Ascension to Qing-Yun Realm! . . .
Cha Nantian let out a heavy sigh. "There is a secret I must keep, and that's why I initially made that decision... I had no choice; I can't disclose this secret to you just yet."
"But I still want to share something with you," Cha Nantian continued, his face contorted with inner turmoil. "Once you ascend to the Qing-Yun Realm, you won't be able to return to our clan immediately."
He couldn't reveal the specifics, but he implored his son to understand. "When you're out there, you mustn't reveal your true identity. If you do, I'm afraid you'll be in grave danger."
"You've grown up in the Land of Han-Yang and have limited knowledge of the Qing-Yun Realm. In our realm, I'm virtually invincible, and you rank among the top cultivators. However, when it comes to the Qing-Yun Realm, we likely won't even reach the third tier."
Cha Nantian gazed sorrowfully at his son. "I know... this is difficult for you... I'm making things complicated for you... but..."
Cha Eun Xiao suddenly felt a wave of relief. "That's... not a problem," he assured his father without needing to know the specifics. "I never aspired to rely on our clan in the Qing-Yun Realm. My goal is to hone my skills independently in the martial world of the Qing-Yun Realm. I've been progressing too rapidly in this world, becoming one of the strongest in a short time. That's why I need more experience to cultivate my mental fortitude. Living independently in the Qing-Yun Realm aligns with my aspirations, and I feel genuinely content about it."
Cha Nantian had always been a loving father to Cha Eun Xiao, who had long regarded him as his father. However, becoming a part of Cha Nantian's clan would mean accepting numerous relatives, including grandparents, uncles, and aunts. This prospect would be thoroughly uncomfortable for Cha Eun Xiao.
[I was once the Xiao Monarch, an adventurer traveling the world!]
[Interacting humbly with a bunch of weaker individuals, all below my level from back then... is simply inconceivable!]
Cha Eun Xiao had pondered this dilemma before and was unsure how to navigate it. Cha Nantian's decision not to include him in the clan came as welcome news, and Cha Eun Xiao readily accepted it.
Cha Nantian was initially taken aback by his son's swift agreement, but he soon felt relieved. However, this relief was tinged with apprehension about Cha Eun Xiao's safety. He began to offer an abundance of advice, diligently instructing his son on various aspects of life in the Qing-Yun Realm, such as handling social interactions and avoiding potential troubles.
While Cha Eun Xiao already possessed extensive knowledge about the Qing-Yun Realm, he listened attentively and respectfully to his father's guidance. He had acquired his knowledge through trial and hardship in the Qing-Yun Realm, where nobody had ever painstakingly taught him anything.
Now, having a caring father who was determined to keep him safe was truly heartwarming. Although he was already well-versed in the information his father was imparting, he felt touched by the gesture.
Both Cha Nantian and Song Jue collaborated in explaining everything they could about the Qing-Yun Realm to Cha Eun Xiao, even posing questions like, "What would you do in this situation? What potential challenges might you face?"
Cha Eun Xiao provided excellent responses, which reassured Cha Nantian. He suggested that Cha Eun Xiao conduct further tests, after which he would provide additional guidance.
The following day, an emissary from the Kingdom of Chen finally arrived, although their arrival was tardy. The envoy carried the king's decree, imploring Cha Eun Xiao to return to the capital.
Cha Eun Xiao remained unfazed and replied, "Inform the king that the connection between the House of Cha and your Royal House has come to an end. We won't return to the kingdom, and we'll leave the Land of Han-Yang for good."
The official was taken aback. [Never before has anyone responded to the king's decree in such a manner.]
[I'm staring at three individuals who are truly exceptional!]
Cha Nantian, on the other hand, responded with politeness, saying, "Please convey to His Majesty that I will forever cherish our shared experiences. If fate allows, I will return to the Kingdom of Chen to visit him. Farewell."
The official departed, carrying the news back to the capital, oblivious to the frustration the king would experience upon learning of these developments.
In the ensuing days, Cha Nantian busily attended to various arrangements for the soldiers, individuals who had become close friends over time. He felt the sorrow of parting deeply.
