"Xing'er, it's good that you managed to reach the Fourth Stage of Qi Refining so quickly." Han Xuan nodded with visible satisfaction, but his tone soon turned solemn: "However, you must not become complacent. Always remain humble. Remember—there is always a sky beyond the sky, and people beyond people. Although reaching the Fourth Stage at the age of ten is remarkable, there are many children in this world who share your achievement… and some who far surpass it."
"I will remember it, Father," Han Qixing replied, straightening his posture with rare seriousness. Then, unable to contain himself, his expression brightened slightly: "Father, I also learned a new spell today."
"Oh?" Han Xuan raised his brows with mild curiosity, "What spell?"
"Watch me, Father."
Han Qixing took several steps back. Then, with an oddly mature calmness, he lifted his wooden practice sword vertically before his chest, his left hand hidden behind his back.
"Father, please attack me."
Han Xuan was briefly taken aback, "Alright—but be careful."
With a flick of his fingers, he formed an ice blade from thin air and sent it flying toward his son.
Han Qixing rotated his wooden sword in a swift, fluid motion—one full circle, precise and clean. A faint glimmer of light flashed, forming a star-shaped mirror in front of him. The ice blade struck the mirror and was instantly absorbed—only to reappear an instant later, shooting back toward Han Xuan with identical speed.
Han Xuan's eyes widened, "Deflection?!"
As far as Han Xuan knew, his son had never practiced any spell related to ice.
Han Qixing's cultivation technique was the Seven Star Sword Art, making his main attribute a blend of metal and star, derived from his innate Seven Star Sword Body.
Although he was technically capable of learning ice-attribute spells, he showed no interest in them—despite his father specializing in ice. Instead, Han Qixing's fascination lay solely with sword-type spells.
The Seven Star Sword Art was incomplete, but it fit his spiritual body perfectly and already contained several sword-related techniques usable during the Qi Refining. Given his personality and preferences, it was unlikely he would bother learning any other type of spell.
Therefore, Han Xuan concluded that what he had just witnessed must have been a deflection, not an ice-attribute spell.
"Father truly has keen eyes." Han Qixing looked at him with admiration before explaining, "This spell is called Starlight Mirror Reversal. As its name suggests, it's mainly a defensive spell. It can deflect any attack directed at me."
Han Xuan's expression grew even more impressed, "To what extent can you deflect attacks?"
A faint embarrassment surfaced on Han Qixing's face, "I am ashamed, Father. With my current low cultivation, I can only deflect attacks from cultivators up to the Seventh Stage of Qi Refining."
"There is nothing to be ashamed of, Xin'er." Han Xuan smiled warmly, "Being able to withstand attacks from those at a higher realm than your own is already remarkable. Just focus on raising your cultivation. Once you reach the peak of Qi Refining, you might very well become invincible among Qi Refiners."
"Yes, Father! I will practice diligently and become invincible in my generation!" Han Qixing declared with blazing determination.
The corner of Han Xuan's mouth twitched.
I didn't ask for that last part…
Still, he didn't correct him. The stronger his son became, the greater the rewards he would reap from the system.
"Alright, Xing'er, did you hear anything from your mother?" Han Xuan shifted the topic.
Han Qixing recalled the conversation he'd had with his mother the previous night, "Father, is it about the Hundred Sects Recruitment?"
"Mmn. What do you think?" Han Xuan asked.
"I have no objections to participating," Han Qixing replied, "I heard countless geniuses will be there. I want to compete with them—and earn a spot to join a sect."
Of course, he didn't voice his other reason.
He had overheard that his father's business had recently suffered setbacks after he offended someone from the Chen Family, which likely pushed his father to consider sending him to a sect sooner.
He didn't mind joining a sect, but what he truly disliked was the Chen Family's petty behavior for causing trouble for his household.
In that moment, Han Qixing silently vowed: he would join a powerful sect. He would cultivate diligently, grow strong, and become powerful enough to eliminate all the troubles hovering over his family.
"Well, Xing'er, Father is happy to see your enthusiasm. But joining a sect is no simple matter—you mustn't take it lightly." Han Xuan paused before continuing, "The Hundred Sects Recruitment will be held in three months. However, to participate in the main event in Starfall City, you must first compete for a limited spot within our county. Unfortunately, Blueleaf County is small and remote, so it only has ten available spots."
Han Xuan sighed.
Even though Blueleaf County was remote, it did not lack talented children qualified to participate in the recruitment.
According to what Gu Jiuye had told him, the spots in previous years were always dominated by the Three Great Families of Blueleaf County—the Chen, Lu, and Zhao Families. It was extremely difficult for smaller families or casual cultivators to compete with them.
Although his son Han Qixing was undeniably a genius, he was still too young compared to other participants several years older.
From what he knew, there were already several children under the age of twenty in Blueleaf County who had reached the Sixth Stage of Qi Refining. He wouldn't be surprised if some had even reached the Seventh or Eighth Stage.
Could his son truly compete with them?
He had reassured Shui Lanyue to be confident in their child, but in truth, even Han Xuan himself felt uneasy.
As if sensing his father's doubts, Han Qixing spoke firmly, "Don't worry, Father. No matter how intense the competition becomes, I will definitely secure one of those ten spots."
Han Xuan stared at him for a moment before a proud smile slowly formed, "Good. That's my son. Father believes you can seize that spot and enter the main event."
Really, what was he even worrying about?
And even if his son failed this year, so what?
At worst, Qixing could simply try again five years later.
As for his own business troubles… he still had a way to resolve them.
It was merely a matter of pride. For the sake of his family, he could swallow it.
"Father, how about accompanying me in training today?" Han Qixing asked, looking at Han Xuan with hopeful eyes.
Before Han Xuan could respond, Shui Lanyue's gentle voice came from behind them, "Xing'er, your father is busy. He still needs to restock the wine shelves and open the store. He can't accompany you today."
Han Xuan turned to see his beautiful wife approaching and smiled warmly, "It's alright, Lanyue. I can spare an hour to train with him. Besides, it's been a while since father and son practiced together."
Shui Lanyue covered her mouth and chuckled, "Oh? And who was it last night saying he wanted to 'send his son away sooner' so he could do whatever he wants at home? Now look at you—I'm starting to doubt your intentions~"
Han Xuan slipped an arm around her waist, "I'm helping him train so he can get stronger faster and join a sect as soon as possible. That's perfectly in line with what I said last night. Lanyue… you prevented me from practicing with Xing'er. Could it be that you're the one who can't wait for us to be alone at home?"
Shui Lanyue's face flushed as she pinched his waist, "You're talking nonsense…"
Han Qixing, watching this display, felt his face darken.
Parents… can you at least discuss 'getting rid of me' when I'm not right in front of you?
Han Qixing let out a sigh.
He was already used to his parents' blatant flirting and utter lack of consideration.
"Forget it… I'll just practice with Qingfeng as usual."
He whistled softly, and a pale-gray falcon swooped down from a nearby tree, landing gracefully on his shoulder.
This small falcon was Han Qixing's spirit beast—its pet name was Qingfeng.