Chapter 105: A Few Thousand Years Ago
Their little campfire fell into a contemplative silence. Father was absorbed in his own considerations while Paike waited for him to gather his thoughts.
However, instead of continuing their conversation about the qi particles, Father broke himself out of his musing and looked Paike in the eyes.
"I'm sorry. I got lost in my own world there, and you had just told me all these cool things. I just don't have many things that fall so completely outside of my expectations anymore. Anyways, it sounds like you have had an eventful couple of months since you left home." Father said, an apology from anyone else in his station would have been noteworthy, but not from Father. His philosophy was to apologize whenever he regretted his actions, but never when he was demanded to. According to Mother, it had gotten them into a lot of trouble when they were younger and less powerful.
"You could say that," Paike said. "At the time it just felt like I was doing what made the most sense, but looking back at it... It's hard to believe it all happened."
"For what it's worth, though your mother might not agree, I think you did the right thing. From what you told me, the risks you took were calculated and understandable."
Paike laughed. "Are you going to tell Mother?"
"God no," Father said. "I'll make sure to redact anything that would get either of us in trouble. But I have to say I wasn't sure why you were having so much trouble awakening. I think I can talk about it now, but there were lots of discussions about it among the elders. If you weren't a twin, I think some would have questioned your parentage."
Father might have been smiling as he said that last bit, but Paike felt a cold breeze blow over the back of his neck. He didn't think those elders would have fared well if they had dared.
"I'm proud that not only did you figure it out, but you turned it to your advantage. It's the mark of a true cultivator. I don't think I have too much to add to your spiritual cultivation. You already know more than anyone else at your level. Just keep thinking of ways to compress your qi and add energy. The method isn't too important, but what works in one realm won't work in the next."