Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 203 Training

Chen Hongtao, Chen Hongyun, and Chen Hongyu shuddered slightly, but still didn't dare to look up. They knew they had disappointed their father and were filled with guilt.

Chen Shanchang sighed as he watched them. He began to lecture them, his words filled with both expectations and rebuke. "As descendants of the Chen family, you should be responsible and have a sense of duty. You can't always be so immature and cause me trouble." His voice echoed throughout the spacious hall, striking at everyone's heart.

Before continuing to eat, Chen Shanchang said to his three sons, "I'm going to eat now. Tell me where Xin'er has gone." There was a hint of anxiety and worry in his tone.

Chen Hongtao, Chen Hongyun, and Chen Hongyu looked at each other, none daring to speak first. They knew their father would be furious if they revealed Chen Xiner's whereabouts. But they also understood that if they kept silent, their father would find out sooner or later.

Chen Hongtao, the head of the Chen family, looked at his two younger brothers with a wave of helplessness. He knew that at this moment, he had to step forward and take responsibility. After all, even if he didn't speak out, it would eventually be known.

Chen Hongtao took a deep breath and said slowly: "Father, Xin'er has fallen in love with a genius boy, and now she has gone out to find that boy." His voice trembled a little, and he was obviously very nervous.

Upon hearing this, Chen Shanchang immediately stopped what he was doing. A flash of surprise flashed across his eyes, then gave way to anger. He slammed his hand on the table, and it instantly crumbled to dust.

"You bastards! Why don't you keep an eye on Xin'er?" Chen Shanchang roared, his voice resounding in the hall like thunder.

Chen Hongtao quickly explained: "Father, that young man saved my life, so I... I... I will leave me to their own devices." His voice was full of helplessness and guilt.

Chen Shanchang stood up and pointed at Chen Hongtao angrily and said, "You...you...you, you are going to piss me off to death. Don't you know the consequences of doing this? Can you afford it?" His fingers trembled slightly, revealing his inner anger.

Chen Hongtao lowered his head, not daring to look at his father. He knew his decision might bring trouble to the Chen family, but he didn't want to go against his conscience.

The two elders standing by were also intimidated by Chen Shanchang's anger. They knew the consequences, but they couldn't bear them. They took a step back silently, not daring to speak.

Chen Shanchang's anger intensified as he watched Chen Hongtao. He knew that his son, while responsible, could sometimes be overly emotional.

"Send someone to bring Xin'er back quickly." Chen Shanchang said, his tone full of command.

The two elders got Chen Shanchang's permission and immediately sent people out to look for him. Chen Hongtao was the only one left in the hall. He still lowered his head and did not dare to look at his father.

Chen Shanchang looked at Chen Hongtao, feeling helpless. He knew his son was a man of deep affection and loyalty, but in this world where the strong prey on the weak, letting emotions get in the way often leads to trouble.

"Do you know how much danger this will bring to the Chen family?" Chen Shanchang asked. His voice had calmed down a lot, but still carried a hint of blame.

Chen Hongtao looked up at his father, his eyes filled with determination. "Father, I know this might bring trouble to the Chen family, but I can't go against my conscience. That boy saved my life, and I can't watch Xin'er miss out on her happiness." His voice was filled with sincerity and courage.

Chen Shanchang looked at Chen Hongtao and felt a slight movement in his heart. He knew that his son had grown up and had his own ideas and responsibilities.

"Okay, since you have made up your mind, I won't say anything more. But you must remember that the safety of the Chen family always comes first. If that young man cannot bring happiness to Xin'er, or brings danger to the Chen family, you must make the right choice." Chen Shanchang said, his tone full of seriousness.

Chen Hongtao nodded and said, "Father, I understand. I will think about it carefully."

Chen Shanchang stood up and walked out of the living room. His figure loomed large in the sunlight, as if proclaiming the Chen family's strength to the world. His heart was filled with determination; he must find Chen Xiner and ensure the Chen family's continued prosperity in this dangerous world.

At this time, Chen Hongtao and the two elders also came to the living room. When they saw Chen Shanchang leaving, they felt full of guilt. They knew that they had not fulfilled their responsibilities as elders and had made Chen Shanchang worried.

Chen Hongtao said, "We must find Xin'er as soon as possible and not let father worry anymore."

Chen Hongtao pondered for a moment, then said, "This matter must be carried out in secret. No one outside can know that Xin'er is not at home. Otherwise, our Chen family may face more trouble."

After Chen Hongtao finished speaking, he silently followed Chen Shanchang and left the hall. Their footsteps echoed in the silent corridor, as if each step was burdened with heavy thoughts.

At this time, the anger on Chen Shanchang's face had dissipated, replaced by a relatively gentle mood. His eyes revealed a hint of fatigue and helplessness, as if he had finally found a trace of peace after a fierce inner struggle.

Sunlight filtered through the carved windows of the corridor, casting dappled shadows. A gentle breeze blew by, bringing a subtle coolness. Chen Shanchang paused, slowly turned, and looked at Chen Hongtao behind him.

"Hongtao, you're not unreasonable. How could you do such a foolish thing?" Chen Shanchang's voice was gentle, but it still contained a hint of blame. He frowned slightly, his eyes full of confusion and puzzlement.

Chen Hongtao lowered his head slightly, a look of helplessness and guilt on his face. He walked over to Chen Shanchang and whispered, "Father, Xin'er is my daughter. She has the right to pursue her own happiness. It's not my place to interfere." His voice was filled with love and understanding for his daughter, and his eyes revealed a firm resolve.

Chen Shanchang frowned, a flicker of worry in his eyes. "So, we don't have to repay the Nine Emperors' favor? You know what? Our Chen family will be doomed." His voice was low and serious, as if reminding Chen Hongtao of the seriousness of the situation. His eyes were filled with worry, as if he had already foreseen the potential crisis facing the Chen family.

Chen Hongtao was silent for a moment, then raised his head and said firmly, "I know this is extremely selfish, but I can't sacrifice my daughter for the safety of the Chen family." His eyes revealed a determination; he was ready to face all the consequences. His hands were clasped tightly together, revealing his inner tension and anxiety.