On the flip side, Wenren Chuchu was engaged in similar preparations, as were Zhao Pingtian, Ning Biluo, and Liu Changjun.
The day of their departure from the Land of Han-Yang drew nearer...
Cha Eun Xiao had dispatched letters to Lan Langlang, Zuo Wuji, and Wan Zhenghao, along with a few exquisite jade bottles containing undisclosed contents. These communications were significant, carrying vital information and instructions for his friends.
As the long-awaited day arrived, it was shrouded in clouds, creating an ominous atmosphere. The world seemed to anticipate something extraordinary, as gusts of wind swept across the landscape, occasionally punctuated by flashes of lightning within the dense cloud cover.
Cha Nantian gazed up at the overcast sky, his eyes then turning toward his son, who stood atop the mountain, prepared for the Ascension Trial. A complex blend of emotions coursed through Cha Nantian, a mixture of worry, sadness, and genuine care.
He had always been aware of his son's true power, and the trial itself didn't concern him. Cha Eun Xiao was more than capable of overcoming it. What weighed heavily on Cha Nantian's mind were the perils his son would face in the Qing-Yun Realm.
These were the genuine threats, far more hazardous than any he had encountered in the Land of Han-Yang. In truth, the Qing-Yun Realm was a realm fraught with danger, where peril lurked around every corner. It was a world hundreds of times more treacherous than their own.
One could perish in an instant, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead in the Qing-Yun Realm was unsettling. No amount of theoretical knowledge about the realm's rules and experiences could truly prepare one for its challenges.
"The Qing-Yun Realm is vastly different from the Land of Han-Yang. You may be invincible here, accustomed to your position at the pinnacle of the realm, but upon your arrival in the Qing-Yun Realm, a mere thief might prove more formidable than you can imagine."
These warnings were not to be taken lightly. In the Qing-Yun Realm, the Spirit Origin Stage marked the lowest level, and a cultivator at that stage was essentially equivalent to an ordinary person. Cha Eun Xiao had to navigate this perilous world alone, and although dangerous, it was still a safer option than returning to his clan.
The most significant danger resided within his own clan. What Cha Nantian had repeatedly stressed to his son in the days leading up to this moment was:
"Cha Eun Xiao, when you arrive in the Qing-Yun Realm, the first thing you must do is remain humble. Do not act like a powerful figure, despite your undeniable strength. Arrogance will lead to great losses, even death."
"Many who were gifted and exuded an air of superiority in the Land of Han-Yang failed miserably. They were indeed talented individuals, but they lacked proper training, rendering them weak and ill-equipped for the challenges of the Qing-Yun Realm."
"These individuals perished in vain glory in a short span of time. They were once just like you, hailing from different lower realms, the strongest in their homelands, legends, and heroes. Yet, upon entering the Qing-Yun Realm, they met their untimely demise. Legends, myths, heroes – they all shared the same fate. Dead men are of no consequence."
"Thus, humility is paramount. See yourself as an ant in a world of giants. It may not be pleasant, but it's a path to safety. Be patient and temper your emotions. Remember this well. It's crucial."
"You must ensure your own survival first."
Cha Nantian had repeated these words ad nauseam, yet, watching his son from a distance, he still felt an overwhelming urge to impart the message once more. He was even tempted to rush up the mountain and whisk Cha Eun Xiao away, contemplating whether he should disrupt his cultivation and allow him to live a peaceful life in their current world.
At the mountaintop, three individuals stood with Cha Eun Xiao: Ning Biluo, Zhao Pingtian, and Liu Changjun. Cha Eun Xiao was engaged in a casual conversation, essentially repeating the advice Cha Nantian had tirelessly shared in recent days. While Cha Eun Xiao possessed a profound understanding of the Qing-Yun Realm, surpassing even his father, the other two needed this guidance.
They had never ventured into that harsh world and would benefit from all the knowledge and wisdom that Cha Eun Xiao and his father could impart. The momentous day had arrived, heralding a life-altering journey into a realm of both opportunity and peril.