Shocked

As Yang Kai and Mu Mengyan sat together, a platter of delicacies was placed before them. The aroma wafted through the air, stimulating Yang Kai's appetite.

As they commenced their meal, Yang Kai seized the opportunity to break the silence, turning his attention to Mu Mengyan. "You mentioned earlier that father-in-law and mother-in-law wanted to speak with me. What is it about?"

Mu Mengyan paused briefly, her eyes locked onto Yang Kai. "They wish to enroll you in Stardusk Academy," she revealed.

Surprised, Yang Kai exclaimed, "Stardusk Academy, the most esteemed institution in the city? But my cultivation talent is far from exceptional. Why would they make such a decision?"

Mu Mengyan calmly responded, providing insight into her father's intentions. "My father is aware that your natural talent may not be exceptional. He intends to enroll you to broaden your education in areas such as business or politics."

Her gaze fixed on Yang Kai, she added, "Although he might be in for a surprise if he were to discover your current accomplishments."

Chuckling, Yang Kai acknowledged the understanding behind the Mu family's decision, realizing the importance of not being perceived as a completely inept son-in-law. "I see..." he said, grasping the reasoning.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Yang Kai couldn't help but ask, "By the way, what level is your cultivation? Are you incredibly powerful?"

Mu Mengyan's reputation within Stardusk City was that of a prodigy, surpassing individuals much older than her. Her exceptional talents and unparalleled achievements had earned her immense respect and admiration. She stood as a shining example of excellence in cultivation.

"10th stage of the Spirit Realm." Mu Mengyan said nonchalantly

"10th stage of the Spirit Realm?!?" Yang Kai was astounded to the core, confronted by the staggering disparity in their cultivation levels.

'I was aware that there would be disparities in our cultivation, but this... this difference, isn't it too immense?' Yang Kai thought.

Mu Mengyan nodded at Yang Kai, seemingly unfazed by her achievement of reaching the 10th stage of the Spirit Realm.

"You're not secretly a thousand-year-old monster that reincarnated, are you..?" Yang Kai exclaimed, feigning a fearful expression.

A hint of annoyance flickered across Mu Mengyan's face as she retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Chuckling, Yang Kai quickly backtracked, his expression innocent. "Oh, nothing... I was just admiring your remarkable talent."

As they continued their meal, an air of lightheartedness settled between them, momentarily easing the weight of the vast disparity in their cultivation levels.

Out of curiosity Mu Mengyan extended her aura to sense Yang Kai's cultivation level.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she exclaimed, "You're at the 1st stage of the True Qi Realm?!" The shock was evident in her voice.

"Yes, I've made some small progress..." he replied modestly, trying to downplay his achievement.

"That's impossible, you were only at the 2nd stage of the Elementary realm, how could you have jumped an entire realm in two days!"

Yang Kai hesitated for a moment, carefully considering his response. "To be honest, I had a rather peculiar dream recently. There was an elderly man who appeared to me and imparted a unique cultivation technique. The rapid progress I made can be attributed to the initial stages of that technique. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to advance so swiftly."

Mu Mengyan's eyes widened with intrigue as she listened intently. "A cultivation technique from a dream?"

Her countenance shifted into one of seriousness as she reached up to her ear, deftly removing a seemingly ordinary earring that had once been invisible.

She extended it towards Yang Kai, her voice carrying a weight of importance as she spoke. "Take this," she said, offering him the earring. "It is one of our family's heirlooms. With this earring, you can manipulate your cultivation level, effectively deceiving cultivators, even those at the Master realm."

"Uhh, is it... clean?" Yang Kai questioned, his voice tinged with a hint of doubt.

"You have successfully incited hatred in Mu Mengyan for +210... +210... +210... Hatred points"

"Hmph, fine! I'll keep this to myself then," Mu Mengyan huffed, pulling her hand back in a display of annoyance.

"W-Wait! I was only joking," Yang Kai quickly interjected, his hand darting out to grasp hers in a desperate attempt to defuse the situation.

She swiftly placed the earring into Yang Kai's palm, her hand retreating quickly, leaving her cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

As Yang Kai put on the earring, a subtle shimmer passed over it, rendering it completely invisible. Instantly, an aura enveloped him, concealing his true cultivation level from prying eyes.

