10 Heavenly Astral Clans

Hei stays silent as he looks on his father. Liu Tian looks at him with a bit of suspicion and doubt. However, as the seconds slowly pass and he notices Hei remains quite with a difficult expression, his doubt and suspicion becomes anxiety.

"Little…Hei…don't…tell me…that you…have…" Hei interjects with an emotionless voice, "Can I have a different question?"

With that simple sentence and the emotionless voice that is projected from his son, Liu Tian's expression becomes unsightly as he realizes that his son more than likely has not only seen this monster that haunts his dreams but is definitely more than 'seeing' it. He looks on his son as cold sweat washes him from head to toe.

"Tell me…what happened between you 2? What is it? What does it want? The clan is unable to deal with the fact that I was saved by a demon already and will let the other clans scrutinize us…a Colossan is affiliated with you now…furthermore, it seems even more vicious and malignant."

"It is not safe, tell me what it wants and what it is doing and I will get everyone to help. You have to talk to me Little Hei…please…" Hei shakes his head and looks away. Liu Tian slowly falls into despair at the thought of his clan being jointly destroyed by the other clans.

"Fine...you want to know the truth? Do you want to know what exactly the clan is going through? Let's see if you will remain so silent. Did you know that only humans are not affiliated with any other races? We are the only race that stays by ourselves and while we might fight among ourselves, we will quickly unite to fight any race that threatens us."

"This is even more so for Heavenly Astral Clans. Among this wide universe, humanity has their fair share of area. We try to protect this so our bloodlines can continue. A Heavenly Astral Clan is one of the leaders of humanity itself. Without them, humanity would probably decline severely."

Hei still does not look on his father but in truth, he is actually listening keenly. While he knows the clan is very important to his immediate family, he knows even more so that his secret is actually very import to the entire clan and possibly the human race!

Therefore, he finds it very hard to come to the decision that he should disclose some information about himself. Liu Tian looks on his son who still has his head turned away.

"Heavenly Astral Clans are special not because of their role but it is more so because of where they are coming from. You should have an idea of what cultivation realms are supposed to be… every Heavenly Astral Clan is born from cultivation."

"Not just that, they are also the remnants of someone or persons who were really devoted to cultivation for the sake of protecting humanity. Many years ago, wars were a norm. None of the races were affiliated in the slightest. Now, the Beasts and Demons are friends while the Colossans stay by themselves."

"They will however trade with demons and beasts for resources. This means they might not be enemies but they aren't friends either. But they definitely hate humanity."

Hei still looks the same which makes Liu Tian slightly frown. It can be seen that he is actually getting a bit irritated at the thought of how uncaring his son seems to be towards his own birth clan and his race in general. "Little Hei, Colossans are all eccentric and monstrous. Their size alone poses a threat to us."

Hei turns his back fully with a slightly unhappy face. In his mind, he thinks, "Father, you know nothing."

Liu Tian shakes his head. "Our clan is in more danger than you think and even your mother's clan is in trouble similar to us. That's 2 clans. If information is leaked, what do you think will happen to your mother's clan? Tell me Little Hei"

"I have no comment", Hei emotionlessly replies without even the slightest bit of change in breathing or his emotions. In his mind he apologizes over and over, "I am sorry for everything father. You wouldn't understand how serious this is. One day when I am strong enough, I will kotow a million times in apology but for now, I cannot release the slightest of information to you…"

A look of sadness and unwillingness is seen on Liu Tian's face as she shakes his head repeatedly.

"Did you know that the person who the demon that saved me said he met was the founder of our clan? His cultivation level was not low…you might not know this but do you know how a bloodline is granted exactly?"

Hei shakes his head with a bland 'no'. "I thought as much. It is passed down to everyone in the Heavenly Astral Clans who are in the upper echelons. I believe I am best suitable to tell you. Among the various cultivation levels, each 3 has a corresponding name for that little section."

"After one gets their spirit, they will finally begin cultivation. Only persons with a bloodline on par with ours or is stronger will actually be able fight using their bloodline alone before cultivation. They can call upon the laws naturally stored in their bloodline, summoning astral light from the astral heavens."

No reaction can be seen on Hei's face. So far, it seems he knows all of this already. Liu Tian continues diligently, "Each 3 cultivation levels are separated into 'steps'. What is the highest step?" Hei calmly replies, "The highest step is known as the Transcendent Step."

"This is a legendary step that not many top tier talents are able to enter. Even the 12 Thunderous Demons along with grandfather consider this realm legendary as they were all barely able to enter this 'step' and haven't reached the peak at all."

Liu Tian nods a bit and smiles. This smile however has a look of suspense and remains quiet. This sudden quiet causes Hei to actually falter slightly.

He thinks, "What is father thinking? Is he planning something? Why is he so silent? Is he trying to be suspenseful? It's not working though…definitely not working…Tell me damn it! Tell me already and stop trying to act cool!"

