That Is A Father! . . .
Cha-Eun Xiao furrowed his brow in confusion. "Things from the old times? What exactly are you referring to?"
His father's tone sounded tinged with worry, particularly when it came to the subject of Cha Nan-Tian's late wife. He feared that his son might be aware of the painful truths from the past. Sometimes, it was better for one person to bear the burden of sorrow rather than burdening two. If his son remained carefree and ignorant, perhaps he could avoid getting embroiled in the troubling affairs of the past and prevent a potentially deadly confrontation with the Qiong-Hua Palace.
However, Cha-Eun Xiao had become an outstanding individual, and his pride was undeniable. If he discovered the truth about his mother, he wouldn't simply stand by and let her remain imprisoned. Cha Nan-Tian understood that the Qiong-Hua Palace was no ordinary sect; it was a formidable entity within the Qing-Yun Realm. Even his own Cha Clan would be powerless against them. If his son got entangled in such a dire situation, Cha Nan-Tian's heart would ache.
"Regarding my mother?" Cha-Eun Xiao shook his head, feigning ignorance. "I know nothing about it. You've never told me anything, so how could I possibly know?"
Cha Nan-Tian scrutinized his son for an extended moment, ensuring that he genuinely lacked any knowledge of the past. Relieved, he spoke, "Xiao Xiao, you needn't concern yourself with the details of your mother or me. Your sole focus should be on becoming stronger and stronger."
Suddenly, he recalled his son's earlier words: 'Qing-Yun Realm? My goals reach far beyond that.'
"I understand," Cha-Eun Xiao replied calmly. "I'm well aware that my current abilities are far from sufficient to comprehend such matters. However, I believe that when I attain the necessary strength, I must uncover the truth and become involved. She is your wife and my mother, after all."
Gazing out of the window, Cha Nan-Tian responded with a gruff tone, "Once you are qualified, you will learn the truth."
"In that case, at what level of cultivation will I be deemed qualified?" Cha-Eun Xiao inquired.
"The Daoyuan Grade," Cha Nan-Tian declared. "But not the initial levels; you must exceed the fifth level of the Daoyuan Grade."
He then sighed heavily. The Daoyuan Grade felt like an elusive dream. Despite years of cultivation and combat experience, he had only reached the fifth level of the Mengyuan Grade. Climbing five more levels to attain the first level of the Daoyuan Grade felt like scaling insurmountable peaks.
Cha Nan-Tian disclosed the need for his son to reach the fifth level of the Daoyuan Grade because he wished to delay the inevitable revelation of the truth. He simply couldn't bear the thought of losing yet another member of his family.
"The fifth level of the Daoyuan Grade?" Cha-Eun Xiao glanced around and smiled wryly. "It doesn't seem like a particularly challenging goal for me."
He appeared confident that achieving such a level was well within his reach.
"Oh, by the way, I almost forgot," he continued, as if a sudden realization had struck him. "A few days ago, when you returned, my master mentioned that he had secretly observed you once, and..." He paused for dramatic effect. "I almost forgot to mention it. What did he say?"
Cha Nan-Tian couldn't help but marvel at the capabilities of Cha-Eun Xiao's master, who had seemingly observed him without detection. In just a little over half a year, this master had transformed his son into an extraordinary individual. The thought that this master might be at least at the fifth level of the Grade of Daoyuan crossed Cha Nan-Tian's mind. He considered the possibility that this master might even be a grandmaster in the art of crafting dan. After all, he had bestowed Cha-Eun Xiao with those supreme dan beads.
From Cha Nan-Tian's perspective, having Cha-Eun Xiao's master as a secret ally was undoubtedly a valuable asset. He anticipated that they might eventually confront the House of the Chaotic Storms, including Wan, Xiu, and Master Bai, and having this secret force on their side would be advantageous. However, the primary purpose was to ensure Cha-Eun Xiao's safety.
After Cha-Eun Xiao shared his master's observations, Cha Nan-Tian immediately stood up, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief. He couldn't agree more with his son's master's assessment. The revelation shook him to his core.
