Chen Feng walked beside Zhao Shan through the long, quiet corridor, his footsteps steady and graceful.
But inside?
He was absolutely exhausted.
"How long is this damn corridor?" he thought with a twitching brow. "I've been walking forever."
The villa was massive—far more luxurious than anything he had ever seen in his previous life. The walls were lined with golden carvings, art pieces, and ancestral scrolls. Expensive vases stood on jade pedestals, and redwood doors led into grand rooms on both sides.
Chen Feng couldn't help but admire it.
"I'm rich now. Like… stupid rich."He smirked internally. "Forget student loans. I could buy a university and name it after my cat."
As he passed through each section, he noticed several family members in the halls—some elders, some cousins. Everyone gave him warm smiles and respectful nods.
Some even greeted him directly.
"Young Master Feng!"
"Congratulations on your awakening!"
"Brother Feng is amazing!"
But while Chen Feng returned the greetings politely, he was screaming inside.
"Ugh! I have to greet each of them by relation?! Damn this complex family tree! Not only do I have to act friendly, but I also have to mimic the old Chen Feng's tone and habits…"
He tightened his expression, keeping his face calm and composed."I just need to get through this without messing up."
But he notice one more thing as he chukled on his own thought,'' It seems in this world, superpower not only give people long age but also excelent genes as almost everyone is quiet good skins...''
Finally—after what felt like ten full minutes of parade-level walking—they reached the grand main hall.
The hall was wide and majestic, decorated with gold-edged furniture and a massive beast-skin carpet. In the center stood a long ceremonial table, polished and elegant. Ancient paintings hung on the walls, glowing faintly with spiritual energy.
Several people were already seated.
Zhao Shan moved quietly to the side and bowed respectfully, taking his place near the wall.
Chen Feng inhaled, adjusted his sleeves, and walked forward until he stood before the central figure at the head of the hall.
With practiced grace, he cupped his fists and bowed.
"Chen Feng greets Grandfather. How was your trip?"
The man sitting at the center was the legendary Chen Zhan—his grandfather.
Although over a hundred years old, Chen Zhan looked no older than forty. He had a powerful presence and a sharp gaze that could pierce through a person's soul. His hair was streaked with a touch of silver, and his thunder-imbued aura hummed faintly around him like a sleeping dragon.
He was a ninth-rank powerhouse—one of the strongest men in Daxia. He had awakened the S-rank Thunder talent in his youth and was the founder of the great Chen family.
To his left stood his three sons: Chen Ding, the eldest—serious and stern-looking.
Chen Li, the second—slightly more refined, with a scholar's presence.
And finally, Chen Xiao, the youngest—and Chen Feng's father.
Chen Zhan's stern expression broke into a wide grin the moment he saw Chen Feng.
"Hahaha! You brat, you're finally back!"
He looked him up and down with sparkling eyes.
Chen Feng, however, was nervous.
"Why is he smiling at me like that? Do I have something on my face? Did I am a beautiful woman?"
But outwardly, he just stood still, calm as water.
Chen Zhan suddenly laughed louder and slapped the table."After so many years, someone finally inherited my thunder talent! I was starting to think my genes were defective!"
The others chuckled, but Chen Zhan was clearly thrilled.
He looked at his three sons. "Three sons! Over ten grandchildren! Not a single one got my power—until now!"
His voice held pride and joy.
Chen Feng lowered his eyes politely, feeling strange.
"So this old man's actually that happy, huh…?"
Chen Ding, Chen Li, and Chen Xiao all stepped forward to congratulate him.
"Congratulations, Feng'er."
"Well done."
"You've made us proud."
Chen Feng responded with the appropriate greetings and thanks. The words came naturally—almost as if he had practiced for this day.
But then—
Chen Zhan's eyes narrowed with excitement. "Now that I have someone to inherit my legacy, I can finally retire in peace. Drinking wine, chasing wome... pleasure, wandering the mountains… ah, what a life!"
His words stunned the room.
Chen Feng's lips twitched.
"What kind of retirement speech is that?! You sound like a rogue cultivator, not a family head…"
Across the hall, both uncles and even Chen Feng's father had expressions full of black lines.
Everyone in the family knew that becoming the next Patriarch was a position of great power and responsibility. Many had silently worked for years, building prestige and support.
But now, with Chen Feng awakening an S-level superpower, his chances of being chosen as the next head had suddenly become almost absolute.
His uncles smiled on the surface, but inwardly...
Their hopes had just shattered.
Chen Feng noticed their expressions but said nothing. Instead, he silently recalled the memories from the original Chen Feng.
"Right… Grandfather is a free spirit. He only became Patriarch because he had to. He's been wanting to retire for years..."
At that moment, his father, Chen Xiao, gently stepped forward and smiled.
"Father, you're excited, but maybe we should hear Feng'er's thoughts first. Let him speak for himself."
Chen Zhan nodded with a grin. "That's fair. Feng'er, tell me. Do you have any plans for the future?"
Chen Feng was waiting for this.
He knew he couldn't stay too close to the family for now. He had too many secrets to hide. Not just his true soul, but also his second superpower.
So he cupped his hands, bowed respectfully, and said, "Grandfather, Father, Uncles… I wish to join the Superpower Academy."
The room fell silent for a breath.
Chen Zhan raised a brow. "Oh? The national academy?"
Chen Feng nodded firmly. "I wish to explore my potential fully. There… I'll be tested by the outside world. I believe it's the best place to grow."
It was the perfect excuse to leave the family estate, gather strength, and hide his identity—all while pretending to follow a noble path of growth.
Zhao Shan, standing to the side, smiled slightly in admiration.
And Chen Zhan?
He burst into laughter again. "Good! You've got fire in your blood! That's how a cultivator should be! Fine, I'll allow it. When the admissions starts next month, you can go directly to the Academy. The Chen Family will support you fully."
Chen Feng bowed again. "Thank you, Grandfather."
As the formal meeting continued with discussions of arrangements, Chen Feng stood there calmly, hiding the quiet storm brewing within his heart.
He had gained his footing.
But what came next… would be a true trial.