Chapitre 6: Chapter 6: Yao Ye
Five years later.
In the Jia Ma Royal Family's training arena, two young men engaged in a one-on-one solo battle, exchanging blows and displaying a splendid performance.
However, even the discerning could see that their states were completely different. The more sturdy-looking youth was already on the verge of exhaustion, having exerted all his strength.
On the other hand, the slender and handsome youth displayed grace in his movements, stepping back and forth with ease. It was evident that he didn't feel any pressure from his opponent.
Bang!
Another punch landed, causing Zhao Gang to stagger back several steps, nearly falling off the platform. Gasping for breath, he waved his hand repeatedly, signaling the end of the match.
"That's enough, that's enough. You're a monster. I've already put in so much effort, and my talent is even better than yours, but I'm still slightly behind you. It's truly strange," Zhao Gang said, panting.
"Haha, that only shows that your efforts are still not enough," Chen Guan replied with a smile.
Five years was enough to change many things. Just like Zhao Gang on the opposite side, driven by his stimulation and with the sole aim of surpassing Chen Guan, he had worked several times harder than before. Every time he made progress, he would seek Chen Guan's guidance.
After countless exchanges, his opinions about Chen Guan had long disappeared, and he regarded him as a true rival.
As a result, Zhao Gang had made great progress in these years. He had already reached the sixth stage of Dou Disciple, making him a small genius in the entire Jia Ma Empire.
While his progress was not slow, there was still a significant gap between him and Chen Guan.
"You have to be honest, what's your current strength? Are you about to break through to the seventh stage of Dou Disciple?" Zhao Gang asked.
"You're thinking too much. I'm just slightly ahead of you. If I work harder, I'll catch up soon," Chen Guan replied.
"Heh."
Zhao Gang rolled his eyes and thought to himself, "If I believe that, I'm an idiot." He had heard this kind of statement from Chen Guan at least ten times already!
Not only Zhao Gang, but the onlookers of the same age were also curious. Because Chen Guan had been completely focused on his cultivation for the past few years, he had never tested his abilities in public. His life was always the same monotonous routine.
Seeing how calmly Chen Guan approached every exchange, Zhao Gang and their peers tried to emulate him, but very few could persevere for more than three months. It was just too dull and boring.
After personally experiencing his lifestyle and routine, many precocious individuals couldn't help but sigh. They felt that someone like him deserved to be powerful, and it was only fair. They were envious, but not particularly jealous.
The two young men stepped off the stage side by side, unaware that their sparring had caught the attention of someone.
On the city tower in the distance, Yan Hongtao stood respectfully behind Jia Xingtian, with a slender young girl in embroidered attire by their side. He reported the training results of the past six months.
The young girl's name was Yao Ye, the Crown princess of the Jia Ma Royal Family. She was accompanying her grandfather and happened to pass by the training grounds today. As her strength wasn't very high, she listened to Yan Hongtao's report with satisfaction, unaware of anything special.
However, Jia Xingtian, an old powerhouse of the Jia Ma Empire, was currently feeling an immense shock.
Just over nine years old, and already at the ninth stage of Dou Disciple!
Moreover, judging by his aura, she wasn't a beginner at this stage. He was just a step away from becoming a Dou Practitioner. He had never imagined that such a genius was hidden within the imperial palace!
"Who is that young man in black clothes on the stage, the handsome one? What's his name?"
"Chen Guan. He is one of the two geniuses that you mentioned earlier. His talent is quite remarkable. He was the second one to sense the Dou Qi energy. Moreover, this kid is extremely diligent in his cultivation. When he's not cultivating, he's on the path of cultivation. Because of his influence, the others in this group have also worked hard." Yan Hongtao truthfully replied.
"Chen Guan."
Jia Xingtian pondered for a moment, feeling a sense of familiarity.
After thinking for a while, he remembered that this was the boy he had brought back from the Wutan City.
"Well, very good. I thought that the talent of Xiao Yan from the Xiao Family in Wutan City was already outstanding enough, but I didn't expect someone to be even better. Hongtao, bring him to me."
Jia Xingtian was in a great mood. He had recently secretly observed Xiao Yan, who was already at the eight stage of Dou Disciple at the age of nine. Jia Xingtian was considering whether to find an opportunity to win him over. Unexpectedly, today brought a pleasant surprise.
Yan Hongtao accepted the order and went to fetch Chen Guan. Yao Ye took a few more glances at the young man below, but due to her limited strength, she didn't feel anything particularly special about him other than his good looks and exceptional temperament.
