Chi Ling had always prided himself on his calm composure. As the head of the household, he was the one everyone relied upon in moments of hardship. Rarely did he allow his emotions to break through the mask of stability he wore every day. Yet at this moment, when his daughter Vera spoke with such determination and warmth, all of that restraint shattered.
His eyes stung, filling rapidly with tears, until the weight of them blurred his vision. He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to breathe steadily, but the tears slipped past his control and streamed silently down his cheeks. Almost frantically, he snatched a handkerchief and wiped at them, as though by erasing the evidence of sorrow, he could shield his daughter from the heaviness in his heart.
He wanted her to remember only smiles. He wanted her to see strength, not grief. For in his heart, he believed that a farewell should not be burdened with despair, but painted with warmth and courage.
But Guixia, standing by his side, could see through him. She watched her husband's trembling hands and his desperate attempt to maintain dignity. Her heart softened. She stepped closer, wrapped her arms gently around him, and whispered tenderly into his ear.
"Cry, Chi Ling. Don't hold it inside. Even as a father, you set a greater example when you are honest. A daughter does not need a stone statue as her role model. She needs to see the truth in you—the love, the pain, and the courage it takes to admit them."
Her words pierced his defenses, and Chi Ling could no longer restrain himself. His tears fell freely, dropping with soft splashes onto the marble floor of the Reincarnation Hall. He lifted his gaze to Vera, his expression filled with both sorrow and apology.
"My daughter," he whispered, his voice hoarse, "forgive me. I had wished for this parting to be filled only with joy, for laughter to echo instead of sobs. But the thought that you may not return for a long time… that our home may stand silent without your footsteps or your voice… I cannot bear it."
His voice cracked as memories overwhelmed him.
"You've always been so lively—running about, breaking things, testing my patience. I scolded you more times than I can count. But now, imagining this house without your mischief, without your laughter… it feels unbearably empty. The anger I once felt has turned into longing."
Vera's eyes glistened. She reached out, gently brushing away the tears that clung to her father's face.
"Father, don't you see? I feel the same. I may have feared your stern words and Mother's lectures, but even those became the music of home. To think that I will not hear them for such a long time… it makes me feel hollow inside. I, too, will miss even your scolding."
Guixia, silent until then, slipped her hand into her pocket. She pulled out a pair of small talismans, shaped like diamonds of translucent glass, each engraved with the fiery image of a phoenix. The faint light from the realm reflected off their polished surface. She pressed them into Vera's palms with both hands.
"These are phoenix totem talismans," she explained softly. "I endured seven thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine hours of kneeling in the Hall of Divine Beasts to obtain them. They are blessed, Vera. They will protect you. Carry them with you always, and return to us unharmed."
Vera's heart trembled. Her mother's sacrifice was spoken in such a calm tone, as though it were nothing—but she knew the weight of it. She clutched the talismans tightly and bowed her head.
"Thank you, Mother. I will guard them with my life. I promise not to let your effort, your prayers, or your hope be wasted. I will return safely, and when I do, I will bring you honor."
Nearby, Master Jin Xiu, who had remained quiet until now, held the glazed dragon mask Vera had once gifted him. His fingers traced its surface again and again, reluctant to let go. Finally, he spoke, his deep voice resonating through the hall.
"This parting between master and disciple is one of uncertainty. Who knows when we will meet again? Yet, as I have told you, the bond between us transcends time and distance. It ripples across the universe itself, unshaken."
His eyes glimmered with pride and affection.
"I cannot teleport across space. I cannot be at your side in an instant. But know this, Vera—my care for you does not waver. You are my most cherished disciple. Carry my teachings in your heart, and return victorious. Return with glory."
Vera's throat tightened. She stepped forward and embraced her master with unrestrained sincerity. Then, with a flick of her hand, she summoned from her dimensional space another mask—crafted with her own power and effort, shimmering with a faint spiritual glow. She offered it to him reverently.
"Master, I will never forget your teachings. On this journey, I will gather treasures and wonders from across the mortal world. I will bring them back to you, as I have always done. For in my heart, Master Jin Xiu deserves nothing less than the very best the heavens can offer."
Her voice grew brighter, brimming with conviction.
"One day, I will forge a divine artifact that you cherish above all else. One day, I will create something so perfect it brings you joy beyond measure. I want to see you laugh, Master, laugh without worry or restraint, knowing your disciple has never failed you."
The Reincarnation Realm echoed with her words, her sincerity reverberating through every corner. Jin Xiu chuckled, though his eyes shone with unspoken emotion.
"You… you are as straightforward as ever. Bold, honest, and unyielding." He shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "But listen closely, Vera."
His tone sharpened, solemn.
"The mortal world is full of desire, of temptation. There are those who will lie, deceive, and betray for the sake of their greed. Guard yourself. Do not let yourself be swayed by empty words."
He paused, then added with gravity.
"Think before you act. Even the smallest choice, one that seems insignificant, can ripple outward, reshaping the future in ways you cannot yet imagine. Every step matters."
Vera nodded firmly. Her heart was heavy, yet it burned with determination. She carried her parents' love, her master's guidance, and her own unbreakable will. As she stood at the threshold of the Realm of Reincarnation, the unknown stretched before her like an endless horizon.
But she would not falter. The bonds she carried would light her path.
And so, with her family's tears, her mother's blessing, and her master's teachings imprinted in her heart, Vera took her first step forward—toward destiny.