3 Chapter 3.

In the training ground of the Holy Orchid Institute, three figures stood outside a grand gate adorned with intricate inscriptions. This gate served as the entrance to a subsidiary realm known as the Heavenly Sacred Border, accessible only to prodigious children under the age of 15 who sought to undertake a test.

Completing this test bestowed upon one the title of the greatest genius of their era. Among these prodigies was Ye Mo, a Legend-ranked expert and the father of the current city lord.

Presently, Ye Han stood outside the gate alongside the principal and vice-principal of the Holy Orchid Institute.

"May I enter now?" Ye Han inquired with curiosity.

"You may," the Principal affirmed, "but remember the promise you've made."

Typically, individuals over the age of 15 wouldn't have the opportunity to enter. However, Ye Han was an exception.

Over the past two weeks, his alchemical prowess had reshaped the power dynamics of Glory City. Even the venerable Alchemy Association now acknowledged him as Master Ye.

"I'll ensure the finest pills for your top students, Principal," Ye Han remarked with a grin.

This agreement was the condition for his entry into the Heavenly Sacred Border, ensuring that his admission wouldn't stir discontent among others.

With a nod, Ye Han strode towards the gate and vanished from sight.

"What do you think will transpire now?" Vice-Principal Ye Shang queried. "Will he succeed in the test?"

"He's not here for the test," the Principal murmured. "He harbours motives beyond our comprehension."

"Unless he chooses to enlighten us," Ye Shang chuckled.

The two gazed at the gate for a moment before returning to their office.

Meanwhile, Ye Han found himself captivated by the lush surroundings, abundant with towering trees, exotic fruits, and potent Spirit energy.

"So many treasures..." Ye Han murmured, his mind swiftly assessing the potential uses of the surroundings, even as his body instinctively resisted the invading Spirit energy.

Cultivation wasn't his priority at the moment.

With his flight ability, he began collecting valuable items and storing them in his ring. Since he didn't plan to return, he aimed to take everything needed to create superior pills.

Unbeknownst to him, his flight had attracted the attention of a Spirit that had been observing him since his arrival.

Ye Han continued his gathering until his ring was full.

"I should have brought another one," he remarked, landing near a massive tree. "This reminds me to start cultivating soon and unlock new abilities."

The past weeks had been hectic, shuttling between home and the Alchemy Association. His strategy of sharing knowledge had swiftly gained him control over the Association.

"Young man, who are you?"

His thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of the Spirit of an elderly man.

"You've finally arrived, founder," Ye Han remarked casually, meeting the Spirit's gaze. "I've been expecting you."

His visit had two purposes: meeting the old man and acquiring a certain sword.

"You know of me?" the old man inquired, surprise flickering across his features before giving way to a smile. "I am Ye Yan, one of the five Legend-ranked experts who founded Glory City and patriarch of the Thunder family."

"I'm aware," Ye Han replied with a grin. "And that's precisely why I'm here to meet you."

"Are you seeking discipleship?" Ye Yan asked, curiosity evident. "But first, how can you fly without cultivation?"

"That's a secret," Ye Han replied cryptically, vanishing from sight.

"Where did you go?" the old man searched, unable to locate him.

"Got you," Ye Han reappeared behind him, seizing his head.

"What's the meaning of this?" The old man demanded indignantly. "Show respect to your elders!"

As Ye Yan attempted to wield his soul force, panic dawned on him as he realized it was futile.

"It's pointless, old man," Ye Han chuckled. "I've inscribed barriers on your soul to prevent escape."

Delving into Ye Yan's memories, Ye Han gleaned the knowledge he sought: cultivation techniques, alchemy, inscriptions, and more.

"There must be countless texts you've perused but couldn't bring to Glory City," Ye Han surmised.

After extracting the necessary knowledge, he released Ye Yan and drew forth a soul sword.

"Thank you for the enlightenment," Ye Han said, before swiftly dispatching the old man.

With the sword in hand, he made his way toward the object of his quest: a sword for which this realm was created.

Approaching it, he felt increasing pressure on his soul and body.

