The commotion had barely died down when Liu Mei's parents finally snapped out of their daze. Their wide smiles spoke volumes as they rushed toward their daughter, their steps almost stumbling in disbelief. For an ordinary couple of Spirit Masters with average talents, the sight of their child awakening a Purple Talent—a rarity that existed in dreams more than reality—was nearly incomprehensible.
"Mommy! Daddy! Did you see me?!" Liu Mei's small voice rang out, her excitement bubbling over as she threw herself into their arms.
"Yes, we saw, sweetheart!" her mother exclaimed, smothering her with kisses that landed in rapid succession on her forehead. "You were amazing! We're so proud of you!"
Her father stood silently, his arms trembling as he held his daughter. Tears streamed down his face, his stoicism shattered by an overwhelming surge of joy. He, too, had broken through, reaching the Spirit Grandmaster stage for the first time in his life. This miracle wasn't just hers—it belonged to them all.
But the moment of intimacy was cut short as Liu Xiaobei approached, his presence pulling them back into the reality of their status. Straightening immediately, they bowed deeply.
"Clan Leader," they greeted in unison, their voices tinged with both respect and apprehension.
Liu Xiaobei offered a smile, the kind that carried both warmth and an unspoken authority. "Good day," he said. "You must be Liu Mei's parents. I've already reviewed your roles within the clan."
Their expressions flickered with surprise—an investigation so swift was both unnerving and oddly flattering.
"I want to express my gratitude for your contributions," Liu Xiaobei continued. "And, considering your daughter's extraordinary achievement, I've decided it's time to make some changes."
He turned to Liu Mei's father. "You were assigned as a guard in the Spirit Stone Mine, correct? Starting tomorrow, you'll be stationed within the Clan's main grounds, closer to your family."
The man's eyes widened, and his gratitude spilled out in a hurried rush. "Thank you, Clan Leader! I—thank you!"
Liu Xiaobei nodded before shifting his gaze to Liu Mei's mother. "You've been serving as a shopkeeper, if I'm not mistaken. From now on, you'll manage the store and receive a share of the monthly profits. Consider it an investment in your family's future."
Her lips quivered, and she struggled to form words, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. When she finally nodded, tears glistening in her eyes, Liu Xiaobei chuckled lightly. "I'll take that as a yes."
Then his attention fell to Liu Mei, who was practically bouncing with glee, her energy uncontainable. "As for our little star here," he said, "my wife has been seeking a disciple. I believe Liu Mei would be an ideal candidate."
Liu Mei's father didn't hesitate. "As long as Mei Mei agrees, we'll support her."
Liu Xiaobei crouched slightly, meeting Liu Mei's eager eyes. "What do you think? Would you like to train with my wife—and maybe even with your big brother Xuefeng?"
"Can I? I want to!" Liu Mei shouted, her joy spilling over as she leapt into another hug.
"Then it's settled," Liu Xiaobei said, rising smoothly. "We'll work out the details after the ceremony."
His focus shifted to Xuefeng, standing nearby. "Come with me. There are some guests I'd like you to meet."
Xuefeng sighed inwardly, already bracing himself for the political show he'd been dreading. He fell into step beside his father, his mind racing with quiet resentment. This world might be different, but politics are the same everywhere.
As they neared the main table, a voice rose to greet them. "Ah, the famous son at last!" The Lu Clan's Leader grinned broadly, his jovial tone cutting through the formal air.
Xuefeng bowed politely. "Greetings, Elders. I am Liu Xuefeng. It's an honor to meet you."
A chorus of approving nods followed, though the tension among the beauties seated nearby was almost palpable. Their attempts to draw his attention were shameless—pushed chests, fluttering lashes, coy smiles—but Xuefeng barely acknowledged them. Only the veiled woman, her purple hair cascading like liquid silk, seemed disinterested, sparing him a single glance before turning away.
I wonder how they'd behave if I had the golden talent, Xuefeng mused, suppressing a smirk.
After a round of introductions, Liu Xiaobei turned to the final guest at the table. "And this," he said with a note of reverence, "is Emperor Zhen."
The moment hung in the air, heavy with expectation. Wuying's lessons on etiquette flashed through Xuefeng's mind, and he executed a slight bow—not too deep, but enough to acknowledge the man's rank. "Your Majesty," he said simply.
The Emperor's gaze lingered for a beat before he nodded curtly, his expression unreadable.
Xuefeng's mother, Mu Lan, appeared at his side with a plate of food. "Feng'er, you must be hungry. Eat something before your turn."
"Thank you, Mother, but I'll wait until after the ceremony," Xuefeng replied, his voice tinged with impatience. He turned to his father. "Can we begin? I've waited sixteen years for this moment."
Liu Xiaobei patted his shoulder, signaling to a nearby Shadow Guard. Moments later, he turned to the crowd. "The ceremony will now resume."
As Xuefeng made his way to the stage, his father leaned in close while passing him a bottle. "If you can summon a heavenly phenomenon, you'll have your pick of any beauty at the table," he murmured with a wink.
Xuefeng rolled his eyes but said nothing. I'm not even over Tianshi, and you want me to choose a girl already?
Taking his seat, Xuefeng glanced at the bottle of Spirit Awakening Liquid in his hand. To his surprise, it wasn't just a drop like the others had received—it was filled nearly to the brim. He tilted it slightly, watching the liquid swirl inside. Father really went all out.
"Don't overthink it," Elder Ming said quietly, his voice cutting into Xuefeng's thoughts. "Just follow the instructions. Fate cannot be changed."
Xuefeng smiled faintly. Fate cannot be changed? Let's see how Fate handles me.
With a deep breath, Xuefeng tipped the bottle back, letting the liquid slide down his throat. It was cool at first, almost soothing, but as it hit his tongue, it burned like fire. He grimaced, his body recoiling instinctively, but he forced himself to swallow. The heat expanded, curling into his chest and then settling low in his stomach like a live ember. The sensation grew, turning into a warm current that spiraled toward his dantian, swirling with a rhythm that seemed to echo through his entire being.
It's time to prove everyone wrong.