Chen Zhengqing spent a full two hours recounting the events of the past.
After hearing the entire story, Chen Fan finally gained clarity on some events.
Despite being from a small Grade-3 city like Xuanyang City, his father’s extraordinary talent allowed him to advance to the Yuanfu realm at sixteen, reaching the third level by eighteen.
While not matching Chen Fan's achievements, this contrast stemmed from Chen Fan obtaining a heavenly opportunity.
Without it, Chen Fan's dantian would still be closed, keeping him at the first level of the Qigong realm.
This highlighted Chen Zhengqing’s remarkable talent.
Motivated by his abilities, Chen Zhengqing had left home to explore the world and ventured to the imperial city. He stood out brilliantly and formed deep connections with Zhao Ru and other elite descendants; they even referred to one another as brothers.
During this time, he encountered Nangong Yue, Chen Fan's mother, renowned as the number one beauty of the imperial city and the jewel of the Nangong Clan.
Despite their mutual admiration and love, the vast gap in their social statuses presented numerous challenges.
Their relationship spoiled the name of the prestigious Qin Clan, leading them to issue a kill order against Chen Zhengqing.
Chen Zhengqing’s “brothers” turned hostile, pursuing him relentlessly to gain favor with the Qin Clan.
Ultimately, he managed to escape, taking the newborn Chen Fan with him under the protection of Nangong Yue. However, the ordeal damaged his primal vessel, regressing his cultivation to the Qi Grandmaster realm.
Chen Fan clenched his fists tightly, and an icy light flashed in his eyes.
The Qin Clan had arranged marriage with the Nangong Clan. The groom, Qin Wudi, was the top talent of the imperial city's younger generation, while the bride was Nangong Yue, the city's number one beauty.
Externally, their union seemed ideal—a handsome, talented youth paired with an exceptionally beautiful woman. They would simply be a match made in heaven if the two were to get together.
However, Chen Zhengqing and Nangong Yue harbored a private love affair, their connection maturing into the sacred bond of married partners.
The revelation caused a city-wide uproar.
No one could have imagined that the imperial city’s number one beauty would reject the city’s number one talent and have an affair with a country bumpkin instead, even bearing a child.
This Qin Clan became the laughingstock of the imperial city, and their reputation was damaged.
This scandal led to Qin Wudi issuing a kill order against Chen Zhengqing, humiliated by the rejection.
The Nangong Clan’s Sun and Star bloodlines ruthlessly seized this opportunity to suppress the Moon Bloodline. Ignoring their blood ties, they exposed Nangong Yue and Chen Zhengqing’s relationship, even though it could endanger Nangong Yue and her child.
Chen Fan’s hatred toward the Qin Clan was now no less than the hate he bore against Duan Jingtian.
Chen Zhengqing saw the coldness in Chen Fan’s eyes and hurriedly said, “Xiaofan, you must not act recklessly.”
He feared that, driven by anger, Chen Fan might recklessly seek vengeance against the Qin Clan—an act akin to courting death.
The imperial city’s Qin Clan was the undisputed number one clan, with a heritage spanning thousands of years. Their clan was powerful, and they had numerous Core Formation realm powerhouses.
Although Chen Fan wasn’t considered weak, it did not mean much in front of a massive entity like the Qin Clan.
“Suuu!” Chen Fan took a deep breath and said, “Don’t worry, Father. I'm not foolish enough to seek my death. When my strength becomes sufficient, I will certainly make the Qin Clan answer for their past actions and avenge you!”
“It’s good that you understand. If you had let anger take control, I would have felt ashamed to face your mother,” Chen Zhengqing said.
Chen Fan narrowed his eyes and said, “Father, my mother...”
“She’s probably still alive.” Chen Zhengqing’s eyes flickered. However, he didn’t sound confident. “Yue’er is the pearl of the Nangong Clan. She’s exceptionally beautiful, and her martial talent is also extraordinary.”
“Although the Nangong Clan would punish her for her mistakes, it wouldn’t be to the extent of killing her. Zhao Ru only said that to upset me. No need to put it to heart.”
Chen Fan nodded and did not speak any further.
He now knew more about his mother. He should be able to find out more when he goes to the imperial city.
“Zhengqing, I failed both you and Xiaoyue,” Chen Tianxiong said.
If the Chen Clan were strong enough to rival the imperial city’s Qin Clan, Chen Zhengqing wouldn’t have had to experience all that.
Chen Zhengqing shook his head and said, “What nonsense are you talking about, Father.”
Chen Fan also chimed in, “Grandfather, Father, rest assured. A day will come when our family is reunited. I’ll make those who bullied our family pay for their sins!”
“Good! Xiaofan, your mother would be delighted to know how capable you've become.” Chen Zhengqing patted Chen Fan’s shoulder, looking proud.
He was proud of his son.
Yue’er, do you know? This is our son. He’s all grown up now... A devastatingly beautiful face appeared in Chen Zhengqing’s heart. An intense longing showed in the depths of his eyes. [1]
Chen Fan said, “Father, Grandfather, now that the clan is on track, I plan to visit the imperial city.
Chen Zhengqing was shocked, assuming Chen Fan wanted to seek revenge. He hurriedly said, “Xiaofan, you...”
Chen Fan smiled and said, “You’re overthinking, Father. I'm going for some exploration. I won’t do anything stupid. Moreover, I can’t become stronger quickly by staying in the clan or returning to the sect. I must keep venturing to train myself and increase my strength.
“Furthermore, since Zhao Kongming could invite Zhao Ru here, the Watermoon City’s Zhao Clan and the imperial city’s Zhao Clan are likely related. Perhaps the Zhao Clan has already learned about Zhao Ru’s death and is searching for clues. It wouldn’t be difficult for them to trace it back to our Chen Clan.
“Our Chen Clan still isn’t strong enough. If the Zhao Clan comes to investigate, the Qin Clan will also know about it. I must go to the imperial city to disrupt the Zhao Clan’s investigation, preventing them from linking it to our Chen Clan.
“As you said, the Zhao Clan, though prominent, is not comparable to the Qin Clan. They’re only a second or third-rate clan. Perhaps the Zhao Clan has Core Formation realm powerhouses overseeing them, but I don’t think their cultivation would be too high.
“Although I am still not a match for a Core Formation realm powerhouse, it’s also impossible for ordinary Core Formation realm powerhouses to kill me.
“So, you and Grandfather don’t have to worry. I won’t act recklessly in the imperial city. In the future, I will bring Mother back and reunite our family.”
He still had the mask from the Loulan Ancient Imperial City’s maze. It could conceal his aura, providing a secure means to interfere with the Zhao Clan's surveillance without detection. It offered both convenience and safety.
Chen Zhengqing looked at Chen Fan for a while before he said, “Alright, but Xiaofan, you must promise me that you won’t act recklessly there. You must endure no matter what you encounter. You understand?”
1. Devastating because of a Chinese idiom that says a woman is so beautiful she could cause the downfall of a city or state. ☜