“It’s been such a long time. Thank you, Young Master Xiao, for taking care of Xiao Wei. Over these past ten-plus years, I’ve hidden too many things and owed him far too much…”
“Xiao Wei is my brother; I really don’t deserve the head of the Wang family’s gratitude. The reason he came back this time was simply to let you see how foolish your decision was back then. And judging from the present situation, I think he’s proven that point!”
Xiao Yufan wasn’t particularly fond of Wang Changfeng, but he could understand a father’s feelings. Wang Wei refusing to acknowledge his own father must have left Wang Changfeng’s heart filled with bitterness and loneliness.
“That’s true. Back then, my decision was indeed very foolish. However, if I were given another chance, I would still make the same choice!”
“You…” Xiao Yufan frowned. He hadn’t expected Wang Changfeng to say this. In other words, if given another opportunity, Wang would still abandon Wang Wei and his mother. What kind of cold-hearted person could do such a thing?
“Perhaps Young Master Xiao doesn’t fully understand the situation of our Hidden Wang family. Maybe I should explain it to you…”
Wang Changfeng’s lips curled into a bitter smile. He knew this would only deepen Xiao Yufan’s resentment toward him, but after holding these feelings in for so long, he wanted to let them out. Besides, he could see that Wang Wei deeply respected this young man, and perhaps only Xiao Yufan’s words might be able to reach him.
“I’m listening,” Xiao Yufan replied coldly, his tone devoid of emotion. If this middle-aged man’s explanation didn’t satisfy him, the Hidden Wang family’s image in his mind would fall even further.
“Wang Wei’s mother and I were truly in love back then. At that time, our family was filled with love and harmony, and I was at the peak of my life. Unfortunately, the Hidden Wang family offended another hidden aristocratic family…”
At this, Wang Changfeng fell into deep thought. Thinking back to how he had abandoned Wang Wei and his mother and married another woman, regret surged within him. That decision had cost him two women he loved.
No one interrupted the middle-aged man at this moment because, under those circumstances, Wang Changfeng’s decision had been made out of necessity—to ensure the continuation of the Hidden Wang family and to protect the safety of Wang Wei and his mother. Yet, who would truly listen to this tragic story?
“Hehe, I didn’t expect that bringing up those old memories would still affect me so. Please forgive my momentary lapse…”
Wiping slightly at the moisture in the corner of his eyes, Wang Changfeng smiled, though it was clearly forced. The pain of losing two beloved women was something few could truly understand.
“So that’s how it was. It seems Wang Wei has misunderstood things for over a decade…”
Unconsciously, Xiao Yufan’s expression had slightly softened. Thinking back, hadn’t his own parents also abandoned him out of their own hidden reasons? Now, he held no resentment in his heart.
“I know Xiao Wei holds strong resentment against me and refuses to accept me as his father, but as long as he lives well, I have no further demands.”
Wang Changfeng forced a faint smile. He had never shared these feelings with anyone before, not wanting others to see his weakest side. Carrying the entire Hidden Wang family on his shoulders, he had borne far more burdens than anyone could imagine.
“He will live well,” Xiao Yufan nodded. Although he didn’t know whether Wang Wei would change his mind upon seeing the Hidden Wang family’s elder, he would always ensure his brother’s happiness.
“Would Young Master Xiao be willing to do me a favor? I know Xiao Wei deeply respects you…”
“As long as it’s within my ability, I’ll try to help—for Wang Wei’s sake.”
Even without knowing what Wang Changfeng’s request would be, Xiao Yufan was still willing to offer assistance.
“Xiao Wei doesn’t have to acknowledge me as his father, but I hope he will return and take over the Hidden Wang family. I’ve been tired for so long now. Perhaps only he can lead the Hidden Wang family to a better future. If he refuses, then perhaps it’s time I relinquish the family leadership.”
Carefully observing Xiao Yufan’s expression, Wang Changfeng continued. He knew this request was excessive, but at this point, he had no other options left.
“I can’t make that decision for him, but I’ll try my best to persuade him.”
After a brief pause, Xiao Yufan slowly nodded. Having Wang Wei take over the Hidden Wang family was actually a pretty good idea, but ultimately, he still needed to respect Wang Wei’s choice.
“Thank you!” Although Xiao Yufan’s reply was somewhat vague, Wang Changfeng was already satisfied. If Xiao Yufan could speak on his behalf, there was a chance that Wang Wei might truly forgive him, and that was all he hoped for.
“I’d like to know more about the Ancient Martial Arts Gathering. I wonder, Uncle, how much you know about it…”
Now that Wang Wei’s matter had been resolved, Xiao Yufan directly moved to the main topic. The Hidden Guo family had created such a big commotion by holding this Ancient Martial Arts Gathering; there must be some hidden agenda. The more he understood, the better prepared he could be.
“Speaking plainly, the Ancient Martial Arts Gathering is essentially a competition among hidden aristocratic families. With the revival of ancient martial arts, many hidden families have chosen to emerge into the open. However, each hidden family is proud and refuses to acknowledge the others. The gathering serves as a way to rank these hidden families!”
From his earlier conversation with Guo Chen, Wang Changfeng had a vague sense that this young man held deep resentment against the Hidden Guo family. His desire to understand the Ancient Martial Arts Gathering likely meant he was planning some trouble.
However, Wang Changfeng didn’t hide anything. He himself held no favorable opinion of the Hidden Guo family either.
“Ranking is secondary; the Hidden Guo family’s real intention is to dominate all hidden aristocratic families!” Xiao Yufan sneered. The Hidden Guo family really had no fear of overextending themselves. Holding this Ancient Martial Arts Gathering at this time, attempting to dominate the hidden families, they clearly overestimated their own strength.
“Everyone knows of the Hidden Guo family’s ambitions, but even so, some reluctant hidden families still have to participate in this Ancient Martial Arts Gathering!”
Wang Changfeng was no novice. He could clearly see the Hidden Guo family’s intentions, yet the Hidden Wang family couldn’t afford to remain isolated from such affairs.
“Why?”
“Because behind the Hidden Guo family, there must be other forces pushing things forward—perhaps some even older hidden aristocratic families, or even several Guardian Temples!”
Thinking of the transcendent power behind the Hidden Guo family, Wang Changfeng’s expression subtly changed. When he mentioned the Guardian Temples, his eyelids twitched slightly. Compared to the hidden aristocratic families, these Guardian Temples were the true titans…
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