Chan Wei and Huyan Lanruo headed straight for the military training grounds, closely followed by Chen Linjian and the rest of the group. The training area was relatively flat, making it rather discreet despite its location.
Knowing that Nie Li and Ye Ziyun were probably hiding somewhere below, Chan Wei positioned himself directly above their presumed location and pulled a scroll out of his pocket.
"What's that?" his older sister asked, curious about the effects of the scroll.
"It's a silver-rank scroll that simulates giant ants for digging. They're not offensive, but it's best not to stand in front of them," Chan Wei explained before activating the scroll, which began releasing a thick smoke.
Taking advantage of the smoke screen, Chan Wei quickly summoned about ten worker ants and ordered them to start digging at the spot where he had sensed the presence of the two lovebirds.
The sight of the ants burrowing into the earth shocked the whole group, and Chan Wei had to stop them from attacking the ants while he explained that it was his doing.
Underground Palace
"Nie Li, where's the exit?" asked Ye Ziyun. They had been searching for two days and still hadn't found a way out.
"There isn't one." Nie Li shook his head and said, "If there were, those people wouldn't have ended up trapped to death in the main hall."
"No exit?!" Ye Ziyun was stunned for a moment, then asked sadly, "Does that mean we'll never get out?"
"Not necessarily. Those people in the hall came from the outside, which means people on the outside can dig their way in. Don't worry, Chan Wei has a way to locate us!" Nie Li declared, thinking of the shadow wolves hidden in his and Ye Ziyun's shadows. "Plus, Chen Linjian will be able to help dig us out. If I'm not wrong, the exit should be in the area of the training grounds." Nie Li smiled slightly. "They'll definitely find this place!"
"How can you be so sure they'll find it?" Ye Ziyun asked. Nie Li seemed incredibly confident, as if everything was within his grasp. He even insisted that Ye Ziyun would fall in love with him. If everything really did go as he expected, wouldn't that make him a god?
Just as Ye Ziyun finished speaking, the stone wall suddenly began to tremble slightly.
"It's started!" Nie Li smiled faintly. He could tell where the exit was from the direction of the tremors. Turning to Ye Ziyun, he said, "Let's go!"
On the Surface of the Military Training Grounds
The ants quickly burrowed into the ground, opening a path for Chan Wei to slip inside. On his way down, he recalled the shadows of the ants to make it seem like they had naturally vanished after exhausting their energy.
As he descended, he discovered his two friends together. A smile formed on his lips before he teased, "Did I interrupt something?"
Ye Ziyun's face turned bright red while Nie Li simply gave a smile and pulled Chan Wei into a hug.
"You always have a knack for showing up at just the right time, don't you, brother?" Nie Li joked.
Chan Wei chuckled lightly, relieved to have found them safe and sound. "Well, what can I say? I was born to save people."
Huyan Lanruo leapt into the hole with surprising agility, followed by Chen Linjian and the rest of the group. Chen Linjian's mood instantly lifted upon seeing Ye Ziyun alive and well.
"So, young master Chen, didn't I tell you my brother would be stuck to Ye Ziyun when we found them? I almost regret not placing a bet on it," Chan Wei said with a smile, glancing back just in time to nearly miss the way Ye Ziyun's face lit up with embarrassment.
Huyan Lanruo noticed the young girl's unease and playfully pinched her brother's cheek. "Aren't you ashamed? Look at what you've done to the poor girl," she teased, her tone a mix of mock scolding and amusement.
"You're right," said Chen Linjian, raising his hands in mock surrender, signaling that he agreed with the young man. His face stretched into a smile as he witnessed, for the first time, such a strong reaction from the governor's daughter of Glory City.
He then turned to his men. "Five of you, go back and fetch the others we left at the stone fort. They don't need to wait any longer," he ordered his subordinates.
After finishing the round of teasing and helping Ye Ziyun calm down, Nie Li placed his hands on the stone wall and gently pushed.
Rumble rumble!
The stone wall slowly rotated, revealing a wide stone chamber before the group.
