What's with the change?

After Elder Feng's dramatic proclamation, Yi Chang's penetrating gaze fell upon Yi Tian. Studying his son's composed countenance and upright stature, Yi Chang posed his query, "Can it truly be? Have you, my son, truly mastered the first form of the Cloud Ascension Physique?"

Yi Tian met his father's gaze with resolve, and nodded in affirmation, "Indeed, Father."

A symphony of hushed whispers and murmurs began to sweep the grand table, some voices filled with delight and admiration.

"Congratulations, Young Master!"

"A true martial prodigy, our Young Master."

From his place on the elevated platform, Yi Chang remained silent, his expression unreadable. Yet beneath him, the family heads and advisors continued to voice their astonishment and joy. From among them arose a kindly old man, garbed in sumptuous robes of gray and purple. He paid his respects to Yi Chang, "Patriarch, Yi Tian is to be dispatched to the battlefield in mere months. Could it not be more prudent to send another? A talent such as his is too precious to risk."

There were nods of agreement from the crowd as the old man took his seat. Elder Feng, observing the proceedings, allowed a satisfied smile to grace his lips. This was the response he had anticipated. On the platform, Yi Chang's gaze met Yi Jun's.

Comprehending his unspoken command, Yi Jun coolly addressed the concerned crowd, "Please, rest easy. Yi Tian will be safeguarded by Yi Hong. Moreover, this shall serve as invaluable experience for him." He paused, allowing his words to sink in, then added, "If we were to withhold him, what message would that send to the imperial court? Yi Tian is performing a commendable duty for our family by partaking in this endeavor."

Once Yi Jun concluded his reassurances, Yi Chang added his own finality to the matter, "Yi Tian will proceed to the battlefield as planned."

Elder Feng's smile began to fade, his mind tangled in confusion. Why was Yi Chang so determined to send Yi Tian to the battlefield? With a resigned sigh, he turned his gaze towards Yi Tian, and thought, 'If Yi Tian reveals equivalent potential in his Blood Qi, Yi Chang will surely reconsider his decision.'

As the two exited the grand hall, Yi Chang was conflicted. He had believed Yi Tian's loyalty to the family to be waning due to past grievances. But now, seeing his son display such extraordinary martial potential, he found himself yearning to celebrate his achievement.

...

After their departure from the grand hall, Yi Tian and Elder Feng made their way to the sanctuary of the Serene Relic Chamber. Traversing the cobblestone path, Elder Feng seemed deep in thought before he turned to regard Yi Tian.

Walking alongside him, serene and composed, Yi Tian heard Elder Feng's inquiry, "Tian'er, have you perused the book I entrusted to you?"

Casting a glance towards Elder Feng, Yi Tian responded with a nod, "Indeed, I have."

"Well done." Elder Feng nodded in approval. His initial intention had been to elaborate further on the topic of martial arts, yet the revelation of Yi Tian's remarkable proficiency in the Cloud Ascension Physique had diverted his attention. Immersed in his thoughts, Elder Feng suddenly came to a realization.

"Have you already mastered the first form of the Willow Breeze Dance?"

Elder Feng's abrupt query startled Yi Tian inwardly, though externally he maintained his steady pace. After a moment of swift contemplation, he decided it would be unwise to disclose too much; the reactions to his mastery of the Drifting Cloud Form had been quite telling.

Flashing a calm smile at Elder Feng, Yi Tian replied, "Not quite, but I am on the cusp of achieving it."

At Yi Tian's response, Elder Feng's eyes lit up. Placing his weathered hand on Yi Tian's shoulder, he exclaimed jovially, "Haha, Tian'er, you are a true prodigy indeed!" and resumed his stride.

Matching Elder Feng's pace, Yi Tian's countenance remained unperturbed. However, his mind was abuzz with speculation about the reactions he might have elicited had he revealed his complete mastery of both techniques.

...

"Dismissed!" With a wave of his hand, Yi Chang, adorned in his elegant purple robes, concluded the gathering.

