"Ziling, do you think that I have changed significantly since returning this time?"
Looking at Chen Ziling's expression, Chen An could tell what he was thinking, so he took the initiative to ask.
"It's not too bad."
Chen Ziling looked at Chen An with a hint of fear, carefully choosing his words: "It just feels, indeed, a little different from before."
"To be honest, there is no significant difference."
Chen An's response left Chen Ziling stunned.
Facing Chen Ziling's somewhat shocked gaze, he spoke softly, "In truth, I have always been the same as before. The only difference is that in the past, I didn't have the power to do all these things, so I had to pretend. Now, with this power, I can do everything I want to do."
"From the beginning to the end, I have always been like this."
Chen An didn't say anything more.
The idea of wiping out Chen Li's family had always been on his mind in the past, but he never revealed it.
At that time, revealing any thoughts would have caused immediate trouble.
"But Chang An, what you did was a bit excessive."
Chen Ziling hesitated to speak.
"You mean my actions were too ruthlessly."
Chen An saw through his thoughts and chuckled, "Speak your mind. Given our relationship, do you think I would actually kill you over a few words?"
"Yes, a little."
Seemingly believing Chen An's words, Chen Ziling nodded, "There is some."
"Chang An, you have killed many people along the way."
He looked at the frozen bodies outside and thought of those who had fallen to Chen An's hands, unable to help but sigh softly.
"You are mistaken."
Chen An smiled. "Think carefully, from the time I returned until now, who have I killed?"
Chen Ziling was instantly stunned.
He only saw Chen An continuously killing people since his return, with a ruthless style. But he had never really thought about this question.
But now, it seemed he was starting to realize something, though not very clearly.
"The Chen Li family, should they not be eliminated?"
Chen An whispered, "From various past events, Ziling, don't you wish for their entire family to be eradicated?"
"They continue to live, they are technically your parents, but they will continue to suppress us in this mansion every day."
"I hate to say this, but I'm pretty sure I can handle them. But do you truly want to be oppressed by them in the future?"
Chen Ziling subconsciously shook his head.
Who would willingly allow an additional father to dictate over them? Especially one who wasn't particularly kind.
If the Chen Li family didn't perish this time, perhaps they wouldn't dare to cause trouble for Chen An again in the future. But they would surely trouble Chen Ziling.
No matter how you looked at it, it was right to say their demise was well-deserved.
"But what about those guards?"
Chen Ziling continued, "And General Cao."
"If those guards dared to obstruct my path, they must be prepared to face death."
Chen An shook his head. "They chose their own course, you can't expect me to spare them."
"Of course, you might say I could go easier on them, just keeping them at bay."
Chen Ziling unconsciously nodded.
Then, Chen An chuckled, "But if I were to do so, Ziling, do you believe that in the end, more people would die?"
Chen Ziling looked up suddenly.
Using ruthless means to kill people was actually a way to reduce casualties.
Although this statement sounded problematic, it was true.
In the current situation, if Chen An didn't act decisively and ruthlessly, more and more people would come to kill him.
Because Chen An would not kill, even if they attacked him, they wouldn't pay a heavy price. This gave them a positive signal that attacking Chen An wouldn't have consequences.
On one hand, it was psychological suggestion. On the other hand, it was loyalty to the Chen Guogong Mansion and pressure from other leaders, leading to more and more people coming to kill Chen An.
For a few individuals, Chen An could restrain himself and expel them without killing them. However, when hundreds or thousands of people gathered to attack, could Chen An still do the same?
By that point, there would only be more casualties.
Therefore, it was better to be decisive, eliminate those who dared to come forward, and warn others to prevent further bloodshed.
Using cruel methods to kill was actually to prevent more people from sacrificing themselves.
It took Chen Ziling some time to realize this, feeling a sense of absurdity within.
"Do you find it absurd?"
Chen An calmly said, watching Chen Ziling, "Sometimes, friendly words and reasoning are ineffective. Persuasion can make you seem weak, and your kindness may lead to more losses for others."
"The goal you want to achieve may be good, but accomplishing it may require ruthless means."
