Chapter Three: The Decision

Mother? This was the first time in his life he truly felt a mother’s love, but it was brief, for in his second life he had grown up in an orphanage, never experiencing such affection. Now that he had felt it, how could he bear to lose it again? Moreover, before disappearing, his mother said she was going to save his sister—so where was she now?

No matter what, Ye Chen finally made his decision.

“In the quiet, tears of longing fall, fearing a child’s sorrow will flow even more.” Musing thus, Ye Chen sighed softly.

With this thought, he no longer hesitated and strode purposefully toward the Discipline Hall where Old Shi resided. The door was slightly ajar, a faint yellow light spilling out, casting a solemn silence over the vast hall.

He gently pushed the door open—

A musty scent of aged wood filled the air. The hall was empty except for a statue of the Ye family’s ancient patriarch standing proudly in the center. His face was both stern and kind, his eyes seeming to hold endless stories and wisdom, silently watching over this space. Time had weathered the statue, leaving it mottled and worn, yet it still exuded a faint aura of authority. In the corners, several oil lamps flickered, their dim yellow light dancing upon the statue, adding solemnity and mystery. The entire scene was both ancient and tranquil.

A faint smile curved Ye Chen’s lips, one laced with quiet hope, as if telling himself that this time, he would not miss any warmth, no matter how faint, like a flickering lamp.

“Old Shi, I’m here!” Ye Chen called out.

“Hey, kid, can’t you lower your voice? This place is small, not like I can’t hear you.” With that, Old Shi leisurely stepped out from behind the statue of the ancestor. He wore a dull gray robe, his hair streaked with white and somewhat disheveled. His face was deeply lined but bore a mischievous, childlike grin. Stretching lazily, his arm drew a long arc through the air, as if even the dust particles were swayed by his indolence.

Old Shi’s eyes narrowed half-shut. “Alright, alright—speak. Have you made up your mind?”

“I have.”

“Old Shi, I’m going to Cangming Academy. I want to become stronger.”

Speaking firmly, Ye Chen’s gaze was like two sharp swords piercing through the dim hall, locking onto Old Shi’s half-closed eyes. His fists clenched tightly, knuckles whitening, veins faintly visible beneath the skin like surging currents beneath a calm sea. His chest rose and fell vigorously; each breath proclaimed his determination to the world. His voice was not loud but each word rang clear and resolute, like bells echoing through a mountain stream, stirring ripples in the hall.

“Are you sure? It will be exhausting,” Old Shi said, no longer lazy but scrutinizing Ye Chen as if trying to see through him.

“I’m sure!”

“Well! Ha ha ha! Good! I knew you were the right one. Go pack your things—I’ll prepare a carriage for you. You’ll leave in three days, how’s that?”

Old Shi’s mood brightened, a childlike smile spreading across his face. Before Ye Chen could reply, he turned to prepare. His steps quickened, almost running, the gray robe swaying lightly like a leaf in the wind. Just as he stepped beyond the threshold, he suddenly looked back, winking at Ye Chen with a mix of pride and encouragement. “Kid, don’t disappoint me!” With a hearty laugh, his figure faded into the distance, and his cheerful voice echoed through the hall, even seeming to breathe new life into the ancient statue.

Ye Chen shook his head in silent amusement. “Hey, Old Shi never lets me finish talking—really, oh well.”

Without lingering further, Ye Chen headed outside, humming from time to time, “Leaving only the bright moon to recall the past—”

As he approached his courtyard, he saw Ye Xuan and the others waiting, with one more person than before. Ye Chen wasn’t angry and walked over.

“Hey? What wind blew you three here again? Didn’t get enough beating last time? Or do you think four against one is enough to take me down?” Ye Chen asked, hands clasped behind his head, smiling.

“Ye Chen, don’t be arrogant. This is Young Master Ye Qiu, now at the seventh level of Body Training Realm. You’d better admit defeat,” Ye Xuan said, nodding toward Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu stood beside Ye Xuan, tall and upright but not overly muscular, exuding a refined and gentle air. Sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, casting dappled light on his face, outlining soft yet distinct features. His eyes were clear and calm, a faint smile gracing his lips without arrogance or disdain, as if all things were worthy of gentle regard. Ye Chen felt an unusual sense of danger from such an opponent.

“You must be Ye Chen?” Ye Qiu asked, puzzled.

“Yes.”

“Enough talk. If it’s a fight you want, then let’s go.” Ye Chen immediately assumed a battle stance.

Ye Qiu shook his head. “You can’t beat me.”

“How would you know without trying?”

“I didn’t come here to fight you.”

“Then why are you here?” Ye Chen asked, confused.

“My younger brother is arrogant and overbearing. He’s weaker and deserved the thrashing he got. But since he refuses to apologize, I had to bring him here to apologize to you. So, on his behalf, I apologize.” With that, he bowed to Ye Chen and turned to leave.

