After concluding his questions and answers with his father, Eli Shan turned his gaze toward the fallen king, offering him an innocent smile. However, as the king's gaze fell on his innocent smile, he felt as if his heart grew heavier.

Eli Shan extended his hand toward the king, his smile widening with childlike innocence. The king understood Eli Shan's intentions all too well. He glanced at the soldiers lying lifeless around him, their bodies completely sucked dry. Observing their empty husks, the king could feel just how torturous this death was, this was the worst-case scenario by which he wanted to die.

Seated on the ground, the king moved backward, using his hands to steady himself.

"No, please, don't," he pleaded.

In a swift and ominous turn of events, a dark domain materialized around the king, engulfing him entirely and devouring his life essence.

"No, no, no, no!" the king cried out in desperation. Yet, his struggles were in vain. How could he hope to overcome the overwhelming power of darkness? Despite his efforts, whether through physical resistance or by the use of various techniques, he found himself completely powerless against Eli Shan's formidable strength.

Gradually, the king's voice faded with time as his cultivation was devoured by Eli Shan.

"The peak of the origin realm is truly formidable," Eli Shan remarked, his aura intensifying as he approached the pinnacle of the fifth stage. Slowly, he broke his bottleneck of the fifth stage, easily entering the next realm.

"Now, I am officially at the sixth stage of the origin realm!" Eli Shan clenched his fist, his voice resonating with the excitement.

Huang Shan, brimming with pride for his son's achievement, placed a reassuring hand on Eli Shan's shoulder. However, amidst his joy, he offered a word of caution. "I won't inquire about what kind of technique this was and from where you got it," he began, his tone serious. "But remember, refrain from displaying it openly in front of others, and never resort to harming the innocent to increase your strength."

Eli Shan, determined to be transparent with his parents, nodded earnestly, ready to explain. "Father, it's not a technique but a unique innate ability of my body," he clarified. "It's as if I can wield it naturally, although even I don't know what kind of power is this."

Huang Shan nodded thoughtfully, "If that's the case, then it's good. However... until you are assured that there is no side effect, don't excessively use it, understood?"

Eli Shan nodded earnestly, "I understand, Father."

Satisfied by Eli Shan's response, Huang Shan smiled, "Very well. As for the matter of the king, I will speak with the emperor. Rest assured, no word of this incident will escape. I have some influence with the emperor, so it should be manageable."

Eli Shan's eyes gleamed with admiration at Huang Shan's connections, "Father, you are truly remarkable! You even have ties to the emperor!"

Huang Shan couldn't help but bask in his son's praise, a hint of smugness coloring his expression.

Yui Shan, witnessing the bond between father and son, smiled radiantly, cherishing the closeness they shared.

With a gesture, Huang Shan enveloped Eli Shan and Yui Shan with his power, and they vanished from the palace.

Once they distanced themselves from the palace, Huang Shan suppressed his cultivation once more and met Eli Shan's gaze which was silently saying, "Explain to me why you concealed your cultivation."

Huang Shan surveyed their surroundings and spotted an inn nearby. "Let's go there," he suggested, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I'll share everything over a meal. It's been too long since we've dined together."

Eli Shan's and Yui Shan's smiles grew as they heard about eating together. "Yes, let's go!" they exclaimed in unison, their excitement palpable.

Entering the luxurious inn, they were greeted by a polite waitress. "Welcome, sir, madam," she greeted them warmly, leading them to a comfortable table. "Please make yourselves comfortable here."

Huang Shan nodded as the three of them settled in. Eli Shan looked around and saw that this place was really luxurious. It didn't even feel like an inn, it was like he was in the city lord's castle!

"We have money to eat in this type of inn?" as Eli Shan pondered silently, he heard his father giving orders to the waitress, "Please bring us three cups of special tea."

Eli Shan looked at his father with eyes which was silently conveying, "Haha, I knew this would happen."

As Huang Shan met with Eli Shan's eyes, his smile grew sinister. He turned his gaze at the waitress, placing his main order, "And bring us a whole chicken and your specialty main course as well."

Caught off guard by the extravagant order, Eli Shan's eyes widened. Meeting his son's gaze, Huang Shan's expression conveyed a silent message: "Don't you dare look down on me kid, I am your father!"

