Just as Lu Fan was about to head home from school, his phone buzzed in his pocket.
"Dad," he saw on the screen.
He smiled softly but kept his voice calm as he answered. "Hey, Dad. What's up?"
"Lu Fan," his father's tired voice came through, "I'm managing, but it's been tough. How's school? Are you eating well? Remember to take care of yourself."
Lu Fan's heart tightened. He didn't tell his father about the cultivation, the power surging quietly inside him. For now, his father only needed the son who helped with homework and sent money.
"Don't worry, Dad. I'm doing fine. Just studying hard and taking care of myself," Lu Fan replied smoothly.
"Good," his father said with a faint smile in his voice. "If you need anything, just tell me."
"I will. Love you, Dad."
As he hung up, Lu Fan looked down at the pendant hidden beneath his shirt.
Between the pressures of school, the rivalry with Xie Ren, the growing dangers, and his father's struggles, Lu Fan felt the weight of two worlds on his shoulders.
One he showed the world.
One he guarded in shadows.