Give It A Try . . .
Technically, Cha Eun Xiao wasn't being deceptive. Who could argue against his immense strength?
No one.
Who dared to claim that Cha Nantian's soldiers could best Cha Eun Xiao?
Not a soul.
In essence, Cha Eun Xiao was fully aware of his cultivation level. He possessed East-rising Purple Qi at a beginner level. However, he was honestly uncertain about the specifics of his cultivation. Hence, he technically hadn't lied.
And since he didn't lie, the words he spoke must be the truth.
Studying Cha Eun Xiao from head to toe, Cha Shuxin sensed the flow of qi and blood in his body. He concluded that Cha Eun Xiao was likely at the fifth or sixth level of the Spirit Origin Stage. This revelation put Cha Shuxin at ease. Although he himself was only at the seventh level of the Dream Origin Stage, it was relatively simple for Cha Eun Xiao to conceal his actual level and provide false information to Cha Shuxin.
Thinking he had a firm grasp of Cha Eun Xiao's level, Cha Shuxin relaxed. He spoke in a deep tone, "Well... You mentioned not knowing your cultivation level. That presents an issue. I can't allow you to take unnecessary risks. I have a solution. Cha Zifeng, come forward. Engage in a friendly sparring match with your younger brother. Let's assess whether he's fit to participate in the arena."
Cha Zifeng was Cha Shuxin's third grandson and was already at the first level of the Dream Origin Stage, making him an exceptional talent among the younger generation. Upon hearing his grandfather's command, he eagerly stepped forward. His eyes gleamed with a fierce determination as he addressed Cha Eun Xiao, "Cha Eun Xiao, my brother, join me. We're the same age. Let's exchange a few moves, so everyone can see at which level you stand."
Cha Eun Xiao hastily retreated, expressing concern, "Is that alright? I don't have complete control over my strength, and I tend to get carried away with my punches. What if I accidentally harm you or, heaven forbid, take your life? We're family; let's not take any chances."
Onlookers couldn't decide whether to laugh or sigh.
"You? With your intermediate-level Spirit Origin Stage abilities? Do you genuinely believe you can harm a cultivator at the Dream Origin Stage?" They pondered. "There's an entire stage separating the two of you, buddy."
"This is simply awkward."
Cha Shuxin dismissed Cha Eun Xiao's concerns, saying, "Don't worry; friendly sparring among cultivators is perfectly normal. Even if you accidentally injure Zifeng, you'll be forgiven. Oh, and Zifeng, you must be cautious. Don't harm your younger brother. You've just attained the Dream Origin Stage, indicating you're still somewhat unstable. Avoid reckless injuries."
Everyone comprehended the hidden agenda behind Cha Shuxin's words. He wasn't instructing Cha Zifeng to hold back; instead, he was subtly encouraging him to seize the opportunity to eliminate Cha Eun Xiao.
Simultaneously, they found the situation perplexing. "Why are Cha Nantian and Cha Shuqing remaining silent? Are they feigning indifference? Do they intend to watch their son be slain?"
Unable to endure it any longer, Cha Shuqing prepared to intervene, but Cha Nantian restrained him once more.
"What are you doing?" Cha Shuqing glared at Cha Nantian indignantly. "You coward! Release me!"
Cha Nantian engaged in a mental conversation with him, "The child is merely deceiving them. Remember what I told you? When he ascended to the Qing-Yun Realm, he had already surpassed the fifth level of the Spirit Origin Stage. It's been a year since then. Do you honestly think he's still at the same level?"
Cha Shuqing was flabbergasted. "Were you not joking with me? Is this true?"
"Good heavens! Did you believe I was merely playing games with you, old man? Why would I have let him venture out alone if he didn't possess the strength?" Cha Nantian gazed at his father speechlessly. "If you join the fight now, we'll ruin a brilliant act."
Cha Shuqing was immediately filled with relief, clutching his own beard in amazement. [Is my grandson truly that remarkable?]
In the courtyard, Cha Eun Xiao had made his pledge, "I'm at ease now that you've spoken. You see, getting injured is a common occurrence in battles. Every cultivator sustains injuries during fights, and even if someone dies in combat, it's their own responsibility. It's a matter of fate."
Cha Zifeng's eyes gleamed with understanding, and he chuckled heartily, "You're absolutely right. If I were to die at your hands, it would be my own fault for being too weak to survive. We've always adhered to such a rule for battles among our own people..."
Silently, the others condemned this statement. [Since when do we have such a rule?]
Before anyone could voice their objections, Cha Eun Xiao responded with admiration, "We do? What an exceptional clan we are! The one who survives is deserving of life. Thanks to this law of nature, Cha Clan has continuously grown stronger. We ought to retain the best and discard the worst..."
Speechlessness overcame the crowd.
They had never fathomed that Cha Nantian, a brilliant man, would have such a dimwitted son. The old saying proved accurate: "Great father, foolish son..."
"Let's get started!"
Cha Zifeng assumed a combat stance.
Cha Eun Xiao took two steps backward and spoke in a hushed tone, "I've had second thoughts. Initiating an attack might not be the best idea. I believe it would end poorly for me if I were to kill you in this battle. How about this: you launch the first attack. I'll begin by defending against three of your strikes."
People shut their eyes. [This boy is utterly foolish. Doesn't he grasp the immense difference in their abilities? He even suggested defending against three of the other's initial strikes...]
[He doesn't just want to die; he's actively seeking a swift demise!]
Cha Zifeng couldn't contain his delight. He had no intention of showing humility. "Brother Cha Eun Xiao, I appreciate your consideration. Here I come!"
With a thrust into the air, he charged toward Cha Eun Xiao, the wind howling around him.
Off to the side, Cha Shuxin observed the fight with a smiling countenance, but concealed beneath the surface were hints of icy coldness. [As long as my brilliant grandson eliminates that arrogant imbecile, the war will commence...]
[The arrogant imbecile asked for his own death. No one is to blame!]
"Excellent move!" Cha Eun Xiao commended.
At that instant, nearly everyone held their breath in unison. A few individuals who had previously supported Cha Shuqing closed their eyes, unable to witness the outcome. [Is this poor lad about to meet his miserable end in such a manner?]