“Sister, since you are back, go see Father and Empress Mother. You have been away for almost half a year, and Empress Mother often mentions you in front of me,” Chu Mingxuan said softly.
“Ah, alright then, but Ren Brother…” Chu Yanran said hesitantly.
“Haha, let Ren Brother stay at my residence for a couple of days first. When you have time, you can come over. By the time things settle down, you can return together.”
“Okay! Then I will let Ren Brother know.” She had no choice but to agree, nodding as she walked over to Ren Pingsheng who was not far away.
“What’s wrong?” Seeing Chu Yanran's conflicted expression, Ren Pingsheng asked with a smile.
“Ren Brother, you know my identity; I am the Fourth Princess of the Great Chu Dynasty. I want to return to the palace to see my Empress Mother. Why don’t you come with me so that my Empress Mother can meet you?” She seemed to have made up her mind, asking with a determined yet hopeful expression.
“Uh…” He was somewhat surprised and momentarily stunned. What does this mean? Is she trying to tell her parents about their relationship? But although their relationship was good now, it hadn’t reached that level yet. In fact, these weren’t the main issues. The important thing was the disparity in their statuses.
To put it bluntly, Ren Pingsheng was just an ordinary person without any significant background, power, or wealth. While he wouldn’t belittle himself, would others see it that way? Certainly not; perhaps others would think he was after royal power and wealth!
His current relationship with Chu Yanran was also something he hadn’t anticipated. He admitted that after spending time together, he had developed feelings for Chu Yanran, but there were too many considerations involved that made him cautious; otherwise, things could go wrong.
“Ren Brother, what’s wrong? Are you unwilling?” Chu Yanran asked anxiously.
“Ha ha, how could that be? Of course I am willing, but there are too many complications involved. Will your parents accept me? That is a significant issue; otherwise, it would only make things difficult for you. So I think we should take it slow. Once I break through another level in my cultivation and become a Martial Master, I will have more confidence,” Ren Pingsheng expressed his concerns.
Chu Yanran’s expression changed; she hadn’t thought about so much before. She only knew she liked Ren Pingsheng and wanted to show him to her parents. She knew how outstanding he was and how powerful his abilities were. In her view, her parents would definitely agree; but was reality really that simple?
At this moment, she hesitated a bit. As a royal daughter, she understood that at the very least, her future husband should be of equal social standing. This would also benefit the development and stability of the dynasty, achieving a win-win situation.
"So this matter cannot be rushed; we must take it slow. As martial artists, our lives are much longer. I will make your parents recognize us," said Ren Pingsheng, taking her hand to comfort her as he noticed the silence from Chu Yanran.
"I understand, Ren Brother. I will do my best," she nodded and replied with a smile. As long as they improved their cultivation, these issues would not be a problem. She recalled the dream where they not only ended up together but also both became King-Level Experts. As long as they continued to break through their cultivation levels and reached the Zun level, the Zong level, and eventually King-Level Expert, no one would oppose them then.
Chu Yanran left shortly after. Ren Pingsheng agreed to stay in Chu Mingxuan's residence, making it more convenient for Chu Yanran to find him.
In the late hours of the night, Ren Pingsheng sat on his bed, eyes closed in meditation. For the past two months, he had been healing his injuries, which meant he had made no progress in his cultivation. For a genius, even a single day is precious. Therefore, whenever he had free time, he would practice.
Now, the Demonic Energy in his body's Meridian had completely dissipated. The Five-Colored Cloud in his Dantian should now have transformed into a Six-Colored Cloud. The previously inconspicuous black at the edge had thickened significantly. Although it was still somewhat weaker compared to the other five colors, it had already sprouted; growing stronger was just a matter of time.
Ren Pingsheng also noticed the changes in his Dantian but did not understand why this was happening. After that explosion, his Dantian had become extraordinarily strange.
Fortunately, he did not feel any discomfort and thus did not pay much attention to it. Just like when the Five-Colored Cloud first appeared, he could not find an answer and stopped questioning it. He believed he would eventually understand.
"Your Highness, here is some information about Ren Pingsheng from the Dark Department," said a middle-aged man dressed in black respectfully in the study.
Chu Mingxuan took the letter and gently opened it. After reading it once, his expression became serious as he closed his eyes to contemplate its contents.
"This person is an unparalleled genius with astonishing comprehension. He entered the Azure Wind Sword Sect at fourteen and within a year and a half achieved Perfected Qi Refinement cultivation. Before that, he became the sect's First Elite Disciple, truly deserving of that title. Later, during the battle in Black Crow Forest, he killed the First Elite Disciples of Yunxing Sect and Tiger Howl Sect. After that, for reasons unknown, he remained silent for a year and a half before breaking through again; however, his breakthrough was accompanied by astonishing celestial phenomena. Those unaware of the truth even mistook it for a breakthrough to Martial Master level due to its grandeur."
