Chapter 47: Don't Let Yourself Regret it
On the second day after the New Year at the Xiao family, family members from other regions began to leave one after another. Nalan Yanran also bid farewell to Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhan, preparing to return to the Yun Lan Sect.
This visit to the Xiao family made her deeply aware of her shortcomings in various aspects. At the same time, it strengthened her belief in the path she had chosen.
She had no time to waste.
Before her departure, Nalan Yanran left a final statement to Xiao Yan.
"I will never give up."
Watching Nalan Yanran's departing figure, Xiao Yan scratched his face lightly, revealing a hint of helplessness.
At this moment, Xiao Jing'er and Xiao Li'er also came out with their bags, accompanied by Qing Lin. Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback and looked at them reluctantly.
"Big Sister, Second Sister, are you leaving too?"
"Yes, the mercenary group cannot be left unattended for too long."
Xiao Jing'er smiled in response. Although they had stayed at home for only two nights, considering the travel time, they had already been away from the mercenary group for a week.
"Don't look so upset~~" Xiao Li'er grinned, reaching out to ruffle Xiao Yan's hair. "Xiao Yan, come visit the mercenary group if you get the chance. Second Sister will treat you to roasted scorpions!"
"Alright, I'll definitely visit when I have the chance," Xiao Yan solemnly nodded. He then lowered his gaze to Qing Lin. "Qing Lin, are you sure you want to return to the mercenary group too?"
Xiao Jing'er and Xiao Li'er had previously discussed with Xiao Yan their intention to leave Qing Lin at the Xiao family for peace of mind. After all, the Tagore Desert was far less safe than Wu Tan City, and as a half-human, half-snake being, Qing Lin was not well received there.
However, after a conversation between Xiao Jing'er and Qing Lin that morning, Qing Lin had resolutely refused and insisted on returning to the mercenary group with them.
Now, in response to Xiao Yan's inquiry, Qing Lin answered firmly.
"I want to stay with Captain Xiao Jing'er and the others and work to change the relationship between humans and the snake people! I don't want my parents' tragedy to happen again!"
Qing Lin's emerald-green eyes were filled with determination.
She deeply understood that if humans and the snake people could coexist peacefully, her parents would not have met such a tragic end.
It was precisely because of this realization that she wanted to be the one to make the change. Instead of hoping others would accomplish it, she preferred to participate herself!
Her parents' tragedy must not happen a second time!
Seeing Qing Lin's resolute gaze, Xiao Yan smiled softly, crouched down, and gently patted her head.
"Then, do your best."
"Yes!"
Qing Lin nodded firmly.
At that moment, two voices suddenly called out from within the Xiao family residence.
"Where's Qing Lin? Has she left already?!"
"Qing Lin!!!"
Everyone turned to see Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei running out of the house.
Upon spotting Qing Lin standing at the door, Xiao Mei immediately lunged forward and hugged her tightly, rubbing her small face back and forth.
"Woo woo woo!!! Qing Lin, stay here with Sister Xiao Mei, okay? I'll buy you anything you want!"
Having just started enjoying the experience of being an older sister, Xiao Mei found it hard to accept parting with Qing Lin after only two days.
"Mei'er! Don't say things that make Qing Lin feel conflicted!"
Xiao Yu pulled Xiao Mei away from Qing Lin, ignoring her tearful protests. Then, squatting down to Qing Lin's level, she gently met her gaze.
"Qing Lin, take care of yourself when you go back, alright? Come visit the Xiao family next year during the New Year, and let's play together again," Xiao Yu said softly, stroking Qing Lin's hair with a smile.
"Alright~~~"
Qing Lin responded with a smile. Xiao Jing'er and Xiao Li'er exchanged a glance, then both clasped their hands in farewell to Xiao Zhan.
"Father, we're off now."
"Alright~~~ Be careful on the road."
Watching his two daughters prepare to leave, Xiao Zhan's eyes reflected his deep reluctance.
Yet, despite his feelings, Xiao Zhan refrained from saying anything to stop them.
His children had grown up. They deserved the freedom to explore their own paths. However, there was one thing he could promise Xiao Jing'er and Xiao Li'er.
"If you ever encounter insurmountable difficulties, come back to the Xiao family without hesitation!" Xiao Zhan declared solemnly. "As your father, I don't want you to worry about saving face. The Xiao family will always be your strongest support!"
"Understood!"
Xiao Jing'er and Xiao Li'er responded in unison and left with Qing Lin amidst the farewells.
At this moment, Xiao Yan turned to Xiao Zhan, cupped his hands, and spoke solemnly.
"Father, I plan to leave the Xiao family tomorrow to go on a journey of training!"
Over the past few days, Xiao Yan had been reflecting on how to proceed on his chosen path and how to go further.
He realized that his current understanding of his path was merely theoretical and couldn't withstand much scrutiny.
Even with the Xiao family's success as an example, Xiao Yan couldn't be completely certain that his chosen path was correct.
Therefore, he needed to leave the Xiao family and the place where he had grown up, to explore the broader world, to truly experience and understand things he had never encountered before.
Only then could he refine the path he pursued.
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Xiao Zhan was momentarily stunned. Nearby, Xiao Xun'er and the others were equally surprised, with Xiao Mei grabbing Xiao Yan's arm in a panic.
"Cousin Xiao Yan!!!"
Xiao Mei was on the verge of tears. She had just seen her cherished little sister leave, and now her beloved cousin was planning to go as well?!
Xiao Yan paid no attention to Xiao Mei's protests. Instead, he fixed his determined gaze on his father.
Xiao Zhan stared at the solemn Xiao Yan before him. After a long pause, he finally smiled wryly.
As expected, this day had come.
Xiao Zhan wasn't particularly surprised by Xiao Yan's declaration.
For a long time, he had noticed his son's pursuit of a path entirely different from the majority.
He also understood that his son wouldn't remain complacent, blindly assuming his chosen path was correct.
Thus, Xiao Yan's departure from the Xiao family to find his own answers was inevitable.
Standing nearby, Xiao Xun'er quietly observed Xiao Yan's resolute profile. She opened her mouth to speak but ultimately swallowed her words.
Her eyes were filled with reluctance, but she said nothing to persuade him to stay.
She knew she shouldn't become a burden to Xiao Yan, no matter how much she wished otherwise.
Since Xiao Yan had made such a solemn statement to Xiao Zhan, it meant he had made up his mind and wouldn't be swayed.
In that case, the best thing she could do was silently support him.
"I understand," Xiao Zhan sighed softly, smiling. "Go, pursue your path, and don't let yourself regret it!"
Hearing Xiao Zhan's words, Xiao Yan responded with utmost sincerity.
"I will remember this advice, Father!"
(End of Chapter)
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