He admired Cha-Eun Xiao's master even more now. What had initially impressed him was now a profound respect. Cha-Eun Xiao had correctly deduced that his master must be a grandmaster cultivator. In the Land of Han-Yang, where few were aware of cultivation levels beyond the Grade of Tianyuan, Cha-Eun Xiao's master's insight was extraordinary.
Cha Nan-Tian knew firsthand how challenging it was to assess someone's condition through observation alone. To him, it was an incredible skill that surpassed ordinary human capabilities. He was convinced that Cha-Eun Xiao's master must be at least at the Grade of Daoyuan and capable of connecting with the heavens. Otherwise, such feats would be impossible.
The wound on his body, left by the No.9 Protector of the Qiong-Hua Palace, was a constant reminder of his limitations. This protector was an eighth-level cultivator in the Grade of Daoyuan. Considering Cha-Eun Xiao's master's ability to assess his condition, Cha Nan-Tian surmised that this master must be close to the No.9 Protector in terms of cultivation.
"Did he really say that?" Cha Nan-Tian's emotions ran high. He had been diligently striving to regain his original cultivation level and had reached the fifth level of the Grade of Mengyuan. However, he had encountered an insurmountable barrier that prevented further progress.
No matter how hard he had worked, he had been unable to break through. Now, he understood why—he had been physically restrained by his old wound. Even if he had devoted all his efforts, he could not overcome this restriction.
The promise he had received, "As long as you break through the Grade of Daoyuan, you will meet your wife again," had been the driving force behind his relentless efforts and countless battles. Yet now, that promise seemed like a cruel irony. It was a hope that could never be realized.
Cha Nan-Tian couldn't help but seethe with frustration. He felt like he had been played for a fool, trapped in a never-ending joke. His face darkened noticeably, reflecting his sour mood. However, when he noticed Cha-Eun Xiao's concerned expression, he made an effort to quell the flames of anger within him.
He realized that no matter how infuriated he felt, he had to keep it hidden from Cha-Eun Xiao. It was not the right time to reveal the truth, as it could drive his son to madness. Cha-Eun Xiao's desire to acquire the power needed to help his mother was a deep-seated longing that could weigh on his heart for a lifetime.
With a deep sigh, Cha Nan-Tian decided to share a fabricated story instead. "Yes, a few years ago, I faced an enemy who used cunning tricks against me. Although I thought I had fully recovered, it seems that the injury still lingers within me." He took a deep breath and suppressed his anger, continuing, "Your master is truly formidable. He possesses the ability to discern this hidden wound."
Listening to his father's account, Cha-Eun Xiao inquired, "Who was that man?"
"I killed him," Cha Nan-Tian replied somberly. "He perished in battle, but not before inflicting this wound on me. That's how he managed to harm me." He offered a smile to his son. "But now, let's leave the past behind. The dead have returned to dust, and there's no benefit in dwelling on it."
Cha-Eun Xiao nodded in silence, seemingly accepting his father's explanation. However, inside his heart, a storm of emotions raged. He keenly sensed Cha Nan-Tian's turmoil and anger, yet his father's determination to protect him and spare him from further burdens was equally palpable.
Cha Nan-Tian's love and selflessness deeply moved Cha-Eun Xiao. He experienced a unique and profound feeling—a father's love. It enveloped him with warmth, comfort, joy, and an overwhelming sense of wonder.
Suppressing these emotions, Cha-Eun Xiao lowered his head and spoke, "My master mentioned that these dan beads can alleviate your condition to some extent. While they may not provide a complete cure, they will certainly bring you benefits. Additionally, I requested a martial art from my master for you."
"A martial art?" Cha Nan-Tian's eyes sparkled with excitement. He couldn't help but feel thrilled. "Tell me more about this martial art."
In the past few days, Cha Nan-Tian had learned a great deal about Cha-Eun Xiao and had come to understand that this secret master must be an extraordinary figure in the Qing-Yun Realm. If such a remarkable individual had bestowed a martial art upon him, it had to be an extraordinary one.