In this small village called Three Gorges Village, Chad Brooks's father and uncle were both renowned blacksmiths in the area. Although David Brooks was much more famous, his father Brian Brooks's craftsmanship was by no means inferior.

The only pity was that Brian Brooks's constitution was not suited for martial arts, and he was unable to cultivate true qi, so when it came to forging high-end weapons, he simply could not compare to his brother.

Even so, the Ying family was still a well-known and prosperous household in the area, with several houses and courtyards, second to none within a radius of more than ten miles.

Entering the inner hall, two middle-aged adults were already seated at the dining table—it was the heads of the Ying family, Brian Brooks and Olivia Carter.

“Father, Mother.” Chad Brooks stepped forward and called softly.

Perhaps it was because of this body's memories, but Chad Brooks felt no sense of estrangement from them; instead, he felt a deep sense of closeness.

Brian Brooks nodded slightly and smiled, “Sit down.” Seeing his son take a seat, he hesitated for a moment, then suddenly said, “Chengfeng, you went to your uncle's place again today, didn't you?”

“Yes.” Chad Brooks replied without hesitation, “Uncle is amazing. He managed to attach a spirit pattern to a newly forged longsword in just one hour.”

Forging a longsword was nothing special—even Brian Brooks could do it. But to attach a spirit pattern to it, only someone who had successfully cultivated true qi could accomplish that.

Brian Brooks nodded slowly, as if wanting to say something but stopping himself.

If it had been the old Chad Brooks, it would have been hard to notice the fleeting hesitation on his father's face, but now, the soul within this body was completely different.

“Father, is there something on your mind?”

“Sigh.” Brian Brooks let out a soft sigh and said, “Chengfeng, your uncle came to see me last month and talked about you.”

Chad Brooks was slightly taken aback. “What did uncle say?”

“He said that although you have some talent, after years of hard training, you have only reached the first level of Qi Nurturing, and have made no further progress since.” Brian Brooks shook his head and said, “A few months ago, you suddenly fell seriously ill, and even your mind became muddled. It really frightened the two of us.”

Chad Brooks lowered his head and said softly, “It was my fault for making father, mother, and uncle worry.”

Olivia Carter quickly said, “Chengfeng, don't overthink it. But your uncle does have a point. That sudden illness of yours may have something to do with improper cultivation.”

Chad Brooks was stunned for a moment. “How could that be related?”

Brian Brooks said seriously, “Your second uncle said that everyone's cultivation talent has its limits. If you reach your limit and still refuse to stop, but instead push yourself even harder, perhaps... it will backfire.”

A strange look flashed across Chad Brooks's face. He naturally knew the real reason for that serious illness a few months ago. But no matter what, this reason could never be mentioned to anyone.

“Father, what does uncle mean?”

“Your second uncle means that you shouldn't force yourself in cultivation—just let things take their course. If you can't become a master craftsman, then being an ordinary blacksmith isn't bad either,” Brian Brooks said tactfully.

He knew his son's greatest wish was to become a powerful craftsman like his second uncle.

But reality was harsh. Judging from the past five years, Chad Brooks simply didn't have that kind of talent.

Lowering his head gently, Chad Brooks said, “Yes, father, I understand.”

Brian Brooks and his wife exchanged a glance, both with a hint of surprise and relief in their eyes.

They naturally understood their son's feelings. In the past, they wouldn't have tried to persuade him. But that serious illness a few months ago had truly left them shaken.

If their son continued to cultivate, who knew what other accidents might happen?

For these two ordinary parents, as long as their son could live safely by their side, that was the greatest comfort. As for achieving greatness, of course every parent hopes for that. But if that hope meant gambling with their son's life, they would not hesitate to choose a mediocre but safe life for him.

Before today's conversation, they thought it would take a lot of effort to persuade him. But unexpectedly, Chad Brooks agreed so easily.

Brian Brooks hesitated for a moment and said, “Chengfeng, we're not stopping you from continuing your cultivation. We just hope you can find a balance and not rush things.”

Chad Brooks nodded heavily. The original owner of this body had trained desperately for years, but had only managed to reach the first level of Qi Nurturing.

With such talent, “not rushing things” was really no different from giving up.

“Since Chengfeng is back, let's serve the food quickly—the dishes are getting cold.” Olivia Carter hurriedly called the servants to bring the food.

After a hasty meal, Chad Brooks immediately excused himself and left.

Brian Brooks and his wife watched his somewhat lonely figure as he left in a hurry, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

However, they had no idea that after returning to his own room, Chad Brooks immediately sat cross-legged and began cultivating once again.