"But you? A few setbacks, and your Dao heart shattered, leaving you unable to rise again! Even beneath blades and axes, the sons of my Cui Family have never bent their backs. When have we ever produced such... such worthless stock as you!"
"Ancestor..."
Cui Zhixia's voice was as faint as a thread, thick with tears and the despair of someone who had stopped caring how much worse things became. "Your grandson... I truly did everything I could... But the opponents in the Secret Realm were too powerful, especially Liu Chuang of the True Martial Sect. I... I was lucky to escape with my life... If you believe I'm beyond saving, Ancestor, then... then take back all the resources you bestowed on me and use them to nurture the other disciples! I truly am afraid of this martial world!"
"You wretched fool!"
The Cui Family Ancestor flew into a towering rage. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he sprang to his feet and delivered a resounding slap!
Smack!
The sharp sound echoed through the silent hall. Cui Zhixia staggered under the blow, his cheek swelling red in an instant, stars bursting before his eyes and a buzzing filling his ears.
"Please quell your anger, Ancestor!"
Just then, a steady voice tinged with urgency came from outside the door.
Cui Yizhong, the reigning Chancellor, hurried inside. Dressed in informal robes, he had a refined, scholarly face. One look at the handprint on his son's cheek and the drawn-sword tension in the hall told him what had happened. He hastily bowed and urged, "Ancestor, what has provoked such terrible anger? Please take care not to harm your health."
"What? You still have the nerve to ask what?"
The sight of him only stoked the Cui Family Ancestor's fury. Pointing a trembling finger