Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

After everything settled, Qin Chuan took Qin Zi back to Seven Martial Sect.

Before returning, he made a stop at the Alchemists' Association, and amid the pained and desperate expressions of the alchemists, he collected a large stash of their best supplies.

Gradually, he realized that he was no longer short of money. Unknowingly, he had become wealthy.

Moreover, it seemed he didn't even need to spend any money anymore.

The things that could be bought with gold, he no longer cared for. As for his everyday needs, no one dared ask him for payment.

Wealth had become as meaningless as dirt.

On a cliff in Seven Martial Sect, Qin Chuan and his son sat cross-legged on a large boulder, enjoying the mountain breeze and the profound stillness that seemed to permeate everything.

"Do you sense anything?" Qin Chuan asked, his tone deep and mysterious.

"I… I sense that within the stillness, there seems to be something profound, as though I can almost grasp it, but it keeps slipping away," Qin Zi blinked, unsure of his own answer.

In truth, he didn't feel anything. But not wanting to disappoint his father, he pretended to understand. Yet, as soon as he said it, he thought about it more carefully and realized… maybe, just maybe, he really did sense something.

"Hmm, you are teachable. Take your time, and once you fully grasp that feeling, it will lead to great rewards."

Qin Chuan smiled mysteriously.

Of course, he was just bluffing.

After all, the concept of "stillness" was so vague and abstract. He could say anything he wanted, and it would sound profound.

If Qin Zi couldn't figure it out, it was because he wasn't strong enough. But if he did grasp something... well, it would be because of Qin Chuan's impeccable guidance.

"Hmm! Father, I won't let you down!" Qin Zi said, full of determination.

Qin Chuan nodded with satisfaction. He felt that the groundwork had been laid and that the air of deep wisdom had been firmly established. It was time to get to the point.

"Qin Zi, I will need to enter seclusion for a while to recover."

His voice suddenly grew serious.

"Father, are your injuries still not healed? Weren't they just pretend?" Qin Zi was startled, and nervousness crept into his voice.

"The physical injuries have healed, but the damage to my Dao foundation has resurfaced. If I don't handle it properly, it could become very serious."

Qin Chuan sighed. "I told you before what would happen if I forcefully restored my cultivation, didn't I?"

Qin Zi thought back for a moment, and suddenly his body trembled.

He remembered.

Back when they left Xunyang City for Minghao City, his father had warned him that recovering cultivation too quickly could damage one's foundation!

"So you remembered," Qin Chuan said with a gentle smile.

Qin Zi lowered his head in shame and whispered, "Father... I'm sorry."

His father had warned him about this long ago, but he hadn't taken it seriously.

All this time, he had been causing trouble left and right, never considering whether his father might get hurt because of it!

"Don't apologize."

Qin Chuan ruffled his son's hair. "As long as you've done nothing wrong, no matter what enemies you provoke, your father will protect you. Even if it means damaging my foundation, or sacrificing myself, so be it."

Qin Zi's body trembled. A warm feeling flowed through him, and his eyes grew misty.

How fortunate he was to have such a loving father!

Qin Chuan observed his son's expression and knew his plan had worked.

How could he have any bad intentions?

He had simply reminded his son that restoring his cultivation came at a price!

This way, the next time Qin Chuan was knocked down in battle, Qin Zi wouldn't immediately doubt whether his invincible father was a fraud. Instead, he would first think, Father's recovery comes at a cost—it just takes time...

This cleverly solved any potential issues.

As for telling Qin Zi that he got hurt on purpose, that was mainly because of the bald elder!

Before appearing, Qin Chuan had told the elder that he would pretend to be injured to test his son's courage, asking the elder to protect Qin Zi.

The reasons were twofold:

Firstly, he couldn't tell the elder that forcibly restoring his cultivation would harm his foundation. Once you expose your weakness, anyone might take the opportunity to kill you!

He needed to maintain his image of strength in front of the bald elder, but since he truly couldn't defeat the white-haired youth, he used the excuse of "pretending to be hurt" to brush things off.

Secondly, he needed the elder's protection for Qin Zi. After all, the system only worked when someone had murderous intent toward Qin Zi—it would then boost Qin Chuan's power.

But Supreme Saints were on a different level. If Qin Zi insulted them, they might not even feel strong emotions, much less murderous intent—they might just swat him away like a fly.

If no one was protecting Qin Zi, he would have been instantly killed after his first insult, without even generating murderous intent.

That would have been a meaningless death.

So, Qin Chuan had the bald elder protect Qin Zi, ensuring that his son could unleash his taunts safely, provoking the white-haired youth's killing intent.

This way, he tricked the bald elder with the "training courage" excuse and also used the elder's protection to make his "training plan" seem more credible.

Qin Chuan had successfully tricked both Qin Zi and the bald elder, solving all the problems perfectly.

Even though it took a little scheming, the result was worth it—his cultivation had advanced to Supreme Saint Stage Two.

"Father, my master… wants to meet you."

Suddenly, Qin Zi hesitated before speaking up.

"Your master?"

Qin Chuan was momentarily startled. He straightened his posture and took a deep breath, tightening his abdomen.

He did this to ensure that no matter what he saw, his expression would remain composed.

At the very least, he wouldn't spit out his drink or gasp in shock, making himself look unsophisticated.

Not only that, he quickly ran through all the possible appearances in his mind—a sage-like old Daoist, a sloppy drunkard, a lecherous fat man, a handsome young prodigy, or maybe even a mischievous little girl…

Young or old, male or female, human or something else—he even considered the possibility of a teacher from a certain island nation!

Only by mentally preparing for everything could he face Qin Zi's master calmly, without the slightest ripple in his expression.

He absolutely had to manage that!

If he showed even a hint of surprise or confusion in front of Qin Zi's master, his strong persona could be doubted.

After all, he and Qin Zi's master had "communicated spiritually" for quite some time. He often gave Qin Zi's storage ring a knowing, meaningful glance…

If he was caught off guard by the master's appearance, the master would likely think, So, all those times you gave me those suggestive looks through the ring, you couldn't even see me?

Can't even see through a mere Emperor-level space ring, and you call yourself an invincible strongman? Who are you trying to fool? Bah!

"Father, is it not okay?"

Seeing his father hesitate, Qin Zi grew nervous, worried that his father didn't want to meet his master.

After all, if his master was rejected, it would be quite embarrassing for her. He would also feel guilty.

"Heh, of course it's fine."

Qin Chuan quickly snapped out of his thoughts, laughing as he shook his head. "I just hadn't prepared any gifts for our first meeting. I'd hate to offend your master."

"No need!"

At that moment, a flustered, slightly shy female voice suddenly rang out.

Qin Chuan's eyebrow twitched!

A woman?!

His tightly tensed abdomen contracted slightly, then quickly relaxed. He composed himself, looking calmly ahead.

Buzz!

Before him, a golden light, like countless grains of sand, spiraled up from the ground, slowly forming a shining figure.

In the golden light, a graceful and elegant woman with blonde hair appeared, dressed in a luxurious gown. She held her skirt delicately, bowing her head slightly, her face flushed with shyness.