"Yes, I understand, Father!" Xiang Zhili said solemnly. "These are all Father's secrets. I shall make a heart oath at once and never tell anyone else. Father, can you teach me now?"
"Hmph!" Xiao Hua snorted coldly, his face immediately darkening. "Are heart oaths something to be made so casually? If I tell you these things, I am not afraid of you spreading them! Besides, this is merely a minor, crooked path. Even if it can be called a secret technique, it cannot compare with true cultivation! Rather than pondering how to cultivate so that, once your cultivation is profound, I can teach you great divine abilities, why are you always dwelling on these little trifles?"
Seeing Xiao Hua angered, Xiang Zhili hurriedly bowed. "Father, quell your anger. I know I was wrong! I will not let my thoughts wander elsewhere again!"
Ah! How had I become just like Master? Xiao Hua lamented inwardly, yet he still kept a stern face. "Also, a little cleverness is certainly good, but you cannot rely on it to scheme against your own kin. Your family may not mind, but if you use it on outsiders, who knows what evil retribution may follow! Conduct yourself openly and honestly; cultivate with clarity and understanding. That is the great path leading to the heavens!"
"Yes, I understand!" Xiang Zhili hurriedly said again.
"Mm." Xiao Hua nodded, his expression softening slightly. After some thought, he added, "But if you truly encounter an enemy, there is no need to be overly bound by such rules. Be it underhanded or whatever can secure victory, use it all. Who cares? Winning and staying alive are what matter!"
"Heehee, I understand!" Xiang Zhili laughed. "Everything before that was exactly what Father said, but this last part truly puts you one level