C3 Hanyu Zhan'an and Xia Xiaodie

"Dad, remember how you took me to so many places before? You said it was to lay a solid foundation for me to become an Ancient Martial Cultivator.

But now, so many of my younger siblings in the family have already sensed the gaseous sensation and become Ancient Martial Cultivators. Why can't I? Am I just too dumb?" Xiaotian asked with an innocent look on his face, causing Hanyu Zhan'an's heart to clench once more.

"How could our Xiaotian be dumb? You haven't sensed the gaseous sensation yet because your body's structure is exceptionally strong.

It might be a bit harder for you to become a Martial Cultivator, but once you do, you'll be far stronger than the rest!

Just keep working hard, and I believe that one day, you'll become an Ancient Martial Cultivator even more powerful than your dad!" Hanyu Zhan'an reassured him.

A glimmer of hope shone on Hanyu Xiaotian's delicate face upon hearing his father's words, but it quickly faded. From a young age, Xiaotian had shown extraordinary intelligence and maturity beyond his years. He had always sensed that he was different from his peers, from the way they looked at him to the things they said.

Even his usual playmates, Du Feng and Sheng Xi, had been absent for years, reportedly receiving personal martial arts instruction from the family's experts. Over the years, his parents had exposed him to many unusual places and influential figures unknown to him, and sometimes he'd wake up to find his body covered in tubes...

He had his suspicions about what was happening but was reluctant to confront them, holding onto a thread of hope instead.

"By the way, Tian Er, I have some good news," his mother interjected. "In a month, the family's Qi Pavilion will open, and you might sense the gaseous sensation and become a Martial Cultivator. And that's not all—the Scripture Pavilion will open too! Du Feng and Sheng Xi will be there."

"Really?" Xiaotian's face lit up with excitement.

As he bounced away, practicing his martial arts moves that clearly took years to perfect, Xia Xiaodie turned to Hanyu Zhan'an with concern. "Brother Zhan, given Xiaotian's condition, will the family allow Tian Er to enter the Qi Pavilion and Scripture Pavilion?"

Hanyu Zhan'an let out a cold snort. "I've returned for the family meeting specifically to ensure Tian Er gains access to both the Qi Pavilion and the Scripture Pavilion.

Forget about father, eldest brother, and second brother—our lineage's contributions to the family alone warrant Tian Er's entry, not just once but tenfold if necessary."

Hanyu Zhan'an, Xiaotian's father, had embarked on his worldly cultivation at the age of 20, joining the army and expanding China's borders over decades, narrowly escaping death on several occasions.

Now a Chinese Major General, he commanded three army groups and a secretive special forces unit, holding significant power within the Federation.

Xiaotian's mother, Xia Xiaodie, hailed from the Xia Family, which had its roots in commerce and the public sector. The family rose to prominence with the emergence of a prodigy known as the "Silver Fox," Xia Shengtian.

Under the leadership of Xia Shengtian, the Xia Family made a sudden and strategic shift from the civilian sector to the military technology arena, quickly making a name for themselves.

During humanity's bold foray into space, the Xia Family pioneered a groundbreaking material known as "錌," which supplanted the high-strength heavy alloy metals previously used in spaceships. This new material not only significantly reduced the impact of cosmic radiation and magnetic storms on the vessels but also provided substantial protection against the structural damage caused by spatial warping during space jumps. The result was a dramatic extension of the spacecraft's service life and enhanced safety. The creation of "錌" solidified the Xia Family's foothold in the Federation's military research sector.

Upon hearing Hanyu Zhan'an's words, Xia Xiaodie's furrowed brows eased, but then a new concern arose. "What if Tian Er discovers his condition and fails to find the gaseous sensation? What then?"

"He must walk his own path. You're well aware of Tian Er's situation—he's already ten. How much longer can we keep this from him? He's bound to find out eventually. We can't afford to overlook any potential opportunity. If we don't succeed this time, we'll face the consequences as a family. I have faith that my son, Hanyu Xiaotian, will not be easily defeated by such challenges!"

...

At the easternmost edge of the sprawling ruins, an imposing, palace-like oval structure rose majestically at the peak of a mountain.