The calm figure under the light revealed itself as they walked.
It was a dignified male in his late youth, exuding an aura of a half-Step Dao-Master.
His presence was commanding, yet there was a warmth in his eyes that spoke of familiarity and care. This was Bai Qing, Xiao Yunhai's close friend and Xiao Ming's present "cousin."
Over the years, Bai Qing had immersed himself deeply in the illusion of this pseudo-family, playing his role with such sincerity that even he had begun to feel a genuine attachment.
The thought of their inevitable parting filled him with a quiet sense of regret. To the Bai Clan, Xiao Ming was a beloved son, a treasure they cherished despite his mortal status.
His lack of cultivation was never a consideration; his worth lay in his character, his determination, and the potential they saw in him.
