"Master, these are?"

In front of him were two items. One was a wooden box, and the other was a slightly worn-out manual with a blank cover.

"They're both for you. One is from me, and the other is from your benefactor."

"My benefactor?" Relic asked curiously.

"Right, as you know, three years ago I went on a trip to the Golden City to run an errand. Ah, and as I recall, a certain someone was crying and begging for me not to go. What was it that you said? 'Please don't go, I want to come as well! If you go, I won't eat my vegetables!'" She sighed in melancholy. "You were so cute back then."

His lips pursed as his face changed to a slight red hue.

"Master... please..."

"What are you getting so embarrassed about? It's not like it's as bad as when you wet the bed or made me go with you every time you had to go-"

"Master!"

"Alright, alright, master won't tease you anymore," she chuckled before continuing, "Anyways, at the time, although I did have an errand to do, the reason I went to the Golden City was for a personal reason. There were rumors that the Illustrious Purple Pavilion was going to sell a particular item, one that I had been eyeing for quite some time and-"

Just as she was explaining, her spatial ring vibrated. Her expression changed and she answered the call: "Yes, I'll be there soon."

She stood up and turned to Relic.

"I have something to do. I'll be back later," she said solemnly.

Seeing the look on her face, Relic already knew who it was that called. She quickly left, leaving him alone.

"Master won't be in a good mood when she returns." He thought for a second when he suddenly had a bright idea. "Wait, isn't this the perfect time to reveal that?" A large smile appeared on his face, and he swiftly left the abode to prepare.

.

…

Pascal was currently flying towards the center of the sect where the sect master resided.

She soon came across a grand building with a majestic metal door. She landed in front of the door and bowed: "Elder Pascal of the 13th peak seeks an audience with the sect master."

The doors opened and she slowly went inside. The roof was grand and tall, pillars lined the path, decorated with murals of creatures of myth.

She eventually stood before him, the sect master. He was surrounded by empty chairs, presumably meant for the elders, and was currently leaning against one hand. He had rich black hair with white streaks and had a heavy aura surrounding him which would make the weak of heart flee.

Pascal did not hesitate to get on one knee and bow: "Father, I've come."

He spoke slowly and in a deep, reverberating voice: "So you have." He rose from his seat and began to walk towards her.

She immediately tensed up. Her relationship with her father had never been the best, no, it could barely be considered as a relationship at all. Having grown up with only her father and sister, she had always been the 'disappointing one'. Compared to her sister who had already stepped into the Grand Creation realm, she had been stuck within the initial stage of the Origin realm for the past decade, never progressing even a step further.

The interactions with her father never had an ounce of warmth to them and for the most part, she feared what he would say to her. Would he tell her she was disappointing, useless, a failure? Despite it all, she still yearned for her father's approval, and she did what she could in order to be something more in his eyes.

He didn't stop in front of her and walked past her.

Pascal followed him and they soon made it back outside where he the sky. She quickly did the same, not knowing what her father was doing and they soon overlooked the entire sect.

There was a moment of silence before he finally spoke: "Tell me, what do you see?"

She looked down towards the entirety of the sect. She saw the 13 peaks which overlooked the sect, the inner and outer courts which divided the disciples based on their talents and comprehension, and the many facilities which catered to the sect’s operations.

"I see... I see father's grand ambitions realized. Since young, father has triumphed over his peers, overcame those at higher realms, and established a sect where even 1st rate sects must accept and take notice. Father's prowess led to the eventual creation of the sect's [secret art: The Zephyr Thunder Blade] as well as the creation of the sect's most precious treasure, the Genesis Thunder Pool. Now, those from far off lands come in hopes to bask in father's creation and join our sect." She recited those words as if by memory. Perhaps it was their estranged nature which prompted such a response that would normally be spoken by a zealot follower.

Indeed, he was not displeased hearing her words, but he did not smile.

"Your words speak truth but there is one thing you forgot about." He turned and finally faced her. Despite his robust figure, he had an expression of exhaustion, dull eyes with deep bags underneath.

“Something I forgot?” she repeated.

“Creating a sect from the ground up isn’t something mere hard work can achieve. Many believe it takes blood, sweat, and conviction to achieve your goals but what does conviction entail?

She pondered on it slight, believing her father to have a deeper meaning to the question.

He simply answered: “Sacrifice is the ultimate form of conviction, it’s the sacrifice of going through hell and back in order to achieve what you want.” He turned to her and said solemnly, “Whether we like it or not, none of us can deny the fate which the Grand Flow placed on us. Fate comes for all of us, whether we are ready for it or not. The Thunderstorm sect is only another steppingstone for me for my path is much grander than even the Divine continent.” His words turned hoarse and emotional towards the end, something Pascal was surprised to hear.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“The Grand Flow has taught me that sacrifice is needed to set you on your true path. Daughter, you were born with an incomplete spirit root which severely limited your progression in cultivation. Although you reached the Origin realm the quickest out of anyone in the sect, you have not made a single step after. I know you aren’t satisfied with your current cultivation progression, so I ask you. Are you willing to sacrifice the things holding you back in order to realize your true potential?”