As the waitress noted down their order, she politely excused herself. "Please wait for a moment, sir," she said before heading off to fulfill their request.

With a lighthearted tone, Huang Shan turned to Eli Shan. "So, are you ready to listen your father's 'boring' story?" he teased.

Eli Shan shook his head with a smile. "I don't believe your stories could ever be boring. And I know that you will share only the interesting ones."

Huang Shan chuckled heartily, "Hahaha, you do know your father quite well."

However, his cheerful demeanor quickly faded as he delved into the serious recounting of his past. "Little Eli," he began, his voice filled with solemnity, "when I came into this world, my mother passed away during childbirth. By the time I turned five, my father fell victim to invaders' attacks. Somehow, I managed to survive, but I was left with nothing except the cultivation techniques passed down by my father. As I grew older, I learned more about those invaders and how they would periodically descend upon our land, leaving death and destruction in their wake."

Yui Shan, despite having heard this tale before, couldn't hold back her tears as she reached for her husband's hand. Huang Shan gently squeezed her hand, offering comfort and solidarity.

Turning his gaze to Eli Shan, Huang Shan continued, his voice weighted with the gravity of his experiences. "After finding out the killer of my father, all I had in my mind was revenge. I dedicated my life to cultivation, forsaking all else—friends, family, everything. I secluded myself in the mountains, where I seized every opportunity to hone my skills. After years of relentless effort, I finally ascended to the realm of emperor."

Eli Shan listened intently, a mixture of sadness for his father's hardships and eagerness for the rest of the story evident in his expression. "And then?" he prompted, his excitement palpable.

"After ascending to the emperor realm, I discovered that there are millions of emperors in our universe," Huang Shan recounted, his voice filled with thoughtfulness. "I felt insignificant in comparison, but I refused to lose faith in myself. I relentlessly pursued strength until the day I reached the seventh stage of the emperor realm and became one of the few commanders of the frontline unit."

"Wow, I had no idea Father was so incredible," Eli Shan's eyes sparkled with admiration. But then, Huang Shan's expression darkened as he delved into the grim realities of their past.

"I've slain many invaders, and saved millions of innocents, but one day, nearly ten peak-stage Emperors launched an invasion on our planet."

Eli Shan gasped! Ten cultivators at the peak stage of the Emperor realm? Even on the entire planet, there were only four Emperors at the peak stage, and all of them were considered as the strongest powerhouse!

Huang Shan continued, his voice tinged with sorrow. "We suffered heavy losses, and even the four emperors defending our planet were gravely injured. But through the unwavering courage and the sacrifices of our frontline fighters and the emperors who fought with their lives on the line, we managed to repel the invaders."

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Listening solemnly, Eli Shan couldn't help but voice his doubt, "Father, even if everyone fought with their lives on the line, how could they repel ten peak-stage Emperors?"

Huang Shan's eyes gleamed with a knowing smile, "Because we had the Emperor Sun, the youngest and strongest Emperor in history! The most brilliant genius Emperor! The Emperor of the Central Plain!"

Eli Shan's curiosity reached its peak as he heard such praises from his father, "Is he really that strong? And aren't there only four emperors? Emperor of east, west, north, and south? And what is this central plain?"

Patiently, Huang Shan explained, "You are correct. That's the common knowledge between ordinary people. Because no ordinary people know anything about Central Plain. So naturally, they won't know anything about the emperor sun. And moreover, Emperor Sun quietly rose to power, reaching the emperor realm without attracting much attention. It was only during the crisis that he revealed himself and came to our aid."

Eli Shan nodded, getting even more curious about this emperor sun. "One day, I will also reach the realm of the emperor and meet him," Eli Shan thought to himself.

Then another question arose in his mind as he asked, "Father, were you injured in that battle?"

Huang Shan nodded gravely, "Yes. Before the Emperors arrived, we held the line against those invaders. My comrades and I fought valiantly, but they were simply too powerful." He clenched his fist in anger, "I still remember my friends falling on the battlefield; I cannot forgive those Emperors for their deaths."

Eli Shan also felt sad for his father, he continued to look below, didn't know what to say.

