Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

"Do you have any plans?"

At this moment, the Purple Cloud Palace Lord looked toward Qin Chuan, the Great Monk, and the other sovereigns from the fragmented continent.

"The world is vast, and I plan to explore it. I suppose the Purple Cloud Academy won't stop me?"

The Great Monk grinned as he spoke.

"Of course not."

The Purple Cloud Palace Lord replied bluntly.

"Uh..."

The Great Monk's face stiffened slightly.

Even though he didn't plan on staying, the direct dismissal stung a bit. Couldn't they at least give him a little face?

But he knew that with the Palace Lord's power and position, there was no need for him to show such respect.

"My life is nearing its end. I simply wish to see the grand landscapes of the main continent. Thank you for allowing this."

The old hidden sovereign spoke humbly.

"We also plan to wander and explore."

The other unnamed sovereigns chimed in.

Although the Purple Cloud Academy seemed appealing, their strength was insufficient to secure any high position here. Instead of staying and being insignificant, they preferred to venture out.

Who knows, they might even rise unexpectedly.

At worst, they could still find a small place to establish themselves as kings, enjoying the same lifestyle they once had.

The main continent was vast, filled with countless powerful figures, but not everyone could become a sovereign. For a sovereign to rule a small domain was not a difficult feat.

"Very well. I wish you all a safe journey."

The Purple Cloud Palace Lord said calmly.

He then approached Qin Chuan, speaking with more respect:

"And what of you, friend? If you don't yet have a destination in mind, perhaps you'd consider staying in the Purple Cloud Academy as a guest elder. How does that sound?"

Woah!

His words shocked everyone present.

The Palace Lord, known for his distant demeanor, was extending an olive branch to this sovereign from the fragmented continent—and on equal terms!

But why?

Was it because this man was handsome???

They glanced at the Palace Lord's rather plain appearance, then at Qin Chuan's strikingly handsome face and thought... it might actually be possible!

"I haven't decided where to go yet."

Qin Chuan slowly raised his head, his deep gaze fixed on the sky. He sighed softly:

"Those from the past... I'm not yet ready to face them... Fine, I'll stay here for a while. I'll trouble you then."

"The honor is mine."

The Purple Cloud Palace Lord smiled knowingly.

That smile transformed his otherwise plain face, giving it a warmth and charm akin to a spring breeze.

"This...!"

"People from the past..."

The nearby elders felt their breaths quicken.

From the Palace Lord's attitude and Qin Chuan's cryptic words, they deduced something astonishing.

This man...

Could he originally be from the main continent? A powerful figure from ancient times who had once perished on the fragmented continent, only to be reborn?

Their view of Qin Chuan shifted from faintly condescending to one of quiet reverence.

In truth, the people of today might not be inferior to the ancients, but ancient beings still carried a certain weight.

After all, surviving for so long was a feat in itself!

A remnant soul persisting for tens of thousands of years meant that the person had lived even longer than that, possibly much longer. It wasn't likely that a fragmented soul could last longer than its original, complete form. If that were the case, then everyone would seek immortality through self-dismemberment!

"It seems you've already guessed the truth,"

Qin Chuan spoke gravely as he scanned the crowd.

"But since I've spoken of it openly, I won't pursue it further.

However... apart from those present, I don't want anyone else to know about this. Not a single person!"

His tone was cold, carrying an undeniable authority and forcefulness, as though his words were law.

Ordinarily, who would dare to speak like this?

Yet, when Qin Chuan said it, it fit perfectly with the image they now held of him. Far from feeling resentment, everyone nodded in agreement.

"Of course!"

"We won't say a word!"

"You can trust us, elder!"

The elders swore earnestly.

One of the elders cautiously asked:

"Then... how should we address you in the future, elder?"

"That depends on the position the Palace Lord gives me,"

Qin Chuan smiled, turning toward the Palace Lord.

The Palace Lord smiled as well.

Qin Chuan's response gave him face, as though the final decision rested in his hands.

After a moment of thought, the Palace Lord spoke with a smile:

"Considering your identity, even the title of Palace Lord would be beneath you. However, if I were to name you Vice Palace Lord, it might seem as though you could only achieve such a rank, which would also be inappropriate.

So... let's make you a guest elder. That way, you can maintain a low profile as you wish."

Qin Chuan nodded in satisfaction.

A guest elder was a figurehead with no real responsibilities, merely a title.

This role was neither too high nor too low.

To his son, it would seem like a lofty position, detached from worldly affairs, without the need to bend to authority.

But to those unaware of his true identity, he would seem like a powerless elder, with no family backing and shallow roots, someone not worth mentioning...

Earlier, he had warned everyone to keep his "ancient expert" identity a secret, and he trusted they wouldn't dare disobey.

As a result, outside of this group, no one else in the Purple Cloud Domain would take him seriously. Qin Zi would appear to be without significant backing.

And a person without background, who loved to show off, would inevitably draw hatred...

"Congratulations, Elder Qin!"

"Welcome to the Purple Cloud Academy!"

The elders quickly offered their congratulations.

"How do you know my surname is Qin?"

Qin Chuan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

He was certain he hadn't introduced himself.

"Uh... don't mind the details!"

"Yes, details are unimportant!"

The elders chuckled nervously, trying to brush it off.

Inwardly, they were startled.

His awareness was too sharp!

He had picked up on such a minor slip-up. How did he manage that? Could it be... because he was too handsome?

It was terrifying!

"Father!"

At that moment, Qin Zi flew over, excitement in his voice as he said,

"I heard that the Purple Cloud Academy has many precious tomes and sacred training grounds. Why don't we stay here for now?"

He looked at Qin Chuan expectantly.

"Alright."

Qin Chuan smiled warmly and nodded. His gentle demeanor gave a sense of kindness and made Qin Zi feel even closer to him.

Turning to the Palace Lord, Qin Chuan added with a smile:

"And I believe you owe me a promise?"

"Of course."

The Palace Lord chuckled and then turned serious, looking at Qin Zi.

"From now on, you are the personal disciple of Elder Qin. A personal disciple holds many privileges and receives special resources, which you will gradually come to understand."

Then, his tone shifted:

"The Purple Cloud Academy has only eight personal disciples in total, and the others are all at least in the Five Heavens Realm. You are currently the weakest, so you must work hard to not disgrace the academy."

"Understood!!"

Qin Zi replied excitedly.

He had already heard from the other disciples that the Purple Cloud Academy controlled most of the resources and sacred grounds within the Purple Cloud Domain. The academy also housed countless divine techniques and secret arts, including revolutionary new techniques created by the Human Race's Sacred Hall!

Yes, new techniques!

For the past several millennia, the Human Race's Sacred Hall had been carrying out reforms, gathering the collective strength of the entire race to develop new, more powerful techniques far surpassing those of the past.

And these new techniques, for various reasons, had not yet been widely distributed. Only a select few had the privilege to learn them, and personal disciples of the academy were among the chosen!