Within the Ledal Empire Castle, within the grandeur of the throne hall, I found myself seated beside my mother. In this regal setting, she continued to pose questions about the intricacies of the cultivation world. This interaction unfolded as a result of a deal struck between us: if I could provide three correct answers out of five, she would refrain from insisting on finding a teacher for me.
"I won the deal, Mother!" I exclaimed with joy, expressing my satisfaction at having met the terms we set.
"Right, you win. However, your test is not quite finished. There's one more question I'd like you to answer." She sighed in response, acknowledging my victory.
"Mother, I've already won the deal. Why ask another question? The outcome won't change whether I answer correctly or not." Perplexed, I questioned.
"I'm aware you've won, but I want to pose one last question to gauge the depth of your knowledge. From now on, if you wish to continue studying on your own, I'll ask you five questions every three months. It doesn't matter if you get three correct each time, but if you answer three wrong, I'll arrange for a teacher to assist you in your studies. Do you understand?" She explained, her face serious, as she outlined the terms for future knowledge assessments.
"I understand, Mother," I replied, acknowledging the new agreement with a tone of respect.
"Good. Now, for your last question: Can you tell me the profession that commands respect here, apart from Light and Nature element holders?" she asked, presenting her final inquiry.
"Alchemist," I replied succinctly, deliberately leaving out the intricate details of why this profession earned such respect.
Her expression remained composed, evidently satisfied with my concise response. If I had delved into the reasons behind the respect for the alchemy profession, the different levels of alchemy, its crucial role in cultivation, and other aspects, she might have had a more detailed understanding.
"Excellent, Xu Fang. You're doing well. Keep it up," she commended me with a happy tone.
"I will, Mother," I assured her confidently.
"Good, you can go back to your room if you wish. Don't forget to assist your sister in her studies until I find a suitable teacher for her," she instructed.
"I'll do my best to help Elder Sister. You take your time in finding the best teacher for her," I replied with confidence and a touch of happiness.
With just an hour left until lunchtime, I decided to forego a visit to the library and opted to rest in my room. As I reclined on my bed, awaiting the upcoming meal, thoughts of my plans for the future filled my mind.
'I should begin delving into the alchemy and poison section after completing the history section,' I contemplated, laying out a roadmap for my continued learning.
Over the past three months, I have absorbed a wealth of knowledge from the library and almost completed my martial arts training. As the next month approached, I felt a growing anticipation for the initiation of my martial arts practice. However, I needed to strategize a way to gain approval to start this new phase of my training.
Having thoroughly explored every nook and cranny of the castle, I meticulously gathered information about the prospective new dwelling where I aspired to reside. Each viewpoint offered a fresh perspective on the castle's enormity and its captivating surroundings, leaving me in a perpetual state of awe.
During my strolls through the castle, I often encountered our formidable army engrossed in martial arts practice at specifically designated training grounds. Their movements were a harmonious dance, seamlessly integrating Elements Qi power to execute a diverse array of combat techniques.
Witnessing the intensity of their training illuminated the challenges inherent in obtaining permission to commence my martial arts practice. The authorities, apprehensive about potential injuries, hesitated to grant immediate approval, adding a layer of complexity to my pursuit of this new endeavor.
"Young master, lunch is ready, and everyone is waiting for you in the dining hall," the maid announced respectfully after a knock on my door, interrupting my moment of rest.
Heading towards the dining hall, I found everyone already seated. Taking my place, we commenced our lunch. As we concluded the meal, my second stepmother, 'Lei Ning,' directed a question at me.
"Xu Fang, we've heard from Elder Sister that you've gained extensive knowledge about cultivation. Is that true?" she inquired.
"Mother Ning, you flatter me. I only have a basic understanding of history," I replied innocently, scratching my head.
"Xu Fang, there is no need to be humble. We've heard your responses to Elder Sister's questions. You're doing remarkably well. We're all proud of you, so keep up the good work," my first stepmother, 'Shen Yin,' expressed with a happy demeanor.
"Xu Fang, you're making excellent progress. If anything is challenging for you, don't hesitate to ask me for help. I'm here to assist," my third stepmother, Long Xiu, assured me with a calm and caring tone.
Their words of encouragement resonated deeply, instilling a sense of warmth and motivation within me.