Pascal instantly understood what her father was insinuating and replied with a gentle smile: “Actually, I’m quite content with where I’m currently at.”

Her father raised an eyebrow.

“Perhaps I once thought cultivation was what I was after the most, but I’ve learned that teaching the younger generation and watching them grow is also a sort of happiness for me. For me currently, I don’t think I would give anything up anything that I already have for something else.” He could see from not only her words, but by the look of her face as well, that she meant every word.

He sighed and began to descend. Pascal followed and they landed in the yard behind the main hall which had a dazzling white pagoda at the center, surrounded by a pristine clear lake. This was a place the sect master often enjoyed with important guests. It was the first time Pascal had truly set foot here despite living in the sect for all her life.

“I was just about take a break, care to join me?”

She was stunned by the invitation, but she carefully nodded.

They walked over the arching bridge and Pascal saw the uniquely coloured koi swimming below.

It was clear to see that Pascal was unaccustomed to being here as she awkwardly stood by before taking a seat when her father gestured her to.

“Sect master, why-”

“We don’t need to do that here. Just call me like you used to when you were a child.”

Her face turned warm as she stuttered lowly: “F-Father, why did you invite me here?”

“I just wanted to chat for a little,” he said as he began heating a pot of water. “Tell me, how is your disciple doing?”

“Relic? Well… he is still at the 3rd level of the Qi condensation realm, but he is close to a breakthrough. Also, in terms of mastery in the spear, he has vastly improved these last couple of months. In terms of pure weapon mastery, I would wager that he could hold his own against even the top geniuses in our sect!” The excitement in her voice as she spoke of her disciple differed from the way she spoke before which was much more monotone. It was almost like a parent talking highly of their children’s achievements to others.

“Is that so, that is pretty impressive,” he said as he poured her some tea. The aroma of the tea was light and smelled of delicate flowers. He gestured for her to take a drink and they both took a sip at the same time.

“D-Delicious!” The light aroma did nothing to prepare her for the refreshing blend of tart and sweetness of the tea. At the same time the liquid hit her stomach, it gave off a feeling of invigoration throughout her body

She suddenly realized she had shouted out and apologized.

He laughed, “It’s alright, I didn’t spend all that money on spirit leaves to not get some sort of reaction from those who try it.”

Pascal nodded, still slightly embarrassed.

He poured her another cup before continuing: “Do you remember what the agreement was for the sect to allow your disciple to stay here?”

Pascal placed the cup on the table and replied in a downcast manner: “Yes. Because Relic had showed no talent and no recognizable benefit to the sect, he was given a timeframe to achieve the sect’s bare minimum of reaching the foundation realm before the age of 21 or risk immediate expulsion from the sect. In addition to that, even though he may be my direct disciple, he will not be given preferential treatment, nor the resources associated with the title.”

This was an agreement she had agreed upon when Relic first arrived. When she first brought Relic to the sect, many people including the elders opposed this. Not only did she disrespect some one from the main family of the Futian family for the boy, but the boy was basically a cripple and showed no talent for cultivation when they tested him. They all believed accepting such a disciple would tarnish the sect’s reputation and cause more trouble than he’s worth. They were all against her as was her father and they all fully expected her to fold.

However, when she looked at the pitiful face of a boy who had lost everything, she found the strength to protest in front of her father and in an abrupt decision, she said: [“If I can’t take him in as my disciple then I will take him in as a guardian and leave this sect!”]

Her words had caused silence among the elders and even her father who had never seen his daughter stand up to him, was taken aback. To give up everything for a mortal child, who would ever dream to do such a thing? Yet, her threat managed to get through as her father proposed an alternative which was that the boy may remain on the condition he was a direct disciple in name only. This meant he would only receive resources equal to the outer court disciples and a time frame to reach the foundation realm before the age of 21 or be kicked out.

This was the only agreement possible, and she had chosen to accept it while the other elders could only accept it as it was the sect master’s decision. Thus, Relic was formally accepted as her disciple much to the displeasure of everyone else. The inner court disciples were unhappy with his situation and showed it both with their fists and in words, never realizing he was a direct disciple in name only.

“That’s right. He will be gone if he can’t reach the foundation realm before he turns 21,” he repeated while Pascal lowered her head in silence. After a pause, he continued: “I think back then we were all a bit rash.”

Pascal looked up in confusion.