"When the four emperors showed up, the hope of everyone ignited. We finally thought that we had a chance to win, but... those ten emperors were just too overwhelming even for them. So, as the battle intensified and hope seemed to wane, my friends and I joined the fray," Huang Shan continued, his voice filled with determination. "With every ounce of strength and resolve, we confronted the enemy. And finally, with our life on the line, we managed to take down an emperor, but in result, I got an injury that was nearly impossible to recover."

Eli Shan's eyes blazed with fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. "I will find and torture them to death!" he promised to himself.

"Just when I thought that my time was coming to an end, the emperor sun emerged like a hope!" Huang Shan recounted, his voice tinged with awe. "With unparalleled prowess and courage, he alone engaged in the battle with eight of the invading emperors single-handedly, leaving only one for the remaining four emperors of the cardinal directions."

Eli Shan gulped in shock. "Emperor Sun is so powerful?"

Before Huang Shan could answer, the waitress intervened, placing tea and food on the table with a polite smile.

"Enjoy your meal!" the waitress said cheerfully. "If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to let me know."

Huang Shan nodded in acknowledgment, returning the smile politely.

Eli Shan eagerly took his plate of chicken, beaming at his parents. "Let's eat together before it gets cold!"

Huang Shan and Yui Shan also grabbed their plates. "I still remember when I used to feed you, little Eli," Yui Shan said with maternal warmth.

Huang Shan nodded in agreement. "Yes, and now it's been years since we've shared a meal like this. Let's enjoy ourselves to the fullest today!"

Eli Shan nodded, and they all began to eat. "Father, you didn't answer my question. Is the Emperor Sun really that strong?"

Huang Shan replied between bites, "Yes, he is. But even he was injured while fighting those eight Emperors. However, facing eight Emperors alone speaks volumes about his strength."

Eli Shan nodded in understanding before continuing with his questions. "Then, Father, how did you recover from your injuries? And how did you meet Mother?"

Huang Shan's lips curled into a fond smile as he began to recount his tale. "After being injured, I found myself unable to use even a fraction of my cultivation. I was content with my role as a frontline warrior and decided to leave the battlefield and the Central Plain behind. I left everything and wandered aimlessly in any direction. However, without my cultivation, I had my limits. One day, at the edge of a forest, I finally lost consciousness. And when I regained my senses, the first thing I saw was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen."

Yui Shan's cheeks turned crimson with embarrassment. Eli Shan couldn't resist teasing her, grinning mischievously. "Yes, yes, Father stumbled upon the most beautiful girl, isn't it, Mother?"

Yui Shan lowered her head shyly, then lifted it to retort, "Indeed! Your mother is the most beautiful. Hmph."

Eli Shan nodded in agreement, chuckling, "Yes, yes! Mother is the most beautiful! Hahaha."

Huang Shan joined in the laughter, reaching over to hold Yui Shan's hand affectionately. He then turned to Eli Shan with a twinkle in his eyes. "I stayed in her clan as your mother helped me with my healing. I shared my entire story with her and asked her not to disclose my background to anyone. Despite her father's objections, your mother stood by me and continued to aid in my recovery. Gradually, as I began to heal, I found a strange emotion growing inside me—a feeling I had never experienced before. Whenever I looked at your mother, my heart would start to race fast."

Yui Shan playfully punched his arm, blushing, "W-what are you saying in front of our son?"

Huang Shan grinned widely, "Our son is an adult now, and an adult son is like a friend to his father, right, Eli Shan?"

Eli Shan nodded with a smile, "It's an honor for Father to think of me as a friend."

Huang Shan grinned, "Looks like our son has cultivated a silver tongue too, huh?"

Eli Shan shook his head, "I am just stating the truth."

Huang Shan shrugged and continued his tale, "I don't know how it happened, but I fell in love with your mother deeply. As I healed, I regained some of my cultivation and reached the True Qi Realm. This was enough cultivation for me to become a leader of a clan. So, I joined your mother's clan, and after her father's passing, I became the head of the clan by winning all competitions. Then, I proposed to your mother and later married the girl I always dreamed of. And after two years, you were born."

Eli Shan nodded, his face beaming with pride. "I can't express how amazing you are, Father."

Huang Shan's chest swelled with pride upon hearing this, "I know, right? But let's forget about the past. Now, I am nothing but a cultivator at the True Qi Realm who runs a clan in the countryside, understood?"

