Swallowing the Heavens with a Single Breath

“Father! Is this really what you intended?” Xu Minghai was incredulous.

“Enough, second son. This matter is settled. I’ve already given the Vitality Pill to Chi’er,” Xu Weiheng declared.

“Only my dear Chi’er is worthy of using this Vitality Pill.”

Xu Weiheng stroked Xu Chi’s head with a gentle gaze.

“Father! You can’t do this! I went to great lengths to procure these Vitality Pills. We agreed that two high-quality pills would go to Chi’er, and the remaining lower-quality one would be given to Yi’er. How can you just go back on your word now?” Xu Minghai clenched his fists, his face full of indignation.

Xu Weiheng’s eyes sharpened as he scoffed coldly. “Xu Yi hasn’t even awakened a martial soul. He’s a useless good-for-nothing who can’t become a martial artist. What’s the point of wasting a Vitality Pill on him?!”

“If you truly care about him, you should have him give up. Otherwise, he’ll just waste the family’s resources!”

Xu Minghai’s face flushed red with anger. Forgetting about hierarchy, he yelled out, “Father! You’re too biased! I accepted your favoritism toward my elder brother in the past, but I worked hard to get those three Vitality Pills! No matter what you say, I’m going to get Yi’er’s pill back today!”

Xu Weiheng’s eyes widened in rage as he shouted, “How dare you! Is this any way to speak to your father? Do you even respect me anymore?”

Seeing this, Xu Mingqing chimed in, “Father, calm down. Second Brother didn’t mean it. He’s just worried about his son. Let me talk some sense into him.”

Turning to Xu Minghai, he said, “Second Brother, how can you speak to Father this way?”

“Father is only thinking of the family’s best interests. Chi’er has a level-seven martial soul. Both Father and I estimate that he’ll reach the second level of Martial Disciple within half a month!”

“If he had a third Vitality Pill, the time would be even shorter.”

“Think of it as doing what’s best for the family. Just let Chi’er have it!”

Upon hearing this, Xu Chi quickly added, “Father, I won’t even need half a month. With three Vitality Pills, I could reach the second level of Martial Disciple in just seven days!”

Xu Weiheng’s face lit up with joy and pride. “Excellent! Chi’er, if you can break through in seven days, I’ll get you ten Vitality Pills if I have to!”

Xu Yi had been listening in silence for a while, but he could no longer hold back. “Grandfather, am I not your grandson too?”

“A martial soul doesn’t define everything. Even if I haven’t awakened one, I’m no less capable than Xu Chi. Why can’t you believe in me?”

Before Xu Weiheng could respond, Xu Chi jumped out, jeering, “You think a good-for-nothing like you deserves a Vitality Pill? I don’t know where you get the nerve to say you’re no worse than me. If you’ve got the guts, let’s fight right now! Do you dare?”

Xu Yi nodded. “Go ahead, I’ll let you strike first.”

Hearing that Xu Yi actually accepted the challenge, everyone present was stunned.

Xu Chi was also infuriated. “You… you! Who do you think you’re looking down on?”

“If you’re that arrogant, don’t blame your elder cousin for teaching you a lesson!”

With that, Xu Chi stepped forward, preparing to attack.

Xu Weiheng’s brows furrowed. “Chi’er, focus on reaching the second level of Martial Disciple. Don’t waste time with this nonsense.”

But Xu Chi stubbornly replied, “Grandfather! Then let’s set the match for seven days from now. I want to fight Xu Yi!”

Xu Weiheng hesitated, then nodded. Pointing at Xu Yi, he said, “Since Chi’er wants to spar with you, go and prepare yourself. Seven days from now, you will compete against him.”

“I accept the match. But if I win, Grandfather, you can’t be biased anymore!” Xu Yi responded confidently.

“Hmph! Second son, teach your son some manners. He’s becoming more and more disrespectful!” Xu Weiheng ignored Xu Yi and instead scolded Xu Minghai.

Then, looking warmly at Xu Chi, he said, “Come along, Chi’er. Grandfather will teach you how to cultivate.”

Xu Chi glanced triumphantly at Xu Yi before turning to follow Xu Weiheng.

Xu Mingqing trailed behind, stopping briefly to pat Xu Minghai on the shoulder. “Second Brother, has Yi’er gone mad? He dares to challenge my Chi’er? I think you’d better take him to have his head examined, haha!”

Xu Yi stood by, bitterly shaking his head. He had seen this kind of situation too many times.

Since childhood, Grandfather had always favored his uncle’s family.

After they left, Li Shushen quickly rushed over, her face full of worry. “Yi’er, you’ve never been a rash person. Why did you act so recklessly today?”

“In seven days, Xu Chi will likely be a second-level Martial Disciple. Fighting him will be too dangerous!”

Xu Minghai added with concern, “Yi’er, I know you have your own thoughts, but I need to ask: are you truly confident?”

Xu Yi smiled to reassure them. “Don’t worry, Father, Mother. I know my limits. There’s something more important I’d like to ask you.”

The two looked puzzled. Xu Minghai furrowed his brow. “What could be more important than your match with your cousin in seven days?”

“Father, Mother, do you know where I can find detailed historical records about the Cangwu Kingdom?”

Xu Minghai answered instinctively, “Our family’s library should have some basic historical records. For more detailed history, the City Lord’s Mansion would likely have what you need…”

Then, he realized the situation and sternly said, “Now is not the time to be worrying about the Cangwu Kingdom. Focus on your match with your cousin!”

“Listen to your mother, Yi’er. Even if you can’t cultivate for the rest of your life, your father and I can still protect you!” Li Shushen held Xu Yi’s hand, trying to persuade him.

Xu Yi felt a warmth in his heart, understanding his parents’ concern. He nodded solemnly. “Father, Mother, trust me. I have a plan.”

“If there’s nothing else, I’m heading out now!”

Without waiting for a response, Xu Yi stepped out of the courtyard and quickly made his way to the Xu family’s library.

Historical texts weren’t particularly valuable, so there was no one to stop him. Xu Yi soon found books about the history of the Cangwu Kingdom.

“The Cangwu Kingdom, a vast empire that dominated everything ten thousand years ago. The Chu family, who ruled the empire, was a long-standing and powerful lineage.”

“Ten thousand years ago, the last emperor, Chu Yuezhi, along with his consorts, princes, and princesses, all perished in an unknown catastrophe. Not a single member survived, and the Chu family was completely wiped out. Thus, the Cangwu Kingdom fell.”

The historical records were brief, only a few dozen words, but they left Xu Yi’s heart cold.

“So… after the Cangwu Kingdom was destroyed, the entire royal family died?!”

He was dumbstruck. “Does that mean Chu Ling’er is dead too?”

“Fairy Sister, are you there? What’s going on? You can’t possibly expect me to marry a dead person, right?”