suitable one. Bring everything Xuanxuan is used to. After the robot system in her room is upgraded, send it back to her quarters—she’s already accustomed to the one the old master gave her.”

“Yes, matters at the young miss’s current school have been settled. The new school can be handled by Sancong; it’s his specialty. But, Master, who do you wish to accompany the young miss?”

“Erbai failed in his duties. I intended to punish him by sending him to Doomsday Star, but the fault is not entirely his. Now that we’re returning to Imperial Star, let him return for now. Replace him at Xuanxuan’s side with Baluo. I’ll care for Xuanxuan these next few days—let Baluo take the time to learn her preferences, and have him begin accompanying her soon.”

Erbai, who had been tasked with protecting Xuanxuan, had been lured away in a ruse, resulting in her injury. By his rules, Wanqi Lianhao would have disciplined him harshly. But since Xuanxuan’s injuries were minor and they were returning to the Imperial Star where reliable people were needed, he decided to let Erbai return and redeem himself.

Yiqiong bowed low. He knew how high his master’s expectations were and how merciless he could be. This was already a great mercy. “You are generous, Master. Yiqiong and Erbai thank you for your grace. I will see that Baluo is well instructed.”

Wanqi Lianhao nodded, well aware of the loyalty and abilities of his people. This incident was a lesson for everyone; punishment was not the ultimate goal. “Good. You may go.”

After Yiqiong took his leave, Wanqi Lianhao leaned deeply into his chair, casting a glance at the smart brain interface to see his daughter still sleeping peacefully.

He kneaded his brow. There had been so many matters of late, and Xuanxuan’s injury had exhausted him. Especially when she did not wake after leaving the medical pod, his heart had been heavy with worry—finally easing only when she opened her eyes.

But now, a new tide of urgent matters awaited them with the impending move.

Yet what truly troubled him was Xuanxuan’s condition. She had never been able to use her spiritual power. In terms of innate strength, Xuanxuan’s spiritual energy had always been the highest among all children since birth, yet she could never wield it, making it impossible for her to cultivate. Her physical training also lagged far behind, and due to her lack of spiritual strength, she had not even begun to practice. Everyone believed her to be weak-spirited and somewhat withdrawn; Wanqi Lianhao had kept her true situation tightly concealed.

Only he knew the truth: her spiritual strength was simply too immense for her body to bear. She was not withdrawn, but rather in a constant state of confusion, her mind underdeveloped, her behavior more like that of a one-year-old than a five- or six-year-old. She had not spoken a single word to this day, which worried him deeply. Yet every examination had shown nothing amiss; the only conclusion was that her overwhelming spiritual power was causing the suppression.

He sighed again, pushing the thought aside, and turned his attention back to the documents in hand.