Seeing Yun Yao so worried about him, Ye Qian smiled, warmth flooding his chest.
His predecessor had always liked causing trouble, and as his mother, Yun Yao had cleaned up after him countless times. Her love for her son could only be described as god-level doting.
However, his predecessor had never cherished this maternal affection. He often talked back to her, dismissing her concern.
Things are different now. I won't be like him.
After all, why wouldn't he cherish a loving family?
Taking a step back, Ye Qian bowed deeply to Yun Yao once more.
"Mother, I'm sorry for making you and Father worry. It was my fault—arrogance blinded me, and I didn't know my limits. I promise to be more patient and disciplined with my cultivation from now on."
Hearing these sincere words, both parents stared in disbelief.
Is this… really my son?
In the past, their son had never apologized so openly, let alone so sincerely. He had never admitted fault.
Yun Yao didn't overthink it. She simply believed her son had undergone a certain transformation after this Qi Deviation.
Gently stroking Ye Qian's head, she comforted him. "It's… it's alright, my sweetling. As long as you're fine."
Though she said this, Yun Yao was overjoyed inside. My son has finally grown up.
Perhaps this Qi Deviation had been a blessing in disguise.
When she had embraced Ye Qian moments earlier, Yun Yao had confirmed one crucial thing: the person before her was indeed her son, not some foreign entity impersonating him. They were connected by blood. How could a mother not recognize her own child?
"Still, I must ask… Qian'er, why were you so reckless in your breakthrough? Was it truly for that common girl?" Yun Yao's voice grew icy. "What is so special about her? The Immortal Realm is filled with beautiful women. Just name the one you desire, and Mother will bring her to you."
Yun Yao's words were not a joke. The Ye Family alone had the confidence to make such a statement.
It turned out that Ye Qian's Qi Deviation had not been so simple. His predecessor had been desperate to break through from the Enlightenment Realm to the Holy Induction Realm because he had fallen in love with a woman.
And that woman had proposed a condition: she said that if he could break through to the Holy Induction Realm within the year, she wouldn't mind becoming his woman.
Breaking through from the Enlightenment Realm to the Holy Induction Realm was not merely a matter of aptitude.
It required time, accumulation, and enlightenment of the Dao. Some people could spend their entire lives trying and never succeed. It was related to aptitude, fortune, and the cultivation technique itself.
However, his predecessor had truly loved that woman. He agreed without hesitation.
He hadn't expected that his eagerness to break through would ultimately lead to Qi Deviation, rendering him unconscious. Only then had Ye Qian seized the opportunity and experienced rebirth.
Recalling how his predecessor had driven himself into Qi Deviation for a woman, Ye Qian couldn't help but want to laugh.
It was just a woman. Even if his mother's words were harsh, they were not wrong. The girl's status paled in comparison to his own. Was it truly worth all this?
Of course, the main reason was that his predecessor believed he had met his soulmate—the one person he loved above all else. That was why he had gone to such lengths. Otherwise, it would never have happened.
Ye Qian gently took Yun Yao's hand and said softly, "I know it was a mistake. From now on, I will focus on my duties as heir. Nothing else will distract me."
Of course not. I've only just been reborn. Why would I court death by doing something so foolish again?
Hearing her son say this with her own ears, Yun Yao finally felt relieved.
Gently pressing her lips to Ye Qian's cheek and caressing it, Yun Yao announced with clear satisfaction, "Good! Qian'er, it's good that you understand. But even if she no longer holds your interest, her family will deliver her to you by tomorrow."
Her words carried absolute certainty, not a trace of exaggeration. Such was the weight of Ye Qian's noble status.
The matter of her son's Qi Deviation would not be left unanswered.
Yun Yao was a mother whose vengeance burned deep. Anyone who dared harm her beloved son would face consequences without mercy.
After hearing her words, Ye Qian remained silent. He had no doubt his mother could—and would—carry out her promise.
He made no move to stop her. Whatever she chose to do, he would accept. After all, her actions were always for his benefit, and this was no exception.
As they say, a mother always knows best.
"Very well, Mother. In this matter, I will heed your words. I accept this gift with gratitude."
At this moment, Ye Qian was the picture of a considerate, filial son, agreeing to everything his mother said with a gracious smile.
Witnessing her son's polite demeanor, Yun Yao's spirits lifted, and she couldn't suppress a chuckle.
Although the Qi Deviation had been extremely dangerous, the fact that it brought about such a profound change in her son and improved their relationship was more than enough compensation.
Ye Changkong, seated on his throne, naturally heard everything clearly. He knew exactly what his wife intended to do.
At that moment, Yun Yao glanced at Ye Changkong and nodded gently.
They had been husband and wife for many years. Ye Changkong understood her meaning instantly.
He raised his right hand and waved it gently.
A certain presence hidden in the shadows received the silent command and swiftly departed from the main hall.
All of this transpired right before Ye Qian's eyes, but because his current cultivation was insufficient, he failed to notice.
…
Within the Ye Family's vast territory, there existed a small family—the Yue Family.
The Yue Family was not powerful. It was merely a minor clan living under the Ye Family's dominion, a subordinate family scraping by on the periphery of true power.
Yet this insignificant family had done something earth-shattering.
The daughter of the Yue Family's Family Head, Yue Ming, had caused the Ye Family's Young Master to suffer Qi Deviation.
That's right. Yue Ming was the woman who had indirectly caused Ye Qian's near-death.
Yue Ming had grown up in the small Yue Family. Because her family lacked strength, she lived a relatively low-key life. However, she was exceptionally talented, possessing a very mysterious Yin Physique—a rare body-refining constitution.
Now, at just twenty years old, she had already broken through to the Enlightenment Realm. Both her aptitude and strength were formidable.
For such a prodigy to appear in a small family was a tremendous honor.
Yue Ming, who had shown extraordinary cultivation talent since childhood, was naturally beloved by the family elders. No matter what cultivation resources she needed, the elders prioritized giving them to her. This was the benefit of possessing powerful talent.
Moreover, as she grew older, she became increasingly graceful and beautiful. This inflated Yue Ming's pride.
She believed that although she was born into a small family, her aptitude was not inferior to any major family's descendant. Her future achievements would be immeasurable.
One day, she suddenly encountered Ye Qian.
Ye Qian's predecessor had fallen in love with Yue Ming at first sight. He pursued her relentlessly, wanting her to become his woman.
But how could the proud Yue Ming willingly yield to Ye Qian like that?
Ye Qian was, after all, a descendant of a great family. Who knew how many women he would marry in the future? She didn't want to be just one among many.
Furthermore, she wanted to become stronger, unlock her innate abilities, and lead the Yue Family to greater heights.