Feng ming returned back to feng residence after 900 years .
After returning back he ordered chen da to bring back major events information which occurred during his absence.
After a day chen da visited again and gave feng ming the report after seeing it feng ming thought
" My father and uncles still haven't returned and mother is in seclusion, everything other than the news about my family given by are about unnecessary things."
Placing the scroll aside, Feng Ming leaned back into his chair, deep in thought. The tranquil air around him seemed to thicken, his mind is deep in thought about the uncertainty of dangers.
He murmured inwardly, with calm voice
"Given my current situation, the choices before me are few..."
"I cannot advance my cultivation recklessly. An abrupt rise would only invite suspicion. I've already taken far too many risks across these past nine centuries. If Grandfather truly decides to investigate me, he could easily trace the clues I've left behind. Worst case... he already knows. He might simply be testing my loyalty—or waiting for the right moment to strike."
"Perhaps I am overestimating him... but this is not a time for blind hope. I must prepare for the worst."
His eyes sharpened, and after a long moment of silence he came to a decision
"I must reach the Third Heaven. With everything considered, this path holds the greatest chance of survival. Once I break through, I can unlock the concealed mark hidden within my cultivation technique."
For Feng Ming, his cultivation method was unique. With every breakthrough past the First Heaven, a latent ability would awaken—each one more profound than the last. Moreover, the nature of the ability could be sensed just before advancement, granting him precious insight.
"Once I achieve the Third Heaven, I will glimpse the next ability. That power may be the key to survival in this web of shadows."
He continued his thinking while tapping the fingers against the table
"For now, my uncles dare not make a move against me within the family residence. Their hands are tied by clan law. As for Grandfather..."
Feng Ming's gaze turned colder.
"I cannot say with certainty. If he truly intended to kill me, I would already be dead. That means something restrains him. Either he doesn't know... or he's waiting."
His mind began laying out the five possible scenario which he took into consideration:
1.He is completely unaware of my secret.
Unlikely, but possible.
2.He suspects I'm hiding something, but considers it normal as everyone has his/her secrets.
This is the most optimistic scenario—and thus, the least likely to happen.
3.He knows I possess a secret but not its rank or value.He could be testing the waters. If my secret holds value, he might try to seize it. If it is too valuable... he may kill me directly to obtain it.
4.He has already marked me for death, but is held back—most likely by the will of his father, the old ancestor.
Strange though... how can someone at the Ancient Saint Realm still be bound by familial sentiment? No, perhaps he is also testing the value of my secret before acting.
The final possibility—the dangerous of them all...
He is raising me like livestock, waiting for me to mature before slaughter. A butcher waiting for the fattening of the lamb.
Feng Ming's jaw tightened.
"If the last is true... then I am already within the jaws of the beast."
Just then, the sound of soft footsteps broke through his sea of thoughts . Chen Da entered with haste, cupping his fists and bowing deeply.
"Reporting, Young Master," he said respectfully. "Your father and uncles have returned."
Feng Ming's eyes narrowed. A ripple of something unreadable crossed his expression.
"The board is set… and the pawns are gathering."