The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2332: Enlightenment

Wenren Jingxuan observed his daughter’s tender gaze, which held a flicker of pity and sorrow. A sharp pain pierced his heart, and a shadow of bitterness crossed his face as the comforting words he had prepared remained unspoken.

Shang Che let out a quiet breath of relief.

His heart naturally hoped that Wenren Wan would consent.

This crucial matter had been decided by numerous Heaven Void Ancestors within the Qian Learning State Boundary. As the Family Head of the Shangguan Family, he certainly didn’t wish to defy the will of those esteemed Ancestors.

On a smaller scale, this decision involved the life of Shangguan’s legitimate son and the honor of the Shangguan Family.

On a grander scale, it was tied to the very security of the entire Qian Learning State Boundary.

Wenren Wan’s agreement would be a significant favor granted.

Regardless of whether Yu’er could ultimately be saved, or what Wenren Wan’s own fate would be, the Shangguan Family stood to gain.

He, as the Family Head, had to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

This act of "balancing" was tinged with a degree of selfishness and indifference, sentiments Shang Che hesitated to reveal, lest he offend the Wenren Family.

Fortunately, Wenren Wan, driven by anxiety for her child, made her own decision. If she hadn't, and had chosen self-preservation over familial ties, Shang Che would have found it impossible to persuade her.

Given the current circumstances, Shang Che was naturally pleased with the turn of events.

He stood calmly to the side, hands clasped within his sleeves, appearing detached from the unfolding situation.

However, at this precise moment, Shangguan Yi stepped forward.

Seeing the anguish etched on his wife's face, a pang struck his heart:

"I am Yu’er’s father. The bond between father and son is unbreakable. If a dream must be entered, let it be me..."

Upon hearing this, Shang Che’s face contorted, turning an angry shade of blue as he berated his son:

"Nonsense! What concern is this of yours?"

Throughout his life, Shang Che had indulged himself, accumulating countless consorts, yet Yu’er was his only son.

He needed this sole heir to carry on the family legacy.

Should the Sea of Consciousness be damaged, the Dao body corrupted, the Great Dao severed, further cultivation would become impossible, rendering the position of Family Head unattainable.

His lifetime of struggle, the meticulously established network, and the painstakingly preserved foundation would all be in vain.

Wenren Jingxuan cast a cold glance at Shang Che before shifting his gaze to Shangguan Yi’s sorrowful expression, feeling a mixture of gratification and disdain.

He was gratified that Shangguan Yi genuinely loved his daughter; his precious child had not married the wrong man.

Yet, he disdained the fact that had his daughter not married Shangguan Yi, she could have lived a life of carefree bliss, as sweet as honey, free from the torments she endured within the Shangguan Family. She would not have faced this agonizing choice, where her prospects for Dao Cultivation were jeopardized, and she stood on the brink of losing her children.

"Alas, fate governs all, with humans having little control..."

Wenren Jingxuan’s face was etched with hardship as he concluded with a sigh.

"Wan’er, you..."

Wenren Jingxuan looked deeply at Wenren Wan, his words dissolving into a profound sigh.

However, she was, after all, his biological daughter, and as her father, he could not abandon her.

"Come with me. We shall report to the Ancestor."

Wenren Jingxuan extended a hand, steadying Wenren Wan as they proceeded to leave.

After walking a few steps, Wenren Wan glanced back at her husband, her eyes lingering with unspoken emotions, before her expression turned resolutely sorrowful. Finally, she departed the secret chamber alongside Wenren Jingxuan.

Once they left, only the Shangguan father and son remained within the secret chamber.

Shangguan Yi stood there, pale and unmoving.

Observing his son’s state, Shang Che, despite his usual cunning, felt a surge of anger, chastising:

"Is this all the ambition you possess?"

"As my son, Shang Che’s son, is your mind solely occupied by romantic entanglements?"

"Without wife or child, you appear lost and despairing; how can you ever achieve greatness?"

Shangguan Yi calmly endured his father’s reprimand before quietly responding:

"Father, I am Yu’er’s father, and Wan’er’s husband. If I am incapable of protecting my son and my wife, can I truly become great, as they say?"

"If I cannot safeguard my own small family, how can I possibly lead the Shangguan Clan as its Clan Leader?"

Shang Che faltered, retorting, "That is a separate matter."

"It is all retribution..."

Having indulged himself throughout his life, he had fathered a "lover" consumed by romantic entanglements.

Shang Che's expression turned icy as he flicked his sleeves and departed.

Leaving Shangguan Yi alone in the secluded chamber, pondering his child's precarious life and his wife's forced abandonment of her Dao path to ensure their child's survival, his heart was inundated with shame and impotence, his visage etched with regret.

...

Within the Sword Observation Tower.

Wenren Wan was escorted by Wenren Jingxuan into the presence of True Man Situ and a multitude of Heaven Void Ancestors.

True Man Situ inquired, "Have you reached a decision?"

Wenren Wan nodded, her mild countenance reflecting a mother's unwavering resolve:

"As long as Yu'er is saved, I have no regard for the Sea of Consciousness, nor for my cultivation."

True Man Situ experienced a pang of emotion and even a measure of respect. Yet, the more profound his sentiment, the more he inwardly lamented.

Should the endeavor prove unfeasible, this mother and son might not escape peril.

In this realm, the more benevolent one's heart, the greater the likelihood of enduring fate's cruel torments.

The other Heaven Void Ancestors offered slight inclinations of their heads, their minds finding a measure of ease.

Although they were Heaven Void Ancestors, possessing profound cultivation and considerable might, capable of compelling compliance even if Wenren Wan resisted, and possessing means to make the Shangguan and Wenren families yield, the "Heavenly Dream's Guide" spell involved the Sea of Consciousness.