Immortal Paladin

[POV: Shouquan]

The Radiant Soul Academy was based in the southern territories of Radiant Losten, a kingdom said to have descended from another world before becoming part of the Hollowed World. Compared to the ancient institutions that nurtured generations of cultivators, the academy remained remarkably young.

The enigmatic Celestial Step Academy traced its legacy to forgotten ages, the Martial Alliance Academy was renowned for its uncompromising discipline, and the rebuilt Imperial Academy carried the prestige of a fallen empire. Numerous lesser academies likewise possessed histories that stretched far deeper into the past.

Even so, when the time came to host the grand inter-academy exchange tournament, every major power unanimously agreed that the honor belonged to the Radiant Soul Academy.

Why?

It was because of the identity of the Radian Soul Academy's founder and acting principal.

Lord Principal Shouquan appeared in the center of the tournament grounds without fanfare, yet his mere presence quieted the countless conversations echoing throughout the enormous arena. His white robes fluttered gently beneath the afternoon breeze while his long silver hair rested neatly behind his back. The wrinkles upon his face spoke of a time few could truly comprehend.

Among everyone gathered today, there was not a single soul who could confidently claim greater seniority than this old man. If history alone determined precedence, then Radiant Losten itself might well be considered the oldest institution represented here, provided one judged it through the extraordinary lifespan of the man standing before them.

His calm gaze swept across the sixteen young cultivators awaiting their final trial.

"You sixteen have surpassed hundreds of talented disciples from every academy represented here. Talent alone could never have carried you this far. Your determination, perseverance, and willingness to improve have earned you a place among the finest of your generation. Regardless of today's outcome, each of you has already proven your worth. Fight with honor, trust in your cultivation, and leave this arena without regrets. May fortune accompany every one of you."

Thunderous applause erupted from every direction.

The massive tournament grounds were packed beyond capacity. Cultivators from every prominent academy occupied the surrounding seats while distinguished guests from kingdoms, sects, clans, and distant territories filled the remaining bleachers. Their cheers rolled across the arena like crashing waves, shaking banners that proudly displayed the emblems of every participating academy.

Shouquan slowly raised one hand, and silence naturally followed.

"In the grace of the Holy Emperor and the Seven Primaries, let the battles of the Final Sixteen commence."

The entire stadium exploded with excitement.

Shouquan gave the competitors one final nod before quietly leaving the center stage. As he ascended toward the elevated balcony overlooking the tournament grounds, the appointed arbiter stepped forward to begin drawing the first match.

The atmosphere above differed greatly from the roaring excitement below.

A lavish banquet occupied much of the spacious balcony. Rare wines, spiritual fruits, delicacies harvested from dangerous beast domains, and fragrant teas lined polished tables while influential cultivators exchanged greetings beneath elaborately decorated canopies. No sooner had Shouquan arrived than numerous guests approached him with welcoming smiles.

"Lord Principal, perhaps our sect and your academy could discuss future cooperation."

"I have several promising disciples seeking proper instruction. Radiant Soul Academy would surely benefit from accepting them."

"Our trading company recently secured a new spiritual ore vein. If your academy requires resources—"

"Principal Shouquan, it has been too long since we last met."

The old principal smiled warmly at each visitor.

"One matter at a time."

"Your generosity honors us."

"We shall certainly speak after today's matches."

"It is always pleasant seeing old acquaintances."

Such exchanges had become an unavoidable part of his position. Every major gathering attracted people hoping to establish relationships, negotiate agreements, or simply leave a favorable impression. Shouquan had long since learned to accommodate them without allowing the conversations to consume his day.

The surrounding cultivators gradually stepped aside as someone far more distinguished approached.

A graceful woman with long blond hair and elegant pointed ears walked forward beneath the respectful gazes of everyone nearby. Soft green robes draped over her slender figure, and a serene holy aura followed every step she took.

Shouquan inclined his head.

"Holy Speaker Anna. Your presence honors the Radiant Soul Academy. I am sincerely grateful that you accepted our invitation."

Anna returned the greeting with a gentle smile.

"I merely came to represent the Radiant Losten Sovereigns. Their Majesties deeply regretted being unable to attend today's tournament, but pressing affairs demanded their attention elsewhere."

Shouquan chuckled softly.

"Your presence alone is more than sufficient. Someone who holds a seat among the Seven Primaries undoubtedly has responsibilities far more important than spectating a tournament."

A light laugh reached them before another figure joined the conversation.

"I don't know about that. A Primary attending this personally is already surprising enough."

Shouquan turned toward the newcomer.