“Despite only being in the 3rd level of the Qi condensation realm, he works as hard as any other disciple. In the face of geniuses, he continues to hone his skills in the way of the spear, never letting anything disrupt him. He has overcome his own shortcomings his own way and I believe that is admirable in of itself. I don’t believe we should turn away such a promising seed just like that so perhaps a test is more appropriate.”

He suddenly waved his hand and a jade slip appeared out of thin air. It then floated towards Pascal who caught it in her hand.

She looked at the jade slip with her inner sight and was immediately shaken upon reading its contents.

"A-Are you serious?" She jumped up and stuttered in disbelief.

"Mn,” He nodded. “If he can complete this mission not only will I take away the condition of his residence here, but also allow him to utilize the genesis thunder pool.

Pascal immediately got down on bow knees and bowed deeply.

“THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPURTUNITY!”

“No need to bow, this is also thanks to your own hard work. When that child first came, he couldn’t even stand before the rest of us without relieving himself on the floor. The transformation between the past and the way he is now is due mainly to your involvement. In the end, we shall see the fate the Grand Flow has in store for him and if he really is meant to stay or not.”

“I have no complaints. I firmly believe he will be able to do it!” Pascal rose and answered with confidence.

“That’s good. On another note, just one more thing.” A parchment contract appeared in his hand.

Pascal clenched his hands the moment she saw it as it was the marriage agreement between her and Luk Futian, the man she had been avoiding since the time she first picked up Relic. Though she had told everyone she would not be marrying him, the contract signed between the sect master and the head of the Futian family remained. However, before she even had the chance to say anything, the contract abruptly went up in flames before disintegrating into ash.

Her jaw dropped and only after a few seconds did she process what happened.

“Father… why?”

“Isn’t this what you wanted?”

“Yes, but…”

“Then nothing. You have made it clear you do not want to go through with the marriage even against my wishes. You used to always listen to my every word but ever since you took in that disciple, you’ve learned to make your own decisions and I should learn to respect that.” He rose from his seat and took out a sealed wine jug from his spatial ring before handing it to her.

“I’ve already notified the Futian family of my decision and although they aren’t happy, it hasn’t completely broken-down talks between us.”

“Father… I’ve troubled you…”

“It’s fine. However, Luk still wants a proper explanation. This wine is from my private collection and should act as a good ceremonial drink to let bygones be bygones. Do you think you can handle it?”

Pascal held the wine jug tightly as her eyes turned slightly watery. Never before had she been treated so kindly nor talked to him in such a way which made her think of him in such a fatherly way.

“Yes, I will do my best!”

“That’s good. You can go now, I’m sure you want to return to your disciple as soon as possible,” he said as he took a seat once more.

Pascal bowed and just as she was about to leave, she turned once more.

“Is there something else?” he asked.

“Father, co-could we do this again?”

His eyebrow raised slightly but he gave a nod. "Of course, you're my daughter, you can visit me anytime."

A beaming smile appeared on her face like that of a young girl. For the first time, hopes of the future with her father didn't seem like just a fantasy and perhaps this was the start of a relationship she had longed for.

She quickly left, hurrying back to her immortal abode where her disciple was waiting.

As soon as she was out of sight, another woman appeared with a big smirk on her face. She had knotted dark black hair and wore a raiment lined with golden threads long silky. Though she didn’t have the same beauty as Pascal, they shared many of the same facial features.

"Sister always was a bit naïve since we were little. Maybe I should have a little fun before cousin appears?”

“Leave your sister alone, Iris. If you manage to mess things up-“

“You don’t have to worry, father. It’s already a done deal, cousin assured me of it.”

“Then let it be. I don’t want to clean up after you if you decide to embarrass yourself.”

“Father, do you really have so little confidence in my abilities?!” Iris gnashed her teeth.

“Your problem has also been because of your jealousy. You have had the opportunity to use the Genesis Thunder pool more than your sister, train in the [Zephyr Thunder blade], and used the best of the resources and only after all that were you recently able to step into the Grand Creation Realm. Had you stopped focusing on your sister, you would be much further along your cultivation right now.”

Iris clenched her fists in anger but did not say anything. She turned around and left in a huff.

He continued to sit peacefully as he drank his tea before finally muttering to himself: “Whether we like it or not, none of us can deny the fate which the Grand Flow placed on us. Don’t blame me too harshly, daughter, we all have sacrifices we must make to walk our true path.

…

Back in front of the Main Hall, Iris trotted in anger when suddenly, a young girl approached.

“Master, is everything okay?”

“I’m fine!” She yelled back; her disciple kept silent.

Iris was still steaming when she suddenly had an idea. “It’s been a while since you’ve had a talk with my sister’s disciple, right?”

“Disciple Relic, yes, I haven’t seen him in three years.”

“I see, well I think it’s about time you saw each other again.”

Iris extended her scarf which wrapped around the girl’s waist, and they were both in the air as she took off towards Pascal’s immortal abode.