"Often, you must be more ruthless than the bad guys to be considered a good person."
These were Chen An's genuine insights.
As a modern-time transmigrator, Chen An was not inherently evil. If anything, by most standards, he could be seen as a morally upright individual.
However, sometimes good people did bad things, and this occurrence was not uncommon.
The phenomenon of well-intentioned actions leading to unfavorable results existed across all worlds.
In the world he previously lived in, good deeds resulting in unfortunate outcomes were not particularly consequential.
But in the new worlds he found himself in, the situation required a different approach.
Therefore, after making some errors in good deeds that led to bad results at the start of his transmigration, Chen An quickly adjusted his behavior.
After undergoing several simulations and projecting the experiences of the previous ten years, he underwent a profound transformation.
However, it was apparent that although Chen An had altered his ways, Chen Ziling had yet to make the same transformation.
"Can you provide a few more straightforward examples?"
Chen An probed, "Do you perceive that I have been overly harsh with General Cao, such that the smallest hesitation would signal the end for his entire family?"
Chen Ziling paused briefly before nodding slowly.
"In that case, Ziling, what do you think would happen if I allowed him to remain, and if General Cao refused to harm the family of the former master in the end?"
Chen An continued to question.
Chen Ziling was left in contemplation.
"If I were to release him? Clearly, that would not be feasible."
Chen An murmured, "General Cao has spent many years in this mansion. He has numerous subordinates and has formed genuine connections with them."
"He is well-aware of the entire mansion's layout. If he were to cause trouble, I wouldn't be able to react in time or adequately understand the situation."
"He may be unable to kill me directly, but if he resorts to underhanded tactics such as poisoning or ambush, what then?"
"Alternatively, he may target you or other individuals within this mansion who maintain a close relationship with me."
"Ziling, are you truly prepared for such a scenario?"
"Forcing Chen Qi and General Cao to eliminate Chen Li’s family would expose them, thereby cutting off their escape route," Chen An explained. "Otherwise, if we were to wait for them to act, the outcome would inevitably result in more deaths."
"And what about your grandfather?"
Chen Ziling inquired once more, "He has already conceded defeat to you and agreed to transfer the title of Chen Guogong to you. Why must you deal with him too?"
For Chen Ziling, the Chen Guogong held a significant position of prestige within his heart and the hearts of all inhabitants of the Chen Guogong Mansion.
In essence, the reply Chen An provided was quite simple.
"Of course, it's for your sake."
"For me?"
Chen Ziling appeared astonished.
Before Chen An uttered a word, Chen Ziling had considered various potential answers to the question, but he had not anticipated the response that Chen An delivered.
"Following my arrival, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Ziling, you will be the direct line heir within the Chen Guogong Mansion moving forward."
Chen An cast a glance at Chen Ziling, "You will have the opportunity to enjoy the same benefits as past predecessors, Chen Li and Chen Qi. Your future children will ascend to the ranks of my children. They may begin martial training from a young age, have no concerns regarding sustenance, and live carefree lives."
"How does this vision of life strike you?"
"It is indeed quite desirable."
Listening to the beautiful scenery painted by Chen An, Chen Ziling wore an expression of longing.
This kind of lifestyle was what he had yearned for.
Subsequently, he would no longer serve as a mere valet within the mansion. Instead, he would become a dignified young master.
His future offspring could enter the ancestral sanctuary, practice martial arts from a young age, and even receive tutelage in the unique Chen Family Martial Arts.
"If you find this lifestyle appealing, why then desire the continued presence of Chen Guogong?"
Chen An calmly posed the question to Chen Ziling.
In that moment, Chen Ziling suddenly froze.
What relationship did Chen Guogong's continued existence have with his future days?
Initially, he couldn’t quite grasp it.
Thankfully, Chen An promptly interjected, "Should Chen Guogong continue to reside here and maintain his cultivation prowess, he can achieve numerous feats."
"If I remain alive in these surroundings, everything will continue in order. However, in the event that I part from this world..."
"Start thinking carefully, Ziling, concerning your position in the instance where I am no longer present, and Chen Guogong remains. How would your circumstances transpire?"