Inside the stone chamber was a staircase leading upward. However, the exit was blocked by a massive boulder. Chan Wei used his Gold-rank strength to push against the boulder, quickly joined by several of the group's Silver-rank companions. The newly opened passage allowed sunlight to pour into the room.
The items left behind in the chamber left the entire group in a state of shock.
The place was filled with all kinds of Bronze and Silver-rank armor. There was a large quantity of inscription scrolls, demon crystals, furs, and materials resembling horns. There were also numerous metals and piles of gold coins — the currency of the Sacred Empire.
There were also many unknown valuable items that must have once been precious treasures of the Sacred Empire.
"Nie Li, as promised, you get first pick," declared Chen Linjian before turning to Chan Wei. "I think you also deserve a priority choice for your help."
Nie Li wasn't greedy; he only desired what was necessary, leaving the rest to fate. His eyes wandered among the stone pillars scattered across the room until he noticed a lamp resting atop one of them. A mysterious glow flickered inside, and Nie Li's heart leapt with excitement as he recognized the Phantom Shadow Spirit Lamp. Without hesitation, he said, "I want that lamp."
Meanwhile, Chan Wei was examining the demon spirit crystals. Most of them were unusable, their energy degraded by time, but one caught his eye. It contained a Yinfree Ice Hawk of legendary rank, although its current energy seemed to correspond more to the Silver rank.
This creature was nearly extinct now, but its reputation endured: it had once rivaled ice dragons for territory. "I want this demon spirit crystal," Chan Wei declared, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Everyone quickly selected a small item suited to their personal needs, after which Chen Linjian and the rest of the group looted the remaining treasures from the chamber. Once the room was emptied, the group hurried off, rejoining Chu Yuan and the others who had come from the stone fort.
The return trip followed the same route, much to Chan Wei's dismay. However, he kept his thoughts to himself, realizing that no one — himself included — had any space left in their spatial rings, which were already overflowing. The weight of their haul slowed them down, but the thrill of success drove them forward, despite the heavy loads they carried.
Saint Orchid Institute Library
The entire group had gathered since the return of Nie Li, Chan Wei, and Ye Ziyun. Everyone had made significant progress during that time apart.
When Chan Wei and Xiao Ning'er reunited, a warm embrace followed, reflecting the affection and longing they had felt for each other during their separation.
"I missed you so much, Xiao Ning'er," Chan Wei whispered, gently holding the young girl in his arms.
"And I missed you, Chan Wei. It's been so long without you," Xiao Ning'er replied, her voice slightly muffled by emotion.
"I'm sorry I had to leave so suddenly, but I'm here now, and I won't let you go again," Chan Wei said, the resolve clear in his eyes.
Xiao Ning'er nodded, feeling a deep sense of relief now that he was back by her side.
Nie Li smiled as he watched them, touched by the sincerity of their embrace. "It's good to see you two together again," he said warmly.
"Yeah, it really is," agreed Du Ze. "Love always wins, doesn't it?"
Lu Piao shrugged. "Well, it depends. If it means I don't have to wake up early, then maybe I'd rather stay single."
After a few minutes of laughter and reunions, the group gathered to discuss their next priorities. Chan Wei spoke up enthusiastically, "Before we begin, allow me to introduce my older sister, Huyan Lanruo." He turned to the young woman beside him and offered her a gentle smile.
Huyan Lanruo greeted the group with grace, her gaze reflecting unwavering determination. "It's a pleasure to meet you all," she said, her voice soft but firm.
Suddenly, a small black-and-violet flash jumped out of the shadows, startling Lu Piao. It was Nyx, the little chaotic creature.
"Whoa, what the heck is that?" exclaimed Lu Piao, stepping back slightly.
"Ah, sorry, Nyx is a bit... mischievous," Chan Wei apologized, smiling at the scene. "She seems to have taken quite a liking to you, Lu Piao."
Nyx stood proudly in front of Lu Piao, as if to show she was there to protect him.
"You mean this little ant is going to follow me around?" asked Lu Piao, raising an eyebrow.
"Apparently, yes," Du Ze replied with a laugh. "But it's kinda cute, don't you think?"
The rest of the group nodded, amused by the scene. They all sensed that Nyx and Lu Piao were likely to become a rather entertaining duo in the days to come.