Liu Tian takes a deep breath and sits up straight. With a solemn and respectful tone, he unhurriedly says, "After the Transcendent Step, there is the God Step." Like a bomb going off in Hei's mind, he widens his eyes as he hears these few words which sound simply unreal.

He actually turns to face his father who has a look of pride. Liu Tian continues, "Yes, the God Step is extremely mysterious. It is naturally something which is not a secret; it's just that it's been many years since someone has managed to step into such a mythical and overpowered realm."

"Actually becoming a god…it sounds ridiculous but it is true. It is said that someone who has stepped in this boundary will be blessed by the heavens. This blessing will be in the form of a new and unique bloodline…of the receiver's choosing!" Hei gasps as he looks on his father's pride filled and respectful look.

"Are you saying…?" Liu Tian cuts him off immediately, "Yes, the Heavenly Astral Clans are all descendants of such persons! Only someone who has stepped into such a legendary realm is able to create a Heavenly Astral Bloodline."

"The descendants will possess tyrannical energies and their potential will be really high. What is even more fantastic is that you get to choose the general abilities of your bloodline and its characteristics!"

Shaking his head furiously, Hei looks on his father's face intensely, trying to find any trace of joking or lying but is unable to see anything of such sort. Only the prideful and respectful expression with a bit of yearning can be seen.

"Father…God Step…can this even be possible?" "Yes it can be and is a fact. That is the basic history behind all the Heavenly Astral Clans. Thus, as a member of such a clan, we have to take charge and protect humanity."

"Not only that, we have to follow the teachings of our ancestors and finally, we must try to surpass them! If more persons in a Heavenly Astral Clan could actually manage to enter this legendary step, not only would their clan elevate in strength, but any child they produce with another person with such a similar bloodline would in truth…be even more tyrannical! That is why the Heavenly Astral Clans try their best to maintain such high standards."

Hei nods with a bit of understanding but he gets the feeling that something else is going to be said which doesn't seem too wonderful at all. This is confirmed when he hears his father utter the words, "That is why our clan and your mother's clan can possibly be destroyed!"

"If other Heavenly Astral Clans could plunder the many years of resources we have accumulated, then they could possibly gain an edge and increase their power to the point where someone could possibly enter this legendary step. They will stop at nothing to get power. This is probably the reason humanity is hated by all races. However, if I expressed this view, I would be chastised even more…"

"Little Tian, you're very reckless. Is talking to your genius son so exciting that you blabber on for such a long time?" An aged but strong voice rings out and 3 curtains of space are actually pulled off. Zhu Tianxuan, Liu Xuanhong and Zhu Hong'er all appear together.

A barely visible barrier materializes suddenly like it was always there, surrounding the entire Black Night Pavilion. "I cannot believe you were this reckless Kiddo Tian. Your father is correct; talking to Little Hei really has gotten you a little muddle headed. I can imagine if someone 'unexpected' was listening, I can imagine the consequences."

Zhu Hong'er shakes her head with an angry but funny expression as if she is laughing at the fact that her 'always perfect' husband actually screwed up for once. They all take a seat as Hei respectfully salutes his grandparents and mother.

"Luckily, we arrived the same time you did and noticed you wanted to talk without erecting a barrier. Therefore, father made a barrier secretly and watched how long it would take for you to realize your mistake but we got bored waiting. Darling, you really were careless."

Zhu Hong'er smiles as she berates her husband. Then she looks at Hei and sizes him up good. She then warmly smiles and pinches his cheek, "Little Hei, is father bullying you and forcing you to deal with the clan's problems? Do not worry; mother will bully him back for you later on."

Hei nods calmly but in truth, he seems even more unhappy. His irritated voice constantly says 'damn it' in his mind.

"I can't believe they were here too! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! I just want those resources. The more time is wasted, less preparations I will be able to do in the few years I have! Come on! Ask me a different question then and not try to force me to reveal anything!"

Zhu Tianxuan laughs a bit as he looks on his grandson. "You're strong and you know many things the normal 6 year old Young Master of a Heavenly Astral Clan should have. The name might be a stretch and sounds ridiculous maybe, but the term Heavenly Astral Clan is actually very serious. It shows that we are clans that the Astral Heavens have bestowed something to."

Liu Xuanhong nods in agreement as he observes Hei's expression. The survival of our clans is not just to preserve lives but to also preserve the hard work of our ancestors…always keep that in mind no matter what happens in the future."

"Always try to strive for above the heavens. Never give up, the Astral Heavens sees and knows everything. One's hard work and good deeds will not go unnoticed." He then looks on his own son and shakes his head.

"Little Hei might have a few things he is unable to say but that is fine. You didn't have to ask him in hopes that you could tell me. If it was something he could say then he would have said it long ago."

"Besides, I saw the way he protected his sisters and I also saw how he did not try to threaten the guards with his identity or report it to you. By nature, he is calm and very protective of his family and others in general. Just give him whatever he wants…support him with our entire clan. Whatever happens in the future is up to fate. That's how a Heavenly Astral Clan is supposed to treat their juniors."