Observing Chen Ziling, Chen An displayed slight disappointment.
He had already conversed to this point, yet Chen Ziling still appeared oblivious!
"My circumstances."
Chen Ziling glanced towards Chen An and afterward gravely contemplated the matter.
Subsequently, his countenance turned pallid.
Ah, if Chen An were no longer present at a future point, while Chen Guogong remained, what would befall him?
Undoubtedly, Chen Guogong's return to power would lead to dire consequences. Furthermore, he would be left utterly vulnerable.
"If I defect and give in, envision the likely repercussions for my future wife and potential offspring due to this current moment of frailty," Chen An queried.
At this juncture, Chen Ziling refrained from verbalizing his response, merely conveying a silent shake of his head.
In essence, the primary reason Chen An felt compelled to deal with Chen Hua, the Chen Guogong, wasn't merely for the sake of Chen Ziling but also for the protection of his future wife and offspring.
He was no longer a solitary entity. He now had a spouse, and conceivably, they would have descendants, his very flesh and blood.
Subsequently, should Chen An no longer remain within this domain, what future prospects would be awaited by his kin?
Others within the domain would not comprehend, but Chen An himself was acutely aware.
His current corporeal vessel was solely a projection and could possibly detach from his corporeal self, returning to his original form at any moment, or confronting adversaries could potentially lead to him falling in battle, directly at the hands of others.
By then, he would be left solely with orphaned parents.
Ignoring the royal privileges of the Fourth Princess, who held the status of a princess, surely no one would dare incite harm against her.
Previously, the Wu Guogong held the prestigious status of the Grand Duke, yet Chen An effortlessly disposed of him. Moreover, the act of his demise resulted in negligible repercussions.
Chen An possessed the abilities to perform such deeds. Could Chen Hua, as a wielder of martial arts, refrain from implementing similar tactics?
Even if they were unable to do so overtly, they had an array of clandestine methodologies at their disposal.
Would the mere presence of the Fourth Princess, a commoner in comparison, be adequate to evade unwarranted scrutiny and unfounded suspicions imposed by future monarchs resulting in the potential defamation and alienation of an industrious martial artist like Chen Hua?
Certainly not.
By enacting such maneuvers, Chen An felt compelled to eliminate Chen Hua, thereby facilitating a significant resolution. Furthermore, this course of action preemptively alleviated any foreseeable disturbances.
Standing contemplative, Chen An weighed his thoughts as Chen Ziling remained silent.
Although Chen An had parted with intrinsic views desired by standard individuals, both sides of the spectrum reiterated comparable notions, stemming from the essence of conflicting opinions.
Subsequently, Chen Ziling’s self-recollections jostled within, whilst he was overwhelmed with consternation, thrust into the depths of disarray, often distracted.
Having spoken those words, Chen An casually waved his hand.
Beside him, General Cao immediately understood and brought down his long blade.
With a sharp sound, a head fell to the ground, blood splattering and dyeing the area a deep crimson.
A head filled with resentment tumbled down, frozen in a lifelike expression, capturing the essence of its former emotions.
To some extent, Chen An could indeed be considered kind for merely swiftly beheading the individual.
Otherwise, a different person might have subjected the victim to severe torture over several days.
Chen An's actions were relatively restrained for a transmigrator.
"Shall we continue the proceedings?" General Cao inquired respectfully, his demeanor displaying remarkable decisiveness, devoid of any hesitation when it came to taking lives.
Chen An was pleased with the transformation he witnessed in General Cao since the last time he had startled him.
However, compared to another individual present, Chen An seemed somewhat inferior.
"Chen Guogong, within the mansion, there is a specially designated execution ground with various stimulating tools arranged by the late second brother, Chen Li, who attempted patricide. Should we subject these individuals to that place?"
Chen Qi, attempting to ingratiate himself, stated, "Rest assured, they will enjoy themselves for several days."
An audacious proposal.
Employing the execution ground devised by Chen Li to punish his own family members was a twisted notion indeed.
Chen An gazed at Chen Qi with some surprise, unsure of how to respond.