Eli Shan nodded with a smile, "Yes, Father."

The three of them continued to eat and chat, creating a lovely family atmosphere.

Eli Shan cherished the time with his family, having missed his parents greatly. He wanted to spend his time with them to the fullest.

After some time, Huang Shan stood up, patting Eli Shan on the back, "Little Eli, it's time for us to return home. Take care of yourself here."

Eli Shan looked down, his face filled with sadness. But he composed himself and looked straight at his parents, smiling. "Yes, Father."

Yui Shan couldn't hold back her emotions and hugged Eli Shan tightly, tears welling up in her eyes, "If something happens, let us know, understand? And come back home soon."

Eli Shan hugged her back, nodding, "Yes, Mother."

With that, the three of them left the inn. Before departing, Huang Shan left his final words, "I will take care of the matter with the king, so you just focus on your studies."

Eli Shan nodded, "I trust you, Father."

Huang Shan nodded in return.

After bidding their goodbyes, Huang Shan and Yui Shan departed from the city, their silhouettes slowly fading from Eli Shan's view.

Once they were gone, Eli Shan returned to the arena, slipping into his room without alerting anyone. At this moment, Eli Shan's cultivation was so overwhelming that even the headmaster couldn't sense his presence unless Eli Shan willed it.

In the early morning, everyone gathered in the hall, including Eli Shan. No one knew anything about the king, and Eli Shan guessed that it was because of his father.

The headmaster cast a glance at everyone, saying, "Now it's time for the Emperor School competition. Does anyone want to compete?"

The headmaster specifically looked at Eli Shan when he said it.

Eli Shan noticed but didn't say anything. The Emperor School competition? Were they worthy opponents? The strongest among them was at the second stage of the Origin Realm. This realm was nothing in Eli Shan's eyes now, and he didn't feel the need to show off anymore.

Seeing Eli Shan's lack of interest, the headmaster sighed. "Since no one wishes to participate, let's return to our school."

With that, the headmaster led them out of the Central Kingdom and called all the pigeons on which everyone had arrived.

Seeing Eli Shan, the pigeon king came to him, and as if sensing something, it began to chirp happily.

Eli Shan patted its head, "How have you been, my little friend?"

The pigeon king chirped happily in response. "Oh, so you've been doing well?"

The pigeon king nodded, and Eli Shan smiled, asking, "Can you give me a ride back to the school?"

Hearing him, the pigeon king bowed down, inviting Eli Shan to sit on its back. Eli Shan called out to Feng Qiang and then sat on the pigeon king.

After a few days of traveling, they saw their city again and finally landed at the city gate.

"We're finally back."

"Yes, and we are victorious."

"It's all because of Eli Shan."

Feng Qiang, who had been holding back until now, finally said, "You've become even stronger, haven't you?"

Eli Shan smiled, "You too, it seems this competition made you stronger as well."

Feng Qiang nodded with a smile.

Then, after walking for a while, they finally reached the school.

Boom!

Just as they entered the school, every single student and teacher celebrated their arrival.

"Our school has won first place, right?"

"You have truly elevated the prestige of our school this time."

Everyone began to praise them, and the headmaster was especially proud, saying, "Guess whose students they are?"

All of them celebrated, eating and drinking together, having a barbecue, their excitement at its peak.

The night passed in the blink of an eye as all the elite students gathered in the school hall. The headmaster stood at the top of the stage and looked at everyone.

"From today, all of you are allowed to go and explore the world. Don't forget our teachings, don't harm the innocent, and don't let evil go unpunished. And most importantly, help each other in times of crisis."

In unison, the students responded, "Yes, teacher!"

With that, the headmaster called all the students one by one, giving them their badges. The first place received a golden badge, the second place received a silver, and the rest received bronze badges.

When it was Eli Shan's turn, he went up to the stage and received his golden badge.

After distributing the badges, the headmaster looked at them with a serious expression, "You can learn the special techniques of this school from these badges, depending on their grade. And today, I announce that with these badges, all of you have successfully graduated from the Holy School!"

Everyone cheered with excitement.

Eli Shan checked his badge and found out that the technique inside was at least of emperor grade. How generous of them! Although he didn't need any technique, he resolved to keep this one to himself as a gift from his school.