Chapter 125: A Pretend Romance, Genuine Feelings

As soon as Tianming approached, Xie Xin, Jiang Cheng, and Lord Li of the Li Mansion seemed as if they had long anticipated his arrival at this very moment. They had already turned to face him, their eyes fixed upon him. After a round of warm inquiries, Xie Xin proceeded to explain the matter of the earlier illusion.

It turned out that the illusion was designed to detect enemy infiltration within a certain range, but they had simply forgotten to notify him.

Hearing this, Tianming naturally found it hard to believe a word of it.

Yet, amidst their praise, a small sense of pride stirred within Tianming. After all, being acknowledged by the enemy was a rare consolation. Moreover, he had no intention of wasting this new identity, for it still held great utility.

However—

When the topic of the kidnapped prisoner arose, Xie Xin and the others seemed to have a plan all along. They insisted on taking him to the scene of the incident to witness an unusual spectacle.

Upon hearing this, a growing unease gnawed at Tianming’s heart. He had a feeling that the trouble Kuang Zhen mentioned was precisely this extraordinary event Xie Xin referred to.

Yet, with his current strength, what could he possibly do? If even Kuang Zhen, Yi Sha, and Le Shi could not resolve the matter, his involvement would likely only bring more sorrow. Besides, given his present identity, it was hardly appropriate for him to intervene.

Swish, swish, swish!

Before he could voice his opinion, Xie Xin and the others transformed into three streaks of light, dashing toward the horizon and vanishing into the night sky. As one of them, Tianming could only follow the current, drawing the Lightning Sword from its sheath on his back and soaring into the air.

Though Tianming could now fly without using the Lightning Sword as a platform, its presence still made a significant difference. The sword greatly enhanced his speed and reduced the consumption of his spiritual energy, which explained why so many cultivators preferred to fly on their weapons.

“Bastard! You little brat, where do you think you’re wandering off to? Do you think your life is that long? Is this really a place you should be involved in?” Just as Tianming stepped onto the sword, a voice filled with authority and anger echoed from outside the mansion, reverberating throughout.

“How does he know I’m here?” Tianming muttered in surprise. Slightly stunned, he swiftly sheathed the sword and lifted his head to shout loudly at Xie Xin, who had also halted mid-flight. “Brother Xie, apologies, but I have family matters to attend to. I will go there myself later. You all should head on ahead!”

“No worries! Brother Chu, there’s no need to force yourself. This matter concerns you little; as the son of the Chu family, you need not wade into this murky water. We won’t compel you. Until we meet again.”

Xie Xin, wielding his black longsword, turned his back on the voice. His deep, insightful gaze lingered outside the mansion for a moment before returning to Tianming. Smiling and shaking his head, he then transformed into a streak of black light, vanishing completely above the Ye Mansion.

“...”

Watching Xie Xin depart, Tianming sighed softly but chose not to dwell further. He could only reluctantly check on his surrogate father. Though he could have followed Xie Xin and the others and ignored everything else, upon reflection, this was actually a viable solution. Following them would only complicate matters, but if he could divert Xie Xin and his companions, he could operate independently.

...

“Slowpoke, you little punk! You’ve gotten pretty good, haven’t you? Unbeknownst to you, you’ve reached the Void Realm. Think you’re impressive now? There are countless people stronger than you. The martial world is perilous, and sooner or later you’ll suffer a great loss. Now get back to the mansion and reflect on yourself!”

Just as Tianming stepped out the door, this booming voice startled him. The man was scolding him with a fierce demeanor. Dressed in a black dragon robe, the eight-foot-tall Chu Patriarch wore an expression of stern authority, a product of his long-standing high position. His slight frown radiated a commanding presence.

“...Thank you for your guidance, Father. I shall remember it well.” Faced with such formidable aura, Tianming’s innate sense of inferiority surfaced, despite his considerable cultivation. He could not shake it off.

As the saying goes, life is but a play, relying entirely on one’s acting skills.

Though Chu Patriarch was not his real father, Tianming believed that when far from home, one must make the best use of all surroundings. There are times when it pays to be humble. After all, there is truth in the saying: cautious development is the key to victory.

“Alright, let’s go! Remember, keep your distance from them. They are all unscrupulous men who will do anything for profit. You haven’t officially entered this circle yet; it’s understandable that you don’t know better,” Chu Patriarch said, casting a surprised glance at Tianming before regaining his stern expression and rebuking once more.

“I have noted it...”

Though Chu Patriarch continued to feign an imposing demeanor, Tianming was somewhat moved deep inside. He clearly sensed a tender affection beneath those words. Chu Patriarch was speaking for the sake of his son. Unfortunately... fate does not always favor us.

...

“Good. You’ve remembered. It’s time to pass down the ancestral heirloom to you. Now you are strong enough to protect yourself. Yun’er, though I don’t understand how you suddenly attained this level of cultivation, I don’t care to know the details. I only hope you live safely.”

“I won’t interfere with you anymore, nor can I... But remember, in this world, the only person you can trust is yourself. Always keep a reserve. When you know something is impossible, never force it.”

With a sigh, the stern gaze on Chu Patriarch’s face gradually softened. It seemed as if memories long buried surfaced. Unconsciously, he stretched out a large, calloused hand...

“...Father!”

Uncertain why, Tianming, who had intended to step aside, found his eyes welling with tears upon seeing his father’s kindly gaze, unable to refuse the gesture any longer. Life is but a fleeting existence, vast as heaven and earth, yet the greatest truth lies in the simplest, most profound emotions.

They can make the blood of all humanity boil, rather than turn it cold and monstrous.

...

“Enough! Stop crying like a child. You are a man of honor. Don’t ever say I’m your father again—that’s embarrassing!” After a brief pause, Chu Patriarch’s gruff reprimand broke the silence.

“Yes, I will never speak your name again!”

Watching Chu Patriarch turn away without hesitation, Tianming smiled sincerely and followed after him.