Chapter 6 Yao Ye

Five years later, at the royal martial arts arena labeled "Class C," two young boys engaged in an intense duel. Their movements were swift and their strikes fierce, drawing the attention of onlookers. However, anyone with a discerning eye could see that their states were vastly different.

The stockier boy, despite his ferocity, was clearly at his limit, his strength waning. In contrast, the taller and leaner boy fought with a composed air, his movements measured and deliberate. It was evident he wasn't feeling any real pressure from his opponent.

With a loud bang, their fists collided once more. The stockier boy staggered backward several steps, nearly falling off the platform. Struggling to regain his footing, he raised his hands in defeat, panting heavily.

"No more, no more. You're a monster!" Zhao Gang exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "I've worked so hard, and my talent's supposed to be better than yours. How are you still better? This doesn't make any sense!"

Chen Guan chuckled lightly. "Maybe it's just that you're not trying hard enough."

"Yeah, sure," Zhao Gang retorted with a roll of his eyes, clearly unconvinced.

Five Years of Rivalry and Growth

The five years since their training began had brought significant changes to both boys. Zhao Gang, spurred by Chen Guan's relentless excellence, had become much more diligent than before. Each time he improved, he would seek Chen Guan out for a sparring match. Over time, his initial grudges had faded, replaced by genuine respect and a growing sense of camaraderie. Chen Guan had become not just a rival but an inspiration.

Zhao Gang's progress was indeed impressive—he had already reached the sixth stage of Dou Disciple. In the Jia Ma Empire, such an achievement would easily earn him the title of a young genius. But compared to Chen Guan, he still fell short.

"You're hiding your real strength, aren't you? Come on, you must be close to breaking into the seventh stage!" Zhao Gang pressed, his curiosity evident.

"Just a little ahead of you," Chen Guan replied with a shrug. "Work a bit harder, and you'll catch up."

"Sure, sure," Zhao Gang grumbled, not believing a word. He had heard similar dismissals too many times before.

Despite his protests, Zhao Gang and the other young trainees couldn't help but be impressed. Over the years, Chen Guan had avoided public testing and dedicated himself solely to his training. His unrelenting focus had become a model for many. Some of their peers had tried to emulate him, but few managed to endure more than a few months of the monotonous, disciplined routine.

"People like him deserve to be strong," one of the spectators muttered. "Honestly, if he wasn't, the universe would feel out of balance."

................................

Unbeknownst to the boys, their sparring session had drawn the attention of a pair of figures watching from the distant tower. One was the seasoned Dou Emperor, Jia Ma Empire's Gurdian Jia Xing Tian. The other was a graceful young woman dressed in ornate royal attire—Princess Yao Ye.

Jia Xing Tian, his keen gaze fixed on the taller boy, broke into a smile of astonishment. "Nine years old and already at the ninth stage of Dou Disciple," he murmured. "And his aura is stable. This boy is extraordinary—he's practically knocking on the door of becoming a true Dou Practitioner."

Standing beside him, Princess Yao Ye tilted her head in curiosity. "That's impressive, but is he really more talented than that boy from the Xiao Clan in Wu Tan City? Everyone says Xiao Yan is unmatched among the empire's youth."

"Xiao Yan's no doubt a prodigy, but this boy—this Chen Guan—might just surpass him," Jia Xing Tian replied. "Remember, Xiao Yan had a head start. Chen Guan only started cultivating months later, and yet he's already ahead. His future potential... it's staggering."

Intrigued, Yao Ye glanced down at the boy her grandfather had praised so highly. Though his talent was undeniable, her own level of Dou Qi made it difficult for her to discern anything beyond his striking appearance and calm demeanor.

"What do you plan to do with him, Grandpa?" she asked.

Jia Xing Tian stroked his beard thoughtfully. "First, I want to meet him. Let's not waste this chance."

He gestured toward a nearby soldier. "Bring Chen Guan to me. I'd like to speak with him."

................................

Chen Guan soon found himself escorted to the tower, where the young princess awaited. The air of royalty she exuded was unmistakable, but to his surprise, she greeted him with warmth rather than aloofness.

"You must be Chen Guan," she said, smiling gently. "My name is Yao Ye. I've heard many good things about you."

Despite his initial surprise, Chen Guan quickly adapted. Bowing respectfully, he replied, "It's an honor, Princess."

"No need to be so formal," Yao Ye said with a wave of her hand. "From what I hear, you're already one of the brightest stars among the empire's youth. Tell me, how does it feel to carry such expectations?"

Chen Guan paused, choosing his words carefully. "I just focus on training. Expectations are important, but achieving my goals is what matters most."

Her smile deepened. "Spoken like a true cultivator. My grandfather shares your sentiment. He believes you have the potential to surpass even him one day."

The boy stiffened slightly, startled by the weight of her words. Before he could respond, Yao Ye continued, "To help you on your path, I have a small gift for you."

She handed him a small jade bottle containing a rare Qi Powder, an invaluable aid for cultivation.

"This is too generous," Chen Guan said, pretending to hesitate.

"Take it," Yao Ye insisted. "Think of it as a token of our support. The empire values those with the potential to shape its future."

As Chen Guan descended from the tower, the jade bottle securely in his grasp, his thoughts churned. The princess's words and the general's silent approval were clear signs—his journey was being watched. For better or worse, his talent had placed him in the spotlight.

"Looks like things are about to get a lot more complicated," he muttered under his breath, determination flickering in his eyes.