Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

Qin Chuan glanced at the elderly woman.

The old woman immediately explained:

"The Ten Thousand Laws Heavenly Pool is a sacred place of the Northern Region's royal Wu family. Each time it opens, it manifests various law phenomena that can assist people in comprehending the Dao. The Wu family invites geniuses from all sides each time to enhance their influence."

"The Wu family has deep foundations and has been flourishing in recent years, gradually becoming the most powerful family in the Northern Region."

"This is largely due to a remarkable figure from the previous generation named Wu Qiong. He was a prodigy who became a Realm Emperor with the cultivation of a Sevenfold Saint, overcoming the terrifying Sevenfold Emperor Tribulation!"

"After becoming an Emperor, he reached the Fourth Tribulation Realm within just a hundred years. His strength at the Fourth Tribulation Realm already rivals that of an ordinary Emperor at the Sixth Tribulation, making him nearly invincible in the Northern Region. Most importantly… he has the potential to become a Quasi-Emperor!"

The old woman spoke with gravity.

Those who surpass the Sevenfold Emperor Tribulation have the potential to become Quasi-Emperors, while those who overcome the Ninefold Emperor Tribulation have the potential to become Martial Emperors!

Of course, this was only potential.

Whether one could truly reach that level depended on their fate and fortune—after all, countless geniuses had fallen short.

"Hmm, not bad," Qin Chuan responded expressionlessly after hearing this.

The old woman was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly. To her, Wu Qiong was an extraordinary figure, but in Qin Chuan's eyes, he was merely "not bad."

This was the difference in perspective.

"And who is this Wu Cheng?" Qin Chuan asked.

"Wu Cheng is the only son of Wu Qiong. His talent is also remarkable, ranking among the top geniuses of the Northern Region," the old woman replied.

Then, hesitating slightly, she added, "Wu Cheng has, on many occasions, shown admiration for Shui Qingrou…"

She hesitated to mention this, unsure how Qin Chuan might react, but decided it was better to be upfront. After all, the truth would eventually come out, and hiding it could seem deceitful.

"Oh? He has good taste," Qin Chuan chuckled lightly, his tone calm. "However… desiring something that doesn't belong to you is foolish. The consequences of such folly can be unbearable."

The old woman's body trembled slightly, as if she had sensed an invisible chill creeping over her, making her scalp tingle.

She took a deep breath and cautiously asked, "Then… should Shui Qingrou attend the Ten Thousand Laws Heavenly Pool?"

"Why not?" Qin Chuan responded with a smile.

"And… should Qin Zi go as well?" The old woman probed further.

Qin Chuan remained silent, smiling faintly.

The old woman immediately understood and felt a heavy weight in her heart. She had a feeling that something big was about to happen.

Suddenly, two loud booms echoed from outside, causing the valley to tremble slightly.

At the same time, Qin Chuan heard a notification sound.

"Ding! Your son has humiliated Xue Qianqiu, earning 4 points of 'Fatherhood Value.' Current balance: 15.6 points."

Qin Chuan raised an eyebrow, then quickly understood. It was likely that while Qin Zi and Shui Qingrou were exploring the Northern Polar Temple, they had provoked someone's jealousy and hostility.

Jealousy often breeds ugliness.

And Qin Zi, who had always valued beauty, must have responded with a "Restore My Handsomeness Punch" to put his opponent in their place.

"What happened?" The old woman stood up abruptly, anger flashing across her face. Private duels were forbidden within the Northern Polar Temple—who would dare violate the rules?

She was about to release her divine sense to investigate.

Qin Chuan stopped her with a smile and said, "It's nothing serious. Qin Zi just had a minor conflict with another disciple. It's already resolved."

"Who would be so bold! Disrespecting esteemed guests is intolerable. I'll make sure that disciple is punished!" The old woman fumed.

"No need. Let the young ones handle their own disputes. We elders don't need to intervene," Qin Chuan said with a calm smile.

"But… that disciple won't be killed by Qin Zi, will they?" the old woman asked anxiously.

Her primary concern was that disciple's safety. She had already seen how powerful Qin Zi was, and his strength bordered on the terrifying.

She had never encountered anyone in the Saint realm with such overwhelming power. If ordinary talents were like stars, Qin Zi was the full moon—or perhaps even the blazing sun!

