The snow fell heavily, and a solitary figure walked forlornly down the deserted street.
The desolate scenery around mirrored the state of his heart.
Blood dripped from his cheek onto the ground, staining the pristine white snow. Yu Daohen felt no pain as he continued to walk forward.
"Hey, shouldn't you come out and comfort me at a time like this?" Yu Daohen said, looking towards a dark corner nearby.
Qin Muyu slowly emerged from the corner, his white ancient attire blending perfectly with the snowy landscape.
"Are you in a lot of pain?" Qin Muyu asked, looking at the blood-covered Yu Daohen with deep concern in his eyes.
A bitter smile touched Yu Daohen's lips. "I thought you'd say I wasn't strong enough."
Qin Muyu walked to Yu Daohen's side, a wisp of white energy gathering in his hand as he gently touched Yu Daohen's cheek. He spoke slowly.
"There are three unbearable pains in this world: the pain of losing a loved one, the pain of losing a brother, and the third..."
As he reached the third, Qin Muyu gazed at Yu Daohen, a smile gracing his face. "The third is the pain of losing a lover."
Yu Daohen wore a bitter expression. A year ago, he had lost his most beloved disciple, and a year later, he had lost his closest brother.
He truly couldn't afford to lose anyone else!
"Fate is inherently unfair. All we can do is face it with equanimity," Qin Muyu said, reaching out to catch a falling snowflake. "One loses many things in life—family, brothers, lovers. Since we cannot change it, why not face it with a calm heart?"
Yu Daohen looked at the melancholic Qin Muyu, surprised to see this side of him.
Yu Daohen's spirits suddenly lifted, and he made a firm resolution in his heart.
That's right, he had many things to do, and he had his family to protect.
The heavy responsibility of revitalizing the Yanhuo Sect still rested on his shoulders. Before that, he needed to focus on improving his own strength.
Yu Daohen turned to look at Qin Muyu, a smile appearing on his lips.
Of course, he also had them to protect.
Seeing Yu Daohen look at him, Qin Muyu felt a bit awkward. He cleared his throat. "Of course, improving your own strength is also paramount."
Yu Daohen offered a sincere smile. "Thank you."
"Since you've regained your drive, I can rest easy," Qin Muyu said, then transformed into a wisp of white smoke and drifted back towards the shop.
Upon returning to the shop, Yu Yijun saw Yu Daohen's tattered clothes and blood-soaked body. She quickly grabbed a first-aid kit to tend to his wounds, her voice filled with concern. "Daddy, how did you get so badly injured?"
Yu Daohen sat on a chair, stroking Yu Yijun's small head, his voice weak. "Daddy needs to ask you for a favor."
Yu Yijun's eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling. "As long as Daddy is okay, I'll do anything you say."
A mischievous smile spread across Yu Daohen's face. "Promise Daddy, no more talk about venturing into the martial world from now on."
Yu Yijun was about to nod in agreement but suddenly felt something was amiss. She saw blood but no wounds.
Yu Yijun touched the bleeding spot on Yu Daohen's forehead and was instantly speechless. "Daddy, are you a monster? This wound healed way too fast."
Seeing his little trick exposed, Yu Daohen coughed, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Qin Muyu had already healed his injuries, so there was blood but no wound.
"Ahem, ahem, what nonsense are you talking about, little girl? Can this blood on me be fake?" Yu Daohen tried to continue playing dumb.
Yu Yijun's small face was filled with speechlessness. "Oh, really?"
After sending Yu Yijun off, she used her small hands to wipe the blood from Yu Daohen's head and feigned shock. "Wow, Daddy's wound is gone! How magical!"
Seeing that he was completely found out, Yu Daohen stopped pretending. "In any case, don't even think about venturing into the martial world."
"Hmph ╯^╰." Yu Yijun pouted her little lips and turned her head away.
Li Xin, standing nearby, looked at Yu Daohen. "Brother Yu, I'm truly sorry about this matter."
Yu Daohen waved his hand. "Don't mention it, Brother Li. I should be thanking you for escorting my little girl to Taohua Village to rescue me back then."
Li Xin shook his head helplessly and sighed. Yu Daohen eagerly asked, "Brother Li, why were you being pursued by people from the Yan Shu Sect?"
Li Xin glanced at Yu Yijun, who was standing nearby. Yu Daohen naturally understood Li Xin's meaning. He turned to look at the little girl who was pretending to be sulky. "Little girl, Daddy needs to discuss something important with Uncle Li. You should go to the backyard now."
"Hmph ╯^╰." Yu Yijun pouted her lips and let out a soft哼, then stood up and walked towards the backyard.
Yu Daohen shook his head helplessly.
He knew that the little girl was just putting on an act, but she was still a child. After this matter was settled, he would take her to the food street for a stroll.