Ye Chen was puzzled but didn’t pay it much mind and went inside to cultivate.

“Brother, we agreed to help me get revenge, so why did you go apologize?” Ye Xuan was clearly frustrated.

“We can’t seek revenge now. Just before you arrived, I received news that Old Shi is arranging for Ye Chen to take the entrance exam at Cangming Academy’s outer disciples. This kid’s future is limitless. Instead of making enemies, it’s better to make friends. Do you understand?” Ye Qiu said, looking at Ye Xuan.

Ye Xuan shook his head. “Not really.”

“Hmm.” Ye Qiu sighed softly, gazing deeply into the distance. His voice was low and powerful: “You may not understand now, but one day you will. In this world where strength rules, having one more friend is better than one more enemy. Ye Chen is resilient and has boundless potential. If we step back today, when he reaches great heights, he may remember this kindness and aid our Ye family. Remember, true wisdom is knowing when to act and weighing the pros and cons.” Patting Ye Xuan on the shoulder, his eyes gleamed with insight, silently advising Ye Xuan and reminding himself that the road ahead is long and every step must be taken cautiously and wisely.

“Oh, I get it, brother. I’ll get ready right away.” Saying this, he turned to leave.

“Wait, what are you preparing?” Ye Qiu asked.

“Of course, a farewell gift for Brother Ye Chen. Friends deserve gifts.”

Hearing this, Ye Qiu twitched his face and gave Ye Xuan a thumbs-up. “You’re impressive… go ahead.”

Smiling proudly, Ye Xuan turned and called to Ye Kai and Ye Er, “Let’s prepare a special farewell gift for Ye Chen!”

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The three passed through winding corridors and arrived before Ye family’s treasure pavilion. Ye Xuan expertly opened the door, releasing an ancient, heavy atmosphere. Under faint light, treasures shimmered with enticing luster. They weaved through the collection until Ye Xuan finally selected a jade pendant intricately carved with elaborate totems. The pendant was smooth as jade, faintly tinged with green, as if imbued with life. Ye Kai chose a worn martial arts manual, while Ye Er carried a jar of well-aged wine. The three exchanged smiles, hearts full of anticipation for the surprise they would give Ye Chen.

A day passed.

Ye Chen stepped out of his room, exhaling thick breath—he had reached the fifth level of the Body Training Realm!

“Brother Ye Chen,” Ye Qiu approached dressed in a plain white robe, flowing gently in the breeze. Behind him followed an ancient-style carriage. The curtains lifted slightly, revealing forty neatly stacked low-grade spirit stones inside, each emitting a faint glow that shimmered even more in the morning light. These stones seemed to contain the essence of heaven and earth, their allure causing even steadfast Ye Chen’s gaze to linger. Ye Qiu patted the carriage lightly and smiled, “This is a small token from the family. May you advance further at Cangming Academy.”

These were low-grade spirit stones—each family elder’s genius only received one per month, yet Ye Chen now had forty. Forty in all.

Thinking this, Ye Chen’s heart blossomed with joy but he kept calm, saying, “Then please thank the family elders on my behalf, Brother Ye Qiu.”

Hearing this, the clan leader outside nodded approvingly before vanishing on the spot.

After their departure, the other clan members remained unaware, so no one came. Just as Ye Chen was about to return to cultivation, three more people arrived—Ye Xuan and his two companions!

“Why are you three back again?” Ye Chen asked impatiently.

Ye Xuan, Ye Kai, and Ye Er strode confidently into the courtyard, faces glowing with pride. Ye Xuan held the jade pendant, its totem seeming to come alive in the sunlight with mysterious brilliance; Ye Kai carefully carried the martial arts manual, eyes shining with hope for Ye Chen’s future; Ye Er struggled with the jar of aged wine, its fragrance filling the air with a hint of intoxication. Like a triumphant band, each step they took was an act of goodwill toward Ye Chen, as if pledging brotherhood.

Seeing them approach, Ye Chen was stunned. What was this? Were they proposing to become sworn brothers?

“Heh heh, Brother Ye Chen, since you’re leaving soon, we thought we’d bring you some gifts,” Ye Xuan said, presenting the jade pendant.

Seeing the pendant, Ye Chen’s expression grew serious—this was a treasure!

“This came from the elder’s space within my father’s treasure pavilion. It’s yours now,” Ye Xuan said generously.

“This is an advanced yellow-grade profound technique called ‘Golden Collapse Fist,’ one of my father’s three great treasures. It’s for you,” Ye Kai added.

“This is my father’s Hundred Flowers Brew—delicious stuff. For you,” Ye Er said scratching his head.

“Thank you, thank you, everyone. Let’s go enjoy this wine together,” Ye Chen said, and they all began drinking at the table.

“Good wine, good wine! Come, drink!”

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The following is not part of the main story: The author updates less frequently now but will update daily starting January 20, with six thousand words per day. Trust me, my dears.