Chapter 40: Meeting Xu Feng

Upon arriving at Wangduan Cliff for a visit, Zhao Chun could roughly discern Xu Feng's character.

The cave dwelling was situated atop a cliff, amidst jagged rocks piercing the sky and piercing winds blowing through; it was truly a place of extreme austerity. That Xu Feng had chosen this place as his residence spoke volumes of his steadfast temperament.

Zhao Chun felt a slight sense of relief; in this way, she should not be someone who blindly listened to rumors or protected her kin out of bias.

Meeting her outside was a square-faced man who conducted himself with neither humility nor arrogance. He said, "Greetings, Immortal Master. My master is already waiting in the main hall. Please follow me inside."

Zhao Chun nodded, and the three of them entered the outer gates of the cave dwelling.

Hu Wanzhi and the bribed Fang Erlang were waiting outside the main hall. Given their status, it would be inappropriate for them to meet Xu Feng directly; Zhao Chun would have to explain the situation first before introducing them.

Xu Feng was indeed a man of stoic, unfeeling nature. The main hall was sparsely furnished, containing only a few tables for guests, and even the folding screens were tucked away beside the desks.

Because of this, as soon as Zhao Chun entered, she saw Xu Feng himself sitting by a desk. Even while seated, one could tell he possessed a tall and upright stature.

"Inner disciple Zhao Chun has come to visit Senior Brother Xu."

In terms of status, the two were both inner disciples of equal standing. In terms of seniority, Zhao Chun was only one generation below the Sect Leader, making her higher in rank than most others. However, since Xu Feng had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage while she was merely in the Qi Refinement stage, calling him "Senior Brother" was perfectly appropriate.

Xu Feng wore a short beard, yet his features remained upright and handsome. Clad in a plain cloth robe, he appeared exceptionally righteous and dignified. Zhao Chun gave a slight nod; his impression was one of integrity and grandeur, perfectly matching the atmosphere of the room.

"Greetings, Junior Sister Zhao," Xu Feng replied with a gentle expression, showing neither joy nor anger. He gestured toward the large chair opposite him and said, "Please, sit."

"I heard Senior Brother achieved Foundation Establishment some time ago, yet I have not had the chance to see you. I only come to visit today; I hope Senior Brother will bear with my delay."

Xu Feng possessed some understanding of social graces and replied warmly, "Do not worry about it. It was I who was delayed elsewhere for some time, causing Junior Sister to wait."

Those in the Foundation Establishment stage of a sect often considered themselves enlightened and distinct from Qi Refinement disciples, leading many to be arrogant. Xu Feng was not like this; he treated everyone equally. Interacting with him truly felt like being bathed in a spring breeze.

"My Wangduan Cliff is simple and austere; others avoid it at all costs, and few come to visit. Does Junior Sister have some important matter to discuss?"

Zhao Chun smiled and said, "Many must have come to congratulate Senior Brother on the joy of reaching Foundation Establishment; how could one say people avoid it? I am also extremely honored that Senior Brother has taken the time to see me." Seeing that he was getting straight to the point, Zhao Chun also spoke candidly. "I have indeed come today to discuss a matter."

"Please, speak," Xu Feng said, raising an eyebrow slightly, though he did not seem surprised.

"This matter must begin with your son." As soon as these words were spoken, Zhao Chun felt the atmosphere in the room shift. Xu Feng's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes suddenly grew several degrees colder and more solemn.

After Zhao Chun explained how the two had developed a rift and how each had received punishment, Xu Feng sighed. "My son is unruly. Because I was too absorbed in my cultivation and neglected his upbringing, he frequently causes trouble for the sect. Regarding his previous punishment and confinement, I only knew the general outcome, but I did not know he had caused trouble for you, Junior Sister. A child's failure is the father's fault; I must apologize to you."

Zhao Chun shook her head. "Senior Brother need not blame himself. Ultimately, this was a private matter between the two of us, and since we have both been punished, it should be settled..." If Xu Kuangrui stopped here and caused no more trouble, the conflict between him and Zhao Chun would likely end right here.

"Even in the mortal world, there is a principle that misfortune should not reach one's wife and children. Although cultivators have severed their worldly ties, they still have attachments in their hearts. The grievance between your son and me can be settled with me directly, but involving those close to me makes me feel quite ashamed..." Zhao Chun stopped there, but her meaning was clear.

Having heard this, how could Xu Feng not understand? It was undoubtedly his rebellious son's habit of bullying the weak and fearing the strong; since he did not dare to strike at Zhao Chun, he had instead preyed upon her friends and family.

Xu Feng came from a small world and suffered from the burdens of worldly relatives; the reason he was forced to deal with a biological son was, after all, inextricably linked to the concept of affection and duty. Putting himself in her shoes, he understood where Zhao Chun's resentment came from. He said with shame, "To think such a thing happened? I have been too closed off to the world; what exactly did my son do?"

"Since I have brought the parties involved here, why don't you ask them yourself, Senior Brother?" Zhao Chun suggested.

After careful consideration, Xu Feng nodded and signaled the square-faced man to lead Hu Wanzhi and the other into the room.