"The Longyu Mountain Xu Family is an exceptionally powerful clan within the Imperial Capital of the Tianhen Empire, possessing tremendous influence across the entire empire. One could say that the influence of the Longyu Mountain Xu Family even surpasses that of a Prefectural Governor," Leng Yanran opened with a remark.
Upon hearing this, Xu Nian's face revealed a surprised expression. More powerful than a Prefectural Governor—the magnitude of their power must be immense.
A Prefectural Governor controlled the power of an entire prefecture, which at the very least encompassed dozens of cities, some even a hundred cities.
Yet, despite this, they couldn't compare to a single family. One could only imagine how formidable this family's power must be.
But what did such a powerful family have to do with his mother?
"In fact, your mother was from the Longyu Mountain Xu Family, and she was a direct descendant of the Longyu Mountain Xu lineage!" Qin Yuanshan said, turning to Xu Nian.
Xu Nian was sharply taken aback, his face displaying an incredulous look.
In his memory, his mother had always been of maid origin, and he had suffered countless disdainful sneers from the Qin Family because of it. How could his mother now be a direct descendant of such a prominent clan?
Leng Yanran also showed an expression full of surprise, her gaze towards Xu Nian becoming even more complex.
"Could this be destiny?" Leng Yanran muttered to herself, her lips trembling, eyes revealing an indescribable emotion.
Bai Tianhan didn't seem to care, with his hands clasped behind his back and an all-knowing demeanor.
Xu Nian's identity didn't concern him; knowing that the boy was his disciple was enough.
"What exactly happened? How could my mother be a direct descendant of a major clan? But she clearly had no cultivation," Xu Nian asked, looking at Qin Yuanshan.
His mother had absolutely no cultivation, so in Xu Nian's view, his mother was just an ordinary mortal. And how could a direct descendant of such a powerful family be just a mortal?
And how did his mother end up at the Qin Mansion, becoming a maid of the Qin Family?
Hearing Xu Nian's questioning, Qin Yuanshan's face also showed a hint of melancholy as he said, "She had secretly left the Longyu Mountain Xu Family years ago, eloping with a man. Unfortunately, the man was short-lived, falling gravely ill on the way. In her efforts to save him, not only did your mother exhaust all her Battle General Level cultivation, but she also contracted a chronic illness and still couldn't save him."
"Elopement?" Xu Nian's eyes widened, his heart deeply shocked. He had never imagined his mother had such a past.
He had never imagined that his mother had once been a high-ranking expert of Battle General Level.
"What happened afterward?" Xu Nian hastily asked.
"Afterward, your mother, having lost her cultivation and unwilling to face her family, entered Qin Mansion and became a maid. Attracted by your mother's beauty, I forcibly took her as a concubine. She wanted to end her life but then discovered she was pregnant with you. I thought she would bend to me eventually, but your mother was incredibly stubborn and would not submit to me at all. So, I purposefully neglected you and your mother… I have wronged you and your mother over these years," Qin Yuanshan sighed, his face showing remorse.
Xu Nian's gaze grew fiercer, his heart filled with rage.
He could hardly believe the origin of his birth and couldn't even begin to imagine the humiliations his mother endured over the years.
"I know you hate me. If you wish to take revenge for your mother, feel free to do so!" Qin Yuanshan said, looking at Xu Nian.
Xu Nian gritted his teeth, staring at the remorseful Qin Yuanshan, fists tightly clenched.
"I will spare your life for now. When my mother returns, if she decides to take your life, I will show no mercy," Xu Nian said coldly.
Qin Yuanshan's face was bitter.
"Where is my mother now?" Xu Nian asked.
Qin Yuanshan shook his head and said, "Your mother was taken away by her family. Before leaving, they said she had violated the family rules and had to be taken back to receive the family's punishment!"
"Taken back to receive the family's punishment? Isn't my mother in danger then? No, I must find my mother!" Xu Nian murmured to himself, panic showing in his eyes.
"Xu Nian, don't be agitated. I know the family rules of the Longyu Mountain Xu Family. For those who flee privately, they won't harm their lives but will only confine them. If I am not wrong, your mother should have been taken back to the Xu Family and locked up. For now, there should be no danger to her life, and since she is a direct descendant, she will likely be treated leniently," Leng Yanran hurriedly said to comfort him.
"Really? Just confinement?" Xu Nian turned to Leng Yanran and asked.
Leng Yanran nodded and hesitated a bit before saying, "I come from the Imperial Capital, and after all, I have some connections with the Longyu Mountain Xu Family, so you can trust me."
Hearing this, Xu Nian felt much calmer.
However, he was surprised to find out that Leng Yanran was from the Imperial Capital and even had connections with his mother's family.
What exactly were these connections?
However, Leng Yanran seemed reluctant to say more, so he naturally did not press further.
"Xu Nian, I know you particularly want to see your mother, but let me remind you, until you reach the Marquis Level, it's better not to go to the Imperial Capital," Leng Yanran suddenly said.
"Why?" Xu Nian asked, puzzled.
Leng Yanran paused for a moment and said seriously, "Firstly, even if you went, you wouldn't be able to see your mother unless your strength could influence the decisions of the Xu Family. Secondly, going to the Imperial Capital could very likely bring a fatal disaster to you, and being a Marquis only gives you just enough power to protect yourself."
"A fatal disaster?" Xu Nian, surprised, wondered how a random visit could bring about a fatal disaster.
He had never been to the Imperial Capital, so how could someone there want to kill him?
Even if his mother was a direct descendant of the Xu Family, they surely wouldn't kill him!
Could this fatal disaster be related to her?
Unconsciously, Xu Nian looked at Leng Yanran, recalling what had happened between them previously in the cave...
The more Xu Nian thought about it, the more he believed it was for that reason, but still, he nodded to Leng Yanran and said, "Don't worry, I won't rashly go to the Imperial Capital."
Seeing Xu Nian agree, Leng Yanran also sighed in relief.
This further convinced Xu Nian that his guess was accurate.
Xu Nian decided not to dwell on it anymore. Dealing with Leng Yanran's affairs was beyond him at the moment. Instead of indulging in wild speculation, it was better to focus on enhancing his own strength.
"Mother, wait for me. Once your son becomes powerful, I will definitely go to Longyu Mountain to find you," Xu Nian silently vowed in his heart, his resolve growing even firmer.
Beside him, Bai Tianhan saw this scene and wore a faint smile on his face.
Xu Nian's talent was sufficient; the only thing Bai Tianhan was worried about was Xu Nian's determination in his cultivation.
It seemed now, he didn't need to worry at all. Xu Nian's harsh life provided him huge motivation.