Chapter 25

As time continued its relentless march, Cai Wen fell into a consistent routine. Each day, he would attend class in the morning before heading to the library. Occasionally, his Senior sister Hu Liena would accompany him.

Whenever they found themselves free from the shackles of class, Bibi Dong, would visit them with the intent to impart further knowledge.

However, due to Cai Wen's frequent library visits, she often found herself unable to do so. Instead, Cai Wen would compile a list of queries for her, causing Bibi Dong a great deal of strain. She had to meticulously consider her responses to ensure that she maintained her image in front of her students.

Despite Hu Liena's diligent efforts, Cai Wen soon surpassed her in terms of knowledge. Occasionally, Bibi Dong would exploit this fact as an excuse to focus her teaching efforts on Hu Liena, asserting that Cai Wen already knew most of what he needed to learn.

Nevertheless, Bibi Dong, a woman of high pride and their teacher, did not shy away from challenging Cai Wen. She frequently assigned him complex tasks, which he consistently completed.

She occasionally orchestrated sparring sessions between Cai Wen and Hu Liena, stipulating that they fight without the aid of any spirit rings. Cai Wen emerged victorious from each encounter.

Despite their equivalent physical strength, Cai Wen's possession of the Six Eyes allowed him to anticipate and counter Hu Liena's actions with ease. This consistent loss stirred a sense of frustration in Hu Liena, which served to fuel her determination to improve and restore her pride as the senior sister.

Despite the flurry of these everyday events, most were of little significance.

Thus, a year slipped away, and Cai Wen turned seven.

One morning, as the sun's rays filtered into Cai Wen's room, they revealed his figure seated on the bed, engrossed in his cultivation. Suddenly, a shockwave of spirit power emanated from him, subtly shifting the objects in his room.

With a glint of joy flashing across his eyes, he said, "Finally, I am a 20th rank spirit master!"

Cai Wen's rapid progression through five levels in just a year was an extraordinary feat from the perspective of most.

However, in his view, he could have achieved this rank earlier had he focused solely on his cultivation.

After performing his routine morning tasks, Cai Wen left his room and navigated through the palace until he reached Bibi Dong's private chamber. He knocked lightly on the door.

"Teacher, this is Cai Wen. May I enter?" he asked, maintaining a balance between casualness and respect.

From inside the room, he thought he heard a sigh of fatigue. But he dismissed it as a figment of his imagination, thinking, 'Bibi Dong sighing? That's unlikely. I've barely managed to see her make other expression aside from her cold Stoic face.'

"Come inside, Cai Wen," Bibi Dong responded in her usual tone.

Suppressing a flicker of unease, Cai Wen pushed the door open and stepped into the dimly lit room. The morning sun filtered in through the closed curtains, casting a soft light on Bibi Dong, who was seated behind a large, ornate desk cluttered with scrolls and books.

"Teacher, I bring good news," Cai Wen said, marking his arrival with a respectful bow.

Bibi Dong, engrossed in her book, set it aside and fixed her gaze on him. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she speculated, "Let me guess, Cai Wen. You've advanced to the 20th rank, haven't you?"

Cai Wen was taken aback by her accurate guess. "How did you know?" he asked, genuinely surprised.

Bibi Dong chuckled lightly at his reaction, a rare occurrence that left Cai Wen even more stunned. "Your growth is quite visible, Cai Wen" she said, before she reverted back to her old self like an illusion. "Besides, it was only a matter of time given your dedication and potential."

The praise from his strict teacher warmed his heart a bit he was barely even able to get praise from her. Although he still fear her as he knows most of the things she did in the future.

He stood a bit taller, his chest puffing out with pride. "Thank you, Teacher. I promise to work even harder."

Bibi Dong nodded, her gaze returning to the book on her desk. "I believe you will. Now, you must prepare for your journey to the Star Dou Forest. Chrysanthemums Douluo will accompany you tomorrow to acquire your second spirit ring," she instructed, thereby concluding their conversation.

