A long wait

"If what you've said is true, then this is an extremely serious matter," Bai Yunxiao murmured, his voice low and weighted with gravity. His eyes narrowed as he processed the implications of Bai Qing's revelation.

"It's terrifying to think that even during the ancient Mu Dynasty's reign, a constitution like this was exceedingly rare. To think it has resurfaced now, in our time... it's both a blessing and a curse."

He paused, his expression shifting from solemnity to a flicker of hope. "But this might also be a turning point for our clan. At the very least, it gives us a chance to regain the standing we once held during the Mu Dynasty.

Back then, our name was spoken with respect, our influence unmatched. If we play our cards right, we could rise to that level again—or even surpass it."

Bai Yunxiao's lips curled into a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Qing'er, your father always knew you were a walking fortune house, but even I find this hard to believe. Haha! It's as if the heavens themselves have smiled upon us."

The tension in the room eased slightly as both men shared a quiet laugh. For a moment, the weight of their responsibilities seemed to lessen, replaced by a glimmer of optimism.

But Bai Qing knew this reprieve was fleeting. He waited a few minutes, allowing his father to bask in the momentary relief, before delivering the next bombshell.

"But Father," Bai Qing began, his tone cautious yet firm, "we can only attest to this in perhaps a decade's time. Senior Xiao personally cautioned that Ming'er isn't to cultivate until he's at least sixteen years of age.

Only then that he might truly activate the full potential of the Ancient Dao Body through his Sacred Meridians. And as for the truth behind his identity, we are to reveal it only once he reaches the Xiantian Realm. What a wait it's going to be."

Bai Qing sighed, his shoulders slumping as the weight of the decade-long wait settled over him. The thought of delaying their plans for so long was disheartening, but he knew there was no other way.

Xiao Ming's safety and potential were paramount, and rushing things could spell disaster.

Bai Yunxiao's expression darkened, the flicker of hope in his eyes dimming. "Senior Xiao believes that Ming'er should only learn the truth once he's developed the heart of a cultivator—cruel, unyielding, and detached from mortal concerns.

The Xiantian Realm is the ideal stage for that. By then, he'll be fully immersed in the cultivation world, yet still tethered to the mortal realm. It's a delicate balance."

He sighed deeply, his spirits visibly dampened. The prospect of waiting a decade was daunting, even for someone as resilient as Bai Yunxiao.

But he knew better than to question the wisdom of a being like Xiao Yunhai. If the Grand Immortal had decreed it, then it was for a reason.

"Yes," Bai Qing said, his voice firm as he sought to lift his father's spirits. "Ming'er has options. He could become a lone wolf, forging his own path in the world. He could choose to remain a member of the Bai Clan, honoring the family that raised him. Or... he could decide to search for his true family in the boundless universe. But for now, we've been given an opportunity—a chance to strengthen our clan and secure our future."

Bai Yunxiao's eyes narrowed, a spark of curiosity igniting within them. "An opportunity? Speak, Qing'er. You've piqued my interest."

Bai Qing leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Ming'er's memories have been sealed by his father. He has no recollection of being the son of a divinity. This gives us a unique advantage. We can strengthen his ties to our clan by treating him as one of our own.

If we nurture him, guide him, and make him feel like he belongs here, he'll be more likely to stay loyal to us when the time comes to reveal the truth. What do you think, Father?"

Bai Yunxiao's lips twitched, a sly grin spreading across his face. He liked the sound of that. The idea of weaving Ming'er into the ties of their clan, binding him to them through love and loyalty, was a strategy he could get behind.

It was subtle, calculated, and—most importantly—effective.

"Alright then," Bai Yunxiao said, his voice tinged with feigned grief. "We can only hope that this long wait of a decade bears fruit. Today's sacrifices will pave the way for tomorrow's triumphs. As they say, the present is pregnant with the future."

With that, he led Bai Qing out of the distorted space, their footsteps echoing softly in the eerie silence. The air around them shimmered as they moved, the strange movement techniques they employed causing the space to ripple and warp.

In a matter of moments, they emerged in the ancestral courtyard, the familiar surroundings a stark contrast to the otherworldly realm they had just left.

They stood there for a moment, the weight of their conversation hanging heavily in the air. Despite the challenges ahead, both men wore wide smiles, their faces alight with a mixture of hope and determination.

But beneath those smiles, hidden deep within their eyes, was a flicker of uncertainty. The road ahead was long and fraught with peril, and the fate of their clan rested on their ability to navigate it.

As they parted ways, their smiles lingered, but their minds were already racing with plans and strategies. The next decade would be a test of their patience, their resolve, and their ingenuity.

But if they succeeded, they could guide Xiao Ming to his full potential and secure his loyalty, then the Bai Clan would rise to heights they had only dreamed of.

The faint hope they carried in their hearts was a fragile thing, but it was enough to keep them moving forward. For now, that was all they needed.

…

The ancestral courtyard was a place of quiet reverence, its ancient stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. Tall, gnarled trees lined the perimeter, their branches twisting skyward like the fingers of ancient guardians.

The air was thick with the scent of incense, a reminder of the countless generations that had come before.

Bai Qing paused at the edge of the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the familiar surroundings. This place had always been a sanctuary for him, a refuge from the chaos of the outside world.

But today, it felt different. The weight of their plans, of the decade-long wait, seemed to seep into the very stones beneath his feet.

He glanced at his father, who stood a few paces ahead, his expression unreadable. Bai Yunxiao had always been a pillar of strength, a man who carried the weight of the clan on his shoulders without complaint.

But even he seemed burdened by the enormity of what lay ahead.

"Father," Bai Qing said softly, breaking the silence. "Do you think we're doing the right thing? Keeping Ming'er in the dark, manipulating his loyalty... it feels... dishonorable."

Bai Yunxiao turned to face him, his eyes sharp and piercing.

"Honor is a luxury we can't afford, Qing'er. Not when the survival of our clan is at stake. Xiao Ming is like a tool, a means to an end. If we can use him to secure our future, then so be it. The ends will always justify the means."

Bai Qing frowned, his conscience warring with his sense of duty. He knew his father was right, but that didn't make it any easier to accept.

Xiao Ming was just a child, innocent and unaware of the role he was destined to play. To manipulate him felt... wrong, even though it was beyond their control.

But he pushed those thoughts aside, burying them deep within his heart.

The benefits of the clan must always come first.