Dark hair framed her youthful face while several silver streaks shimmered beneath the sunlight. A fluffy fox tail swayed leisurely behind her, giving her otherwise refined appearance an unmistakable touch of mischief.

He recognized her immediately.

Jia Yun.

A direct disciple of Da Ji and one of the prominent representatives of the Celestial Step Academy and the Great Guard Faith.

Although Da Ji officially served as the academy's headmaster, rumors had spread throughout every major organization that she rarely remained within the academy these days, often disappearing for months without explanation. Consequently, important occasions such as today's tournament frequently fell upon her disciple.

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Shouquan looked at Jia Yun curiously.

"What did you mean by those words?"

Jia Yun smiled knowingly.

"It seems not just one Primary is attending, but two."

She lifted a finger and pointed behind herself.

Shouquan followed her gesture.

A sizeable crowd had gathered around two familiar figures, each influential enough to attract attention without making any effort.

"If the Ward seeks investment, our chambers would gladly cooperate."

"Primary Tao Long, perhaps we can discuss future security contracts."

"Primary Tian En, our sect wishes to consult the Four Pillars regarding several cultivation projects."

"I hope both of you might consider visiting our territory after the tournament."

As Shouquan approached, the surrounding cultivators quickly noticed him and respectfully made way.

Only then did the old principal clearly see the two distinguished guests.

Primary Tian En of the Four Pillars stood quietly with her hands folded inside wide sleeves. Despite her advanced age, her calm eyes retained remarkable clarity.

Beside her stood Primary Tao Long of the Ward.

The moment Tao Long noticed him, a broad smile appeared.

"Master, how has retirement been treating you?"

Shouquan laughed heartily.

"So it truly is you. I never expected both of you to appear here today."

Tian En offered a slight nod.

"I wished to speak with you discreetly."

Without waiting for instructions, Tao Long clapped his hands together before addressing everyone nearby.

"My apologies, everyone. Please excuse us for a while. Master and Primary Tian En have official matters to discuss."

The gathered cultivators immediately understood and politely dispersed, leaving the three alone.

Shouquan's smile gradually faded.

"What is this about?"

Tian En met his eyes.

"It concerns your daughter."

The old principal's expression immediately hardened.

"Not here."

Without another word, he turned and walked away from the banquet.

Tian En silently followed, while Tao Long tactfully remained behind out of respect.

Together they ascended the highest tower overlooking the academy until they reached the open rooftop. The breeze swept across the rooftop, carrying with it the distant cheers rising from the tournament grounds below. From this height, the battles of the Final Sixteen had already begun, flashes of spiritual light illuminating different sections of the arena. Neither Shouquan nor Tian En paid them any attention.

Some matters far outweighed a tournament.

Tian En met his gaze, her expression unusually solemn.

"The Holy Emperor appeared before Tian Mei several days ago. He asked her to become one of his representatives in a competition against the Supreme Heart's champions."

Shouquan's brows drew together. He immediately understood the weight behind those words. The Supreme Heart was one of the Six Supreme Beings. Anything involving such an existence could never be described as a simple competition. It was a confrontation that would inevitably decide the fate of countless lives.

After a long silence, Shouquan sighed.

"I find myself conflicted. If His Holy Majesty wished to recruit Tian Mei, why didn't he come to me first?"

"Yes. Instead, he came to me," Tian En replied calmly. "He asked for my opinion. Before making a decision, he also told me he would visit you and hear your thoughts."

Shouquan could not help smiling bitterly.

"Opinion? Thoughts? That hardly sounds like someone prepared to accept 'no' for an answer."

A faint smile appeared on Tian En's weathered face.

"I asked the Holy Emperor for time. I wished to tell you myself before he spoke with you. I hoped that perhaps we could finally correct the mistakes of the past."

Shouquan looked at her in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Tian Mei still doesn't know."

His heart skipped a beat.

"Know what?"

"Even after all these years," Tian En said softly, "she remains completely unaware that you are her father."

Shouquan slowly closed his eyes.

"It is better that it remains that way. Too much time has already passed."

"No," Tian En's voice became firmer. "Tian Mei could die. Even with the Holy Emperor's blessings, there is no guarantee of survival. Don't you owe it to her? She will be facing a Supreme Being!"

"A Supreme Being's champions," corrected Shouquan as his eyes snapped open.

The distinction mattered. Even so, it hardly made the situation any less dangerous. Shouquan stared toward the distant skyline of Radiant Losten, but his thoughts wandered far beyond the kingdom.

He remembered his master. He remembered the fellow disciples who had once laughed and cultivated beside him before history swallowed them one after another. He remembered wars, betrayals, and countless enemies whose names had become impossible to remember.

