Chapter 6 (2/2)

In response to her statement, Zhou Yan simply smiled and calmly said, “You were right, it was my doing that disappointed the hopes and dreams grandfather had for me. Hence, the outcome today would be expected.”

“I clearly understand why everyone did what they did, and I am indeed grateful for…your abandonment in favor of greatness, all in the name of doing it for my father. I have no opinions on this matter but simply speaking my mind.”

Zhou Lingyi was stunned as she did not expect Zhou Yan to be so calm.

Zhou Wuzhen took a quick glance at Zhou Yan. However, there was nothing out of the ordinary. It seemed that this child was calmer than usual.

It was only the Elder of Lore that seemed to be holding back his tongue as if there was something he was reluctant to discuss. However, he never spoke.

“Living life as a common-folk would be a good thing. Since being under the guidance of the family, it would be unlikely for him to go astray, which would bring shame to the family’s good name,” said the Grand Elder, Zhou Wuwei.

“Yes, it is true there will be no future for masters of martial arts, like us. There were times where we yearned for the life of a common-folk, to be able to raise children without any concerns and worries of death,” said the Hand of the Grand Elder, Zhou Wuji.

Zhou Lingyao, the Third Prodigal child, had not uttered a word as the well-being of Zhou Yan was never his concern since this event transpired. He merely stared at the hand-carved effigy in Zhou Yan’s left hand.

“Grandfather, Elder of Lore, Grand Elder, and his Hand, I will return to my chambers for a break. When the arrangements are made, just send me on my way.”

Zhou Yan was anxious. However, the young lad never showed any apparent emotions, hiding behind his calm as he spoke.

“I will have the Elder of Lore send you on your journey tonight. You may bring with you the resources you’ve used for the entire year. No more, no less. From here on out, you are on your own.”

It was with a heavy heart for Zhou Wuzhen to have made such a painful decision.

Zhou Yan said nothing and nodded.

The young lad turned around and walked slowly out of the forbidden chambers.

It seemed to Zhou Yan that throughout his life, this would be the first and last time he would ever set foot in a place of such majesty.

An overwhelming feeling of dissatisfaction and disdain boiled inside him, however, not a single hint of emotion was shown on his face.

It did not matter if they spoke the truth. The young lad was insulted as he was unable to claim his legal status as his father’s true son.

The young lad was aware of his current state of weakness and the urgent need to further his progress. Once he has become accomplished, he would be ready to return and prove himself, thus reclaiming what was rightfully his.

Zhou Yan clearly knew that the moment he walked out that door, the journey ahead for him would be arduous.

However, there was no regret in his heart!

It was unclear to him if the situation escalated the way it did for his father’s enemy. Hence, before he set foot again in the main branch of his family, he would need the presence of someone with unprecedented power to fully showcase his true potential.

…

“I know you’re only trying to provoke him, Lingyi, however, don’t you think it’s a little too harsh? His own father already fell to such an extent until the Lord gave us his birthright. How could you still act so ruthlessly?”

After sending Zhou Yan off, Zhou Lingyao questioned as he frowned.

“Provoke him? I’m not encouraging him with provocation since there’s no need to do so any longer!

“It was the result of his lack of hard work that wasted all of his natural gifts. I will never change my perspective toward him, so tell me, what would I gain in provoking him?

“I’m merely speaking the bitter truth.

“There was a time when 13-year-old Zhou Yuntian took down Zhou Wangchen with a single strike and caused him to cough blood on the podium, making him a living joke of the main branch of our family!

“How could you not have heard of such an event?

“Ever since that day, the reputation Zhou Wangchen held in my heart completely turned to dust.

“It was also then I found myself deeply in love with Zhou Yuntian.

“That is why I said such brutal, harsh words of truth. Else, a man like Zhou Yan who in fact pushed his body beyond his physical limits, all in the name of progress; and would rather wager his own life with so little regard… Hehe, just as the Grand Elder had said before, live the life of a common-folk. This will allow him to remain on the righteous path.

“If he actually ventured the path of evil, he would only become the bringer of calamity.” The entire forbidden chamber grew silent as Zhou Lingyi spoke.

At the same moment, the young lad, Zhou Yan who already walked several hundred miles from the forbidden chambers, shivered ever so slightly.

He paused for a mere instant as he resumed walking with steady and firm steps ahead, leaving everything behind.