Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

"Seeking death," the old woman said coldly, preparing to unleash her full might and crush this arrogant young man who had made a grave mistake yet remained unapologetic.

"Hmm?"

But in the next moment, she paused.

She suddenly realized that this boy showed no signs of fear. His gaze remained calm, as if he had already accepted life and death.

Such calmness... was quite impressive.

For someone so fearless in the face of death, how could he be a worthless fool with no potential?

If that wasn't the case, then why had he acted so foolishly, provoking someone of her rank? Could it be mere impulse?

She didn't believe it.

Because typically, young cultivators at his level, faced with her presence, wouldn't even dare to speak, let alone act on impulse. Most would drop to their knees immediately!

She studied Qin Zi closely and noticed a subtle yet deep trace of suspicion and wariness hidden within his eyes.

"Could it be...?!"

Suddenly, an idea crossed her mind.

In an instant, she cast a secret wave of spiritual energy over Shui Qingrou, scanning her thoroughly. Then, her eyes lit up.

"Ah, I see!"

In that moment, everything became clear, and a satisfied smile crept across her face.

She withdrew her oppressive aura.

She turned to Qin Zi and said, "Young man, you're quite impressive. No wonder Shui Qingrou has taken a liking to you."

"Ah?"

Qin Zi scrambled to his feet, completely confused. What was going on? The sudden change in attitude was too much—hadn't she been about to kill him just a moment ago?

The old woman pondered briefly before continuing, "It's clear that you and Shui Qingrou are fond of each other. Your talent isn't bad either. How about you come with me to the Northern Domain?"

"Ah??"

Qin Zi was even more bewildered. Her attitude had taken a complete 180!

He glanced at Qin Chuan.

Qin Chuan gave him a relaxed smile, as if saying, "It's your decision to make."

Suddenly, Qin Zi understood.

This old woman wasn't an enemy!

Even so, he couldn't leave with her. He needed to stay by his father's side.

Smiling awkwardly, Qin Zi responded, "I apologize for my rudeness earlier, Senior. Please forgive me... but I don't intend to go to the Northern Domain. If Senior could take good care of Junior Sister Shui Qingrou, I would be eternally grateful."

The old woman raised an eyebrow.

This young man had actually refused her offer?

With her status, if she publicly sought a disciple, countless geniuses and prodigies would be fighting for the opportunity.

Yet this young man, merely at the second level of the Tongtian Realm, had resisted such temptation.

She couldn't help but hold him in higher regard.

Smiling, she said, "I must admit, I had my doubts about you earlier. But now, I see you in a new light. If you don't wish to follow me, I won't force you."

"However, you better keep working hard. The Northern Domain has no shortage of talents. If Shui Qingrou ends up falling for someone better than you, there won't be anything I can do."

"Don't worry, Senior! When I arrive in the Northern Domain, all its geniuses will bow before me!" Qin Zi declared, filled with pride.

"Let's hope so."

The old woman chuckled lightly, clearly not taking his words seriously, but she didn't want to crush the young man's confidence either.

Confidence was always a good thing for the young.

"Shui Qingrou, say your goodbyes. I have some matters to attend to."

With that, the old woman vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind. Whether it was due to her incredible speed or teleportation, no one could tell.

For a moment, silence reigned.

Then, Supreme Elder Zhao Fulong approached, his expression a mix of emotions as he spoke to Shui Qingrou. "Shui Qingrou, train diligently in the Northern Domain. Come back to visit when you can. The Seven Martial Sect will always be your home."

His feelings were complicated.

On one hand, he felt awkward. As Shui Qingrou's former master, he had been utterly outclassed by the old woman, reduced to nothing in comparison. He couldn't even muster jealousy—he dared not.

On the other hand, he felt fortunate and proud. Through this connection, the sect now had ties to a World Sovereign. From now on, the Seven Martial Sect would rise, and even the Yang family of the Eastern Domain would no longer dare to look down on him—after all, he was now "related" to a World Sovereign!

After the two disciples finished their goodbyes, Qin Zi pulled Shui Qingrou aside into a secluded valley for a private conversation.

When they returned, both of their faces were flushed, and Qin Zi's right hand, hidden in his sleeve, was noticeably trembling...

Whoosh!

Before long, the old woman reappeared.

She looked at Shui Qingrou and said, "Let's go."

With a nod to the others, the old woman's body flashed with a bright light, and both she and Shui Qingrou vanished.

The group stood in silence, a feeling of loss hanging in the air.

Qin Zi, his emotions low, quietly walked over to Qin Chuan and whispered, "Father, when are we going to the Northern Domain?"

He knew that his father had planned to head to the Eastern Domain next.

Qin Chuan couldn't help but laugh, teasing, "You said it yourself—when you set foot in the Northern Domain, all its geniuses will bow before you. Now that you've made such a bold statement, can you really show your face there before you've made it happen?"

"Uh..."

Qin Zi's face flushed with embarrassment. He had only said that to impress Shui Qingrou.

But knowing that his own father had witnessed the whole thing made him feel like he had died of shame. It was like secretly watching a Japanese "action film" only for his mother to walk in with a plate of fruit, give a knowing smile, and silently close the door behind her.

It was a disaster!!!

…

Up in the sky, two figures flew through the air.

Though they seemed to be standing still, the scenery around them shifted at an incredible speed, as if the stars themselves were moving.

They were none other than Shui Qingrou and the old woman.

"Master… why did your attitude toward Senior Brother Qin Zi change so drastically?" Shui Qingrou asked cautiously.

Despite her newfound relationship with this master, Shui Qingrou still felt an inexplicable fear toward her. It was the natural reverence one felt toward a powerful figure.

"Hehe, that boy is a decent person. But most importantly, his feelings for you are genuine... I guess I've developed a bit of fondness for him because of that," the old woman replied with a gentle smile.

"How... how do you know he truly cares for me?" Shui Qingrou's face flushed as she asked expectantly.

As is often the case with women, even when they know their partner's feelings, they like to hear confirmation over and over again. When the truth is reaffirmed, it fills their hearts with joy.

"Haven't you noticed? That brat acted so arrogant earlier and said such crude things to test me," the old woman explained with a smile. "He suspected that I had ulterior motives, that I might want to use you or harm you in the future. So, he tried to provoke me."

"If I had been ill-intentioned, I would have killed him on the spot. In doing so, I would have revealed my true nature, allowing you to see through me and develop a wariness that might save your life one day."

"In other words, he risked his life to eliminate any potential danger to you."

Shui Qingrou's body trembled at the revelation.

Her eyes filled with tears.

So Senior Brother Qin Zi had done all of that... just for her.

"Qingrou."

The old woman's voice called out.

"Yes?" Shui Qingrou looked up.

The old woman asked, "After hearing this, don't you feel even the slightest hint of suspicion toward me?"

"Didn't it occur to you that I might be a sinister person, intentionally sparing him to hide my true intentions?"

"Ah! No, I didn't think of that," Shui Qingrou exclaimed in surprise, shaking her head in confusion.

The old woman studied her disciple closely. Shui Qingrou's eyes were pure, innocent, and sincere, as if she truly didn't understand.

A pleased smile spread across the old woman's face.

Indeed, Shui Qingrou was a promising talent!

The line between absolute purity and absolute corruption is thin, but in this world, is there truly anyone who is absolutely pure?

It's impossible.

Such a person wouldn't survive in this world.

I feel completely drained, exhausted.