His Son Brought Hope To Him . . .
Cha-Eun Xiao couldn't help but wonder, *"Maybe it can cure my father's hidden wound?"*
He reached for a new book he had prepared, a martial art manual he had diligently compiled in the days since learning about Cha Nan-Tian's condition. This martial art was tailored specifically to his father's needs.
As he presented the book to Cha Nan-Tian, the title on the cover made the elder Cha's face flush with excitement. It read, "The Unitary Nature."
Upon seeing those words, Cha Nan-Tian's heart raced with anticipation. *"The Unitary Nature?"* he exclaimed. The significance of this martial art was not lost on him.
The legend of The Unitary Nature had spread far and wide throughout the Qing-Yun Realm. It was a martial art associated with an ancient master who had ruled the realm over eight thousand years ago. During his time, this martial artist had been invincible, dominating all with the power of The Unitary Nature.
The fame of this martial art had led to countless battles and bloodshed. An ancient cave, believed to be the cultivation sanctuary of the legendary martial artist, had been discovered, sparking a frenzy among cultivators eager to claim The Unitary Nature as their own.
Cha Nan-Tian knew the history well—countless cultivators, both renowned and anonymous, had perished in their pursuit of this legendary martial art.
Now, to his astonishment, the very same martial art was within his grasp. The realization nearly overwhelmed him with emotion.
He had expected that the secret master might provide him with a valuable martial art, but The Unitary Nature had surpassed his wildest expectations. Still, doubt lingered in the back of his mind. The title was correct, but could the contents truly be the genuine martial art?
It wouldn't be unheard of for someone to present a counterfeit art, leveraging the fame of The Unitary Nature to elevate its value.
Yet, as Cha Nan-Tian began to peruse the pages of the manual, his skepticism gave way to awe. This was undoubtedly the genuine article.
Despite being an initial-stage first-class cultivator, Cha Nan-Tian's keen eyes quickly confirmed the authenticity and brilliance of this martial art. The revelation struck him with profound surprise, causing his hands to tremble and his voice to quaver.
*"It actually is real!"* he whispered in disbelief, his eyes welling up with tears.
With The Unitary Nature in his possession, Cha Nan-Tian finally had hope. The hidden wound and all the barriers to his cultivation were no longer insurmountable obstacles. He was now filled with the confidence that he could reach the Grade of Daoyuan, and ultimately, reunite with his wife.
Previously, these goals had seemed distant and unattainable, mere desires and distant dreams. But now, they felt tantalizingly within reach.
He only needed to apply himself diligently, and most importantly, he had to trust that the secret master would keep his promise. This newfound hope ignited a fire within Cha Nan-Tian's heart, driving him to strive for his long-awaited reunion with his beloved.
The Unitary Nature that Cha-Eun Xiao had gifted to his father, Cha Nan-Tian, was indeed the authentic manual coveted by countless cultivators in the past. During the frenzied pursuit of this martial art, it had changed hands numerous times before finally coming into the possession of the Xiao Monarch. Yet, despite obtaining this coveted treasure, the Xiao Monarch found himself unable to utilize it effectively.
At the time he acquired The Unitary Nature, Cha-Eun Xiao was already well-versed in the Pure Yang Martial Art. To take up The Unitary Nature would require him to abandon all the progress he had achieved in the Pure Yang Martial Art. It was a painful realization, one that left him disheartened.
After much contemplation, he carefully stowed away The Unitary Nature, choosing not to dwell on it further to avoid feeling disheartened. In his present life, he had already mastered a superior martial art, making The Unitary Nature redundant in his own cultivation journey. Thus, he decided that this extraordinary martial art should be passed on to his father, Cha Nan-Tian.
Life's twists and turns often seemed to be guided by fate. As Cha Nan-Tian received The Unitary Nature from his son, his eyes welled with tears of gratitude and emotion. He recognized the immense value of this martial art and what it represented for their family. With The Unitary Nature in hand, the long-held dreams of Cha-Eun Xiao's parents had a chance to be realized, and they both understood the immense debt of gratitude they owed their secret master.
While Cha-Eun Xiao outwardly expressed his agreement, he couldn't help but find the situation somewhat comical. He had inadvertently become the primary benefactor of his own family, a thought that amused him greatly. However, underlying his amusement was a deep sense of happiness and contentment, emotions he had rarely experienced before.
Expressing his gratitude, Cha-Eun Xiao stated, *"If it truly is that useful for you, then I must thank my master later on."* Cha Nan-Tian placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder and nodded, their unspoken understanding solidifying their bond.
