Under Chiba Shigetarou’s stunned gaze, Chiba Dingji said softly:
“Shigetarou, the physical gap between men and women... is too vast.”
“...”
With just one sentence, Chiba Dingji left Chiba Shigetarou speechless.
“To become an outstanding martial artist, both extraordinary skill and a body of iron are indispensable.”
“The inherent physical disadvantage of women means that for a woman to leave her mark as a warrior in history, it is as difficult as reaching heaven.”
“If one were like the Overlord of Western Chu, naturally gifted with divine strength, then regardless of being male or female, with diligent practice, even if not remembered for eternity, one could at least make a name for themselves.”
“But regrettably... Sazanoko is not such a remarkable person, she doesn’t possess any innate divine power.”
“In terms of physical ability, Sazanoko’s physique is far sturdier and stronger than the average woman... but that’s all.”
“She indeed has outstanding talent in martial arts... but she doesn’t have the robust physique needed to realize her extraordinary talent.”
“Now, Sazanoko is already quite old.”
“Compared to men, another major weakness of women is their brief peak period.”
“Even at 30 or 40 years old, men can still be energetic and strong.”
“But women can’t... the peak of a woman’s body is just a few years in their early 20s.”
“Once past this age, physical ability begins to decline steeply.”
“Sazanoko is already 22 this year... her physical peak won’t last much longer.”
“In my judgment, Sazanoko’s current strength and martial arts realm have nearly reached the peak her body can withstand.”
“So... even if she exhausts herself training in the coming years, her martial arts level won’t surpass what it is now significantly.”
“Her achievements... will halt here.”
Upon saying this, Chiba Dingji paused.
Brewed his emotions...
Then, in an unbelievably clear tone, he said solemnly:
“Sazanoko won’t have the opportunity... to become a female warrior who can leave her name in history through martial arts achievements.”
“...” Chiba Shigetarou pursed his lips, his face showing disbelief.
If someone else had told Chiba Shigetarou that Sazanoko’s current strength was at its peak, and that she would struggle to advance further, he would definitely scoff.
However... the person speaking those words is his and Sazanoko’s father.
The last remaining “legend in the martial arts world”...
“This... is too cruel...”
Chiba Shigetarou shut his eyes painfully, his hands resting naturally on his legs clenched tightly.
“Sazanoko clearly loves martial arts so much...”
Chiba Shigetarou knew more than anyone else that his normally calm and detached sister held an intense passion for anything related to martial arts, loving swords, glaives, and martial arts desperately...
“...It’s just inevitable.”
Chiba Dingji said faintly.
“I’ve seen and grown accustomed to such matters.”
“‘Martial arts’ is a cruel world.”
“This world only welcomes the chosen ones.”
When mentioning “the chosen ones,” Chiba Dingji emphasized the term.
“Effort, mindset, willpower... all these are the least valuable in this world.”
“Even if one’s diligence and love for martial arts are unparalleled, lacking talent means spending a lifetime in mediocrity, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.”
“And some people are destined to be ‘Heaven-Reaching Dragons,’ ‘Children of Fate,’ emitting an aura so dazzling that one wouldn’t dare meet their gaze.”
“So... one must learn to reconcile with oneself.”
Chiba Dingji reverted to his soft tone.
“Learn to reconcile with yourself, accept your inability to achieve great success... otherwise, you’ll be tormented by endless dissatisfaction and pain for the rest of your life.”
...
Chiba Shigetarou couldn’t recall when he left Chiba Dingji’s room or what mood he held.
Originally, the night had been pleasant, but now... it’s not just about mood; his body felt worse.
His head dizzy, nauseated, feeling like vomiting.
Sazanoko’s martial arts level couldn’t make significant progress... for Chiba Shigetarou, who was excessively devoted to his sister, it was more distressing than hearing about his own martial arts stagnation.
After stepping out of Chiba Dingji’s room, Chiba Shigetarou quickly walked away without pausing.
Because he walked so quickly, he didn’t notice... the familiar alluring fragrance left in the corridor outside Chiba Dingji’s bedroom...
...
...
After Chiba Shigetarou left, with only Chiba Dingji remaining in the master bedroom—
“...My daughter... don’t blame your father for being cruel...”
The flickering candlelight drew a long shadow of Chiba Dingji.
Chiba Dingji’s vacant gaze, as if looking at something yet acknowledging nothing, fixed on the ground before him.
A moment passed, and he turned his face, shooting a meaningful glance at the room’s door, then sighed deeply and heavily.
“If it were possible... your father wouldn’t want to reveal such harsh truths to you...”
“But at times, as a father... as the one guiding you into martial arts... I must harden my heart and play the villain...”
“Only by accepting these ‘inevitable matters’ of life... understanding what one can and cannot do... can one achieve new growth.”

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