Reasoning

"Well actually that's an added benefit more than it is an impetus for me to keep everything hidden I actually have a multitude of reasons with the most important being staying under the radar for the Four Divine Beast clans especially The Phoenix Clan, although I may not be the most talented 13 year old there is I can at the very least say I am the most unique considering my situation" King said

"You provide a valid point knowing your Maternal Grandfather he would likely be much more interested in how you were able to alleviate your condition, although we believe you it does sound a little too convenient, even I noticed your soul was quite peculiar when I expected it and your his soul prowess is greater than mine he may be able to recognize the peculiarity" Dante replied

"Although I am not a fan of you bad mouthing my Father I do have to admit he can be quite eccentric at times he really does come from a good place but he undoubtedly would try to dig deeper even if it led to nothing in the end" Vanessa said

That's exactly what I'm worried about Grandfather is likely close to the Late 6th Stage and with him being a Phoenix his soul cultivation would be linked to his magical beast cultivation so it would also be Late 6th stage which even if he couldn't realized exactly what happened it would be enough to have him incredibly wary about me at all times. He inwardly thought

"Mom why are you even defending Grandfather aside from filial piety which I suppose I can understand, he is the reason we got exiled after all isn't he?" King asked

"Well it's not quite as simple as that sure my Father was indeed the one to delve out the punishment he wasn't the deciding factor the Family elders were the ones to make that decision actually he tried to come to a compromise with them which ultimately ending up not panning out" His mother replied

"If that's the case why did you guys never tell me about it I get I'm still young but I would've just kept thinking he was essentially a villain for kicking out his daughter and her family just because you fell in love with a human who was also not affiliated with the clan" King said

"Not too sure how I feel about being relegated to an unaffiliated human in this situation I get that it's technically correct but it really rubs me the wrong way and brings up awful memories" His father said while rubbing his temples

"Well unfortunately that's how anyone affiliated with any of the Four Divine Beast Clans view you especially The Phoenix Clan I heard they're quite sticklers when it comes to bloodline purity and coupling talented youths within the clan or at least that's what I heard" King said

"Well to your last point that is indeed how most of the clan members think and feel especially the elders within the clans most of them would likely even encourage incest if they thought it would lead to a higher bloodline purity or more talented youths, and in regards to telling you about why we were exiled would likely have done more good than bad" She replied

"And why would that be the case Mother?" King asked

This is likely what the previous soul was referencing in regards to him being crippled causing his family's situation. He inwardly thought

"Well might as well tell you now it's not true anymore so doubt it'll affect you in the slightest anymore, we didn't want you to feel bad although you were smart for a child hearing we got exiled because you were a cripple in Soul and Essence Gathering cultivation although if you weren't your Grandfather could've convinced them to let you stay would've stop at the first half and you'd have blamed yourself for it all and then eventually the clan as a whole" His mother answered

Although if it was him he'd understand it was reasonable there needs to be a solid showing on both sides family and business especially when you held high positions of authority which his Grandfather did as the Sect Master of The Phoenix clan sure he could've overrode the decision but it would've collectively done more harm than good, however a regular 8 year old wouldn't have seen the bigger picture for sure. He inwardly thought

"I suppose that's fair unlikely I'd have seen the bigger picture at 8 years old but I'm at least glad I found out sooner than later no reason to unjustly blame Grandpa for the entirety of the situation, however I still firmly believe no one besides the three of us and some of your closest confidants should know which I'm only saying because after my recent actions I know I'll be monitored more heavily now" King said

His Mother chuckled "Haha you know me so well don't you as much as trust you to change your ways in the future for the time being I'll leave Andrew the butler's son to watch over you, I know it won't be a pure tempering session anymore but for the time being you're on probation so you'll have to suck it up" His mother said

"Hmph exactly your actions have consequences after all young man" His father said while making a dignified face

His mother nodded in agreement while looking at him, and as soon as his Mother looked at him his Father winked at him entirely crushing the previous demeanor he'd established before.

To which King smirked and His mother glared at his father assuming per usual that he was encouraging any behavior that resembled his youth causing his father to sweat thinking she'd seen him wink.

His father cleared his throat "Hmm Hmm I see where you are coming from but I understand keeping it away from the Four Divine Beast Clans but as far as your Grandmother and the locals I don't see the reason to hide it anymore especially from your perspective I can't understand why you'd continue to hold a negative title that no longer is applicable" He said

His mother interjected "I believe I may know what he is aiming for and if I am right I can admit he's quite far sighted, well he is my son after all" She said

"If you believe you know feel free to share Mom I dare not say I am too wise beyond my years so even if you're wrong it may be close or something I hadn't even thought of" King said

"Well I just thought that in 5 years not only would you be 18 you'd also be coincidentally just in time for the Four Divine Beast Clan joint tournament that accepts all participants 25 and under who are below the 6th stage in any cultivation, not to mention shortly after that not only will those 4 clans be recruiting so will some of the larger Sects" She said

"As expected from Mother I can't get anything pass you that is indeed one of the larger driving forces behind why I want to keep things a secret the less my opponents know about me the better and more impactful my debut will be, however that is not the only reason I also don't want to give any glory to the Phoenix clan while doing so which leads me to another very important reason" King said

"Well said son that's exactly the spirit no reason to let those shameless old fools try to take credit for your talents which we all know Is the first thing they'd do" His father said triumphantly

"What's the other reason then or is it once again more than one?" His mother asked

"As much as I'd loved to say it's incredibly layered and multi-faceted this time it's pretty straightforward I'd like to build up my connections and ideally my own small force during that time period to enhance not only my freedom but our family's in the future" King said

"Isn't that counter-intuitive to your whole plan of keeping things secret or are you trying to do so in a way by the time anyone finds out or becomes suspicious it'll already be time for you to come into the light" His mother replied

"Bingo knew you'd understand mother I could always have them swear a cultivation oath or place a soul imprint on them to keep them silent but ideally I'd do it covert enough where I wouldn't have to but better safe than sorry luckily none of the Four Divine Beast clans are in the region so even if they have eyes hear it wouldn't be of a large enough scale to garner their attention and on the outside I'd be doing what I've always done so they shouldn't be suspicious if they were specifically monitoring our family." King said

"There ya go ago with the weird expressions and exclamations although it does seem like a feasible plan and reason I really do want to just scream to the world my son is just as talented if not more talented to the rest of you" His father said sulkily

"I guarantee this way will be even more fulfilling Dad an I'll make you both incredibly proud come time for the tournament while filling the Phoenix Clan up to the skies with regret" King replied

"We believe in you son and I cant wait for the day they all fall off their high horses when they realize what we l along how great you are" His mother said while smiling

"Well lets eat till we can' t eat anymore than in celebration of the beginning of your true cultivation journey son" His father said

"Now that's a sentiment I can get wholeheartedly behind" King said while grinning from ear to ear

"I guess at the end of the day boys will be boys" His mother said while shaking her head

They continued to eat and make small talk for the next 2 hours eating what most families wouldn't eat in the year showing just how voracious the appetite of cultivators can be when they do eat before King asked to be excused

Time to go inspect myself in more ways than one. He inwardly thought