C14 Seeing Shi Wei Again

"You..." Shi Zhenshan found himself at a loss for words. His son hadn't spelled it out, but everything seemed to fall neatly within his grasp. What struck him more was the realization that his son might have anticipated some of his own strategies. Initially taken aback, Shi Zhenshan soon felt a deep sense of relief wash over him.

As he observed his son, whose features still bore traces of youth, Shi Zhenshan found it increasingly difficult to read him. But then, he thought, why worry? This was his son, after all. He used to fret over him daily, and now that his son was showing signs of maturity, his concern only grew. In matters of intelligence and strategic thinking, his son was proving to be his equal, if not more so. And what's more, Shi Zhenshan could sense a significant advancement in his son's cultivation.

With growing curiosity, Shi Zhenshan wondered who could be guiding his son, someone who had brought about such a dramatic change in just a few days.

"Alright, Dad, there's no need to worry. I reckon it'll be at most a day's wait. Maybe Shi Wei will come looking for me by this afternoon. Then you'll see for yourself," Shi Luo said, addressing the uncertainty on his father's face. Without further explanation, he turned and walked away, leaving Shi Zhenshan standing there, a mix of astonishment and resignation on his face, as he watched his son's retreating figure and shook his head with a wry smile.

Shi Luo bowed his head, his brow furrowed in thought. He had sensed a hint of anxiety in his father's demeanor, a suggestion that something was being kept from him.

"Father is keeping such a close watch on every move made by my second uncle and his son. It's clear that their differences are irreconcilable. To him, I am his sole concern. Otherwise, why would he have been so eager to bring me back upon learning that Shi Wei had mastered the Profound Qi Cleansing Technique? He isn't truly worried about the leakage of the technique; it's my safety that preoccupies him. He fears that I might be used as leverage by my second uncle and cousin."

A deep understanding of the ways of the world allowed Shi Luo to feel a sudden warmth in his heart, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. In his past life, his single-minded pursuit of the Dao had left little room for familial affection. But now, reflecting on the love of his parents from his previous life and the actions of his father in this one, he was profoundly moved.

"Strength. Only with strength can I protect those who love me and those whom I love. I must enhance my own power."

Shi Luo secluded himself in his room, sitting cross-legged as he methodically regulated his breath and stabilized the Third Layer of his Qi Refining. He didn't emerge until the sun had dipped below the horizon.

"My body is still somewhat frail. I can manage only one Marrow Cleansing Pill a day. In my past life, I could've easily consumed three or four miasma dispel pills in one sitting, breaking through to the Sixth or even Seventh Layer of Qi Refining."

He meticulously planned his cultivation routine. A thought struck him about his father's aura, which had been fluctuating subtly in recent days, hinting at an imminent breakthrough. If he were to give him a miasma dispel pill, it might just catapult him to the pinnacle of divine prowess, and with a bit of fortune, he could advance to the Earth Stems Stage.

"I'll save one pill for my father. With the remaining three, I should reach the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining within three days."

The Marrow Cleansing Pill, a potent concoction of various spiritual herbs, was formidable and dominant, the ideal choice for shattering cultivation barriers. Infused with the celestial Qi from a Saint Grade Spiritual Weapon, its efficacy was truly astounding. With four pills, ascending to the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining would be effortless.

"Cousin, cousin..." Shi Luo's contemplation of his cultivation path was interrupted by a familiar voice. He turned to find Shi Wei, with whom he had a deep-seated feud, yet outwardly maintained a cordial relationship. Shi Luo offered a slight smile.

Shi Wei's usual nonchalance and deep-seated confidence were absent, replaced by a sullen demeanor and vacant gaze. His disheveled hair and unkempt attire stripped him of the distinguished air befitting the Shi family's second son, rendering him a mere shadow of his former self.

Following him was his father, Shi Zhenshan, whose expression bore a mix of astonishment and concern. He had never witnessed his nephew in such disarray, an image far worse than his once profligate son. Reflecting on the recent exchange with his son, Shi Zhenshan had an epiphany—the cultivation technique must have been altered by his son, or more precisely, by the mysterious master guiding him.

"Hey, cousin, what happened to you? It's only been a few days and you look like this? Who's given you trouble? Spill it, I'll help you get your respect back. In Green City, no one dares mess with me." Upon seeing Shi Wei, Shi Luo barely suppressed a chuckle before reverting to his former self - the good-for-nothing scion, seething with an air of arrogant indignation. Shi Zhenshan just chuckled and walked away, seeing no need to meddle when his son had everything under control.

Lately, though, Second Brother had been increasingly unsettled, and it might just be time to put him in his place. If not, he might actually start to believe he runs the Shi family. With a somber and imposing presence, Shi Zhenshan turned on his heel and departed.