"I'm not coming back with you, Brother. I intend to go on the grand expedition."
Mark blinked at her as if she had grown a second head. "But it's not safe! I mean… you're not even in the Immortal Realm yet."
Shang Jiao's gaze didn't waver. She replied firmly, "I know. But I've made my decision."
Mark took another step closer. "You're only eighteen, Xiao Jiao. You don't need to rush this. You've got decades to grow, and there's no need to throw yourself into danger now."
She didn't flinch. "It's what I want, Brother."
Mark narrowed his eyes. The determination was real, but he could see there was something wrong with her.
"No," he said, his tone quieter now, more probing. "You're hiding something."
He knelt slightly, looking up into her eyes with gentleness. "Xiao Jiao, you can tell me. If it's something I can help with, I will. If not, I'll try to understand."
