Upon arriving at Heartbreak Cliff and taking a look, Zhao Chun could get a rough idea of Xu Feng's character. This Cultivation Cave was situated atop a mountain cliff where jagged rocks pierced the sky and fierce winds howled through; it was an extremely austere place.
That Xu Feng had chosen this place for his Cultivation Cave was a testament to his firm temperament. Zhao Chun relaxed slightly in her heart. In that case, he shouldn't be the type of person to listen to only one side of a story and shield his own relatives.
Greeting them outside was a square-faced man. His bearing was neither servile nor overbearing as he said, "Greetings, Immortal Master. My master is already waiting in the main hall.
Please follow me inside." Zhao Chun nodded, and the three of them followed him through the outer gate of the Cultivation Cave. Hu Wanzhi and the bribed Fang Erlang waited outside the main hall.
With their status, it was difficult for them to meet Xu Feng directly. It was up to Zhao Chun to bring up the matter first, and then introduce them. Xu Feng was indeed an austere man.
There were hardly any furnishings in the main hall, save for a few tables for receiving guests. Even a few folding screens were folded up and placed beside a table. Because of this, Zhao Chun saw Xu Feng himself as soon as she entered.
He was seated properly by a table, and even while sitting, she could tell that he had a tall build and an erect posture.
"Inner Sect Disciple Zhao Chun has come to pay a visit to Senior Brother Xu."
According to their status, both of them were from the Inner Sect, so there was no distinction between them. In terms of seniority, Zhao Chun was only one generation below the Sect Master, higher than most others. However, Xu Feng had already reached Foundation Establishment, so she, a mere Qi Refining Stage cultivator, was naturally nothing in comparison.
Thus, calling him Senior Brother was the safe choice. Xu Feng had a short beard, but one could still see that he was handsome with regular features. He wore a long robe of plain cloth, giving him an uncommonly righteous air.
Zhao Chun nodded slightly. The impression he gave was one of integrity and nobility, fitting for the room's atmosphere.
"Greetings, Junior Sister Zhao," Xu Feng's expression was gentle, showing neither joy nor anger.
He raised a hand and pointed to the large chair directly opposite him, saying, "Please, have a seat."
"I have heard that Senior Brother achieved Foundation Establishment long ago, but I never had the chance to meet you. To only come visiting today, I have troubled you, Senior Brother."
Xu Feng also understood worldly etiquette and replied in a gentle tone, "Pay it no mind. It was I who was delayed by matters outside, which made Junior Sister wait."
Many in the sect who reached the Foundation Establishment Stage considered themselves to have attained the Dao and did not see themselves as equals to Qi Refining disciples, thus becoming arrogant and aloof. Xu Feng, however, was not like that. He treated everyone equally.
Interacting with him, Zhao Chun indeed felt as pleasant as being bathed in a spring breeze.
"My Heartbreak Cliff is simple and austere. Others avoid it if they can, so few people come to visit. Does Junior Sister have some important matter to discuss?"
Zhao Chun smiled and said, "On the joyous occasion of Senior Brother's breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, I'm sure there is no shortage of people coming to offer congratulations. How could you say they avoid this place? I am extremely honored that Senior Brother is willing to take the time to see me."
Seeing that he was being direct, Zhao Chun also spoke her mind, "I have indeed come today with a matter to discuss."
"Please speak."
Xu Feng raised his eyebrows slightly, not at all surprised.
"This matter has to start with your esteemed son."
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhao Chun felt the atmosphere in the room change. Xu Feng's expression remained the same, but his eyes suddenly grew colder and more solemn. After Zhao Chun explained how the conflict between them arose and how both had been punished, Xu Feng sighed and said, "My son is unruly.
Because I have been engrossed in cultivation, I have been negligent in disciplining him, so he often causes trouble in the sect. Regarding his previous punishment and confinement, I only roughly knew the outcome. I didn't realize that he had brought trouble upon you, Junior Sister.
When a son is not taught, it is the father's fault. I must apologize to you, Junior Sister." Zhao Chun shook her head, "Senior Brother need not blame yourself.
In the end, this was a private matter between the two of us. We were both punished, so the matter was considered settled…" If Xu Kuangrui had stopped there and caused no more trouble, the conflict between him and Zhao Chun would have likely truly ended there.
"Even in the Mortal World, there's a principle that trouble should not extend to one's family. Although a cultivator's worldly ties are severed, we still have people we care about in our hearts. The animosity between your esteemed son and I can be settled directly with me. To involve the people by my side, however, makes me feel rather ashamed…"
Zhao Chun stopped there, but her implied meaning was left hanging. After such a speech, what was there for Xu Feng not to understand? It must have been that rebellious son of his, with his usual habit of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.
He didn't dare to act against Zhao Chun, so he went to oppress her friends instead. Xu Feng came from a Small World and had suffered because of his worldly relatives, having even been forced to have a son. The reasons for this were ultimately inseparable from feelings and loyalty.
Putting himself in her shoes, he could understand where Zhao Chun's resentment came from. He said with shame, "Such a thing actually happened? It seems I have been closing my eyes and ears to the world.
I wonder what my son has done?"
"I have brought the involved parties with me today. Why don't you ask them yourself, Senior Brother?"
Zhao Chun suggested. After careful consideration, Xu Feng nodded and told the square-faced man to lead Hu Wanzhi and the other person in.
(End of this chapter)