Internally, Cha Nan-Tian resolved to study The Unitary Nature diligently and memorize its every word. Once he had absorbed its contents completely, he planned to destroy the manual. After all, possessing such a valuable treasure could bring unwelcome attention and trouble, and he was well aware of the potential risks.
Their conversation shifted to the impending separation as Cha Nan-Tian disclosed his need to return secretly to the troubled northern region in two days' time. Duty called, and he felt compelled to take responsibility for the kingdom's dire situation. Cha-Eun Xiao understood the necessity of his father's departure but couldn't help feeling a pang of sadness at the prospect.
*"As long as I am there, the north will be fine,"* Cha Nan-Tian assured his son, his voice infused with optimism. He acknowledged that the chaos Cha-Eun Xiao had stirred inadvertently led to positive outcomes. *"It has actually drawn out the snake out of its hole... That was a lucky hit... So there is a chance that we can solve the problem in the north once and for all."*
With heartfelt laughter, they shared a moment of camaraderie, their bond stronger than ever. Their close relationship was evident as they exchanged jests and playful banter, their laughter resonating through the room.
"However, matters are far from auspicious on the other three fronts," Cha Nan-Tian stated with a concerned frown. "I fear that the west and east are in grave peril, although they remain relatively unscathed for now. As for the south, it appears to be the safest of the three, but concealed within its apparent tranquility lies a deadly threat. The House of Chaotic Storms has likely set its sights on the south. Once they make their move, everything will change there."
He continued, "My suspicion is founded on a simple premise. In the Kingdom of Chen, only two individuals draw the keen interest of the House of Chaotic Storms: myself and Su Ding-Guo. Thus, Prince Hua-Yang, my Brother Su, is undoubtedly facing imminent danger. Regrettably, I am occupied with matters on all sides, and the mastermind behind the House of Chaotic Storms has yet to reveal themselves, aside from Xiu Of The Heavens, who has previously made an appearance in Chen-Xing City. Their intentions remain enigmatic."
Cha-Eun Xiao couldn't help but recall the words Prince Hua-Yang had shared with him before departing for the south, leaving him with a heavy heart. In recent days, Su Ye-Yue had visited him nearly every night, her countenance marked by a visible weight. She had lost considerable weight, her formerly radiant smile all but gone. Often, she would gaze southward, lost in thought.
He knew her concerns were rooted in her father's safety, but he grappled with how to console her. After pondering the matter, he offered a suggestion to Cha Nan-Tian, "What if I were to go south in your stead, Father?"
Cha Nan-Tian responded with indifference, "You have no troops or even a single general at your disposal. What could you accomplish, even if you were to go?"
Cha-Eun Xiao wore a wry smile, momentarily at a loss for words. Then, in an instant, he experienced a revelation.
*'I have no troops or even a single general?'* His father's words had unwittingly prompted him to consider an important aspect of their current predicament.
...
The following day, Cha Nan-Tian, wearing a stern expression, moved in and out of the Cha Clan residence as usual. He promptly dismissed officials' families who had come to visit him, a dark cloud over his countenance. "Clear out, all of you! I am tending to my son's wound, and you fools keep coming to flatter me. You're wasting my precious time! If anyone dares to prattle on about nonsense, I'll sever their head without a second thought!" He asserted his authority with forceful words.
Cha Nan-Tian's mood had taken a sharp downturn, casting a pall over his surroundings. The sycophants who usually clung to him had scattered in fear, their expressions reflecting sheer terror. Even the Crown Prince, among those who sought his favor, couldn't command any respect from the General.
As the Crown Prince exited the Cha Clan residence, his countenance was dark and brooding. He bore both humiliation and frustration, though he dared not display his anger openly. In the wake of General Cha's stern warning, no one dared to approach him again.
Within the perceived confines of the Cha Clan residence, where it was believed that Cha Nan-Tian was occupied with his son's recovery, a clandestine operation was underway. At the stroke of midnight, Cha Nan-Tian stealthily departed the city, accompanied by his three hundred loyal blood guards. These elite soldiers had departed well in advance and were strategically positioned at a considerable distance from the city, patiently awaiting their leader.
Under the cover of the moonless night, a small contingent of riders embarked on a journey northward. Their possessions were minimal, carrying only the essentials as they rode with determined purpose.
Simultaneously, carrier pigeons ascended into the sky, bearing messages that heralded, "Cha Nan-Tian's son faces a grave illness. His father, consumed by fury following a rampage in Chen-Xing City, remains secluded, diligently tending to his son." These pigeons carried this 'crucial' information in various directions, distributing it to designated recipients.
Meanwhile, those who had been preparing for the forthcoming auction were en route to the Chen-Xing City, with some having already arrived at their destination.