"Looks like your strength is not bad either, you managed to take it on so easily," Han Feng said, a glimmer of surprise in his eyes. The information he received indicated that Ren Pingsheng was still at the level of a Mid-Level Warrior, but now it seemed that was not entirely true. Perhaps he had made a breakthrough during this time.
Thinking about how it took him nearly two years to advance from Beginner Warrior to Perfect Realm Warrior, while the other party, who was once an Eighth Layer of Qi Refinement Little One, was almost catching up to him, he felt somewhat dejected. His talent wasn't particularly outstanding; it was only because he had gained the favor of Chu Mingxuan that he achieved his current status.
"Haha, your cultivation is not bad either; at least you are much stronger than when we first met," Ren Pingsheng replied with a light smile. He spoke the truth and did not mean to mock.
"Alright, let him take a few more of my strikes." He collected his thoughts, and the Longsword in his hand trembled lightly. A surge of sword energy immediately intensified by three points and cut out without any hesitation. At the same time, his figure shifted as he attacked Ren Pingsheng.
Ren Pingsheng remained calm and composed. For him, a Perfect Realm Warrior posed no threat anymore. If he wished, he could defeat or kill him with just a few strikes. He dodged a sword energy effortlessly and countered by shattering another with his magic sword. Then, with a gentle motion, his magic sword blocked Han Feng's incoming strike.
His movements flowed like water, easily dissolving the continuous assault from his opponent. At the same time, the magic sword shook in his hand, sending a powerful force that numbed Han Feng's hand, causing him to involuntarily take a step back.
"This... are you also at the level of a Perfect Realm Warrior?" Han Feng asked incredulously. Initially, he thought that even if Ren Pingsheng had made some breakthroughs, he would at most be at High-Level Warrior. However, after exchanging a few moves, he realized he was no match for him. This left him astonished and even frightened.
"Hehe, I was fortunate enough to break through recently," Ren Pingsheng chuckled and did not deny it. In fact, when Han Feng sought him for a duel, he knew it was actually Chu Mingxuan wanting to see his cultivation level. As for the reason behind it, it was merely to recruit him.
"Are you... a monster?" Han Feng still looked disbelieving. He had received accurate information that Ren Pingsheng had only broken through within a year before entering Great Chu Academy. This meant that in less than a year’s time, he had consecutively broken through three levels—from being a Beginner Warrior to becoming a Perfect Realm Warrior. Such speed left him feeling inadequate!
"Haha, how could I be a monster!" Ren Pingsheng rolled his eyes helplessly. Such cultivation might seem incredible to others, but it was all hard-earned through life-and-death struggles. One misstep could have cost him his life; thus there was nothing surprising about it.
"Sigh, compared to you, I really feel old. The gap is too big; I won't compete anymore!" Han Feng said somewhat dejectedly before sheathing his sword.
"Everyone has their own opportunities; there's nothing to envy. Who knows when your chance will come? You might not be far behind me!" Ren Pingsheng consoled him.
"Forget it; I'm leaving now. I'll come find you for drinks sometime!" He appeared somewhat downcast as he said this and turned to leave.
Watching Han Feng depart, Ren Pingsheng muttered with an indifferent expression, "I wonder how the Third Prince will react to this performance. If he really comes seeking me out, what should I do? After all, he's Yanran's brother; he's not exactly a stranger."
"I'll just wait and see!" He turned back into the room. This was his third day here. Aside from attending a welcome banquet yesterday and the duel just now, he had mostly spent his time in cultivation.
Even though his cultivation level had no rivals in the Warrior Realm now, he still felt it was too low for self-preservation in this world. He had offended quite a few people and would not forget Chu Yuan—the Royal Disciple who died at his hands when he was still at Bronze Ranking. His father was a Supreme Expert; who knew when he would learn the truth? If by then Ren Pingsheng's cultivation hadn't significantly improved, it would be dangerous.
"Your Highness, I have returned," Han Feng said respectfully in the study room.
"Oh, what was the outcome? How strong is Ren Pingsheng?" Chu Mingxuan asked with interest.
"Your Highness, Ren Pingsheng... he... is a monster. I just tested him, and he actually has the cultivation of a Perfect Realm Warrior."
"What? Is that true? He has already reached the level of a Perfect Realm Warrior?" Even his usually calm and gentle eyes were filled with surprise, as if this news had shocked him.
"Yes, not only that, but his strength is also astonishing. At least I am not his opponent. You must know that I have had the cultivation of a Perfect Realm Warrior for over half a year."
"Hiss... Ren Pingsheng is truly terrifying. I thought it would be good enough if he had the cultivation of a High-Level Warrior. I never expected this, truly unexpected. It seems he is indeed a once-in-a-century genius. Given some more time, he might achieve even greater heights. There are still two years left; if he can assist me, the hope will be even greater."