"Ziling, do you think that I have changed significantly since returning this time?"
Looking at Chen Ziling's expression, Chen An could tell what he was thinking, so he took the initiative to ask.
"It's not too bad."
Chen Ziling looked at Chen An with a hint of fear, carefully choosing his words: "It just feels, indeed, a little different from before."
"To be honest, there is no significant difference."
Chen An's response left Chen Ziling stunned.
Facing Chen Ziling's somewhat shocked gaze, he spoke softly, "In truth, I have always been the same as before. The only difference is that in the past, I didn't have the power to do all these things, so I had to pretend. Now, with this power, I can do everything I want to do."
"From the beginning to the end, I have always been like this."
Chen An didn't say anything more.
The idea of wiping out Chen Li's family had always been on his mind in the past, but he never revealed it.
At that time, revealing any thoughts would have caused immediate trouble.
"But Chang An, what you did was a bit excessive."
Chen Ziling hesitated to speak.
"You mean my actions were too ruthlessly."
Chen An saw through his thoughts and chuckled, "Speak your mind. Given our relationship, do you think I would actually kill you over a few words?"
"Yes, a little."
Seemingly believing Chen An's words, Chen Ziling nodded, "There is some."
"Chang An, you have killed many people along the way."
He looked at the frozen bodies outside and thought of those who had fallen to Chen An's hands, unable to help but sigh softly.
"You are mistaken."
Chen An smiled. "Think carefully, from the time I returned until now, who have I killed?"
Chen Ziling was instantly stunned.
He only saw Chen An continuously killing people since his return, with a ruthless style. But he had never really thought about this question.
But now, it seemed he was starting to realize something, though not very clearly.
"The Chen Li family, should they not be eliminated?"
Chen An whispered, "From various past events, Ziling, don't you wish for their entire family to be eradicated?"
"They continue to live, they are technically your parents, but they will continue to suppress us in this mansion every day."
"I hate to say this, but I'm pretty sure I can handle them. But do you truly want to be oppressed by them in the future?"
Chen Ziling subconsciously shook his head.
Who would willingly allow an additional father to dictate over them? Especially one who wasn't particularly kind.
If the Chen Li family didn't perish this time, perhaps they wouldn't dare to cause trouble for Chen An again in the future. But they would surely trouble Chen Ziling.
No matter how you looked at it, it was right to say their demise was well-deserved.
"But what about those guards?"
Chen Ziling continued, "And General Cao."
"If those guards dared to obstruct my path, they must be prepared to face death."
Chen An shook his head. "They chose their own course, you can't expect me to spare them."
"Of course, you might say I could go easier on them, just keeping them at bay."
Chen Ziling unconsciously nodded.
Then, Chen An chuckled, "But if I were to do so, Ziling, do you believe that in the end, more people would die?"
Chen Ziling looked up suddenly.
Using ruthless means to kill people was actually a way to reduce casualties.
Although this statement sounded problematic, it was true.
In the current situation, if Chen An didn't act decisively and ruthlessly, more and more people would come to kill him.
Because Chen An would not kill, even if they attacked him, they wouldn't pay a heavy price. This gave them a positive signal that attacking Chen An wouldn't have consequences.
On one hand, it was psychological suggestion. On the other hand, it was loyalty to the Chen Guogong Mansion and pressure from other leaders, leading to more and more people coming to kill Chen An.
For a few individuals, Chen An could restrain himself and expel them without killing them. However, when hundreds or thousands of people gathered to attack, could Chen An still do the same?
By that point, there would only be more casualties.
Therefore, it was better to be decisive, eliminate those who dared to come forward, and warn others to prevent further bloodshed.
Using cruel methods to kill was actually to prevent more people from sacrificing themselves.
It took Chen Ziling some time to realize this, feeling a sense of absurdity within.
"Do you find it absurd?"
Chen An calmly said, watching Chen Ziling, "Sometimes, friendly words and reasoning are ineffective. Persuasion can make you seem weak, and your kindness may lead to more losses for others."
"The goal you want to achieve may be good, but accomplishing it may require ruthless means."