Cai Wen wanted to stay longer to gain some affection points but.

"I shall not disturb you any further, teacher," Cai Wen said. He bowed again, acknowledging her directive, and exited the room.

On his way back to his quarters, preparing mentally for his upcoming journey to the Star Dou Forest, he ran into Hu Liena. She was humming a cheerful tune, as if something delightful had happened.

"Big sister Nana, you seem very happy. Has something good happened?" Cai Wen asked, a smile playing on his lips.

"Hehe, you noticed? Indeed, I've made a breakthrough. I've reached the 26th rank. Just four more breakthroughs, and I'll be a spirit elder," she excitedly shared.

"What a coincidence! I, too, have made a breakthrough. I'm now a 20th-rank spirit master. I was just heading to my room to prepare for my journey to acquire a new spirit ring," Cai Wen replied, without giving it much thought.

Hu Liena's good mood stalled. She blinked a few times, then asked, "What did you say?"

"I just said that I've made a breakthrough and now I'm a 20th-rank spirit mas-" Cai Wen began to elaborate, but stopped short when he noticed her suddenly looking disheartened.

"My status as a senior sister is being challenged by my own junior brother," she muttered to herself.

"Ah, big sister?" Cai Wen attempted to rouse her from her melancholy.

Awakening from her bout of depression, she gifted him a warm smile. "It's nothing, really. Anyway, congratulations, younger brother. You're getting closer to my level," she said, her voice imbued with a bitter undertone at the end.

A few more exchanges passed between them, and Hu Liena found her energy returning. After a few parting words, Cai Wen bid her farewell. He needed to prepare his belongings.

For a moment, Hu Liena watched his retreating form, then determination flashed in her eyes. She began her journey to her room, ready to delve back into her cultivation practice.

Elsewhere, within the Elder Palace, a young girl of about seven was darting through the grand corridors. Her charming youthful appearance was topped with golden blonde hair. She found herself in the vast palace garden, and her gaze wandered across the sprawling landscape until it landed on an older man of about forty to fifty years. His smile was gentle, his presence soothing.

"Grandpa!" The young girl, rushed toward her grandfather, embracing him excitedly.

The elder man returned her enthusiasm with a warm smile. "What's the matter, Xuer?"

"Hehe, Grandpa, I've finally reached the 30th Spirit Rank!" Xuer, also known as Qian Renxue, shared her achievement joyfully with her grandfather.

The man, known as Qian Daoliu, held numerous titles: the Grand Worship, Guardian of the Angel Inheritance, and the Strongest in the Sky, to name a few. Yet, at this moment, he was simply a proud grandfather.

"I see, I see. As expected of you, Xuer. Would you like me to accompany you to receive your third ring?" he asked, his voice full of affection.

She nodded eagerly, but then hesitated, as if she wanted to voice another thought.

Qian Daoliu noticed her reluctance. "What is it, Xuer?"

"Do… do you think… would mother be happy about this news? Should I... visit her?" She spoke haltingly, her voice filled with a deep yearning for maternal affection.

The elder man's face remained warm and tender, but inwardly, he sighed. The animosity Qian Renxue's mother harbored towards her father had unfortunately trickled down to her daughter. Qian Daoliu was at a loss as to how he might bridge the gap between them.

"Hmm, I don't think that's possible right now. Your mother is quite occupied with managing the Spirit Hall. I haven't even seen her for a while," he gently lie and explained to the young girl.

Though Qian Renxue knew it was a soft lie, she said nothing, simply nodding in understanding.

"Should we go tomorrow to get your third ring? Let me clear my schedule first" Qian Daoliu suggested, to which she responded with a happy nod.

They spent a few more minutes together just bonding talking random things.

Later, she left her grandfather and retreated to her room. She looks around the empty room, before finding herself in her bed.

Alone, she glance at the window watching a single palace, with yearning and loneliness, a single tear to trail down her face.