Lei Dadi's Boast . . .
Lei Dadi heaved a deep sigh. "Your future is yours alone to shape. You must be prepared to confront your battles independently. Our role is limited to offering guidance when you encounter challenges in your cultivation, or perhaps when you face temptations that are hard to resist. We will always be here to warn you. Never feel ashamed to seek our counsel. No one should rely solely on their own judgment."
"However, on the other hand, if you can resolve an issue by yourself, refrain from seeking our assistance. Every aspect of your life and each decision you make will ultimately benefit you. Taking ownership of your choices will lead you to the best outcomes."
"Don't fear making mistakes. Just remember to rectify them when you realize they're wrong," Lei Dadi fixed his gaze on Cha Eun Xiao. "Even deities make mistakes in their existence, let alone a human being."
Cha Eun Xiao nodded, vowing to bear these words in his heart. For a long time, he had been apprehensive of making errors, carrying the weight of potential consequences. The realization that even gods could falter in their decisions brought him newfound clarity.
"What's the harm in being a bit ruthless? If you ever find yourself with nothing to do, come and chat with us. However, I don't wish for you to face troubles that necessitate seeking help," Yun Piaoliu cast a concerned gaze at Cha Eun Xiao. "You're our sole disciple, and we are all content with your progress. We understand this."
"You must keep one thing in mind," Feng Wuying, the sternest of the three, asserted. "We are your masters, not your caretakers. We never will be."
"Our desire is for our names to be associated with awe and recognition when people discuss us. I don't want you to declare to the world that you're our disciple to ward off potential threats. Nor do I want you to be put down, allowing others to step on your reputation and mock your three masters."
"Yes, master. I comprehend," Cha Eun Xiao replied with sincerity.
"Don't take it personally. This is the policy of the Cold Moon Palace. The more exceptional a disciple, the less we will constrain them. They must chart their own destiny," Lei Dadi smiled and added, "True elites achieve greatness through their own choices. Do you grasp the concept? Remember this for the future when you have your own disciples. Each person must carve their own path. This is the doctrine of the Cold Moon Palace. We are Thunder, Wind, and Cloud, three old men, while you are Ye Chongxiao. You are exceptional, and your disciples will be exceptional as well. You are not an extension of us, just as your future disciples will not be an extension of you."
"Yes, I understand," Cha Eun Xiao affirmed.
The three old grandmasters couldn't help but feel a tinge of embarrassment when they considered the reason for retaining Cha Eun Xiao for an extra month.
Initially, they had expected that Cha Eun Xiao, with his limited cultivation, would not endure the full three months of the special training. Therefore, Lei Dadi had requested only three months, encompassing the special training and private lessons they intended to provide Cha Eun Xiao.
In essence, they had allocated approximately two months to impart private lessons to Cha Eun Xiao. They had anticipated that he would need additional guidance after failing the training in one month.
Yet to their astonishment, Cha Eun Xiao had emerged as an extraordinary talent. He had flawlessly completed every task during the training.
As a result, the three old men had been left with no opportunity to provide any private lessons.
They were delighted to witness Cha Eun Xiao's remarkable achievements, but they were acutely aware that they had hardly begun to provide him with the private lessons he needed.
With their options dwindling, they had no choice but to approach Yue Changtian and request an extension of one month.
Yue Changtian's astonishment was palpable when he received their request. Master Lei responded in a mock-helpless manner, "I never anticipated that he would complete all the tasks for the three months. We are left with no time for the private lessons. It isn't our fault, really. I suppose I must request another month... It's quite embarrassing... We are genuinely ashamed... We underestimated the young man."
"What? He finished them all?" Yue Changtian, hearing Master Lei's "humble and helpless" remarks, had the urge to burst into laughter and exclaim, "I genuinely wish to spit a mouthful of dog excrement on your face!"
[Your disciple successfully completed all of those grueling tasks, and you are ashamed? What about us? Should we all hang ourselves out of shame?]
"Well... Will one month suffice?" Yue Changtian, mindful of the timeframe, inquired.
He genuinely pondered if a single month was adequate for the task.
"Have no fear. My disciple possesses a significant strength—his brilliant mind. He isn't like an ordinary human; he's more akin to a prodigy," Lei Dadi exulted. In a seemingly humble tone, he continued, "His wisdom and intellect are extraordinary, to the point that even the heavens might envy him. It leaves me at a loss for words. One month is ample for him to absorb our teachings thoroughly. I am disheartened to have such an exceptional disciple. I feel as though I'm drowning in sorrow, yet I have no one to share my anguish with..."
Yue Changtian could no longer endure this spectacle. His face darkened, and he replied, "Simply take care of yourself. Let's extend it by another month."
With that, he swiftly departed the scene without looking back.
He had witnessed many instances of gloating, but none as remarkable as this...
[You're sad?]
[Expletive you! Why not share your anguish with me?]
[I yearn for that sorrow! I embrace it! Why can't it wash over me?]
[I'm left speechless!]
...
Nonetheless, the heavens observed everything. In the subsequent month, Lei Dadi and the other two elderly men experienced the exact form of sorrow they had longed for.