บท 5: Chapter #5: Determination

...

On the other side, Ye Jianguo, whose eyes were closed quickly noticed something.

Rumble!

The old wall of a certain place in the manor opened, and Ye Chen's figure slowly emerged from it.

But, before he was able to come close to Ye Chen. A much faster figure quickly appeared then jumped into Ye Chen's arms.

"This kid..." Ye Jianguo shook his head.

With stars on her apricot eyes, Ye Wenling looked up at Ye Chen, her face filled with awe and excitement.

"Brother! You're amazing! The whole manor and the people outside was shaking! I really thought that a strong man emerged from the clouds! How did you it!? What kind of cultivation techniques are you practicing!?" Her words came out in a rush.

Hearing this, a thought flashed in Ye Chen's mind.

Suddenly, he grabbed Ye Wenling who somehow made it's way into his neck, hanging her whole body while she grabs Ye Chen's neck.

Ye Chen grabbed Ye Wenling's robe, causing her to struggle to get off him, but to no avail. Despite her best efforts, even using her power, she couldn't budge him. Her face pouted and pitiful, her eyes turning big and teary.

"Brother! Let me go! You're bullying me!" she protested, her voice tinged with frustration and playfulness.

He replied playfully. "Or what, you can't even do anything" Ye Chen laughed, finally able to control this little goblin.

Wenling's pout deepened, and she huffed in mock anger. "Father! Look at him! He's being so mean!"

Ye Jianguo, watching the scene unfold with an amused expression, shook his head. "Ye Chen, let your sister go. It's not fair to tease her like that." he also chuckled seeing this scene.

Relenting, Ye Chen released his grip, allowing Wenling to stand up and brush off her robe. She crossed her arms and glared at him, but there was a twinkle in her eyes that showed she wasn't truly upset.

"You think you're so strong now, don't you?" she challenged, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

Ye Chen smirked, putting his hands behind his back. "Stronger than you, that's for sure."

Wenling's grin widened as she jumped at Ye Chen again, her movements quick and graceful. This time, however, Ye Chen was ready. He sidestepped her attack effortlessly, tapping her lightly on the shoulder as she stumbled past him.

"Nice try," he said, mockingly.

Frustrated, Wenling spun around, determination burning in her eyes. She charged at him again, and once more, Ye Chen dodged her attack with ease. The siblings continued their playful sparring, their movements were quick ang agile.

30 minutes later...

Ye Wenling laid on the ground looking at Ye Chen with a smile on his face resentfully.

"Humph! Bad brother!" She crossed her arms then looked away at Ye Chen.

Ye Chen chuckled softly, extending a hand to help Ye Wenling up from the ground. "Alright, alright I'll admit you're not bad yourself, sister."

Ye Wenling took his hand, pulling herself up with a grind and proudful look on her face. "Of course! Don't underestimate me! I... I went easy okay?"

Out of nowhere, a bad idea flash in her mind.

Ye Chen's eyes widened in surprise as Ye Wenling unexpectedly bit his forearm. He winced slightly at the sharp pain, but more than that, he was taken aback by her sudden action.

"Ugh! Wenling!" He exclaimed, more in shock than anger.

Ye Jianguo, who had been watching from afar hurried over. "What's going on here?"

Ye Wenling released Ye Chen's arm, looking a bit sheepish and pitiful at the same time. "He was teasing me too much! Father! I had to show him that I'm not the type of girl to be underestimated!"

Ye Jianguo looked at the deep bite mark on Ye Chen's forearm. "That's not how we settle things, Wenling. We must spar with respect and restraint okay?"

Ye Chen rubbed his arm where the bite mark appeared. A mix of amusement and disbelief on his face. "You surely know how to make a point little sister."

Wenling grinned mischievously, but there was no hint of apology in her eyes. "Sorry, big brother. I got carried away."

Ye Jianguo chuckled softly, his demeanor calming. "Alright, let's not let this escalate further. Chen, Wenling, both of you have displayed impressive skills today. Remember, the strength of our family lies in unity and understanding." Holding Ye Wenling's tiny hand, he said. "Okay, not let's go inside, the maids prepared a sumptuous meal."

