When Huang Shi saw the doting look in the eyes of this old man, he suddenly felt a well of emotion bud deep within him—something that he hadn't experienced in his past life.
Is this what it's like having a father?
Huang Shi suddenly felt like choking up as he looked up at this old man who had suddenly showed up in his life and gave him a feeling of protection.
Truth be told, despite how he acted on the outside, Huang Shi was actually feeling incredibly anxious about his future in this world; this was because of the fact that he was technically stealing the life of an existing person and living his life for him.
This meant that there was always a risk of people finding out that he wasn't truly the person known as Huang Shi, and was instead a different person who occupied his body.
There was always a feeling of fear deep within him that if he didn't get strong fast enough, the world would work to eliminate him as quickly as possible.
The only time he had truly felt safe in this world was in the embrace of his beloved stepmother, and this time, it was with this old grandpa that he had just met.
After walking around for a couple of minutes, they finally arrived in an empty room that was used to cater to guests.
It had a small table and couch where people could sit, while also being filled with books all around; it was clear that this place was Grand Elder Huang Li's place of study.
"Alright child, now that we're finally alone, let me introduce myself once more. My name is Huang Li and I'm the grand elder responsible for the information hall. As for my relationship with your mother and stepmother, I consider the both of them my daughters; thereby, by extension, you can think of me as your grandfather!"
Huang Li spoke with a kind smile as he finished preparing tea and placed it in front of Huang Shi, waiting for him to give it a taste.
Huang Shi, who had already expected this from what his stepmother had told him, still trembled when he heard the familiar way in which this old grandpa addressed him.
He couldn't help but speak in a soft voice: "Can I really call you grandpa?"
When Huang Li heard the trembling of his voice, he once again smiled amiably as he nodded his head.
"Of course! Ever since your mother and stepmother came here to the sect, I have been protecting them from the wind and rain for as far as I can remember. This means that, by extension, I will also be taking care of you!"
Huang Shi, who was already choking up with emotion, remained silent for a few moments but then asked the question that was inside of his heart:
"Can I ask what your relationship with my mother and stepmother are? Why did you treat them like your own daughters?"
When Huang Li heard this, a look of reminiscence suddenly appeared in his eyes as he gave a kind smile before speaking softly.
"My old wife and I tried for years to have children, but we were never able to conceive. It was, in fact, our greatest regret because we have always wanted to have children of our own. Now, imagine our surprise when two little girls were sent to the sect because they were exiled and had accidentally stumbled inside. With no one offering these kids protection, me and my old wife stepped up to the plate and raised them as our own."
When Huang Shi heard the full story from this old man, he suddenly shivered as understanding shone in his eyes; a bunch of things that didn't make sense before suddenly seemed more probable.
So that's why my damn father can't just force my stepmother to sleep with him, and why I—even despite being a useless waste—never lost my formal status as an heir to the clan.
It must be because Grandpa Huang Li was taking care of our family in the background. Huang Shi then looked towards Huang Li and spoke in a somewhat hesitant voice.
"Grandpa, what happened to Grandma?"
When Huang Shi asked this question, he saw Huang Li's expression shift to one of sadness and melancholy as he simply said, "She died much earlier than me. She always had a weaker constitution; add to that her poor talent in cultivation, and her lifespan was much shorter than mine."
Huang Shi shivered as he quickly realized that this was a sore spot in his grandpa's life, and so he quickly spoke up in regret. "Grandpa, I'm sorry for asking. I didn't know…"
Huang Li looked toward Huang Shi and smiled peacefully before replying, "It's fine, Shi'er. Your grandmother would be very happy if she could see that you have finally started to grow up!"
Huang Shi, who had always felt a bit of guilt towards the previous Huang Shi for stealing his life, suddenly felt a new surge of motivation well within him.
Wherever you are, previous Huang Shi—now that you're gone, I'm gonna live your life for you and make sure it's gonna be the most glorious life that has ever been lived in this world! Not just for you, but for the people who loved and cared for you!
After speaking with his new grandfather quite a bit more and getting to know each other better, Huang Shi finally felt like he was ready to ask about one of his tasks for coming to the information hall.
He remained silent for a few moments before asking in a probing manner, "Grandpa, I have a question that I hope you can answer. Is that okay?"
When Huang Li saw the serious look in his grandson's eyes, he knew that they were finally going to be discussing what he really came here for. He wore a solemn expression on his face before he nodded his head.
"As long as it's within my power to answer, ask away!"
Huang Shi nodded his head before asking in a straightforward manner, "Then I won't beat around the bush, Grandpa. Can I ask to see the [Azure Dragon Tyrant Body]?"