"Grandpa, is he really stronger than the one from the Xiao Family?" Yao Ye asked.
"Haha, can Grandpa deceive you? Yao Ye, do you know his current strength? He's at the ninth stage of Dou Disciple! He surpasses Xiao Yan, and I remember that he started cultivating Dou Qi several months later than Xiao Yan. You can imagine how high his talent is. As long as he doesn't die prematurely, his future achievements may even surpass mine."
Yao Ye was taken aback, her red lips slightly parted. She understood very well what this meant. At that moment, various thoughts flooded her mind.
"Yao Ye, I know you're talented, possessing such a brilliant mind at such a young age. But don't complicate things too much, especially when it comes to geniuses like him. Remember the principle of not going too far. When you meet him later, just get to know him. Also, give him a Gathering Qi Powder. When allocating resources in the future, we can prioritize him a bit."
"Grandpa, I understand."
Yao Ye nodded in response, feeling a warm sensation in her heart from her grandfather's trust. She silently vowed not to disappoint her grandfather.
Soon, Yan Hongtao brought Chen Guan, who was still uncertain, up to the city tower. He didn't ask why Jia Xingtian wasn't present and respectfully withdrew after bowing.
Chen Guan also noticed the woman standing with her back to him on the city tower.
Dressed in luxurious attire, her figure was outstanding. Even with her back turned, one could sense the unique aura that set her apart from ordinary women.
Having gone through his mind, fitting the characteristics of this place and time, Chen Guan had already guessed the identity of the other party.
"Chen Guan greets the Crown Princess."
Yao Ye turned around but didn't ask how he knew her identity, assuming that Yan Hongtao had mentioned it. She looked him up and down because she had learned about his talent, and at this moment, she couldn't help but scrutinize him with colored glasses. Her first impression was quite good.
"No need for excessive courtesy. Come over here and let's talk."
Her attitude was very calm and devoid of the arrogance that her status would normally bring. This behavior already conveyed a lot of information. She didn't believe that a princess would be so amiable to everyone.
"Chen Guan, you're only nine years old?"
"Just over nine years old."
"It's truly unbelievable. Nine years old and already at the ninth stage of Dou Qi. The Jia Ma Empire hasn't seen something like this in many years. I think I was only at the seventh stage when I was nine, far inferior to you."
"Uh..."
Chen Guan chuckled, finding it difficult to respond to her statement.
"No need to be nervous. My name is Yao Ye. You may have heard of me. The old man you met in Wutan City was my grandfather, Jia Xingtian, a Dou Emperor powerhouse. He just told me that you're at the ninth stage of Dou Qi, and I couldn't believe it at first."
Yao Ye openly revealed her identity, which gave Chen Guan a more direct understanding of her.
A girl in her early teens, still underage, achieving such a level was indeed impressive. She truly lived up to being the future of the Jia Ma Empire's royal family.
"A genius like you shouldn't be overlooked. My grandfather initially wanted to take you as his disciple, but he has spent most of his life secluded in the palace and lacks experience in teaching. He didn't want to mislead you. It's evident that my grandfather really likes you, and I also have high hopes for you. Whether from the perspective of the empire or personally, if you don't mind, you can call me 'sister' in the future."
Yao Ye told her first lie of the day, and strangely enough, Chen Guan believed it because it had been mentioned in the second letter that Jia Xingtian intended to take him as a disciple.
Now he wasn't being taken as a disciple but acknowledged as a sister?
Chen Guan purposely waited for a few seconds but didn't receive a third letter, indicating that this wasn't a life-threatening situation. He felt relieved.
"It's my honor, Sister Yao Ye."
Chen Guan didn't overreact and immediately accepted the offer.
He had leaned towards this answer himself. If he wanted to become stronger, resources were indispensable. In the entire Jia Ma Empire, Yao Ye was one of the top resources, second only to Xiao Xun'er. Even the representative from the Misty Cloud Sect was only on par with her.
Besides, he had already accepted the favor of the royal family. A little more debt wouldn't make much of a difference.
Moreover, since she had spoken so kindly, if he didn't show some respect, wouldn't it be needlessly offending her? Comparing the two options, the answer naturally became apparent.
"Hehe, you are even more mature than I expected. Come, since Sister Yao Ye is in a good mood today, I'll give you a welcoming gift."
(End of this chapter)
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone