The Patriarch of the Tai family wiped tears from his face, his throat aching with unshed grief, "A good death, a good death indeed!"
He had schemed for so many years, all to see Xuan Hongsheng pay for his deeds!
Even if he was scolded and humiliated by the people of the Medicine Valley, as long as it meant avenging his daughter, it was all meaningful, all worthwhile!
"Child, can you see? This heartless man has been killed, and he died miserably..."
The Patriarch of the Tai family walked step by step towards Xuan Hongsheng's corpse.
Tears streamed from his eyes, yet a smile played on his lips.
"That concubine who bullied you has also died. Down there... do you see...?"
Xuan Qinghong's mother was named Tai Wanxiu, a renowned talent in the neighborhood.
She was beautiful, elegant, and carried the aura of a noble lady in every gesture.
Back then, Xuan Hongsheng had knelt before the Tai family's gate for three days and three nights to ask for Tai Wanxiu's hand in marriage.
Even in the pouring rain, even with bleeding knees, even with people pointing and gossiping, he had never moved an inch.
It was this act that made the Patriarch of the Tai family trust him, leading to the ruin of his family and the bittersweet sorrow of changed circumstances.
With the full support of the Tai family, Xuan Hongsheng ascended to the position of Valley Master.
However, he did not keep his promise to cherish the noble lady he had married with a grand procession.
For three years of marriage, the couple never returned home. The Patriarch of the Tai family assumed it was because their lives were too sweet and they were inseparable.
But one day, the Patriarch of the Tai family saw a horrific sight—a body, the pearl of his eye.
Overwhelmed with grief, he fainted for over a month and almost didn't survive.
During this month, the Tai family was also suppressed by the increasingly powerful Xuan Hongsheng, gradually declining, their members scattering.
From then on, the Patriarch of the Tai family swore to heaven and earth that he would make Xuan Hongsheng pay the price!
"It has been over fifty years now..."
The Patriarch of the Tai family's back was weathered and aged, his eyes clouded with time. He was too old to walk much further.
"Child, he has finally died..."
He knelt on the ground, causing the surrounding disciples to tear up and hang their heads in shame.
"Father has no regrets now..."
As everyone was still reeling, the Patriarch of the Tai family drew a short dagger from his embrace and aimed it at his own neck.
"No!" Jing Yuanming, seeing his action, rushed forward in a panic.
Too late! Too late to save him!
However, faster than Jing Yuanming was the figure of a woman.
"Father—!"
A choked sob echoed, and the Patriarch of the Tai family's tightly shut eyes instantly widened.
He turned his head tremblingly, but his eyesight was poor, and tears blurred his vision, making it impossible to see the woman before him clearly.
"Father!"
How long had it been since the Patriarch of the Tai family had heard this "Father"...?
It was Wanxiu, his most beloved daughter, it was her...
"You promised me you would be alright!"
"You can't go back on your word!"
Tears welled up in the Patriarch of the Tai family's eyes, and the dagger fell from his hand, clattering twice.
"Father remembers, Father remembers everything..."
"Father lied to you..."
The Patriarch of the Tai family stood up, his body still swaying, but his steps were firm as he walked towards the figure.
"Father just... missed you a little."
"Are you eating well, sleeping soundly? Father wants to know..."
Bai Ran leaned against a tree at the foot of the mountain, watching the scene unfold, then lowered her gaze and chuckled softly.
Tai Wanxiu had never left the mortal world, bound by hatred and love.
"Master, aren't you going to see Madam?"
If this chance was missed, there would be no other.
Xuan Qinghong looked at that figure, his lips pressed tightly together, trembling incessantly.
"No need."
Jing Yuanming slowed his steps, looking at the ethereal figure, his eyes filled with shock.
A soul? Could she be the Valley Master's wife!
"Wanxiu is unfilial, unable to care for you in your old age."
Facing the approach of the Patriarch of the Tai family, Tai Wanxiu watched, then bowed deeply.
"The next time we meet will be in dreams."
Tai Wanxiu straightened up, a single crystal tear falling, yet a gentle smile graced her face.
Just as the Patriarch of the Tai family reached out, about to grasp her, Tai Wanxiu's figure began to dissipate.
"Father, take care."
As her voice faded, the Patriarch of the Tai family's hand grasped only air.
"Child? My child!"
He fumbled in the air, as if trying to gather traces of his daughter, "Father doesn't need you to care for him, Father is capable..."
"Father just wanted to see you, to be with you..."
The Patriarch of the Tai family clutched at empty air, collapsing onto the ground, weeping heartbrokenly.
Xuan Qinghong took a deep breath, swallowing his tears. Suddenly, his shoulder was lightly patted.
Turning his head, he saw the slowly dissipating Tai Wanxiu floating in the air, smiling at him.
"My Hong'er has grown so big."
At this moment, Xuan Qinghong's emotions could no longer be contained. Tears flowed like a broken dam.
"Yes..."
"Hong'er even avenged his mother..."
Tai Wanxiu's gaze was filled with love and tenderness, "Mother must leave now. Take good care of yourself."
Xuan Qinghong bit his lower lip tightly, promising her countless times in his heart.
"I will definitely refine the Three-Patterned Pure Spirit Pill..."
Tai Wanxiu turned and looked at Bai Ran, bowing her head deeply once more.
"Your presence is our fortune."
Bai Ran smiled, watching the radiant figure vanish into the air.
Then, with a subtle flick of her finger, she left a wisp of Ghost King power upon her—Rebirth.
To judge all ghosts, those who move towards death are imprisoned, unable to reincarnate, forever tormented by their past lives.
Rebirth, however, leaves a wisp of Ghost King power upon the departed soul.
No matter how long they linger in the human world, they can re-enter the cycle of reincarnation and be born into a good family.
In their next life, they will possess greater destiny and talent than ordinary people.
Xuan Qinghong closed his eyes tightly, his heart still disturbed.
But seeing the heartbroken look on the Patriarch of the Tai family's face, he clenched his fist and walked out.
"Valley Master!" Jing Yuanming, seeing Xuan Qinghong arrive, stepped forward to greet him.
Valley Master? The disciples looked up. Some still had tears in their eyes.
Xuan Qinghong walked to the Patriarch of the Tai family's side and helped him up, "Technically, I should call you Grandfather."
Wanxiu's child! The Patriarch of the Tai family turned, his large hand caressing Xuan Qinghong's face, "You... you are Wanxiu's child...?"
Xuan Qinghong nodded. Tai Wanxiu had never returned home, nor had she sent any news to her family.
Because she didn't want her father to worry and notice her distress, the Patriarch of the Tai family was unaware of Xuan Qinghong's existence.
"Child, you have suffered..."
The Patriarch of the Tai family's grip tightened. He thought the Tai family was completely gone, only to find he had a grandson alive.
This was, in a way, a glimmer of hope for the Patriarch of the Tai family to live on.