"You should come back earlier, the year’s end is near, don’t let yourself be dragged too far," Qiu Ming solemnly reminded Liou Yuan about his cultivation. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

In Xiaopei Mountain, only he and Liou Yuan had similar strength, and he worried that Liou Yuan would delay his cultivation, not wanting to face the Shoushan Tower tasks alone in the future.

"Say that again when you reach the Qi Cultivation Sixth Layer," Liou Yuan cast a disdainful look at Qiu Ming.

"When Miss Lai and the others ask later, just tell them the truth. I’m leaving."

Liou Yuan waved his hand, wasting no time, and transformed into a bright blue spirit light, shooting towards the gates of Chouhuai City with Treading Flowing Waves.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he disappeared over the horizon outside Chouhuai City.

On top of the city wall, Mr. Zhao stood at a height with Zhao Feiyue, watching Liou Yuan’s silhouette fade away.

With Liou Yuan gone, he had a chance to inform Zhao Feiyue about many things.

"This kid’s cultivation speed is second only to those with Five-Star Star Acupoint, I see it’s undoubtedly a Four-Star Star Acupoint."

"And with a pair of spiritual eyes, his future achievements are limitless."

Mr. Zhao opened his mouth with praise for Liou Yuan, laying the groundwork for what he had to advise Zhao Feiyue next.

"But he is a member of the Liou Family’s main lineage, destined to be unwelcome at Xiangshan the Liou Family."

"His brother, Liou Zhen, is strong, so that’s not a concern. But his brother can’t protect him all the time, there’s the worry that before he grows strong, he’ll die somewhere obscure."

"Second Grandpa, I’ve always been curious. Why did the Five Extremes Mountain’s leadership remain silent when the Liou Family’s secondary branch seized the position of Patriarch back then?"

Zhao Feiyue tilted her head towards Zhao Zhuoran and gently asked, "That main branch of the Liou Family in Five Extremes Mountain has truly no relationships left?"

"It’s very simple. The sect’s interests override everything," Zhao Zhuoran said leisurely, with his hands clasped behind his back. "The main branch of the Liou Family could sustain its position in Five Extremes Mountain for so long because the leadership valued the strength of that main branch and its usefulness to the sect."

"When the talents of the main branch dwindled, it lost its worth."

"The secondary branch’s rise to power by seizing the patriarch’s position was something the Five Extremes Mountain leadership was happy to see. It’s survival of the fittest."

"Your status will always match your strength."

"This principle always applies in the Cultivation Realm."

Now speaking as a family elder, Zhao Zhuoran expressed to Zhao Feiyue with much feeling, "Don’t be fooled by our Zhao Family’s current glory. If there’s ever a day when the younger generation fails to rise and we can’t bring forth a cultivator capable of holding together the family, we will have to obediently withdraw from the ranks of the six great families."

Zhao Feiyue pursed her lips, finding the truth Zhao Zhuoran spoke of to be exceedingly harsh, yet aware that the world is inherently cruel like this.

Commoners could be devastated overnight by the Star Evil’s assault on cities.

Loose cultivators might fall at any time due to the dangers of the outside world.

Similarly, no family in Five Extremes Mountain could remain prosperous forever.

"Rest assured, Second Grandpa, with me, there will never be such a day for the Zhao Family," Zhao Feiyue murmured as if making a promise to Zhao Zhuoran.

"Second Grandpa believes you." Zhao Zhuoran’s stern face filled with a smile as he looked at Zhao Feiyue, appearing then like a kind old man.

He abruptly shifted the topic.

"The leadership of Five Extremes Mountain is not as heartless as you imagine."

"When Liou Zhen joined Five Extremes Mountain, someone above had spoken on his behalf."

"At least on the surface, the Liou Family wouldn’t dare touch Liou Yuan."

"You can befriend him, but not deeply. In this murky water, our Zhao Family will just remain onlookers."

"Yue’Er understands." Zhao Feiyue bowed her head slightly in response, her current expression indiscernible.