C40 Ye Pingnan's Shock

Master Teng had uncovered his secret and even concocted a story to cover it, leaving Ye Xiao with no choice but to let them speculate. He was fairly certain that neither his father nor Master Teng would broadcast the revelation, sparing him the future hassle of fabricating explanations.

Before long, the sound of hurried footsteps approached from outside the door.

With a resigned smack to his forehead, Ye Xiao knew it had to be Master Teng informing his father, prompting their hasty return.

As expected, the wooden door burst open with a bang as Ye Pingnan barreled in.

Without giving Ye Xiao a chance to speak, Ye Pingnan's eyes bore into him, "Xiao Er, is what Master Teng told me the truth?" His voice quivered with a mix of disbelief and hope.

Ye Pingnan's heart ached at the thought of his only remaining son being unable to cultivate. He had never pinned his hopes on Ye Xiao revitalizing the Ye Family, but the idea of his son being confined to the lowest echelons of society was unbearable.

He could protect his son now, but with the Ye Family's precarious state, its downfall could come at any moment. The thought of leaving Ye Xiao, who was unable to cultivate, to face the aftermath alone was unthinkable.

When Master Teng had hurriedly declared Ye Xiao to be Yama, Ye Pingnan was struck by a wave of shock, joy, and profound disbelief.

Despite his deep trust in his old comrade, with whom he had shared decades, Ye Pingnan had to see the truth for himself to find peace.

"Father, I apologize. I can't disclose that information, and that's why..." Ye Xiao trailed off, guilt washing over him as he saw his father's anxious expression. Perhaps he should have found a way to share the news with them sooner.

Ye Pingnan, however, showed no sign of anger. Instead, his excitement took over as he clutched Ye Xiao's shoulders, his eyes alight with surprise before he erupted into hearty laughter, "Hahahahahaha!"

Master Teng approached Ye Xiao and whispered, "Your father has been holding his breath for too long over the years. Now that you've made something of yourself, he can finally exhale in relief!"

Ye Xiao felt a jolt in his heart. Gazing at his father's weathered face, he struggled to find peace within himself, realizing just how significant he was to his father.

After a moment, Ye Pingnan managed to steady his excited emotions. "Xiao Er, what level of cultivation technique are you practicing?"

Ye Xiao was taken aback. How could he know the rank of the Qianyuan Spell? "Uh, Father, my master taught me the technique, but he never mentioned its level."

"Oh? How many of your 108 main meridians have you opened?" Ye Pingnan inquired, his voice laced with anxiety.

Before, when Ye Xiao was unable to cultivate, even opening a single meridian would have thrilled Ye Pingnan. But now that Ye Xiao could cultivate, his father naturally worried about his son's future prospects in cultivation.

"Father, I've opened all the meridians in my body!" With a shift in his mindset, Ye Xiao revealed the truth without reservation.

Both Ye Pingnan and Master Teng gasped, "All one hundred and eight meridians? Could this be the legendary Heaven Level technique?"

The two men exchanged looks, struggling to grasp the reality of the situation.

The Ye Family, with its century-long legacy, had only ever had Earth Level primary stage techniques at best. Heaven Level techniques were something they could only aspire to.

Ye Pingnan's excitement made him tremble. "No wonder your master warned against revealing it carelessly. Xiao Er, you must remember, apart from me and Master Teng, you mustn't let anyone else know!"

"I understand, Father," Ye Xiao nodded, then added with a hint of regret, "The only thing is, this technique is quite unique, and neither you nor Master Teng can practice it, otherwise..."

Master Teng raised his hand to stop him, "Xiao Er, you're mistaken. High-level techniques require specific aptitudes to cultivate. Your father and I are clearly not suited for it. Besides, even if we were, such an advanced technique is not to be shared lightly!"

Ye Pingnan nodded in agreement, a smile of approval on his face.

Suddenly, Ye Pingnan spoke up, "Xiao Er, who exactly is your master, and to which sect does he belong? What is his level of cultivation?"

After a moment's thought, Ye Xiao replied, "All I know is that my master's name is Wu Kun. I'm not sure about his sect. Regarding his cultivation level, he mentioned it's at the high level of Yuan Huang, but I'm not privy to the specifics." Ye Xiao cautiously refrained from revealing the true extent of his master's powers, opting to downplay it significantly.

Yet, even the mention of a high-level Yuan Huang sent a shock through both Ye Pingnan and Master Teng. In the modest confines of Night City, a high-level King Yuan could dominate without challenge. A Yuan Sect was untouchable, and Yuan Huang was a figure of legend to them.

Yuan Huangs, while not the pinnacle of power on the continent, were undeniably formidable, commanding respect and fear. No individual or group would lightly cross a Yuan Huang, and that included the continent's elite forces.

Ye Pingnan was overwhelmed, struggling to grasp the reality that his son had become the disciple of such a distinguished master. From a non-cultivator to a prodigy, this transformation left Ye Pingnan in a daze.

"Where is your master currently?" Ye Pingnan inquired, his voice laced with caution and awe.

"Once he finished teaching me his techniques, he disappeared. I've told him that when the time comes to seek medicinal herbs, I would find a healing pill for Father. It's possible he may show up to assist," Ye Xiao explained.

"The quest for Heaven's Secret?" Ye Pingnan gazed at his son, his heart swelling with pride. "If you wish to go, then go ahead. But remember, whether you obtain the pills or not, your safe return is what matters most." Ye Pingnan would never hinder his son's devoted intentions.

Master Teng chuckled from the sidelines, "Big brother, Xiao Er's master is a Yuan Huang of great stature. The Tian Ji Sect may be a Ri Level Sect, but I'm confident they'll grant us this modest favor."

Ye Pingnan smiled and nodded in response, sharing in the light-hearted sentiment.

"Xiao Er, have you really advanced to the ninth level of the Primitive?" Ye Pingnan inquired.

"Yes!" Ye Xiao replied, scratching his head. He had been at the ninth level for quite some time but was still clueless about how to break through to Yuan Master. "I just can't figure out when I'll make the breakthrough."

"How long have you been at the ninth level of Yuan Master?" Master Teng chimed in.

Ye Xiao chuckled sheepishly, "Well, I had just made the breakthrough when I encountered you outside the city."

Ye Pingnan and the other were momentarily at a loss for words.

"You mean to say you broke through just ten days ago? And now you've already reached the peak of the ninth level?" Master Teng asked, sounding incredulous.

"Uh, yes." Ye Xiao pondered internally, wondering if a dozen days wasn't considered a significant amount of time. After all, he had only been practicing for about five months in total, and he felt this stay had been lengthy enough.

"When did you begin your cultivation journey?" Ye Pingnan asked, his expression betraying his curiosity.

Ye Xiao, sensing their odd looks but unaware of the reason, answered truthfully, "I've been cultivating for nearly half a year now."

"Ugh..."

"Damn..."

Both Ye Pingnan and the other were taken aback—one rendered speechless, the other cursing outright. Then, they both fixed Ye Xiao with a pair of astonished gazes.