C3 The Young Master Was Cultivating

Three days flew by in the blink of an eye. As Shi Luo healed, he also found himself settling into the rhythms of life here. Yet, the visceral memories of his past life's bloody battles instilled in him a zeal for power that exceeded that of ordinary men. Despite the short span of three days, Shi Luo meticulously examined his body and devised a sensible and effective training regimen.

Ever the self-assured man, Shi Luo would never engage in anything unless he was certain of success. His extensive experience in cultivation notwithstanding, he took no chances with complacency.

Reflecting on his past and present lives, Shi Luo couldn't help but sigh at the irony of it all. He lamented the ridiculousness of "Shi Luo's" existence. Raised in the lap of luxury, he had become a notorious playboy, indulging in every vice and squandering his days in pleasure houses. His once robust health had been hollowed out by debauchery. But then again, it made sense—being the son of one of Green City's three mightiest warriors, it was almost expected to live a life of arrogance and excess.

The following morning, Shi Luo entered the Shi family's grand hall, his attire a sharp green robe that lent him an air of nobility—a stark contrast to his usual ruffian demeanor. Shi Zhenshan, accustomed to his son's rebellious ways, was taken aback. Could this really be his child? Yet, he could only shake his head in resignation, suspecting some new mischief behind this sudden change.

"Why aren't you in your room reflecting on your actions? What brings you out here?" Shi Zhenshan's voice was low and tinged with anger.

"Father, I've spent the last two days in contemplation, recognizing the depth of my transgressions and the worry they've caused you. Today, I've come to apologize and to discuss a matter with you," Shi Luo replied, scratching his head and blushing with an uncharacteristic shyness. He, a Battle Emperor, had always commanded respect and fear, never showing weakness. Yet here he was, humbling himself before his father, a situation that brought a twinge of embarrassment.

"What?" Shi Zhenshan's arm shook, spilling his tea. He stared at his son, disbelief etched across his face. Was this truly his son? He had disciplined him harshly in the past, to no avail—Shi Luo remained defiant and unrepentant. But today, he was voluntarily owning up to his faults. Impossible. It simply couldn't be. He must have misheard.

"Dad, please, calm down," Shi Luo said quickly.

"What? What did you say?" Shi Zhenhao, realizing his overreaction, quickly composed himself and asked earnestly.

"I admitted my mistake. And there's something else I need to tell you," Shi Luo said with a sigh and an eye roll. Shouldn't a father be happy about his son's improved behavior? Why such astonishment?

"Good, good, you actually recognize your faults. The thrashing I gave you the other day wasn't for nothing. Indeed, 'spare the rod and spoil the child,'" Shi Zhenhao chuckled, repeating 'good' several times with satisfaction as he downed a gulp of tea.

"Father, I want to start cultivating," Shi Luo stated plainly.

"Puff..." Shi Zhenhao choked on his tea, spitting it out as he stared at his son, his face shifting from disbelief to concern. The joy he had felt moments ago vanished, replaced by confusion and deep worry.

"Son, did that Xia Luo girl knock some sense out of you? Damn it, if she's turned my boy into a fool, Xia Qingtian, this isn't over," he fumed.

Before Shi Luo could respond, Shi Zhenshan was on his feet, ready to storm out amidst his curses.

"Dad, please, just listen—I'm serious. I truly want to cultivate," Shi Luo insisted, grabbing hold of his father, feeling a sudden warmth in his heart. His dad might be tough and a bit rough around the edges, but he had never been unkind.

"Really? You're not addled?" Shi Zhenhao pressed urgently.

"Truly, Dad, truly," Shi Zhenhao beamed with relief and excitement.

"Who the hell will dare to call my son worthless now? Luo, focus on your cultivation. Whatever you need, just ask. I'll provide everything. My only ask is for you to outdo that Xia Luo girl. Hell, it'd be perfect to bring her home as the Shi family's daughter-in-law. What's the big deal about a touch on the thigh? Was it worth turning my son into a fool?"

Shi Zhenhao chuckled away, blissfully unaware of Shi Luo's face darkening by the second. The old adage 'like father, like son' had never rung true for Shi Luo until now. It seemed the playboy ways of "Shi Luo" could very well be attributed to his father's influence.

Yet, his expectations weren't all that lofty. Despite the frailty of his body, with the care of a Battle Emperor from his own lineage, he was confident of a swift recovery. And when it came to innate talent, the prowess of a Battle Emperor was enough to command respect across the entire South Border. Surpassing Xia Luo would be a breeze.

"Dad, I'm not an idiot," Shi Luo said, his voice tinged with exasperation.

"My boy, of course, you're not an idiot," Shi Zhenhao roared with laughter.

Their warm exchange was abruptly cut short by an unexpected voice that broke into their conversation.