"Thank you, mothers. I appreciate your support, and I'll certainly seek your guidance if needed," I replied, conveying my gratitude and determination.
Their encouragement spurred me to persist in my pursuit of knowledge and cultivation.
In the past three months, I threw myself into intense studies and martial arts training. Every day, I sought wisdom from Elder Ji and dove into the vast collection of scrolls and books in the library.
"Xu Fang, my dear, be honest with me. What made you decide to go down this path of studying at your age, giving up the usual pleasures of life until your Elemental Qi Awakening and the beginning of your cultivation journey?" My mother's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and the entire dining hall turned its attention to me, waiting for my answer.
'Can I be straight with them? Maybe?' I thought, debating whether to reveal my true intentions.
'They're my family now, and I need to live life here with them, so I should tell them the truth,' I decided, opting for honesty about my plans.
"Mother, I might be right or wrong, but I feel like I should use this free time wisely. I believe that studying now will pay off once I start cultivating after completing the Elemental Qi Awakening process," I replied with enthusiasm, eager to share my perspective.
"When I become a cultivator, I don't want to waste time on studies. Instead, I want to fully focus on cultivation, aiming to become stronger without unnecessary delays," I continued, laying out my true intentions.
As the words left my mouth, their expressions shifted to shock, their eyes widening in surprise. The entire dining hall fixed its attention on me, waiting for more explanation.
"What's going on?" I asked, noticing their stunned expressions after my honest revelation.
They seemed puzzled as my mother voiced their collective thoughts.
"How did you come up with such a crucial idea? As the Emperor's only son, you should enjoy a life of luxury and fun. Why opt for a more challenging path?"
I felt a heavy silence, grappling with how to explain my true motivations.
"If you're wondering why I've made this choice, it originates from a troubling dream that visited me while I was unconscious. The vision was so unsettling that it compelled me to take action to ensure its nightmarish aspects stay confined to the realm of dreams.
My deepest desire is to strengthen myself against the uncertainties that lie ahead and protect those closest to me from harm. The urgency to improve myself doesn't come from recklessness but from a genuine fear of witnessing harm befall those I care about.
Therefore, I am determined to start a journey of self-improvement, aiming to become stronger at a quicker pace. I seek your kindness and guidance in allowing me to begin physical training as early as next month. I may still be seen as a child in your eyes, but my determination is unwavering. By starting now, both my mind and body will be fortified, making the transition into the Elemental Qi Awakening process and subsequent cultivation smoother."
I added dramatic details to my dream, crafting a narrative that would resonate with their emotions. Sensing their surprise, I took the opportunity to request permission to begin physical practice, confident that my sincerity had made an impression.
"What happens in your dreams, Xu Fang?" she asked, her eyes searching for the secrets my subconscious held.
"I regret keeping this to myself for now, Mother Yin. Please understand, but I promise solemnly that in the future, I will share the details with all of you." In response, I wore a regretful expression, making my remorse evident.
"Alright, Xu Fang. I respect your decision, but remember your promise. We're here to support you, no matter the challenges you face." Her acceptance of my hesitance was met with a calm demeanor, and she assured me of her understanding.
'Thank goodness she didn't insist. The story I spun was necessary, and for now, it served its purpose. Relieved that she didn't press further, I inwardly sighed, contemplating the delicate dance between truth and necessity.
"Xu Fang is making excellent progress. I believe all of you should consider joining him in his studies. What do you think? Would you like to begin this educational journey?" Long Xiu inquired, directing a thoughtful gaze toward my sisters.
"Yes, Mother Xiu, I would love to start studying." In unison, my three elder sisters, Xu Zhi, Xu Ling, and Xu Jing, expressed their eagerness to embrace the world of learning. The monotony of life within the castle had left them craving intellectual stimulation, making the idea of engaging in studies quite appealing.
Seeing their unanimous enthusiasm, it became clear that my sisters were prepared to embark on a new chapter of personal growth and exploration. The opportunity to gain knowledge and participate in intellectual pursuits injected fresh vitality into the once unremarkable routine of their days. Even Elder Sister Xu Min, now a cultivator, was ready to resume her studies, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge became a shared endeavor within the Emperor Castle.
'With that, I think the five of us will study together starting tomorrow,' I contemplated in my mind.