Leaving behind a confused and blushing Ye Ziyun in the courtyard, Ye Chen strode back to his chambers with confident steps.
The brief moment of intimacy—the way she shuddered under his touch—was a delicious sensation.
Unfortunately, the Harem System didn't reward him for that—not being a kiss or a conquest—but it solidified his determination.
"It's time to test this new technique!"
Closing the door to his room, he sat cross-legged on his bed. The excitement about his new cultivation technique bubbled inside him. He could hardly wait to try out the Primordial Ice Dragon Ascension.
"I hope it's better than my original one!"
With his eyes closed, he followed the instructions infused in his mind. He slowly guided his soul force through a new set of meridians—a complex, ancient path. The moment the cycle began, a drastic change occurred.
Shua!!
A pale, icy mist started leaking from his body, dropping the room's temperature by several degrees. The air seemed to move with the cold energy. And in his mind, a roar echoed—not a physical sound, but a soul resonance, the echo of a dragon awakening from a sleep lasting thousands of years.
He felt the new technique working on his soul force. It was like an icy filter. His already pure soul energy was being refined even further, becoming denser, more potent, and much more condensed.
Then, an uncomfortable sensation began to seep out from his body. His pores opened, and a sticky, dark liquid with a rotten stench started to leak, coating his skin with an oily, dirty layer.
"Impurities..." he thought, recognizing the process. It seemed that even with his talent, his body still contained much of a mortal's impurities.
At that exact moment, the energy inside him reached a tipping point.
Crack!
A small snap, almost inaudible, sounded from within his Soul Realm. A pale cyan aura—the mark of a Bronze Rank Warrior—enveloped his body for a moment before receding. The pressure he emitted visibly grew stronger.
[DING!]
[Congratulations, Host! You have advanced to Bronze Rank, 2 Stars!]
"This… this is fucking amazing!"
Ye Chen opened his eyes, a smile of pure joy on his face. One cultivation cycle and he had already advanced! The speed was simply divine! If he kept up this pace, Silver Rank, Gold Rank, and even the legendary Legendary Rank would no longer be distant dreams.
His joy, however, was abruptly interrupted when the smell hit his nostrils. He frowned in disgust. The stench of impurities was horrendous. "I need a bath, now."
He practically ran to the adjoining bathroom, stripping quickly and stepping under the hot water, scrubbing the filthy grime off his body.
As he rubbed vigorously, he watched the dirty water swirl down the drain. When the water finally ran clear, he sighed with relief and paused to look at himself.
His skin, now free of the layer of impurities, seemed to have a subtle glow—almost translucent, like polished jade. His muscles, once just those of a fit youth, were now more defined, with sharp, elegant contours that hinted at explosive strength contained within.
"This feels so much better now!"
He flexed his arm, watching the muscles contract with a fluidity and power that hadn't existed before. A feeling of absolute control over his body filled him.
This is the true tempering of a Demon Spiritualist's body... he thought, a satisfied smile forming on his lips. He ran his hand across his chest, feeling the smooth skin and the power vibrating just beneath the surface. His eyes fell on his own reflection in the water's surface. His gaze seemed sharper, deeper. The confidence he felt wasn't just mental; it was etched into his very soul by the system's appearance.
I wonder what Ziyun would think if she saw me now… The provocative thought made him smile even wider.
Twenty minutes later, he stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in clean clothes and feeling invigorated. His skin felt smoother, and he could sense the power flowing through his limbs with unprecedented clarity. Opening his bedroom door, he found a tall, imposing figure standing there, as if waiting.
He was tall, robust, and had a majestic presence. Wearing a gray robe, his hair tied back, his face solemn. He exuded a cold, cutting aura while also carrying an air of prestige.
It was Ye Zong, the City Lord—his uncle.
His expression was, as always, severe and imposing, but Ye Chen could see a spark of expectation in his deep eyes.
"You brat Chen," Ye Zong's voice was deep. "I sensed a fluctuation of energy coming from your chambers. Did you... happen to have an advancement?" There was a thinly veiled hope in his question.
Ye Chen smiled and nodded. "Yes, uncle. I just advanced."
To prove his words, he released his aura.
Bang!
A gentle but unmistakably stronger pressure radiated from him—the mark of a Bronze Rank, 2 Stars.
Ye Zong's face showed shock, then broke into a rare, genuine smile. He let out a loud, warm laugh, placing a heavy hand on Ye Chen's shoulder, almost making him stumble. "Excellent! Excellent! You make me proud, boy! Your father would be proud of you!" He smiled, patting Ye Chen on the back in a friendly way.
But inside, the City Lord's mind was spinning at a dizzying speed.
Such a rapid advancement… He reached Bronze Rank less than a month ago. And now he's Bronze Rank, 2 Stars. Combined with that unprecedented Golden Soul Realm… His talent is unbelievable. In raw talent, he even surpasses my father at his age. He is truly the future of our Glory City.
A decision began to form in Ye Zong's mind, soon becoming as solid as rock. If this brat keeps up this pace, the title of City Lord cannot go to anyone else. He must be the heir. But… he's not from my direct bloodline. To keep power in the main family and solidify his position… he must marry Ziyun.
In his mind, the idea seemed perfect.
It would unite the two greatest geniuses of the family, ensuring a new generation of unmatched power, and the city would remain in their family's hands, since their child would likely inherit the position.
With a generation combining the family's two supreme talents, the future of Glory City would be secured.
Having decided this, Ye Zong withdrew his smile, his expression turning serious again. "Brat Chen, the Holy Orchid Institute will open enrollment next month. You and Ziyun will attend."
Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. Even if he wasn't allowed to go, he would find a way to be there anyway.
"Actually," Ye Zong continued, "it's Ziyun who wants to go. She feels she needs to experience the world outside the mansion. Your task will be to accompany her. With your talent, many will try to get close to her—some with bad intentions. You'll be there to make sure no one bothers her."
Ye Chen held back a smile. His uncle was, unknowingly, handing him his first target on a silver platter. "Understood, uncle. I will protect Ziyun with my life."
"Good." Ye Zong nodded, satisfied. He gave one last look at his nephew—a look that now carried not only pride but also the weight of a distant future. Then he turned and left.
Alone in the corridor, Ye Chen smiled. "Holy Orchid Institute…" This was where the real story began. Where he wouldn't just be by Ye Ziyun's side every day, but also meet Xiao Ning'er and the despicable Shen Xiu.
His future looked very promising.