"Often, you must be more ruthless than the bad guys to be considered a good person."
These were Chen An's genuine insights.
As a modern-time transmigrator, Chen An was not inherently evil. If anything, by most standards, he could be seen as a morally upright individual.
However, sometimes good people did bad things, and this occurrence was not uncommon.
The phenomenon of well-intentioned actions leading to unfavorable results existed across all worlds.
In the world he previously lived in, good deeds resulting in unfortunate outcomes were not particularly consequential.
But in the new worlds he found himself in, the situation required a different approach.
Therefore, after making some errors in good deeds that led to bad results at the start of his transmigration, Chen An quickly adjusted his behavior.
After undergoing several simulations and projecting the experiences of the previous ten years, he underwent a profound transformation.
However, it was apparent that although Chen An had altered his ways, Chen Ziling had yet to make the same transformation.
"Can you provide a few more straightforward examples?"
Chen An probed, "Do you perceive that I have been overly harsh with General Cao, such that the smallest hesitation would signal the end for his entire family?"
Chen Ziling paused briefly before nodding slowly.
"In that case, Ziling, what do you think would happen if I allowed him to remain, and if General Cao refused to harm the family of the former master in the end?"
Chen An continued to question.
Chen Ziling was left in contemplation.
"If I were to release him? Clearly, that would not be feasible."
Chen An murmured, "General Cao has spent many years in this mansion. He has numerous subordinates and has formed genuine connections with them."
"He is well-aware of the entire mansion's layout. If he were to cause trouble, I wouldn't be able to react in time or adequately understand the situation."
"He may be unable to kill me directly, but if he resorts to underhanded tactics such as poisoning or ambush, what then?"
"Alternatively, he may target you or other individuals within this mansion who maintain a close relationship with me."
"Ziling, are you truly prepared for such a scenario?"
"Forcing Chen Qi and General Cao to eliminate Chen Li’s family would expose them, thereby cutting off their escape route," Chen An explained. "Otherwise, if we were to wait for them to act, the outcome would inevitably result in more deaths."
"And what about your grandfather?"
Chen Ziling inquired once more, "He has already conceded defeat to you and agreed to transfer the title of Chen Guogong to you. Why must you deal with him too?"
For Chen Ziling, the Chen Guogong held a significant position of prestige within his heart and the hearts of all inhabitants of the Chen Guogong Mansion.
In essence, the reply Chen An provided was quite simple.
"Of course, it's for your sake."
"For me?"
Chen Ziling appeared astonished.
Before Chen An uttered a word, Chen Ziling had considered various potential answers to the question, but he had not anticipated the response that Chen An delivered.
"Following my arrival, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Ziling, you will be the direct line heir within the Chen Guogong Mansion moving forward."
Chen An cast a glance at Chen Ziling, "You will have the opportunity to enjoy the same benefits as past predecessors, Chen Li and Chen Qi. Your future children will ascend to the ranks of my children. They may begin martial training from a young age, have no concerns regarding sustenance, and live carefree lives."
"How does this vision of life strike you?"
"It is indeed quite desirable."
Listening to the beautiful scenery painted by Chen An, Chen Ziling wore an expression of longing.
This kind of lifestyle was what he had yearned for.
Subsequently, he would no longer serve as a mere valet within the mansion. Instead, he would become a dignified young master.
His future offspring could enter the ancestral sanctuary, practice martial arts from a young age, and even receive tutelage in the unique Chen Family Martial Arts.
"If you find this lifestyle appealing, why then desire the continued presence of Chen Guogong?"
Chen An calmly posed the question to Chen Ziling.
In that moment, Chen Ziling suddenly froze.
What relationship did Chen Guogong's continued existence have with his future days?
Initially, he couldn’t quite grasp it.
Thankfully, Chen An promptly interjected, "Should Chen Guogong continue to reside here and maintain his cultivation prowess, he can achieve numerous feats."
"If I remain alive in these surroundings, everything will continue in order. However, in the event that I part from this world..."
"Start thinking carefully, Ziling, concerning your position in the instance where I am no longer present, and Chen Guogong remains. How would your circumstances transpire?"
Observing Chen Ziling, Chen An displayed slight disappointment.
He had already conversed to this point, yet Chen Ziling still appeared oblivious!
"My circumstances."
Chen Ziling glanced towards Chen An and afterward gravely contemplated the matter.
Subsequently, his countenance turned pallid.
Ah, if Chen An were no longer present at a future point, while Chen Guogong remained, what would befall him?
Undoubtedly, Chen Guogong's return to power would lead to dire consequences. Furthermore, he would be left utterly vulnerable.
"If I defect and give in, envision the likely repercussions for my future wife and potential offspring due to this current moment of frailty," Chen An queried.
At this juncture, Chen Ziling refrained from verbalizing his response, merely conveying a silent shake of his head.
In essence, the primary reason Chen An felt compelled to deal with Chen Hua, the Chen Guogong, wasn't merely for the sake of Chen Ziling but also for the protection of his future wife and offspring.
He was no longer a solitary entity. He now had a spouse, and conceivably, they would have descendants, his very flesh and blood.
Subsequently, should Chen An no longer remain within this domain, what future prospects would be awaited by his kin?
Others within the domain would not comprehend, but Chen An himself was acutely aware.
His current corporeal vessel was solely a projection and could possibly detach from his corporeal self, returning to his original form at any moment, or confronting adversaries could potentially lead to him falling in battle, directly at the hands of others.
By then, he would be left solely with orphaned parents.
Ignoring the royal privileges of the Fourth Princess, who held the status of a princess, surely no one would dare incite harm against her.
Previously, the Wu Guogong held the prestigious status of the Grand Duke, yet Chen An effortlessly disposed of him. Moreover, the act of his demise resulted in negligible repercussions.
Chen An possessed the abilities to perform such deeds. Could Chen Hua, as a wielder of martial arts, refrain from implementing similar tactics?
Even if they were unable to do so overtly, they had an array of clandestine methodologies at their disposal.
Would the mere presence of the Fourth Princess, a commoner in comparison, be adequate to evade unwarranted scrutiny and unfounded suspicions imposed by future monarchs resulting in the potential defamation and alienation of an industrious martial artist like Chen Hua?
Certainly not.
By enacting such maneuvers, Chen An felt compelled to eliminate Chen Hua, thereby facilitating a significant resolution. Furthermore, this course of action preemptively alleviated any foreseeable disturbances.
Standing contemplative, Chen An weighed his thoughts as Chen Ziling remained silent.
Although Chen An had parted with intrinsic views desired by standard individuals, both sides of the spectrum reiterated comparable notions, stemming from the essence of conflicting opinions.
Subsequently, Chen Ziling’s self-recollections jostled within, whilst he was overwhelmed with consternation, thrust into the depths of disarray, often distracted.
Having spoken those words, Chen An casually waved his hand.
Beside him, General Cao immediately understood and brought down his long blade.
With a sharp sound, a head fell to the ground, blood splattering and dyeing the area a deep crimson.
A head filled with resentment tumbled down, frozen in a lifelike expression, capturing the essence of its former emotions.
To some extent, Chen An could indeed be considered kind for merely swiftly beheading the individual.
Otherwise, a different person might have subjected the victim to severe torture over several days.
Chen An's actions were relatively restrained for a transmigrator.
"Shall we continue the proceedings?" General Cao inquired respectfully, his demeanor displaying remarkable decisiveness, devoid of any hesitation when it came to taking lives.
Chen An was pleased with the transformation he witnessed in General Cao since the last time he had startled him.
However, compared to another individual present, Chen An seemed somewhat inferior.
"Chen Guogong, within the mansion, there is a specially designated execution ground with various stimulating tools arranged by the late second brother, Chen Li, who attempted patricide. Should we subject these individuals to that place?"
Chen Qi, attempting to ingratiate himself, stated, "Rest assured, they will enjoy themselves for several days."
An audacious proposal.
Employing the execution ground devised by Chen Li to punish his own family members was a twisted notion indeed.
Chen An gazed at Chen Qi with some surprise, unsure of how to respond.
