"Disciple?" Chen Yin's voice rose, brimming with undisguised contempt.
"Isn't he just some mud-legged country bumpkin? What makes him worthy of entering our Zhengyang Martial Arts School and becoming your disciple, Father?"
"Yin'er!" Seeing his daughter's spoiled and willful expression, Chen Zhengyang gave a helplessly wry smile and said earnestly,
"Wasn't I doing all this for your sake? I can't stay by your side and protect you forever.
"The Martial Arts School will eventually be handed over to you. With a few trustworthy senior brothers and juniors to support you, your life will be easier in the future."
Rather than being moved, Chen Yin grew even more dissatisfied. Stamping her foot, she said,
"Father! You're still young and strong. Why are you saying such things?"
Seeing his daughter's coquettish look, some of the gloom in Chen Zhengyang's heart seemed to disperse. He could not help laughing heartily,
and did not continue the somewhat heavy topic.
He changed the subject and asked, "All right, all right, enough of that. While I was away these past few days, you didn't cause any trouble in the county seat, did you?"
"N-No."
Chen Yin lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the silk sash at her waist. Her gaze flickered as she avoided her father's probing eyes.
With his mind somewhat at ease, Chen Zhengyang did not notice this subtle abnormality. Taking it for childish behavior, he merely nodded.
"As long as you didn't. It's getting late. Go back and rest early."
Chen Yin felt as though she had been granted a pardon. She answered and hurriedly turned to leave the study.
Once the door closed, Chen Zhengyang was left alone in the study.
The smile on his face gradually faded. His gaze grew deep once more as he looked out into the pitch-black