"Damn it," Ye Han cursed, swinging his sword to vanquish the demonic souls hindering his path.

As he reached the sword, Ye Han commanded his sword to absorb it.

The Victory Sword possessed the unique ability to assimilate other weapons, absorbing their forms and powers.

In moments, the Thunder God's Meteorite Sword was assimilated, flooding Ye Han's mind with memories upon his touch.

"Ah, I understand now," Ye Han murmured after absorbing the memories, calmly returning his sword to his soul and making his way to the exit gate.

The Thunder God Meteorite Sword, crafted from a material beyond their realm, typically absorbed the wielder's soul.

Both the Thunder Spiritual God and Sheng Mu, previous wielders, had met the same fate.

"Thanks to them, I've gained invaluable knowledge," Ye Han chuckled.

Armed with newfound insights, he planned to create myriad pill recipes and inscriptions.

Most importantly, he now possessed knowledge of the Law of Thunder, something that can allow one to step into the Heavenly Fate realm in this world.

However one would need to become a spiritual god for that.

Emerging from the subsidiary realm, Ye Han was surprised to find that night had already fallen.

Slightly taken aback by the passage of time, he made his way towards the city lord's mansion for dinner.

Unlike before, he didn't land outside. Instead, he flew directly to the courtyard where the entire family gathered for their meals.

"So, how was the test?" Ye Zong inquired as soon as Ye Han entered the room.

"I didn't take the test," Ye Han replied, taking his seat.

"Then what have you been up to these past two days?" Ye Xiu asked, curiosity evident.

"Hmm?" Ye Han looked at his uncle in confusion. "What do you mean, two days?"

"I don't think you've realized it yet, Han," Ye Zong said with an amused smile. "To you, it might seem like only a day has passed, but outside, two days have elapsed."

"What?" Ye Han was taken aback by this revelation. "Why didn't anyone inform me?"

He hadn't bothered to check, assuming that his prior knowledge of the realm was sufficient. Since he intended to visit only once, he didn't see the need to familiarize himself with its time flow.

"We assumed you were aware," Aunt Xue replied with a giggle. "Anyway, before dinner, there's another important matter to attend to."

"What's that?" Ye Han inquired, regaining his composure.

"You need to speak with your sister, brother," Ye Hong said with a smile. "She's been upset since morning and hasn't left her room."

"Ziyun?" Ye Han was puzzled by his cousin's statement. "Did something happen to upset her?"

"She's upset because her elder brother forgot her special day," Ye Zong replied calmly, though his irritation was palpable.

He had attempted to speak with her, but she refused to see anyone.

"Special day..." Ye Han quickly pieced it together and realized the significance of the day. "I'll be back shortly. You all can start eating."

Hurriedly rising from his seat, he dashed towards his sister's courtyard, cursing himself inwardly.

Today marked his sister's thirteenth birthday.

While birthdays weren't celebrated with the same extravagance as in his previous world, they held significance for family members.

Having spoiled his sister, especially in the past two years, he knew she must have been deeply hurt by his absence on her special day.

After reaching her bedroom, he knocked twice.

"Little sister, it's me, your elder brother," Ye Han announced with a smile, but received no response.

"Are you still angry at me?" Ye Han inquired. "I never intended to miss your birthday. I was simply unaware of the time flow in that realm."

"You're lying," Ziyun finally replied.

"Why do you think I'm lying?" Ye Han asked, frowning. "I've never lied to you before."

"My elder brother knows everything," Ziyun reiterated.

Her response left him speechless.

"Your elder brother may know most things, but not everything, my dear sister," Ye Han said with a smile. "Please open the door. I apologize for my absence today."

For a moment, there was no response, but soon the door opened, revealing Ye Ziyun with a downcast expression.

Judging by the tear stains on her cheeks, he could tell she had cried.

"I apologize once again, my dear sister," Ye Han said, stepping forward to hug her. "Happy birthday, my lovely sister."

"T-Thank you, elder brother," Ziyun replied, a delighted smile spreading across her face. "Where's my gift?"

"My gift?" Ye Han muttered, quickly thinking of something. "Well, I did prepare a gift for you while I was away."

