2 The Hidden Path

She walked rapidly out of her father's room, passed the door, and slumped heavily against the wall.

Feeling the pain of reality and lacking in talent, she yearned to be powerful!

Grunting in shame, she thought about her work and achievements.

Her Liu family is descended from powerful warriors from the ancient era. Together with the Fan family, the Royal family Bringing countries together and creating the powerful ''Crimson Empire'' at the centre of the Eastern continent Her family is a powerful army, protecting the royal family and the empire. Her father, the patriarch of the Liu family, is the eastern continent's most influential man. He values strength and courage. Creating a formidable force loved by many in the empire.

Liu Zhong, her older brother. He's away on a self-training trip, far away from the Empire.

He's already in the late-stage, core formation realm; he's regarded as a prodigy for his age.

She was frustrated because she couldn't keep up, no matter how hard she tried.

Pills, magic, array forms, teachers, and so forth.

Everything, and yet she is still in the middle of the foundation stage. But she wouldn't give up! She will find a way. After a few deep breaths, she brushed away her tears. ''I will go visit my mother; she always knows the answer.

...

On her way to her mother's palace, the "Phoenix Blossom Palace," The sky had turned orange and purple, and the crimson sun shone brightly on the jade pillars, illuminating the palace. The Blossom Palace was a significant and beautiful property in the family's clan, where only high-ranking nobles were permitted to reside. She couldn't help but smile as she took in the scenery. It never gets old, no matter how much time passes.

Looking up at a familiar tree, a cream-pink petal flew past her hair, and the scent of nostalgia filled her mind as she recalled her childhood days with her grandmother. "I need to focus on my future because that's what she'd want," Liu Mei said as she entered her mother's room.

Noticing her daughter in the palace courtyard, she was absorbed in her thoughts.

Her mother glanced at her and asked, "My darling, what brings you here today?"

Liu Mei spoke as she walked slowly to her mother's side, taking a few deep breaths along the way.

"I greatly need your help, mother."

Liu Mei glanced up at her, her eyes beseeching her mother.

"Father doesn't believe in my ability to grow, and he believes I should concentrate more on the four arts than on my martial arts training," she exhaled exasperatedly as she remembered a recent conversation.

Her mother approached her with a sigh, thinking of what to say. She patted her on the shoulder and said, "My dear, I understand your passion for martial arts. But have you considered the risks associated with it? Cultivation can be a perilous road, and success is not guaranteed without talent. Your father simply desires what is best for you, and he believes that the four arts can provide you with a more secure and stable future." She did not want to displease her daughter, but she needed to start with the facts.

Liu Mei's face was dejected as she glanced at her mother. She expressed her disappointment at not receiving a more encouraging response: "My hobbies are painting and calligraphy, but martial arts is my ambition. ''

''I don't want to give up my goals in exchange for a stable and secure future! she exclaimed fiercely.

''I want to take chances and pursue my dreams, even if it means encountering difficulties and obstacles along the way. I can't imagine leading an existence filled with regrets and what-ifs." She said her peace with all her heart and looked at her mother with a pleading face.

As the mother of Liu Mei, she felt anguish in her heart.

She felt as if she was suffocating her daughter's real aspirations. Her mother understands what it's like to be trapped in a position with nothing to do but play the role of a pawn in marriage alliances.

Although she no longer believes this, she has never had a negative impression of her current husband. "I understand how you feel, my dear. And I agree that pursuing one's dreams is important. But perhaps there is a way to do both. Have you considered joining the Cultivation Guild and accepting missions that involve martial arts?'' she replied to her daughter's pained expression.

This way, you can continue to pursue your passion while also gaining experience and building a reputation in the cultivation world. Before she could finish, Liu Mei switched her expression to a full 360.

Liu Mei's eyes widened with surprise. "I never thought of that before!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.

Observing her daughter's expression, she motherly warned her, "Yes, it's a great opportunity for you to pursue your interest while also gaining experience and creating a reputation." Keep in mind, however, that you will need to hide your name. You can't tell your father about this."

Liu Mei agreed, her excitement dampened by the need for secrecy. "I'll be careful and make every effort to hide my identity," Liu Mei said proudly.

When she saw her foolish daughter's prideful face, she warned her, "I'll make it appear as if you're attending the Empire's Academy as a cover for your identity, so your father doesn't think anything."

"You can join both the school and the cultivation guild at the same time," her mother explained.

Continuing her advice, she said, ''Make a special effort to prioritise your martial arts training as well as the four fields. Because you never know what the future contains, it's critical to be well-rounded."

Liu Mei felt a wave of relief rush over her. She was thankful to have a mother who understood her goals and was willing to help her pursue them. "Thank you, Mother!" she said as she hugged her mother.

"You are most welcome, darling," her mother replied lovingly.