Shen Liqian was confused for a moment about why his mother was so frightened of him.
He realized it was because of his Golden Star Eyes of the Cosmic Asura Hydra and the remnants he had absorbed.
He broke into a soft smile.
"It's me, Mother," Shen Liqian said.
Approaching his mother, he gently squeezed her hands and looked into her eyes.
Now that he had turned off his new vision, his eyes returned to the grayish hue Shen Lexi knew well.
She also remembered him smiling in his usual way even with those golden eyes, so she knew she hadn't lost her son and that a Heart Demon hadn't taken over.
Earlier, she could have sworn she'd glimpsed in him a wildness no beast she'd ever seen could match.
Her back went cold, goosebumps rose, and her heart thumped as if she might die at any moment.
It was frightening.
But all those emotions melted the moment Shen Liqian smiled at her and took her hands.
"I'm so sorry… you must have reached a breakthrough that made you stand above everyone, yet I became fearful of you.
"I'm ashamed as your mother…"
Her son was doing so much to become stronger and guide the clan toward a better future.
No one said it would be peaceful or free of blood and pain.
Shen Liqian gently shook his head.
"Never be ashamed of being my Mother, as I will never shy away from telling the world that I am your son.
"I couldn't have been born into a better family.
"I also want to apologize because I should have carefully sealed that beast part of myself and not let you see it without being ready for it.
"Sorry, Mom."
Shen Lexi shook her head.
If anyone saw them, they would probably smile at how similar their body language was as they apologized to each other.
She curved her lips into a smile.
"I'm much more ready for anything now, thanks to your surprise.
"It must have been a tough breakthrough, but you have conquered it!
"As expected of our son!"
Shen Liqian chuckled.
His mother was as strong as he knew she was.
He explained that he had experienced a profound enlightenment and needed a quick shower before his cultivation session.
"I've prepared a bathtub already," Shen Lexi said, smiling.
Shen Liqian couldn't be happier to hear this.
"Really?
"Thanks so much, Mom!"
Preparing a bath with dark stones and hauling water was a chore, so having it ready was very welcome news.
He ran to the bathroom like a kid.
That was the last thing that completely put Shen Lexi at ease.
Her Qian'er was Qian'er indeed.
Her shoulders finally loosened.
You are growing so fast, Qian'er…
I am really worried that you might push yourself too much.
But at the same time I can't ask you about your rapid growth or resources.
You already have enough on your shoulders.
As your parents, we must believe in you and provide as much support as possible.
She drew a steady breath.
Shen Lexi recited her oath and turned around to prepare to welcome another group from the youngest generation, all so that her son could seamlessly begin his cultivation session with them.
I can't wait to see more of those adorable creatures!
Shen Lexi also loved children, so she skipped along her way.
———
A few days later, Shen Taofeng and his group returned from the first hunt.
The news of their return swept the Shen Clan, and everyone came out of their houses or stopped their work to see them.
Dragging five large beasts like sleds, Shen Taofeng and his friends looked like real butchers.
Each beast looked like an overweight moose with more antlers and thicker, more intricate fur, weighing at least two thousand pounds.
Yet Shen Taofeng's friends didn't have any issues pulling them across the snow.
That sight alone impressed everyone.
"Just how much stronger have they become under Chief Liqian's guidance?"
"Amazing… I can't wait for my turn."
"Those Snow Branch Antlers Kings killed so many last winter and we could barely get our hands on them!"
As one clan member said, those beasts were a tough nut to crack because of their thick hides and sheer weight.
Some hunters still had nightmares of their friends left skewered on the antlers, barely alive or already dead.
Shen Taofeng cupped his hands toward his fellow clan members.
"We've all returned safely with a big haul.
"Could any of you call Chief Liqian?"
He spoke solemnly, but the wide smile on his face and the happiness in his voice said enough.
The clan members chuckled, and a few of them decided to call Shen Liqian.
It was then that they noticed him walking with Shen Yiren and Shen Jixian.
"I have already heard the news," Shen Liqian said as he calmly strode with his hands in his sleeves, looking like a cultivator with at least a thousand years behind him.
Whispers bounced from one clan member to another.
"Chief Liqian looks so much older and sharper."
"It's his aura… no one can tell what kind of cultivation base he has by now."
"But he looks so domineering and calm… I can't take my eyes off him… if only I was a little younger…"
Shen Liqian had heard this so many times in the past few days that he had grown used to those comments.
His rapid cultivation left many admiring him more and more, and it was about time he got used to it.
Shen Taofeng and his friends' admiration soared upon seeing him.
All of them cupped their hands and lowered their heads.
"We have returned, Chief Liqian!
"To the east, we spotted a pack of Snow Branch Antlers Kings and decided to avenge our fallen brothers from last winter!
"It went smoothly, as we had no trouble running through the snow, and our cold resistance let us keep pace with those beasts!
"Thanks to your cultivation guidance, our strength and speed allowed us to lure those beasts one by one into our traps.
"We leveraged our cultivation bases and boons and used braided tendons of various beasts from previous hunts as ropes to trip the monsters and slowly deal with them.
"It goes without saying that we would never have returned this early with this big a haul and no losses without your knowledge!"
Shen Liqian nodded.
"Well done.
"It fills me with pride that you managed to avenge our fallen brothers.
"I'd love to hear the details in private.
"In the end, I merely guided your cultivation and helped you cope with the winter.
"It's still your experience, plans, and teamwork that resulted in such a great hunt.
"We have taken the first step toward our conquest of the forest and mountains.
"You have my deepest thanks for that!"
Shen Liqian cupped his hands and bowed low.
Respect settled over the crowd.
The clan and Shen Taofeng's group held their breath.
One by one, other clan members paid their respects to the bravery of the hunters.
Shen Taofeng and his friends felt like crying, their ears and cheeks red.
Shen Liqian raised his head and smiled.
"Leave the beasts to others and spend time with your families now."
"Yes!" the hunters chorused.
While others heeded Shen Liqian's orders and began dragging the carcasses to the Hunter Pavilion, Shen Liqian turned to his vassals.
"Follow me to my cultivation abode."
Shen Jixian and Shen Yiren nodded.
Within the Clan Chief's Manor, Shen Liqian took them to the basement.
It was cold down there and quite empty.
But once the old door to the cultivation abode opened, a wave of Qi washed over Shen Jixian and Shen Yiren, making their eyes go wide.
So much Qi surged out that they thought someone was inside.
The air seemed to thicken.
Shen Liqian kept his expression neutral and walked in.
His vassals followed him.
In his wake, Shen Yiren and Shen Jixian suddenly stilled and looked at the floor.
For a moment, they felt like they had caught a glimpse of five serpentine shadows.
Shen Liqian's lips curved into a wide smile.
"Yes.
"I am already at the Fifth Stage of the Qi Attunement Realm."
That news landed like an anvil.
Yiren's breath hitched while Jixian swallowed hard.
His vassals clenched their hands and stared at him, one with a sharp, hawk-like expression and the other with a comically shocked expression.
Shen Liqian turned around and faced them.
He met each of their eyes in turn.
"Sever your cultivations.
"I will bestow upon you cultivation methods suited to your weapons and intent, which you will be able to cultivate from now on without any shame or worries."