Chapter 576: Chapter 576: A Chance to Reconcile

Su Qinglan was so embarrassed she wanted to sink completely under the water and never come out. She tried to lower herself deeper into the tub, but Xuan Long’s strong arms gently held her in place.

"No hiding," he said softly, kissing her wet earlobe tenderly. "No wonder Lan Lan is always so energetic after we love you."

Hu Yan laughed happily, his eyes shining with pride.

"If you had told us earlier, we would have helped you every single day! Then our Lan Lan would become the most powerful female in the beast world. She could beat every beastman here!"

Hu Yan said with a proud smile, like he was the one who had such ability.

Su Qinglan immediately pushed him back with a helpless smile. "I knew it. That’s exactly what goes on in your head. That’s why I didn’t tell you sooner."

Hu Yan only chuckled again. He took Su Qinglan’s small hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles with deep affection.

"My female, don’t be shy. I will always be ready to serve you. Anytime. Anywhere."

Su Qinglan blushed furiously, her face almost as red as ripe fruit. She grumbled softly, but her heart felt warm and sweet.

Xuan Long’s eyes held gentle mirth as he watched her. However, behind that warmth, both men’s expressions subtly changed. A dark, protective light flashed in their eyes.

They exchanged a meaningful look over Su Qinglan’s head.

This secret could never be known by outsiders.

If anyone besides their close family found out that Su Qinglan could rapidly advance her powers through dual cultivation with her mates... the consequences would be unimaginable. Greed, danger, and endless trouble would follow.

As for the other three husbands who were still clueless...

Hu Yan and Xuan Long shared another silent understanding. Whether to tell them or let them discover it naturally... they would decide later. For now, Su Qinglan’s safety and happiness came first.

Xuan Long leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Rest well in the water for a while longer, Lan Lan," he murmured lovingly. "We’ll take care of everything."

Hu Yan smiled warmly beside him, already reaching for clean towels.

After a refreshing bath, Su Qinglan finally dressed herself neatly. She put on a soft, light-colored dress that gently hugged her figure, making her look fresh, beautiful, and radiant.

The warm bath and the intense love had left a soft glow on her skin, and her eyes sparkled with vitality.

Once she was ready, Su Qinglan looked around the room and asked softly, "Where are Han Jue and Shi Feng? I haven’t seen them since I woke up, and I didn’t see the cubs either."

Hu Yan turned to look at Xuan Long. He had been completely focused on Su Qinglan earlier and had no idea what had happened outside.

Xuan Long paused for a moment, then spoke in a low voice, "Actually, your father came earlier. He must have received news that you were unconscious. I asked Han Jue to take him and the others to An Mo’s house first so they wouldn’t disturb you."

Su Qinglan was stunned. Her eyes widened, and she immediately stood up straight, her expression filled with urgency.

"Let’s go right now," she said without hesitation. "My father must be really worried. He finally came to see me... I haven’t seen him for so many days. I really miss him."

She took a step forward, eager to leave, but Xuan Long gently reminded her, "Lan Lan, wait. I think he didn’t come alone. There are quite a few people with him."

Su Qinglan turned back curiously. "Who else is there?"

Xuan Long’s emerald eyes softened as he replied, "The priestess is here too. Your mother."

Su Qinglan’s body trembled violently. Her eyes widened in shock and joy.

Without waiting another second, she lifted the hem of her dress and rushed out of the house like a gust of wind, running straight toward An Mo’s house with incredible speed.

"Lan Lan, slow down!" Hu Yan called out, quickly following behind her with a helpless yet doting smile.

Xuan Long shook his head with a soft chuckle and chased after her as well. Even though they had loved her thoroughly the entire day, their female was now bursting with energy and running like the wind.

Su Qinglan’s heart pounded violently as she ran forward. The thought of finally seeing both her father and mother again made her eyes sting with overwhelming emotion.

After everything that had happened...the dangers, the endless suffering, that man, and the long years of separation...being able to meet her parents once more filled her chest with unbearable longing.

She missed her father’s steady and protective presence. The warmth of his large hand resting on her head. The quiet way he always stood in front of her whenever danger appeared.

At the same time, guilt and regret flooded her heart.

She should have gone to see her mother sooner.

She knew she was wrong.

But what could she do...?

Even after learning how much her mother had sacrificed for her, a shadow still remained buried deep inside her heart.

Because no matter how much her present self tried to understand...the past self still could not completely forgive.

After all, her mother had also been one of the reasons behind her miserable life.

Su Qinglan had been torn between wanting to see her mother and wanting to distance herself.

Because just because her current self no longer blamed her... did not mean the self from her previous life had stopped hurting.

That version of her had lived like a soulless doll.

She had watched her mates die one after another before her eyes.

She had watched her father leave the world carrying unfulfilled regrets, unable to even see her one last time before his death.

And even her newborn cub... had died shortly after being born.

Worst of all, she had been too weak to protect them.

In her mind, Hu Yan’s furious face and Han Jue’s slowly dying expression had long been carved into her soul like knives.

Even when she pretended everything was fine...it never truly was.

There had been countless nights when she woke from nightmares drenched in cold sweat, reliving those moments again and again.

Sometimes, the past version of herself would rather have died than continue enduring such hell.

After all, what meaning did life have when all she could do was watch the people she loved disappear one by one...and believe it was all because of her?

Yes, she knew she was selfish. She knew those thoughts were wrong.

But she was only human too...wasn’t she?

Then why...?

Why had her mother never tried to find her in that previous life?

Why had she allowed her to continue living in misery for so many years?

That was the reason why, even after awakening and learning the truth...that her mother had done everything for her sake...a part of her heart still quietly blamed her.

But now...

Su Qinglan finally realized just how wrong she had been.

She never truly understood her own feelings until Rong Yanchen imprisoned her mother and she could no longer see her.

Only then did fear truly take root inside her heart.

What if something happened to her mother?

What if, just like in the previous life, she lost the chance to meet her again?

What if they never had the opportunity to reconcile?

After all, time never waits for anyone.