It was precisely because of this that she believed Qin Chuan might be the reincarnation of a Martial Emperor. After all, if both father and son were this monstrously talented, there had to be an extraordinary lineage behind it!

"Don't worry. Qin Zi knows how to hold back," Qin Chuan reassured her with a smile.

He figured that while the one who provoked Qin Zi might eventually meet a grim fate, it wouldn't be by Qin Zi's hands—at least not directly.

"That's a relief," the old woman sighed, feeling reassured. Since Qin Chuan said it was fine, she didn't need to worry any further.

She didn't believe that someone like Qin Chuan would target a mere disciple out of pettiness. People of his caliber had far broader horizons.

All in all, she had fully accepted Qin Chuan as the reincarnation of a Martial Emperor, and her respect for him had deepened significantly.

The Ten Thousand Laws Heavenly Pool was located atop Tianchi Mountain, a dormant volcano that stood over ten thousand meters tall, with snow covering everything above seven thousand meters.

At the summit, the massive volcanic crater—more than three thousand meters in diameter—housed the Ten Thousand Laws Heavenly Pool at its center. Around the pool's edge were rare plants and trees, alongside pavilions and buildings that formed a luxurious estate.

This estate was the Tianchi Mountain Manor, the Wu family's winter retreat—similar to how others sought summer retreats in scorching lands.

Normally, few would dare trespass here, but today, the place was bustling with activity, packed with visitors.

"The Northern Underworld Heavenly Sect has arrived!"

"The Snowfall Sword Sect has arrived!"

"The Northwestern Han Family has arrived!"

"The Yamatatai Xu Family has arrived!"

"The Northeastern Ma Family has arrived!"

In the sky, ornate carriages and massive beasts continuously arrived with great fanfare, darkening the sky as they descended upon the mountain.

Only major forces dared to announce their arrival. Those from smaller factions quietly entered, avoiding attention.

"Everyone, long time no see."

Above the glittering Ten Thousand Laws Heavenly Pool hovered a golden bridge, formed entirely of the power of laws.

On this bridge stood a handsome young man in blue robes, his demeanor noble and his smile warm, as though he were a deity.

"Wu Cheng, long time no see."

"It's been a while, Wu Cheng. Your presence is as commanding as ever."

"Wu Cheng, it's been too long."

Several other prodigious geniuses exchanged greetings with smiles.

Though the gathering was filled with talented individuals, only a select few had the standing to converse with Wu Cheng on equal terms.

"No need for formalities today. The Ten Thousand Laws Heavenly Pool is a tremendous opportunity, so I won't waste words. I hope everyone takes full advantage of this chance."

Wu Cheng addressed the crowd with a gracious smile.

Immediately, compliments poured in from all sides.

"The Wu Family's generosity is truly remarkable, and so is yours, Wu Cheng!"

"Sharing the Ten Thousand Laws Heavenly Pool with us is a sign of your great heart, Wu Cheng."

"Wu Cheng, if you ever need anything from me, just say the word!"

"Count me in as well!"

Amid the flurry of flattery, the crowd settled around the Ten Thousand Laws Heavenly Pool, beginning their meditative contemplation.

At that moment, the pool radiated brilliant light. Beams of multicolored energy rose from its surface, forming dragons, phoenixes, plants, and all manner of phenomena…

On the golden bridge above, Wu Cheng, as the host, glanced frequently at the sky. His brows furrowed as a hint of impatience crept into his expression.

"On any other day, your aloofness doesn't bother me, but today… With so many esteemed geniuses present, are you really going to disregard my feelings like this? Do you think I'm not worthy of you?" he muttered under his breath.

"Crack… crack… crack…"

His grip tightened on the golden bridge's railing, formed from the power of laws, causing small cracks to appear.

"Screech!"

Suddenly, a bright blue ice phoenix pulling an elegant carriage appeared in the sky, its arrival heralded by a sharp cry.

"They've come!" Wu Cheng's eyes lit up. The frustration and anger from moments before vanished, replaced by a bright smile.

However, the next instant, his smile froze.

Through the veil of the carriage, he could make out two figures. The girl was leaning gently against the boy's chest!

Boom!

That sight hit Wu Cheng like a thunderbolt, shattering all his joy and hope in an instant.

Rage consumed him, accompanied by a deep sense of betrayal—he had placed her on a pedestal, yet there she was, nestled in another man's embrace.

"How dare she!" Wu Cheng's heart roared in anguish.