Mother

The room was adorned with intricate carvings and elegant tapestries, but the atmosphere inside was tense. Zhong Rui, Feng Wei's mother, sat majestically on an ornate chair, her black hair cascading like a waterfall over her shoulders. Her eyes were cold and indifferent, like a pair of icy spheres that could pierce anyone's soul. Despite the chill in her gaze, she was still known as one of the most beautiful belles on the continent, captivating the hearts of countless admirers.

However, her face was hidden behind a mysterious green veil, and ribbons floated around her, adding an air of fascination and mystery to her presence. Huan Ying knelt before Zhong Rui, not daring to meet her gaze, and trembled slightly under the pressure of her presence.

Huan Ying: Yes, my lady. I witnessed the battle with my own eyes. Feng Wei displayed astonishing abilities, surpassing all expectations by defeating the senior disciple. It seems he was hiding his true strength and chose the opportune moment to reveal it.

Zhong Rui: (Her voice full of disdain) He is becoming more and more like that man. I have to control myself when I see him, or I might end up accidentally killing him.

As she mentioned "that man," a dark cloud seemed to descend upon the room. The air became suffocating, and Huan Ying could feel an overwhelming wave of anger and killing intent emanating from Zhong Rui. She felt the weight of her master's emotions pressing down on her, making it hard to breathe.

Huan Ying: (Stammering) M... Master.

Zhong Rui: Feng Wei may be my son, but he still needs to prove his worth. Inform him that in 7 months, he will participate in the battles among the genius disciples of the major sects, and this time, there's no room for refusal.

Huan Ying: (Surprised) But master, most of them have already surpassed the Body Refinement Realm, and the forest where the elimination test will take place is extremely dangerous. He could even risk his life.

Zhong Rui: (A rare sarcastic smile on her face) If he wants to refuse, he can come here and try to convince me to reconsider.

Internally, Huan Ying breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Zhong Rui's animosity towards Feng Wei was only because of his refusal to meet her before.

After the conversation ended, Huan Ying left the hall, and Zhong Rui was left to deal with her conflicting emotions. She, who had never been denied by Feng Wei before, now felt fear and anger for the first time.

*****

Meanwhile, in the inner hall, Feng Wei headed to the main library of the sect. As he immersed himself in reading, he felt Huan Ying's presence approaching. Without taking his eyes off the book, he asked casually:

Feng Wei: Do you like what you see, Huan Ying?

Huan Ying: (Irritated) One day, I'll figure out how you do that.

Feng Wei: (Smiling) That's a little secret I've learned over time. But tell me, what does she want this time?

Huan Ying explained about the competition of genius disciples from the major sects and their mother's expectation for him to participate.

Feng Wei: I understand. Tell her I'll be prepared for that battle. If that's what she wants, I'll show my true potential.

Huan Ying: (Surprised) You... you're being foolish? It's too dangerous for your current self. If you go, you might die there. You know she just wants you to convince her to reconsider.

Feng Wei: (Indifferent) I know the risks. I believe it was an order from the sect leader, wasn't it? And I don't intend to refuse it.