Xian Long pulled back from the hug and turned to face Xian Tiandi directly.
His young face was filled with gratitude so intense and raw it was almost painful to witness.
Tears still glistened at the corners of his eyes. He was still just thirteen years old.
Although for the cultivation world, that's old enough to experience the cruelty of the world.
"Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion and cracking slightly. "Thank you so much for saving my sister. I don't know what I would have done if... if she hadn't..."
Xian Tiandi placed a firm but gentle hand on the boy's shoulder, meeting his eyes steadily. "Yu'er is my sister too, Long. Of course I would save her. There was never any question about what I would do."
Xian Long nodded vigorously, trying hard to compose himself and regain some measure of control. He wiped at his eyes roughly with the back of his hand, clearly embarrassed by his emotional display in front of them.
