Come with Trouble . . .
Cha Eun Xiao continued to share his wisdom with Han Bingxue. "That's precisely why cultivators like us can make the best use of Heaven Climbing Dan. These dan beads can fully unleash their effects."
He then cautioned, "However, those who lack strong mindsets and solely seek to elevate their levels by consuming dan beads will gain very little. Instead, they expose themselves to numerous potential dangers. Any misstep could lead to their physical and mental demise."
Cha Eun Xiao emphasized, "We, as experienced cultivators, understand that a higher cultivation level doesn't necessarily make one more powerful. An ordinary person could easily kill a newborn baby with a million years of cultivation; it wouldn't require much effort. We must not misconstrue this fact," he concluded, and Han Bingxue nodded in agreement.
---
The night had been a joyous celebration for Ye Shuqing's family, but as the dawn's light broke, discordant voices rang out urgently in the morning. Many individuals had gathered in front of Gramp Ye's residence.
These were the elite members of the Ye Clan, numbering at least a hundred strong. Among them, some appeared anxious, others wore gloomy expressions, and a substantial portion harbored hostile feelings.
The hostile faction represented more than half of the assembly, while Forefather Ye Tianchen was absent due to his injuries. However, eight of the nine elders were present, along with individuals from Gramp Ye's generation and those of Ye Nantian's age.
In contrast, most of the younger generation, those of Cha Eun Xiao's age, chose not to attend. It was a gathering among the older generations, and their presence held little significance.
Cha Eun Xiao observed the gathering from his room, contemplating his father and grandfather's standing within the clan. It was clear that, like all things in life, social interactions could be both favorable and unfavorable.
He realized that over eighty percent of the attendees displayed hostility towards his family. As he thought about it, he couldn't help but consider a drastic course of action.
"What if I were to eliminate the entirety of the eighty percent?" Cha Eun Xiao mused.
His companion, Han Bingxue, raised an eyebrow and countered, "Your father would likely kill you instead. Or what if I were to carry out the killings? As a super powerful figure, your father might not object."
Cha Eun Xiao chuckled, "No, that's truly unnecessary! If I were to eliminate those individuals, my father would simply take me to a secluded room."
He continued with a mischievous grin, "He'd probably lay out a sumptuous feast with fine liquor and say, 'Well done, my son, well done!' And we'd enjoy a celebratory meal together."
Han Bingxue was taken aback and could only exclaim, "I don't believe it! You have an overactive imagination, my friend. How can you envision such scenarios? It's impressive, astonishing, and utterly inexplicable!"
---
Outside Cha Nantian's room, a middle-aged man confronted him, "Cha Nantian, I've heard that your son has returned home."
Cha Nantian maintained a composed smile and responded, "That's correct. Is there something you'd like to discuss?"
The man feigned a smile and continued, "Oh, nothing in particular. I was simply curious why a young man, when returning home, avoids his family. Is he too fearful to face us, or is he filled with shame?"
Cha Nantian sneered in response, "There's nothing to be ashamed of. What kind of family do you think we are? Why should my son be the one feeling ashamed? This is hardly a humorous matter."
Another individual, with rising anger, interjected, "Cha Nantian, what are you insinuating? Our entire clan nearly crumbled due to your romantic debts! We were on the brink of ruin. Now that your son has returned, you display such an attitude towards us? After all those years in the lower world, it appears your shamelessness has only grown."
Cha Nantian erupted into hearty laughter, exclaiming, "You have no idea! My mastery of the art of golden shamelessness has reached an unparalleled level! I literally hold no one in high regard. So, do you hold me in disdain now? Why don't you come and challenge me? You're welcome! Oh, wait... Do you truly dare?"
In the guest room, Han Bingxue clicked his tongue in admiration and quipped, "Your father is more than just ostentatious; he takes boasting to another level. An ostentatious person might boast about ninety-nine percent, but your father goes the extra mile, elevating it to two, three, or even four percent."
Cha Eun Xiao humphed and shot a pointed glare at his friend. He contemplated retorting, "Your father is ostentatious too! Your entire family indulges in boasting that extra one, two, three, or four percent!"
The individual outside continued with an increasingly confrontational tone, "Cha Nantian, if I understand correctly, you're implying that your son is not truly a part of our clan and does not share our bloodline. Are you suggesting that even if your son's recklessness were to provoke influential figures who might ultimately bring ruin to our clan, you would remain indifferent and even find pleasure in it?"
Cha Nantian guffawed heartily in response, declaring, "If that were to occur, I'd throw a grand feast in honor of my son. I'd raise my glass and say, 'Well done, my son. Well done! Bravo! Great job!'"
The crowd erupted in astonishment upon hearing his words.
Han Bingxue was dumbfounded. He had never imagined that Cha Eun Xiao's response was rooted in truth. After a moment of reflection, he turned to Cha Eun Xiao with admiration and said, "Impressive!"
Cha Nantian's words acted as a catalyst, plunging the yard into chaos. People unleashed a torrent of abusive language, while Cha Nantian maintained a disdainful expression, his smile carrying an icy edge.
Ye Shuqing appeared anxious and wore a gloomy expression. In a hushed tone, he questioned Cha Nantian, "Why did you provoke them?"
Cha Nantian wore an enigmatic smile and replied, "Father, do you believe that if I didn't provoke them and resorted to appeasement, they would release Cha Eun Xiao?"
Gramp Ye was taken aback. Was Cha Nantian's approach misguided?
No!
The events of the past had proven that yielding to pressure led to dire consequences.
The individuals who had gathered were here for a specific purpose – to assess Cha Eun Xiao. If he displayed potential, they would target him as the first to neutralize. After all, within the clan, Cha Eun Xiao held another significant identity as the rightful heir to the clan's power, posing a potential threat to others.
"It's a perilous time for the clan. Now that your son has returned, why doesn't he contemplate contributing to the clan? Your actions only seem to invite misfortune to the clan. Is he also a coward?" a middle-aged man suddenly shouted.
Cha Nantian's countenance twitched as he retorted, "My son never received instruction in the martial arts of the Ye Clan. Why should he be obligated to contribute in such a manner? How can he contribute?"
The middle-aged man fell silent, yet he persisted, "Even if he didn't learn our martial arts, he should still make some form of contribution! Should the clan merely provide for him without any return? He can't simply be a freeloader. Even as the rightful heir, there are expectations he must meet!"
Cha Nantian's expression grew colder.