Chu Mingxuan clenched his hands tightly, his eyes shining with brilliance. The aura around him surged, exuding an overwhelming pressure. Han Feng couldn't help but take a few steps back. This so-called Third Prince, who seemed unassuming, was actually a powerful Martial Mastery.
"Your Highness, if we can recruit Ren Pingsheng, it will definitely be a great help to us. Perhaps it won't be long before he breaks through to the Warrior Realm," Han Feng boldly speculated, recalling their earlier encounter.
"Yes, it's not impossible. These extraordinary geniuses are improving every moment. We will go meet him tomorrow." He nodded gently, his expression calming down. The previous imposing aura had vanished without a trace. He still looked like a refined Scholar.
The next day, Ren Pingsheng did not cultivate. This was not due to laziness but because Chu Mingxuan had come by, bringing along a feast of fine wine and dishes.
"Haha, Brother Ren, when you were at Heavenly Emperor's Restaurant and I tasted your Yunxi Wine, I couldn't forget it ever since. This time I've brought a fine wine called Celestial Fragrance Wine; let's taste it together," Chu Mingxuan said with a smile as he poured a glass for Ren Pingsheng.
"Thank you!" Ren Pingsheng looked at the amber-colored Celestial Fragrance Wine; the aroma wafted over and was intoxicating. He couldn't help but take a sip, feeling as if he was immersed in an ocean of flowers.
"This is good wine; Celestial Fragrance Wine lives up to its name." He opened his eyes with a smile; this wine was no less than Yunxi Wine. The room was still filled with the fragrance of wine.
"Haha, that's great! You should know that these fine wines are hard to come by." Chu Mingxuan also drank a glass and seemed to have anticipated Ren Pingsheng's reaction. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask—how did you meet Sister?"
Ren Pingsheng was taken aback for a moment and then recounted their initial meeting at Canglan Tavern. Gradually, they talked about this mission and its dangers without holding back much. However, he kept some more sensitive details to himself.
"Whew, I didn't expect that you and Sister went through so many risks during this mission. It's truly fortunate that you returned safely." His expression turned serious. Whether it was encountering Second-Level Monsters or being pursued by the Evil Sect, both were extremely perilous.
However, regarding the Evil Sect, he only brushed over it without asking further questions. After all, they were of third-tier strength and stronger than the Great Chu Dynasty. No casualties were reported; that was good enough.
"No wonder I see such a good relationship between Sister and you. Brother Ren, if I'm not mistaken, it seems you two might already have feelings for each other?" Chu Mingxuan asked calmly, though there was a flash of brilliance in his eyes.
"Uh... I have been through so much with Yanran. It would be a lie to say I have no feelings for her." Ren Pingsheng was taken aback; he didn't expect Chu Mingxuan to ask so directly. However, he honestly admitted it.
"If Sister has someone she likes, I naturally feel happy for him. But you know his identity; I fear the difficulties in your relationship will not be small."
"Oh, what do you mean?"
"Hehe, Brother Ren, don't misunderstand." Seeing Ren Pingsheng's not-so-pleasant expression, he smiled and said, "Yanran and I are siblings, so there's no need to say much about our relationship. Therefore, I have no objection to you two being together. It's just that others, like my father and the others, might not agree."
"I know my father too well; he is very strong-willed and does not allow anyone to go against him. So for someone like you with no significant background, he definitely won't agree."
Ren Pingsheng remained silent, seemingly deep in thought.
"However, there is still a chance. In two years, my father will abdicate and enter seclusion. The heir to the Throne will be chosen among us three princes. If I can ascend to the Throne, then I will have significant influence; even my father will have to give me some respect. By then, your relationship with Yanran will naturally be resolved."
"I forgot to mention that my so-called older brother and second brother are both from different mothers. Only Yanran and I share the same parents. So they won't care about your relationship; they might even try to obstruct it. After all, if they can marry into a stronger faction, it would benefit the Great Chu Dynasty more."
"I believe you understand my meaning now. Help me seize the Throne of the Nation, and I hope for my sister to have a good future." Chu Mingxuan finally revealed his purpose, his eyes shining as he looked at Ren Pingsheng, waiting for his response.
Ren Pingsheng glanced at him and fell silent. He had already suspected that there was an intention to recruit him; he just didn't expect it would involve so much.
He had previously guessed that things with Chu Yanran might not go smoothly. However, he couldn't help but hold onto a glimmer of hope that perhaps they wouldn't mind. But now it seemed all of that was wishful thinking. If what Chu Mingxuan said was true, then the difficulties ahead would likely be significant.
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