As they walked back towards the manor, Ye Chen's stomach rumbled loudly, breaking the moment of playful tension. He blushed slightly, remembering the purpose why he stopped cultivating.

Wenling, who was far ahead of him heard this. She turned around and picked up on her brother's embarrassment. "Looks like someone's hungry! Come on, big brother, let's see who can finish their meal faster!" she stuck her tounge out teasingly at Ye Chen."

Ye Jianguo chuckled at their banter, shaking his head fondly. "Always full of energy, you two. Let's not keep the food waiting then."

They entered the manor, where a delicious aroma greeted them from the dining hall. The maids had indeed prepared a sumptuous meal, and Ye Chen eagerly took his seat, ready to enjoy the feast with his family.

...

As they enjoyed the sumptuous meal, Ye Wenling suddenly remembered something. She leaned towards Ye Chen, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Brother, you should come with me to the Heavenly Sword Sect! The elders there would be amazed by your progress and achievement in a such a period of time! You could also learn so much more and become even stronger!"

Ye Chen shook his head, smiling patiently. "Wenling, for now, I've got my own path to follow here. There's still so much to do at the manor and with our family."

"But the Heavenly Sword Sect has so many resources and experts!" Wenling insisted, her determination unwavering. "You could advance your cultivation so much faster!"

Ye Chen continued to shake his head, maintaining his resolve. "I appreciate the offer, but my place is here for now. Maybe in the future, but not right now."

Seeing her brother's resistance, Wenling decided to change her approach. She pouted slightly, her eyes turning big and teary as she looked up at him. "Brother, please? It would be so much fun having you there with me. We could train together and such!"

Hearing this, Ye Chen's resolve wavered for a moment, but he remained firm. "Wenling, I really can't right now. There are responsibilities I need to take care of here."

Wenling, not ready to give up, shifted closer to Ye Chen, her voice softer, and in a more pleading tone. "Big brother, don't you want to spend more time with me? I promise it'll be amazing. Just think about all the adventures we could have together."

Ye Chen looked at his sister, her coquettish behavior both endearing and amusing. He sighed, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair. "Wenling, you know I love spending time with you. But I have to be here for our family. Besides, you can always go back right? and we'll have plenty of time to catch up."

Wenling huffed slightly, crossing her arms in frustration. "You're no fun, big brother. Fine, but you better visit me soon, or I'll come back and drag you to the Heavenly Sword Sect myself!"

Ye Chen: "..."

He secretly thought, 'The next time we meet, our strength would surely be worlds apart!'

Ye Jianguo, watching their interaction with a smile, "Chen, you should consider visiting. It would also be a beneficial thing and a good experience for you."

Ye Chen nodded in agreement, "I'll keep that in mind, Father. For now, let's enjoy this meal and our time together.

"Now that I think about it, where are the others?" Ye Chen glanced around the dining hall.

Ye Jianguo smiled. "Your mother is handling our family's business affairs today. She had some important meetings with our trade partners and couldn't join us for lunch.

Ye Chen nodded, understanding the great importance of their family's business. "And Xingyu?"

Ye Wenling grinned. "Little brother is in his study, of course, He's been obsessed with writing genesis runes lately. He's almost a tier 3 rune master now! Can you believe that? He also said that a tier 8 rune master is considering taking him in as an apprentice! You know, in our Tianyuan continent, even those holy places have to give them face!"

Ye Chen smlied proudly. "He's always been so dedicated. I should visit him later and see how he's doing."

"And what about big brother and sister?" Ye Chen asked again.

Ye Jianguo answer, "Your big brother Jianhong is at the fighting grounds. He's been training hard with the new recruits and overseeing their progress." Pausing slightly, he continued. "As for your big sister Lianhua, she's with your mother today. She's learning the ropes of our business dealings and providing support."

Ye Chen felt a deep sense of pride and gratitude. "It's reassuring to know everyone is working so hard to ensure the prosperity and strength of our family."

Ye Wenling also followed up, "That's right! We're all doing our part. And you, big brother, you're becoming stronger every day! Together, we're unstoppable!"

They shared a moment of warmth together, Ye Chen's heart swelled with determination to become stronger, that way no one will stop them from being like this.

...