Without even needing to show his token, Chen Guan walked out of the training area.
Over the past month, his life had settled into a fierce rhythm. Ninety-five percent of his waking hours were dedicated to relentless cultivation. The remaining five percent were reserved for the little princess, Yao Yue. Since their first meeting, she would come to find him from time to time, and the two had explored nearly every corner of the vast imperial palace together.
As for the world outside the palace walls, Yao Ye had strictly forbidden it for the time being. Chen Guan understood and cooperated fully with this restriction.
It was no exaggeration to say that his talent was astonishing enough to shake the entire Jia Ma Empire. If he were noticed by someone with ulterior motives, it was highly probable they would take the risk to assassinate him. The suicide note mentioning the Izumo Empire was proof enough. The Misty Cloud Sect had also done similar things in the original story.
It's better for everyone if I keep a low profile. At least for now.
Climbing the steps to the top of the palace wall, Chen Guan saw Yao Ye already there, the two of them watching the scenery below side by side.
"So, you're finally willing to come out," she teased. "Cultivation isn't something you can achieve in a day. You should go out for a walk more often. Perhaps relaxing your mind will help you break through your bottlenecks. How was your progress this month?"
Chen Guan nodded in response. "It was alright. I'm a four-star Dou Zhe now."
Yao Ye, who had been fidgeting playfully, froze mid-motion. A thousand witty retorts died on her lips as she stared at the young man's nonchalant face, as if he'd just announced the most natural thing in the world.
If I act too surprised, won't it make me look ignorant as his sister?
"Well… that's good," she managed, her voice betraying none of her inner shock. "You should continue to practice hard."
I take back everything I said before. I'm not worthy of guiding this kind of monster.
Chen Guan was amused by her rapidly changing expression. "Sister Yao Ye, you should smile more often. It's not good to have a stern face all day. Even Yue'er says she finds you a little intimidating."
Yao Ye gave him a charming roll of her eyes. "You think I want to? In my position, I must establish a certain dignity. One of us has to take on that responsibility, and I can't let that little girl do it."
She sighed, her tone softening. "Forget these troubles. Anyway, I've invested my future in you. When you become a Dou Huang, or even a Dou Zong, my pressure will be gone. So, just practice with peace of mind. If you run out of resources, tell me. Don't feel embarrassed."
"Haha, then I must work harder. If I cause you to lose your entire investment, wouldn't I be guilty of a heinous crime?"
"That's not the case. At worst, I'll sell you to the Snake-People Race. The women there quite like handsome little boys like you."
"Are you sure that's a punishment and not a reward?"
"Hmm? Little Chen, your thoughts are very dangerous."
Yao Ye reached out to playfully grab his ear. It felt like a game between real siblings. Chen Guan, knowing he was outmatched, didn't dare fight back and could only dodge her attempts. After a brief, smokeless war, Yao Ye emerged victorious, holding her head high like a triumphant general.
"Enough playing," she said, her expression turning serious. "Let's get down to business. The royal family's annual Autumn Hunt is in half a month. Do you want to participate? I can give you a spot."
"The Autumn Hunt?" Chen Guan was confused. "Isn't that just a game for the young masters and ladies of the Imperial City? What does it have to do with me?"
He'd heard Yao Yue mention it, and even the little princess had looked down on it. He was even less interested.
"It was, in previous years. But this time is different. Last year, Yun Yun of the Misty Cloud Sect emerged from her seclusion and officially took over as Sect Leader. Nalan Su of the Nalan Clan wants his precious daughter to become Yun Yun's disciple, but Yun Yun didn't agree immediately. She said she needed to observe for a while, and this Autumn Hunt is the final test."
Her eyes gleamed with strategic light. "If you participate, with your strength as a four-star Dou Zhe, you won't even need to try. Thirty percent of your power would be enough to crush a group of children in the Dou Zhi Qi realm and win the championship. Your performance would definitely catch Yun Yun's eye. She might even accept you as her disciple instead."
"Not only would it prevent the Nalan Clan from growing closer to the Misty Cloud Sect, but it would also find you a powerful teacher. It's a plan that kills two birds with one stone."
"And you're not afraid that I'll really throw myself into the arms of the Misty Cloud Sect, only to turn around and stab you in the back? You'd lose on all fronts," Chen Guan replied speechlessly.
The plan was good. It was even feasible.
But is the royal family too confident in me? Are they really so certain I won't repay their kindness with enmity? And he knew, even if he performed better than Nalan Yanran, the most likely outcome was Yun Yun accepting them both. After all, in the original story, their master-disciple relationship was extremely close.
"I can arrange a reasonable identity for you to infiltrate the Misty Cloud Sect. You don't need to worry about your safety. As for stabbing your sister in the back… Hmph. I'll be standing right in front of you. Would you dare?"
Yes, Yao Ye was truly confident.
Chen Guan stopped joking and seriously weighed the pros and cons.
Become Yun Yun's disciple… I'd have access to resources from both the Misty Cloud Sect and the royal family. I'd also be in a prime position to get close to her. The benefits are tempting.
Unfortunately, he still chose to refuse.
Although no suicide note had appeared, meaning it wasn't a fatal choice, that didn't mean it was without danger. Those who work as undercover agents rarely meet a good end. Furthermore, he had a clear understanding of himself. He didn't like being restrained. If he spent years with a master like Yun Yun, day and night, what if a special relationship truly developed? He would be caught between the royal family and the Misty Cloud Sect. How could he possibly choose?
Why would I actively seek out such a difficult situation? The royal family was already providing him with sufficient resources. The benefits of going to the Misty Cloud Sect weren't worth the complications.
"No, Sister Yao Ye, I can't," he said, shaking his head. "My heart isn't cold enough. I could never stand the test of being so close to such a great beauty. If I went, I would never come back. But you don't have to worry about the Misty Cloud Sect. Just give me ten years. I'll snatch Yun Yun back myself and have them pack up the entire Misty Cloud Sect as her dowry. Then all your problems will be solved."
"You're still so young, yet you have such grand ideas," she scoffed, though a smile played on her lips. "Fine. I'll wait for that day. If you can really do it, on your wedding night, I'll be the one shoving you into the bridal chamber."
"Ahem! Sister, elegance, elegance!"
Her sudden, crude bet sent Chen Guan fleeing in shock. Who would believe such unladylike words could come from the Eldest Princess of the Jia Ma Empire? It completely overturned his impression of her.
But he also knew she only dared to say such a thing because, deep down, she believed it was impossible.
A long-dormant rebellious spirit suddenly surged in Chen Guan's heart. He refused to believe it. Was it really that difficult?
But… if I actually succeed, wouldn't that make things incredibly awkward?
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