Directing her aura towards Yang Kai once again, Mu Mengyan confirmed that his cultivation was indeed at the 2nd stage of the Elementary Realm. Satisfied with the result, she nodded in approval.

"Thank you, Mengyan. This earring will be a great asset," he expressed his gratitude, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

"It would be rather inconvenient if others were to discover the speed of your progress." Mu Mengyan replied without any emotion

"Is my wife worrying about me?" Yang Kai playfully teased.

Maintaining her composed expression, Mu Mengyan responded, "Don't get ahead of yourself."

She then shifted the topic, urging him to meet with his father and mother-in-law. "If you've finished your meal, go and meet Father and Mother. They've been waiting for you," she said, a hint of annoyance coloring her voice.

Finishing his meal swiftly, Yang Kai nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright, I'll get going then." With that, they both left his residence, heading in separate directions—Mu Mengyan towards her own residence, while Yang Kai made his way to where his father and mother-in-law awaited his presence.

Arriving at his father and mother-in-law's residence, Yang Kai walked in.

"Yang Kai! It's about time you showed up!" Lin Yingmi exclaimed upon seeing his entrance.

"You have successfully incited hatred in Lin Yingmi for +210... +210... +210... Hatred points"

"We've been waiting for quite some time. What have you been up to?" she inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"My apologies, Mother-in-law. I became engrossed in my cultivation session, losing track of time," he responded, a hint of remorse in his voice.

"Cultivating?" Mu Zhangwei interjected, his eyebrows raised in surprise.

Examining Yang Kai's current cultivation level, Mu Zhangwei confirmed that he was still at the 2nd stage of the Elementary realm.

Aware of the potential limitations in Yang Kai's cultivation, Mu Zhangwei had different aspirations for him. He believed that Yang Kai could make valuable contributions to the clan in alternative ways, particularly in the realms of business and entrepreneurship.

With this understanding, a genuine smile adorned Mu Zhangwei's face as he continued with his intentions. "That's good to hear. I've decided to enroll you in Stardusk Academy, the most prestigious school in our city."

Noting Yang Kai's lack of immediate reaction, he deduced that Yang Kai must've known about it beforehand.

"Hmph, don't get too excited," Lin Yingmi interjected, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Your talents clearly don't lie in cultivating, so we're sending you to Stardusk Academy to learn politics or business."

Yang Kai maintained a confident smile on his face as he replied, "Rest assured, mother-in-law. I will devote myself to excel in all fields."

"You have successfully incited hatred in Lin Yingmi for +59... +59... +59... Hatred points"

Lin Yingmi's irritation was palpable, her thoughts filled with disbelief as she observed Yang Kai's confidence. 'Where does this brat get his confidence from?' she silently mused.

Yang Kai remained unfazed by Lin Yingmi's opinion of him. Instead, he found a peculiar satisfaction in accumulating "hatred points" from her, seeing her as a walking "money bag" of sorts.

Yang Kai paused, a realization dawning upon him. "Wait... I should be careful not to provoke her too much and instead try to get on her good side... What if she tries to intervene and prevent me from being with Mengyan?"

Noticing that Yang Kai seemed lost in his thoughts, Mu Zhangwei coughed lightly to capture his attention. "Yang Kai, I wanted to inform you that tomorrow you will be departing for Stardusk Academy. Xuanxuan will be accompanying you," he relayed.

"Xuanxuan!?" Yang Kai exclaimed, surprise evident in his voice.

Mu Zhangwei raised an eyebrow, responding, "Is there a problem with that?"

Yang Kai quickly shook his head, replying, "No... I just thought that she would accompany Mengyan."

Mu Zhangwei nodded, understanding Yang Kai's assumption. "Xuanxuan will be able to guide you and help you become familiar with the academy. Having her by your side will make the transition easier for you."

'Ah, I hope that girl won't make my life difficult,' Yang Kai thought to himself, a hint of concern creeping into his mind.

"Thank you, Father-in-law, for arranging everything. If there's nothing else, I will excuse myself and return to my room," Yang Kai expressed, his gratitude evident in his tone.

Mu Zhangwei nodded in understanding. "Of course, Yang Kai. Take your time to rest and prepare for your journey. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to approach me or Xuanxuan."

As their conversation drew to a close, Yang Kai exchanged farewells with his father-in-law and mother-in-law before turning to make his way back to his room, his mind filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension for what awaited him at Stardusk Academy.