Over hundred thousand years. That was how long he had carried regret and how long he had convinced himself that staying away from Tian Mei had been the correct decision. The moment the world learned of their relationship, every lingering grudge he had accumulated throughout those endless years might eventually fall upon her shoulders.

He had believed distance was protection.

Now...?

He wasn't so certain anymore.

Shouquan inhaled deeply before speaking into the empty sky.

"Your Holy Majesty... would you honor this old man by speaking with you?"

Golden light gathered before them.

The surrounding spiritual energy converged into a radiant projection until Da Wei's figure gradually materialized in midair. He floated effortlessly above the rooftop, proving his rumored omnipresence to be true.

A warm smile rested upon his face.

"There is no need to address me with such formal titles. Da Wei is perfectly fine."

Tian En folded her hands respectfully.

"I would rather that we adhere to proper protocol."

Da Wei simply smiled, knowing better than to argue.

Shouquan stepped forward.

"Then allow me to ask directly."

His expression became serious.

"Why Tian Mei?"

Da Wei's smile faded.

"Among all the champions I've chosen, she is the most important."

Shouquan's eyes narrowed.

"Why?"

"I can't tell you that."

Da Wei looked toward the open sky.

"The Supreme Heart may be listening."

Both elders stiffened. Even within the Hollowed World and the Holy Emperor's presence extending across nearly every corner of existence, a Supreme Being still possessed the means to observe matters hidden from ordinary cultivators. The realization alone demonstrated just how terrifying those ancient existences truly were.

Da Wei scratched his cheek awkwardly. "If I may be frank, I'd like to mention something that feels rather invasive to someone's privacy."

Tian En blinked. "Whose privacy?"

"Tian Mei's," Da Wei sighed. "She has been praying to me every single night. She always asks whether she'll meet her father one day. Her ocular abilities have already matured enough for her to sense that her father remains alive somewhere in the world. She simply can't determine who he is. She even asks me for hints."

Tian En couldn't help smiling. "Oh?"

"One day she guessed I was her father," Da Wei chuckled as he rubbed his forehead in exasperation. "The next time she suspected Tao Long. After that, she guessed several other people. I could have told her the truth. But I didn't. Because the distance between father and daughter can only be crossed by the one who has been running away."

Shouquan flinched. The words struck far deeper than any sword ever could. He had neither excuse, nor the justification. Only fear. Yet even after all these years, Tian Mei had never stopped searching for him. His daughter, the little girl he had convinced himself would eventually forget had spent centuries, hoping one day her father would return. His chest tightened painfully.

At that moment, Tian En quietly spoke. "Tian Mei is getting married next month."

"What?!"

Shouquan exploded with such force that the rooftop trembled. "It's been thousands of years! Why is she only getting married now? That Shu Dai... I'm going to kill him!"

"Calm yourself," said Tian En as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "The wedding kept being delayed because of Tian Mei herself."

Shouquan blinked. "What?"

"She constantly wandered across the world looking for new adventures. She dragged Shu Dai along every single time."

Da Wei coughed into his fist, clearly suppressing laughter.

Tian En continued with complete seriousness. "Whenever preparations finally progressed, she'd somehow find another excuse to postpone them."

Shouquan stared blankly. "So... Shu Dai isn't at fault?"

"He has been remarkably patient."

Tian En's smile softened. "In hindsight, she was probably searching for you. She wanted her father to attend her wedding."

Those words completely shattered the final wall around Shouquan's heart. He slowly closed his eyes before opening them again, this time filled with unwavering resolve. "I understand." His voice no longer carried hesitation. "If... if my daughter truly wishes to meet me, then I shall meet her."

A warm smile spread across Tian En's face as she stepped to one side. "I thought you'd say that. I actually brought her with me."

Da Wei smiled quietly. "My work here is done."

His projection dissolved into countless golden motes that drifted away upon the wind. The rooftop suddenly became silent. A figure slowly emerged only a few steps behind Tian En.

Shouquan's pupils contracted.

She had been standing there all along.

One of the signature abilities granted by her ocular powers had concealed both her soul and her very existence so perfectly that even someone of his cultivation had failed to notice her presence.

Her long dark hair fluttered gently in the breeze. Tears streamed freely down her cheeks. The moment their eyes met, centuries of longing, confusion, hope, and love overflowed all at once.

"Father..."

Her voice broke.

"I... I finally found you."

Tian Mei threw herself forward without another thought.

She wrapped both arms tightly around Shouquan, burying her face against his chest as uncontrollable sobs escaped her.

"I've missed you... so much..."

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