Regardless of what happened later on, being able to go from an inexperienced youth who knew nothing to achieving Perfected Qi Refinement within a year and a half was undeniably remarkable talent.
"Han Feng, I heard you encountered him while carrying out your mission; did you ever try to recruit him?" Chu Mingxuan opened his eyes and asked softly.
Standing quietly to the side was the Middle-Aged Man in Black, the so-called 'adult' that Ren Pingsheng had encountered at Dapan Mountain. He immediately said, "Yes, I met him at Dapan Mountain. Seeing that his cultivation and methods were quite impressive, I tried to recruit him. However, he neither agreed nor refused at that time. I just didn't expect him to be such a talented person; otherwise, I would have done everything to keep him from leaving."
"Oh, he neither agreed nor refused. It seems there is still a chance. I just wonder what his current cultivation level is. However, according to the information, before undertaking the mission, he was at the Mid-Level Warrior stage and had astonishing combat power; even a High-Level Warrior would not be his opponent."
"Your Highness, do you think I should take some time to test him?" Han Feng asked softly.
"That sounds good. After all, he is living here now, and you had an encounter with him before. It wouldn't raise any suspicions if you were to approach him. Alright, you can go now!"
Han Feng acknowledged and gently left the study. Chu Mingxuan kept his eyes tightly closed for a long while without moving, seemingly lost in thought.
"Sister, oh Sister. Regardless of whether you are serious or not, this matter might not end well. Even a genius needs time to grow; I just wonder if there is enough time for that." He spoke as if to himself, his tone filled with concern.
A night passed without incident. Sitting on the bed, Ren Pingsheng opened his eyes. After a night of cultivation, he felt not tired but rather invigorated.
Stretching lazily, he began practicing Sword Technique in the courtyard. After a period of rest following the recent battle, he hadn't had time to practice; now he resumed his routine of practicing Sword Technique every morning as he did before. These foundational skills could not be neglected.
In the courtyard, Sword Light danced like a sprite in flight, incredibly beautiful and captivating. It appeared harmless at first glance. Then the Azure Wind stirred in the yard, and golden light flickered. Different scenes were quietly interpreted through Ren Pingsheng's sword.
About half an hour later, he sheathed his sword and stood still. With his eyes closed, he savored everything that had just happened. There hadn't been any specific Sword Technique; it was all improvised based on his thoughts.
"In fact, I've heard there are three realms in swordsmanship. The first is having a sword in hand but no sword in heart—having techniques that are lethal with every strike. The second is having no sword in hand but a sword in heart—being one with the sword where it moves freely without techniques. The third is having no sword in hand and no sword in heart—where one's mind is everywhere and everywhere becomes the sword."
The voice of the Demon Emperor suddenly echoed, pausing for a moment before continuing: "I see you seem to be on the path of sword cultivation; however, in my view, these realms are superficial. Ultimately, whether it’s martial cultivation or sword cultivation or anything else, what one truly seeks is the application of power."
"The application of power?" Ren Pingsheng murmured softly.
"Yes, it's about the use of power. No matter whether your realm is high or low, what you need to do is to fully unleash all the power you possess. The realm is like a guiding light that points the way. However, there's no need to force it, because once your cultivation is sufficient, these things will come naturally."
"Oh, I see. The realm of Sword Technique is divided this way." After hearing this, he was stunned for a while before reacting. He had always practiced alone and had no clear understanding of some concepts.
"Yes, there are actually many interpretations of realms; it's just that this one is easier for people to accept. Don't think too much about it; ultimately, improving your cultivation is the most important thing," Demon Emperor said lightly.
Ren Pingsheng nodded, gaining some understanding about Sword Technique and Swordsmanship.
"Haha, Ren Pingsheng, what a coincidence that we meet like this." The person speaking was Han Feng, who had met Ren Pingsheng once before. He wore a broad smile.
"Yes, I didn't expect we would meet in this way. It has already been two years," Ren Pingsheng remarked, reminiscing about everything that happened at Dapan Mountain.
"Indeed, I didn't expect you to become a Warrior Realm warrior as well. You were much weaker back then; I just didn't know how your cultivation has progressed. Are you interested in having a match?"
"Sure, I don't mind."
Fortunately, the courtyard was spacious enough for them to stand facing each other, both appearing fully focused.
"Clang!" Han Feng aimed to test Ren Pingsheng's cultivation and naturally did not hold back. Drawing his Longsword, several sword energies flashed and rushed forward.
Ren Pingsheng looked at Han Feng, a Perfect Realm Warrior, and couldn't help but sigh. Thinking back, he had only been a Beginner Warrior at that time. Although he was distracted by other thoughts, he did not hesitate; with a flick of his hand, he left behind an illusion with his sword technique and immediately blossomed like three flowers, shattering the opponent's sword energy.
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