Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

"Master Lu Chong, you're being too gracious. It's just a seat, after all. We all came to witness the divine mist; whether we sit or not makes no difference."

"Indeed."

"Yes, as martial artists, we don't fuss over such trivial matters. How could we be bothered by a mere seat?"

"Master Lu Chong is too kind."

These prodigies began exchanging pleasantries.

In truth, the seats were merely a formality and held no real significance. The only issue was the loss of face for those who didn't manage to secure one.

But now.

Lu Chong had taken responsibility, saying that the lack of seats was due to his own poor preparation.

With that, the prodigies who hadn't claimed a seat felt their dignity was preserved. And as long as their pride was intact, what did a seat matter?

"Thank you all for your understanding."

Lu Chong bowed once more, smiling as he said, "It is clear that the prodigies of the Eastern Domain are all broad-minded and free from petty concerns."

"Hahaha, not at all."

"Master Lu Chong praises us too highly."

No one disliked being complimented, especially by someone of importance. As a result, the prodigies were flattered, and their impressions of Lu Chong significantly improved!

Lu Chong glanced at the sky, then at the Divine Mist Mountain, which seemed to grow from the cliffs of Lansheng Peak, and said:

"Everyone, it is nearly noon. Those who should be here have arrived, and those who haven't… perhaps they won't be here even next year."

"Since that's the case, let's not waste any more time. We shall begin observing the divine mist now."

With that, he turned to the old servant beside him and whispered, "Remove the barrier from Divine Mist Mountain."

"Yes!"

The old servant respectfully nodded, then took out a simple command token and infused it with energy.

Buzz!

The token began to glow, its light bubbling like molten gold, before shooting out a beam of light toward Divine Mist Mountain.

Zzzzt!

The originally invisible barrier surrounding Divine Mist Mountain suddenly appeared—a massive golden shield made up of countless hexagons, resembling a giant honeycomb.

The light from the token ignited the "honeycomb," causing it to rapidly dissipate.

Swoosh—

Finally, the warm sunlight poured onto the bare mountain peak, reflecting a dazzling array of colors.

These lights gathered and eventually coalesced into magnificent seven-colored rays of mist, softer than rainbows, more vivid than sunsets, and more vibrant than the first light of dawn—this was the Divine Mist!

"How beautiful."

"All beauty and power come from harmony. In this mist, I can feel the ultimate harmony."

"The growth of all things depends on the sun. Is this the secret hidden within sunlight? I feel like there are countless little tadpoles swimming inside. Each one is filled with endless potential."

"The Dao, this is the Dao!"

The prodigies were captivated by the sight, their eyes dazed as if in a dream.

Some had already begun to enter a state of enlightenment.

"So vast…"

Qin Zi stared blankly at the Divine Mist, as if seeing something others couldn't, and soon fell into deep contemplation.

Time passed swiftly.

Outside Lansheng Peak, at the foot of Divine Mist Mountain.

Qin Chuan was mingling with the crowd, quietly observing the mist—he always followed Qin Zi closely. After all, how else could he appear at critical moments?

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Similarly, people don't just appear or disappear out of nowhere.

Perhaps, the sight of someone suddenly arriving in the nick of time seems cool and touching. But the image of them sneaking around, lurking in the shadows all the way there, must look quite pathetic…

"System, can you help increase my enlightenment?" Out of boredom, Qin Chuan casually asked.

He didn't expect much.

It didn't seem realistic.

But to his surprise, the system coldly replied, Ding! How much do you want to top up?

What?!

Qin Chuan's eyes widened, and his heart began to race—could it really work? And through top-ups?

Taking a deep breath, he asked with a mix of anticipation and hesitation, "Top up with what? Spirit stones?"

The system replied, Ding! The system doesn't accept spirit stones. To top up, you can only use people.

"What?!"

Qin Chuan was shocked.

Ding! This system only accepts top-ups from people encountered during 'My Father is Stronger Than Yours' moments. In other words, anyone your son humiliates in a 'paternal comparison' can be used to top up, converting them into 'Father Value'.

You can use Father Value to exchange for anything you want, whether it be treasures, talent, enlightenment, or anything else.

Qin Chuan thought for a moment and asked, "Only my son can humiliate them? I can't?"

Ding! Correct. And it has to be during a paternal comparison. Acts like heroically saving the damsel in distress, punishing evil, or saving the world don't count.

Qin Chuan rubbed his forehead.

By that logic, earning a large amount of Father Value wasn't going to be easy.

"So, how is Father Value calculated? What's its purchasing power?" he asked.

Ding! The unit of Father Value is based on the first person topped up. The purchasing power is determined by that person's identity, status, strength, talent, potential, and other factors.

Qin Chuan's mouth twitched as he asked, "So, if the first person I top up is named Lu Chong, then Father Value would be measured in 'Lu Chongs'? Like, one Lu Chong, two Lu Chongs?"

Ding! Correct.

Qin Chuan froze. It seemed like quite the coincidence.

Lu Chong?

Angry Chong?

Was this guy destined to be topped up?

…

Boom!

Boom, boom, boom!

On Lansheng Peak, the prodigies were sitting cross-legged, and beams of light occasionally burst from their bodies, dazzling the sky.

Some had gained new divine abilities, while others, sensing the Dao, broke through in their cultivation.

None of those who made it to the top of Lansheng Peak were ordinary. Their talents and comprehension were top-tier, and they were quick to grasp new insights.

"It seems everyone has gained quite a bit."

At that moment, Lu Chong spoke with a smile.

His voice wasn't loud, but it was distinctive enough to immediately draw all eyes to him.

"Indeed, a small gain."

"Yes, I've grasped a minor divine ability."

"Just a minor breakthrough, nothing worth mentioning."

Everyone responded with humble words, but the excitement and pride on their faces were unmistakable.

Lu Chong, capitalizing on the moment, smiled and said, "Since we've all made some progress, why don't we each demonstrate our insights? By sharing, we might be able to learn from each other and make even greater advancements."

"Master Lu Chong speaks wisely!"

"I agree!"

"I support that idea."

Buoyed by their eagerness to show off, the crowd quickly agreed.

"Since everyone's in favor, let's hold a Divine Ability Exchange."

Lu Chong spoke with grace, "As the host, I should be the first to break the ice, but what I've learned this time is too humble to show. So, please, allow someone else to go first."

Hearing this, everyone exchanged glances.

No one was quick to speak up.

It was clear to all that Lu Chong was being modest. Whoever went first would seem to be overestimating themselves.

They also suspected that Lu Chong had likely gained something extraordinary, something he planned to save for a dramatic reveal.

Still, no one dared to make the first move.

Silence began to spread.

Finally, a voice broke through.

"By convention, if something is truly humble and unworthy, one wouldn't be embarrassed to show it. So, Master Lu Chong, will you still reveal your divine ability today?"

"If you plan to, then show it now. As you said, the host should break the ice."

"But if you wait until everyone else has demonstrated their abilities, and then flaunt yours to prove you're superior… well, that would be rather hypocritical, wouldn't it?"

The one who spoke, naturally, was Qin Zi.

He had thought long and hard and finally realized how to complete his father's task—how to act arrogantly? By provoking others!

He hadn't known how to provoke before.

But now, with this suave and calculating Lu family heir, if he didn't strike now, when would he?