"Does that mean you didn't forget my birthday?" Ziyun asked, excitement lighting up her eyes.

"Of course not, how could I forget?" Ye Han said with an awkward chuckle. "Let's go inside. I'll show you your gift."

They entered her room and sat on the giant bed.

"Where is it? Where's my gift?" Ziyun asked eagerly.

"Don't get too excited," Ye Han smiled wryly, tapping her forehead. Before she could ask what he was doing, information began to appear in her mind, capturing her attention.

"I created this cultivation method especially for you, dear sister," Ye Han said proudly. "It took me a lot of time, but the result was worth it."

"What's it called, elder brother?" Ziyun asked, her curiosity piqued as she read through the method.

"It's called Eternal Divine Phoenix," Ye Han replied after a moment's thought. "It's perfect for your soul form and attribute."

"Oh..." Ziyun nodded. "What are soul form and soul attribute?"

"You'll learn about them at the Holy Orchid Institute," Ye Han explained, making a mental note to include them in the syllabus. "Just remember that this cultivation method is the best, and don't share it with anyone, okay?"

Seeing her elder brother's serious expression, Ziyun quickly nodded. "I promise, elder brother. I won't tell anyone."

"I know you won't," Ye Han said, patting her head, eliciting a smile from her.

"Can I start cultivating now?" Ziyun asked eagerly. "I want to become strong like you, elder brother."

"Not today," Ye Han shook his head. "We'll start tomorrow, okay?"

"Will you cultivate with me, elder brother?" Ziyun asked.

"Yes, I will," Ye Han nodded. "Now that you're happy, let's go have dinner."

Ziyun nodded eagerly and stood up, walking with him towards the dining room.

By the time they reached the dining room, everyone had already left. However, Ziyun wasn't saddened by this; instead, she became even happier knowing she could eat alone with her elder brother.

The siblings happily ate their meal while discussing Ye Han's experiences in the Heavenly Sacred Border. Though he hadn't experienced much, he improvised certain details to keep Ziyun entertained throughout dinner.

After finishing their meal, Ye Han escorted Ziyun to her room before heading to his father's office to discuss an important matter.

"Since you're here, I assume she came out of her room, right?" Ye Zong inquired, reading through a document.

"Do you think she'd refuse me? I'm not as busy as her father, you know," Ye Han teased, prompting his uncle to chuckle.

"Brat, have you forgotten who you're talking to?" Ye Zong lifted his head with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Do you want me to spank you?"

"You can try, father," Ye Han chuckled, then turned to his uncle. "How's the investigation going, uncle?"

The atmosphere in the office grew heavy the moment he asked.

"I haven't found anything connecting those two," Ye Xiu replied gravely. "Are you sure about your claims? Accusing their family without clear evidence could invite trouble."

"Your uncle is right, Han," Ye Zong said solemnly. "Your words could sow discord in Glory City, weakening us in the long run."

"Father, do you think I'd make up stories?" Ye Han asked seriously. "They are connected, and once I leave this city, they won't hesitate to act against me."

His words made them reconsider the investigation's results. If he was correct, they would indeed pose a threat to him, given his rising influence in the city.

"I'll continue monitoring their activities," Ye Xiu said after a moment of contemplation.

Ye Han nodded, then approached the brothers. "Anyway, I came here for another reason."

"And what's that?" Ye Zong asked curiously.

"Show me your cultivation methods," Ye Han said, standing beside the desk.

Ye Zong looked at his brother in confusion but retrieved a scroll from his storage ring. Ye Xiu did the same, placing the scroll on the table.

Ye Han picked up the scrolls and perused them carefully before closing his eyes, refining them in his mind, and improving upon their flaws.

"Done," He declared, opening his eyes and writing something on a piece of paper before handing it to his father.

"What's this?" Ye Zong asked, perplexed, as he read the paper. Slowly, confusion gave way to shock.

Observing his elder brother's reaction, Ye Xiu accepted the paper from Ye Han, his expression mirroring Ye Zong's astonishment.

"Y-You've... you've made it significantly more potent and refined than before..."