Spring in Suwen City was usually warm.But this morning, a strange chill lingered in the air.
Bai Ling sat quietly outside the main hall of the family estate.Her eyes were resolute—yet there was a faint shadow of hesitation.
—
"Are you really going to leave?"
Her mother's gentle voice came from behind.
Bai Ling turned and lowered her head respectfully.
"Do you know… that path won't be easy?"Her father added, his tone firmer."And you're a girl. Why pursue martial cultivation at all?"
Bai Ling paused for a moment before replying in a soft voice:
"I know… but I want to try.""I feel like... there's something I'm looking for over there."
The couple exchanged glances in silence—and let out a quiet sigh.
—
On the carriage ride toward the sect—
Her parents sat across from her.They didn't say much, but their eyes were filled with concern.
"You must take care of yourself, no matter what,"her mother said gently, placing a hand on her arm."And if it ever becomes too much… you can always come home."
"Even after you join the sect,"her father added with a steady voice,"You'll always be our daughter. Don't forget us."
Bai Ling gave a small smile and nodded,but her eyes sparkled with quiet determination.
—
When they arrived at the gates of Tianlong Sect,the one escorting Bai Ling down from the carriage was Instructor Fei—a calm, steady man, her father's younger cousin,and a mid-tier instructor at the sect.
"Take care of my daughter," her father said firmly.
"I'll see to her safety and training personally," Fei replied with a nod.
—
As everyone stepped back,Bai Ling stood alone before the towering wooden gates of Tianlong Sect.
She looked up at the engraved characters:"天龍宗"Her fingers clenched.Her heart tightened.
—
"Come soon… Xiao Tian."