LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 4: Chapter 4: A Father and His Promises
As Tang Chun Xi and An Tao walked through the Tang complex, they finally reached the main hall. Unlike what one might expect of a place with such a name, it wasn't a grand or overly solemn space. On the contrary, the Tang family's main hall was welcoming, reflecting the warm personality of Tang Wei, the patriarch. The room exuded a feeling of safety and nostalgia, with understated tapestries and the soft glow of lanterns hanging from dark wooden pillars.
As soon as Tang Chun Xi crossed the threshold, she was flooded with memories of her childhood. She recalled the countless times her father made it a priority to be present, even when tired or buried in work. He always said, —"Nothing is more important than you, Chun Xi."— Now, seeing him seated in the central chair, eating and waiting for her with a warm smile, her heart softened. Despite nearing adulthood, her father maintained the habit of sharing meals with her whenever he could, especially on her birthday—a day she preferred to keep understated, though he disagreed.
—"Good morning, Father," — Tang Chun Xi greeted respectfully, bowing slightly.
—"Good morning, my dear. Sit and have breakfast with me," — Tang Wei replied warmly, gesturing for the guards and servants to leave, allowing them to be alone.
Chun Xi complied, but as she sat down, she couldn't help but notice the fatigue in her father's expression. Lately, he seemed more occupied and troubled, particularly due to the recent provocations from the Shang family, who were trying to suppress the Tang's business. Chun Xi knew it wasn't merely about commercial rivalry but something far more personal.
As she ate quietly beside her father, her mind drifted to the past. The origins of this enmity were as vivid as they were painful to her.
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The Day That Changed Everything
When she was just eight years old, one year after her spiritual root test, Chun Xi's life changed drastically. Before the test, she had felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety, wondering what kind of future awaited her. She knew that the qualification determined by spiritual roots was crucial in this world, yet she held on to hope. A voice within her whispered that something extraordinary lay ahead, especially when she recalled the sense of power she had felt in her previous world.
In this world, spiritual roots were divided into five main elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These roots could interact to form rarer variants such as lightning, ice, wind, or mist. Moreover, the purity and number of roots determined a cultivator's potential. The fewer the roots, the easier it was to absorb and channel spiritual energy efficiently. The most favorable qualification was a single, high-purity root, while the so-called "five roots of waste" were the worst-case scenario.
When the test results were revealed, Chun Xi was initially in shock. She possessed all five elemental roots, making cultivation extremely challenging. What should have been a moment of hope became a nightmare. The news spread quickly, and before long, the entire city knew. She could still hear the disdain and ridicule in the whispers of others.
But it was her father's love that pulled her out of despair. Tang Wei was furious about the leak and punished the culprit severely. He became her staunchest defender, ensuring no disparaging remarks were tolerated in public, even if contempt lingered in the shadows. He strongly suspected the Shang family's involvement in spreading the news, and their constant insinuations only deepened his suspicions.
Over time, the situation worsened. Despite the precious resources Tang Wei provided, Chun Xi couldn't even reach the first level of Body Tempering. It seemed as though something within her body absorbed all the spiritual energy without leaving any effect. Her father consulted experts, alchemists, and herbalists far and wide, but none could explain the phenomenon.
As the years passed, Chun Xi grew accustomed to the title of "waste," but she never let it define her. At the age of nine, she finally told her father:
"Father, don't worry about me anymore. Don't waste your efforts or resources. I'll prove to everyone that I'm not defined by my qualifications."
Though reluctant, Tang Wei respected his daughter's wishes but continued to support her discreetly. He ensured she had access to the best resources, trusting her without hesitation.
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The Present
Back in the present, as she looked at her father, Chun Xi felt a deep sense of gratitude. Despite everything they had faced together, he had never stopped believing in her. He wasn't just a father but a cornerstone of her life, a living testament to the power of love and dedication.
Tang Wei, as if sensing Chun Xi's thoughts, smiled warmly and handed her a small package wrapped in golden silk.
—"I know you don't like grand celebrations, but I can't let your birthday pass unnoticed. Open it."
Chun Xi untied the package to reveal a delicate white jade bracelet. It was unassuming but radiated an air of timeless beauty. She looked at her father curiously.
—"It's a special gift, my dear. This belonged to my wife—your mother. She would have wanted you to have it. I have a feeling this will be a pivotal year for you. I trust that you'll find your path, Chun Xi. I've always trusted you."
His words made her heart race. Perhaps it was just a bracelet, but the message behind it was clear. Her father believed in her and entrusted her with an item of profound significance.
Chun Xi slipped the bracelet onto her wrist and smiled.
—"Thank you, Father. One day, I'll be strong enough to repay everything you've done for me."
They continued their meal, discussing trivial matters, but deep down, Chun Xi felt that something was about to change. The premonition she'd been sensing for days now seemed stronger than ever.