The attendees at the central table rose, bowed, and took their leave from the spacious council chamber. Save for a few servants, only Elder Jun remained, situated by Yi Chang's side.

Exhaling a weary sigh, Yi Chang reclined slightly, resting his elbow on the armrest of his chair. Noticing this, Elder Jun queried, "Why did you adjourn the meeting so prematurely today?"

Yi Chang cast his keen gaze towards Elder Jun, responding with a note of exhaustion, "You should know, Jun. It's all due to Yi Tian."

"Hmm," Elder Jun pondered aloud.

Yi Chang straightened up, his voice imbued with puzzlement, "Isn't it odd?" Pausing briefly to gauge Elder Jun's response, he continued when he only received a nod, "Yi Tian has never shown interest in martial arts before. Based on his past experiences, I surmised that he had slightly above average talent in it. But now, he has incredibly mastered the first form of a notoriously challenging technique."

"Indeed," Elder Jun confirmed.

Narrowing his gaze at Elder Jun, Yi Chang probed, "Tell me, what are your thoughts, Jun?"

Elder Jun shook his head with a calm smile, responding lightly, "No particular ideas."

Leaning in closer, Yi Chang pressed further, "Come now, you must harbor some speculations?"

Flashing a smirk, Elder Jun rose from his seat. His purple robe rustled as he pivoted and descended the platform stairs. As Elder Jun's slender figure reached the base of the stairs and turned towards him, Yi Chang inquired, "Where are you going, Jun?"

"Merely for a stroll," Elder Jun replied, "Let's go together."

...

Behind the Yi Harmony Conclave Hall lay an expansive courtyard constructed entirely from stone, resembling a vast stony plain. As they strolled along the polished stone paths, Yi Chang queried, "What are your thoughts?"

A faint smile graced Elder Jun's lips, his unkempt hair swaying gently with the breeze. As his gaze fell upon the stone bridge before them, he remarked, "Before I delve into that, allow me to inquire about your exchange with Yi Tian last night."

Yi Chang's interest piqued as he continued his dignified stride, casting a sidelong glance at Elder Jun, "What of it? I've already relayed it to you."

Upon reaching the midpoint of the bridge, Elder Jun halted, his gaze drifting over the stone balustrade and into the river below. "More specifically, what is your interpretation of Yi Tian's demeanor?"

Yi Chang came to stand beside Elder Jun, his hand resting on the stone balustrade, fingers tracing the intricate engravings. Recalling his interaction with Yi Tian the previous night, he was struck by the realization that his son had displayed an unusual level of respect and composure. Reflecting this, Yi Chang noted, "His demeanor was markedly different from his usual. Yi Tian was composed and treated me with respect, he didn't appear as immature."

Elder Jun nodded subtly, pressing further, "Anything else of note?"

After further contemplation, Yi Chang responded, "Beyond his calm, he behaved as though the accusations leveled against him were of no concern, yet he offered no denial." Shaking his head in bemusement, he added, "I truly cannot comprehend his drastic change in demeanor. He seemed like an entirely different person."

Elder Jun chuckled, turning to face Yi Chang, "Your sentiments mirror those of Wang, nearly verbatim."

Yi Chang glanced at Elder Jun, awaiting his elaboration.

"In truth, Yi Chang, I too am at a loss for a definitive explanation regarding Yi Tian's transformation. Perhaps time will shed light on this enigma," Elder Jun asserted, sharing his perspective.

Yi Chang studied Elder Jun for a moment before admitting, "Yet, it is a cause for concern. In the past, I didn't worry much about Yi Tian. His ambition for my position lacked the foundation of martial arts prowess, rendering it futile."

Elder Jun nodded in understanding, aware that Yi Chang feared that Yi Tian might earn respect within the family, not merely by virtue of position, but through true power. Furthermore, if Yi Tian did rise to prominence, considering his previous betrayal, this issue would no longer be resolvable between the two of them. Elder Jun knew that Yi Chang did not wish for Yi Tian's involvement with the Shadow Lotus Assassins to become public knowledge.