C16 Hanyu Xiaotian's Change

As Hanyu Shengxi followed Hanyu Feng out, he couldn't help but cast a worried glance at Hanyu Xiaotian, who had been in a daze since emerging. Everyone present was preoccupied with their own children's well-being, but it's human nature to compare, and they couldn't help but notice Hanyu Xiaotian's absent-mindedness. They quickly assumed he had failed again, eliciting a mix of pity, disdain, and schadenfreude from the crowd.

"Trash will always be trash. Not even the Qi Pavilion can change that!"

"It's such a shame. Given Hanyu Zhan'an's martial arts talent and his current status, he'd have no trouble joining the family core, even if he chose to cultivate in seclusion. Yet, he has a son who can't cultivate at all. Sigh!"

"Hmph, Hanyu Zhan'an may be strong now, but fortunes change. My child will surely surpass his in the future!"

"It's just as I thought; letting him into the Qi Pavilion was a waste of our resources. And now the Chief wants him in the Scripture Pavilion? I can't fathom the reasoning."

While everyone harbored their own opinions, they kept them hidden, especially in the presence of Hanyu Zhan'an and Xia Xiaodie. Few could claim a higher family status than Hanyu Zhan'an. Though he might not be the most gifted in martial arts or the prodigy of his generation, his martial path was bold and unyielding, his style fierce and brave. His straightforward and fearless nature, coupled with his rank as a Major General in the Chinese military, commanded great respect from the Chief and the family's upper echelons.

"Tian Er, Tian Er!" Hanyu Zhan'an and Xia Xiaodie were too focused on their son's bewildered state to notice the crowd's reactions. Their hearts were heavy with worry and unease. They were beginning to regret sending Hanyu Xiaotian to the Qi Pavilion, preferring a simple and happy life for him over the despair of confronting a harsh truth.

"Ah, Dad, Mom, what brings you here?" Hanyu Xiaotian slowly came back to his senses.

"Tian Er, how are you feeling? Anything wrong? It's okay, we don't have to pursue martial arts. You're so intelligent; there will be plenty of opportunities for you to excel in other fields," Xia Xiaodie inquired with deep concern.

"Ah? What? Oh, Dad, where does our family keep all its books and ancient scriptures?" Hanyu Xiaotian seemed to have missed Xia Xiaodie's question entirely.

"Books? You mean the Scripture Pavilion? It won't open for another three months. Don't worry about it now. Why, have you experienced a gaseous sensation?" Hanyu Zhan'an asked.

"No, I'm not asking about martial arts secrets. I'm interested in books on various philosophies, mysteries, classics, human anatomy, astrology, and the like," Hanyu Xiaotian clarified.

"Oh, those are all in our family's Library. What do you need them for?" Hanyu Zhan'an asked, his curiosity piqued.

From his son's recent response, it was clear to him that Hanyu Xiaotian hadn't experienced the gaseous sensation. Yet, observing his son's demeanor, it seemed he wasn't as devastated by the truth as Xia Xiaodie and he had anticipated.

"Where's the Library? Can I go in now?" Over the years, Hanyu Xiaotian's parents had frequently taken him on journeys to find a cure for his inability to cultivate inner breath, leaving him somewhat unfamiliar with many basic aspects of his family's knowledge.

"Absolutely, you can go in. The Library isn't like the Scripture Pavilion; our clan members can access it anytime to do research. While there are some books with restricted access due to their secretive content, our lineage has the authority to view the majority of the collection. Just check your Holo-Brain, and you'll find the Library's location."

With that, Hanyu Xiaotian declared, "I'm heading to the Library now. Mom, Dad, you don't need to worry about me. And don't be concerned—I'm okay!" Without waiting for Hanyu Zhan'an and Xia Xiaodie's approval, he dashed off swiftly.

"Brother Zhan, do you think Tian Er will be okay?" Xia Xiaodie asked, her gaze lingering on Hanyu Xiaotian's retreating figure, her concern evident.

"He should be fine..." Hanyu Zhan'an replied, though his tone betrayed a hint of doubt.

"Do you think Tian Er is aware of his own situation?"

"He must be. You're well aware of the Qi Pavilion's capabilities. But... I suspect Tian Er might have stumbled upon something unknown to us. Let's just wait and see. Have you noticed any changes in Tian Er, by any chance?"

"Ah, so you've felt it too? I thought I was imagining things. When I was helping Tian Er earlier, I couldn't shake the feeling that he seemed... stronger, and even a bit taller." It's true what they say—no one knows a child better than their mother, who is acutely attuned to the slightest changes in her offspring.

"Yes, he's definitely grown stronger and taller!" Hanyu Zhan'an exclaimed, slapping his thigh in realization. "But just a couple of hours ago, Tian Er wasn't like this at all. So, I believe he must have undergone some unknown transformation in the Qi Pavilion!"