Shrouding the Heavens: The Years I Was the Female Emperor's Strictest Master

He had clearly not used even a trace of divine power to protect himself, relying entirely on his physical body to endure it head-on.

He walked back from the cliff's edge, his expression calm.

"If you wished to cripple me, Senior, you would have acted in the hall that day. Why wait until now? What appears to be punishment is, in truth, protection. This junior understands."

"Oh?"

A flicker of surprise passed through Chi Yushan's cloudy old eyes, quickly turning into deeper appreciation.

"Go on, then. How have I protected you?"

"That day, Senior publicly flew into a rage and confined me here merely to put on a show for the various outside lineages."

Tan Lin spoke unhurriedly.

"Senior's actions carried deep meaning. First, they could somewhat restore the Chi Family's dignity and make the outside world believe the Chi Family had grown disgusted with me, thus 'distancing' me from the Chi Family.

"Second, the various lineages would fear Senior's wrath. The Chi Family could close its doors to visitors without causing any ripples.

"In that way, the pressure on the Chi Family from all those marriage proposals would vanish. My two younger cousins might also enjoy some peace for the time being...

"Beyond that..."

At this point, he paused and met Chi Yushan's gaze.

"This place may seem harsh, but at the peak above the sea of clouds, facing heaven and earth directly, wind, frost, rain, and snow all serve as tempering. It is greatly beneficial to a physique like mine.

"And no one disturbs me here. It suits my wishes perfectly..."

His words fell.

Chi Yushan stared at Tan Lin for a long while before suddenly bursting into hearty laughter.

His booming laughter shook the sea of clouds beside the cliff into rolling waves.

"Good! Good boy! You