Talk with Grandpa

After pondering future cultivation for a moment, Aditya exit the room and find Riya and Siya in the hall.

"Young master, why are you out of your room? You should be careful; you only woke up from your coma last night." Riya rushed to Aditya's side, taking his right hand to provide support.

"Yes, Aditya, you're being rather careless again," Siya chimed in, supporting his left hand.

Outside his room, four guards stood alert, ready to assist if needed.

"I'm fine, girls, really. I can walk perfectly well. Don't worry," Aditya reassured them.

"But you should rest. We were about to bring you breakfast. We came to ask if you'd prefer liquid food or some meat?" Riya inquired, still supporting his left hand.

"I'm fine. I'll have breakfast with grandfather. Is he in the dining hall?" Aditya asked.

"Yes, the Patriarch is having his meal in the dining hall," Riya confirmed.

"Alright, then. I'll head to the dining hall first. We can catch up later," Aditya said, making his way toward the dining hall.

The dining hall was located on the sixth floor, and Aditya climbed the stairs, with the girls and guards following closely, concerned for his well-being. The girls walked beside him, holding his hands, their care evident and heartwarming.

Upon reaching the sixth floor, Aditya continued in the right direction, passing a few bedrooms before reaching the end of the hall, where a spacious dining hall awaited. He entered the dining hall alone, while the girls and guards waited outside.

Inside, Aditya found only his grandfather seated at the dining table. Typically, the patriarch's brothers and other close family members would join him for breakfast.

Aditya's grandfather had only one child, his father, and he never remarried after Aditya's grandmother's passing.

"Aditya, what are you doing here? You should be resting in your room. I was planning to visit you after breakfast," Grandfather expressed his concern.

"I'm fine, Grandpa," Aditya assured him as he took a seat beside his grandfather.

He started selecting an assortment of beast meats to start his meal. Grandfather seemed delighted to see him up and about, eating independently.

"Be mindful not to overeat; it might cause issues with your body," Grandfather advised with genuine concern etched across his face. He never harbored any resentment, even after Aditya's cultivation was deteriorated.

"Grandfather, are we alone? I have something to discuss," he asked.

Vikram employs his spirit sense and instructs the concealed guards to withdraw. After confirming their privacy, he responded, "Yes, we're alone now. What's on your mind?"

Aditya requested the system to reveal his cultivation to his grandfather.

Suddenly, Vikram observed Aditya's cultivation skyrocketing to the Peak of Qi Condensation realm, leaving him in utter disbelief.

"How did you progress from the 6th stage of Mortal Shelling to the peak of Qi Condensation overnight?" he asked, baffled.

"Grandfather, I experienced a stroke of good fortune yesterday. I obtained high-quality cultivation techniques, healing pills, and more. I'm sorry, but I can't share further details at the moment," Aditya replied, offering a half-truth. He still wasn't ready to reveal the existence of the system to anyone.

"Does this mean you're cured of the poison?" Vikram exclaimed, unable to contain his disbelief. He had devoted considerable time and resources to finding a cure for his only grandson, and it had seemed futile.

"Yes, Grandfather, the poison in my body has been completely eradicated. I am fully recovered," Aditya assured him with a warm smile.

Vikram hastily wiped his hands clean and held Aditya's hand, checking his pulse and infusing it with his Nascent Soul energy to confirm the cure. There were no dark, poison-like particles in his blood. Against all odds, his grandson was truly cured.

"Hahaha, Aditya, I am overjoyed today," Vikram laughed heartily, enveloping Aditya in a warm hug. His face radiated relief and happiness.

"Aditya, you needn't reveal your fortune to me. Every cultivator has their own secrets. I'm just delighted that you're healthy and able to continue your cultivation. If you ever require assistance, don't hesitate to ask," Vikram expressed his happiness, respecting Aditya's privacy.

"Thank you, Grandpa. Has anything noteworthy occurred while I was in a coma?"

Vikram sighs, takes a moment to contemplate, and responds, "Due to your cultivation loss and health condition, your fiancé's family requested to annul the engagement."

"My fiancé," Aditya mused aloud.

Aditya had been engaged to Surbhi Surya, the most beautiful woman in the Sun Kingdom and a princess. She was also the most talented young cultivator in the kingdom, having reached the 8th stage of the Foundation realm at just fifteen, a feat achieved only once in a hundred years. She advanced to the first stage of the Foundation realm at the age of 10.

Each stage of the Foundation realm was more challenging than the entire Qi Condensation realm. Achieving the 8th stage in three years was a testament to her exceptional talent. She was also Aditya's childhood friend and remained kind and close to him even after the assassination attempt and his loss of cultivation.

Something has transpired in the last three months.

"It's alright, Grandpa. If they wish to annul the engagement, we should comply," he replied.

"Yes. After their repeated requests, I officially annulled the engagement last month. I'm sorry for you, my child."

"It's okay, Grandpa. I've been given a second chance, and I intend to make the most of it."

"Very well. In other news, your Aunt Swati will be visiting in a few weeks to check on you."

"That's wonderful news," Aditya responded. Aunt Swati was his mother's sister, who took care of him and spent weeks at the palace after his parents' disappearance. She raised him as a mother figure, and he looked forward to reuniting with her and showing her his recovery.

"How is the clan faring?" he inquired.

"The clan is thriving. We remain a powerful clan. Aside from me, there are 5 Nascent Soul cultivators and 20 Core Condensation cultivators. We also have promising young clan members in the Foundation realms."

"That's reassuring to hear, Grandpa. Do you have any plans to leave the city?"

"No, although I still hold the title of the Great General, I'm essentially retired. I've requested the king to find a replacement for my position, and he is actively searching."

"Cultivation-wise, I may be young, but I wish to live peacefully in Bright City and take care of you."

"Grandpa, I'll make you proud," he pledged.

After some more casual conversation, they both departed from the dining hall. Grandpa appeared visibly rejuvenated after their discussion, as if the weight of Aditya's health and cultivation had taken a toll on him.