Chapter One Hundred: A Conversation Between Father and Son

When Chen Ding'an arrived at the bathroom, Chen Hao was already soaking in the bath. The boy sat with his eyes closed, hands resting on the edge of the pool, his face radiating pure enjoyment.

Chen Ding'an smiled as he undressed, then stepped into the water and took a seat beside Chen Hao. "So, how do you feel today?"

Chen Hao wasn't sure what his father meant. He opened his eyes and looked at Chen Ding'an. "Dad, what do you mean? The Dong family?"

Chen Ding'an chuckled. "Tell me about it. Let's start with your impressions of the Dong family."

Chen Hao splashed some water onto his face before replying. "The Dong family... how should I put it? It's quite different from what I imagined."

"Oh?" Chen Ding'an watched his son with interest. "How is it different?"

"Before we came, you kept telling me how remarkable the Dong family was—full of talent, wealthy, and all that. But today, it didn't feel like that at all. Since we arrived, we've only seen Uncle Dong and his daughter, plus a few servants. No other Dong family members, and none of Uncle Dong's disciples. It all feels very desolate, nothing like the grand families I pictured.

You've taken me to visit many prominent families across the country over the years, Dad. They're nothing like the Dong family. At the very least, those families are bustling with people. But look at the Dong family—apart from that girl, Uncle Dong doesn't have any other children.

I haven't seen the Dong family's martial arts yet, but since Uncle Dong could match you in his youth, I suppose their skills must be exceptional. It's a pity, though, that their only heir is a girl. Not that I look down on girls, but in martial arts, girls are at a disadvantage physically.

Furthermore, the Dong family's style is a hard, open-handed form—how much power can a girl muster with that kind of martial art?

So, honestly, I don't have much hope for the Dong family's current situation. As for the upcoming match... I can't say I'm looking forward to it."

"Already so unenthused! I've told you, the Dong girl is very talented in martial arts. Don't be fooled by the mismatch between her style and her gender. That conventional wisdom doesn't seem to apply to her at all."

Chen Hao shook his head. "That's just because she's young. With her age, she hasn't come into contact with the most advanced aspects of the Dong family's martial arts yet. It's like a smart child getting ahead of her classmates in primary school—the material is simple, she's developed early, so learning comes easily. That doesn't mean when she gets to high school or university, she'll still be ahead."

Chen Ding'an's eyes lit up, surprised that Chen Hao could see this point. For a child not yet ten, it was impressive. "So this is why you don't expect much from the match? In your view, even if she beats you this time, her future achievements won't surpass yours?"

Chen Hao didn't deny it. "That's one reason. But honestly, I don't think she'll win. Dad, you always say that practicing martial arts isn't just about strengthening your body and skills, but also cultivating your character.

I suppose you met that girl on your way here? Did she tell you what happened earlier?"

Chen Ding'an laughed. "Of course. She ran out crying to complain as soon as she could."

Chen Hao nodded. "Since you know, I won't repeat it. But that's my second reason for not expecting much from the match. A martial artist should cultivate both body and mind. But look at the Dong girl—such a trivial matter made her cry. That's hardly what you'd expect from someone who trains. Crying—how embarrassing.

Besides, I'm the one who got the worst of it, not her. What does she have to cry about?"

Chen Ding'an could only shake his head and smile wryly. "She is a girl, after all. It's natural for her to be more reserved. Besides, the Dong family is very traditional, their education follows ancient customs. When something like this happens to her, she's bound to get emotional."

Chen Hao shook his head in disbelief. "Stubborn, aren't they? How can they hope to develop their martial arts with such an attitude? They stick to old ways, and while tradition has its reasons, I agree some customs are valuable. But there are areas where we need to improve. Times have changed—clinging to the past isn't standing still, it's moving backwards. So I can't agree with the Dong family's approach to education."

Chen Ding'an looked at his son in astonishment, as if seeing a stranger. Good heavens, what's gotten into him today? It was as if he suddenly matured, talking about issues only adults tend to consider.

Most children wouldn't even think about these things, and even told, might not understand.

"What's with you today?" Chen Ding'an ruffled Chen Hao's hair. "Why the sudden...?"

Chen Hao seemed just as puzzled, scratching his head. "I'm not sure. It feels like after watching the old master's wood-chopping, my horizons widened."

Chen Ding'an was surprised. He hadn't expected visiting the old master would have such an effect. Originally, he just hoped Chen Hao could learn something for his future martial arts path by observing the old master. Whether Chen Hao's skills improved was uncertain, but his thinking clearly had. Chen Ding'an was delighted by his son's growth.

"Any other thoughts? Tell me."

"I do have a third reason why I don't think the Dong girl can beat me," said Chen Hao. "It happened after I saw the old master's martial arts. Though he didn't teach me directly, watching him gave me a strange feeling—I can't quite put it into words. What struck me wasn't his martial arts prowess. Honestly, even if he taught me step by step, I doubt I could learn what he showed today.

What I sensed was something else. Watching the old master's every move, it was as if my heartstrings were touched. Everything he did seemed so natural, as if he were one with the world."

Chen Ding'an nodded. "I felt the same. That's the effect of reaching a certain level of mastery. You're right—he really has become one with his surroundings. It's a change in realm, and it's not easy to reach."

Chen Hao nodded. He didn't quite understand, but he got the general idea.

"So these three reasons make me think I'll be disappointed in the match. After seeing the old master's profound martial arts, all those I've fought before seem... so weak..." Chen Hao said helplessly.

"Heh..." Chen Ding'an didn't comment, but changed the subject. "Don't underestimate the Dong family. Though they seem to have declined, a dead camel is still bigger than a horse.

The Dong family was once a powerful clan, their heritage is incomparable. You see few people now, but I bet if they faced real trouble, many strong families and individuals would come to their aid.

That's the network they've built over the years. No person or family can stand against the masses. With their friends' help, they'll survive any hardship.

And though I often criticize Dong Jianguo, he is actually very strong and capable. If not for bad luck, the Dong family wouldn't be in this state."

Chen Hao nodded, taking it all in.

"Now, setting aside the Dong family, what do you think of those we've fought before?" Chen Ding'an asked.

"They..." Chen Hao frowned in thought. "I don't think they're that impressive. Individually, they might be stronger than me, but compared to you, Dad, they're not even close. So many joined forces and still couldn't do anything to you. I can tell none of them—neither the one who fought me nor those who attacked you—used their full strength. But you didn't either, did you?"

"Never underestimate anyone," Chen Ding'an said gravely. "I bet their true strength exceeds what we expect."

"Hmm?" Chen Hao didn't understand why his father said that.

Chen Ding'an sighed. "You're young, and haven't practiced long enough to notice. But I'm certain—they may not be strong individually, but they've mastered a formation for fighting together. If they'd used that formation against me, today's outcome wouldn't have been a draw!"

Chen Hao was shocked.

He was about to ask more, but Chen Ding'an, mimicking Chen Hao earlier, closed his eyes and reclined at the edge of the pool, enjoying himself. "Don't slack off, son! I have high hopes for you!"