The Family Head of Shen Family was about to rise to his feet, but upon hearing this, he knelt down again and sincerely said:
"It's my grandson's poor discipline, Linsu and the others... they are young and reckless, indulged in the taste of the Rouge, and acted foolishly, truly damaging the reputation of our Shen Family..."
The Family Head felt uneasy, expecting the Old Ancestor to blame him, but to his surprise, the Old Ancestor of Shen Family shook his head and said:
"This may not be a bad thing."
The Family Head frowned, "Old Ancestor... you..."
With a stern voice, the Old Ancestor said: "I would rather they experience the taste of physical pleasures, see through the worldly allure of women, and realize their fall and lowliness, then focus on cultivating with a pure heart."
"To avoid them, in the future, from being entangled by low-born women with mere beauty, misleading them with emotions, and becoming worthless."
"Cultivators must be focused on Tao Cultivation, seeking the Heaven and Earth Might for immortality."
"Those who linger in romances and pursue temporary pleasures turn into sacrificial dogs in the face of great calamities."
"This is something you should teach him well."
The Family Head bowed and said: "Yes."
"Alright, you may leave," said the Old Ancestor, "After leaving, call Linsu here."
The Family Head breathed a long sigh of relief, bowed respectfully again, then slowly got up, "Wishing the Old Ancestor longevity and fortune as vast as the heavens and sea."
The Family Head withdrew.
A moment later, a distinguished young man walked in, bowed respectfully and said:
"Great-grandson Shen Linsu, greeting Old Ancestor."
The youth carried himself with poise and confidence, neither humble nor overbearing.
The Old Ancestor of Shen Family's eyes shone with a peculiar light, looking at Shen Linsu as if seeing his younger self.
"Linsu..." The Old Ancestor's demeanor was gentle.
"Old Ancestor," said Shen Linsu.
"Soon, it will be the Sword Discussion Conference."
"Yes," Shen Linsu's eyes were bright, and his tone was resolute, "Great-grandson will surely claim the first place at the Sword Discussion Conference for Qian Taoist Sect, for Shen Family, and for you, Old Ancestor!"
The Old Ancestor shook his head, "This first place is not for Qian Taoist Sect, not for Shen Family, and not for me, but for you yourself."
"Your aptitude, talent, and intellect are top-notch, only lacking this one opportunity to prove yourself."
"Claim the first at the Sword Discussion Conference, and you may rise smoothly, reaching the pinnacle."
Shen Linsu's gaze was steady, but he still said:
"Old Ancestor favors me, Shen Family nurtures me, Qian Taoist Sect teaches me, now that great-grandson has succeeded in cultivation, I shall not fail Old Ancestor's deep affection, nor the cultivation from family and sect."
The Old Ancestor nodded with pleasure, "You are more promising than your father, don't let me down."
"Rest assured, Old Ancestor." Shen Linsu said.
"Go now, and cultivate well."
"Yes, great-grandson takes his leave."
Shen Linsu bowed respectfully and then left.
The Old Ancestor silently watched Shen Linsu's retreating figure.
Looking at his tall and handsome, full of Vitality, abundant in Spiritual Power, naturally carrying an aura above all beings, resembling a "Qilin" great-grandson, a deep affection emerged in his heart.
This is the true genius of Shen Family.
This is the real favored son of heaven.
This is his most direct lineage as the Heaven Void Ancestor.
He was angry because of the Rouge Boat incident.
He was not angry at Shen Linsu's misbehavior; he was angry that those lowly women were not qualified to be "favored" by his Qilin-bloodline great-grandson.
How do those of inferior status deserve?
The Old Ancestor's expression turned slightly angry, but then gradually calmed, restoring his serene demeanor.
Seeing Shen Linsu, he could not help but think of another name:
"Mo Hua..."
This disciple named Mo Hua, a few years ago, came with that ancient Sect-Entering Order, seeking entry into Qian Taoist Sect.
But was refused.
In the heart of the Old Ancestor, it could not be said that he entirely disregarded it.
He felt a slight regret.
Not regret for Mo Hua himself, but for not "helping the enemy".
If Mo Hua had been accepted at the time, even as just a menial or a registered disciple not even in the Outer Gate, allowing him to feel inferior among nearly a thousand favored sons of heaven, with a humble Taoist Heart, eventually fading into mediocrity...
This would be better than handing him over to Taixu Gate.