After a few more minutes of animated conversation, the group decided to share their progress in cultivation. Xiao Ning'er was the first to step forward, her body radiating a silver glow to show her rank.
"Look at this—I've reached Silver Rank, 2-star!" she announced proudly, her face lighting up with a smile.
"Fantastic, Xiao Ning'er! You've really worked hard," Du Ze praised her, clearly impressed by her progress.
Next came Kyu, the draconic wolf pup, who leapt from Xiao Ning'er's arms and rushed over to Chan Wei, demanding a few affectionate pats before returning to his new mistress.
"And Kyu has reached Silver Rank, 1-star! Not bad for a little guy, huh?" Chan Wei said, gently stroking the pup's head.
"Wow, they really make a great team," Nie Li remarked, admiring the bond between the girl and her companion—though his eyes studied the wolf pup's evolving features with interest.
"Yes, they complement each other perfectly," Du Ze agreed, watching them with admiration before adding, "I've reached Bronze Rank, 3-star," he announced proudly.
While the group chatted about their cultivation progress, Chan Wei pulled Du Ze aside for a serious conversation.
"Hey, Du Ze, there's something I need to tell you," Chan Wei began, his tone more solemn.
Du Ze looked at him curiously. "What is it, Chan Wei?"
Chan Wei took a deep breath before continuing. "I've, uh... unofficially introduced you as Huyan Lanruo's boyfriend."
Du Ze blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Really?"
Chan Wei nodded. "Yeah. I know it might seem sudden, but you two get along well, and I've seen the way you look at her. I think you'd make a good couple."
Du Ze felt himself blush slightly, unsure of what to say. "Uh... Thanks, Chan Wei. I'm honored."
Meanwhile, Huyan Lanruo smiled politely, silently approving of her brother's decision. "I'm glad you feel the same, Du Ze," she said softly.
As for Huyan Lanruo herself, although she remained at Silver Rank, 3-star, she was grateful for the personalized cultivation scroll that Chan Wei had prepared for her after gaining Nie Li's approval. It was a gesture that spoke volumes of her brother's love and support, and she was determined to continue advancing in her cultivation.
"I've reached Bronze Rank, 2-star," Lu Piao announced with a hint of pride in his voice, though it was clear he was joking more than seriously dedicating himself to cultivation.
"Lu Piao, you're still as lazy as ever," Nie Li teased as he watched the young man.
"Hey, that's just my lifestyle, man," Lu Piao replied with a lazy grin, clearly not taking the comment too seriously. "Ow! Look at Nyx! She bit me just to make me cultivate."
Nyx, the little Chaos/Yin creature, stood proudly beside him, clearly satisfied with her motivational methods.
"Looks like she's going to keep you in check, Lu Piao," joked Du Ze, enjoying the dynamic between the man and the creature as he and Huyan Lanruo moved closer together to cultivate.
The group burst into laughter at the scene, enjoying the light-hearted moment and the camaraderie that bound them all together. It was moments like these that strengthened their bond and gave them the courage to keep moving forward, despite the challenges that lay ahead.
"Nie Li? Should I reveal my rank?" Chan Wei asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. He knew he was much stronger than most of the group, but he felt guilty for having kept secrets from his sister and friends.
"I've placed an isolation seal on the room. You can speak freely," Nie Li replied, reassuring Chan Wei of their privacy. He too was curious, as he didn't know his brother's exact rank.
Chan Wei took a deep breath, gathering his courage before speaking. "I'm at Gold Rank, 4-star," he finally announced, glancing at the rest of the group with apprehension.
A shocked silence fell over the room, every pair of eyes fixed on Chan Wei. Even those who had known him for a long time looked stunned by the revelation.
The most surprised of all was his sister, Huyan Lanruo, who had always assumed he was at best at Silver Rank. Her gaze filled with pride and admiration for her brother, mixed with a trace of disbelief.
"Wow, Gold Rank, 4-star!" Du Ze exclaimed. "That's amazing, Brother-in-law!" he added, trying to lighten the mood.
"Already?" added Lu Piao, clearly impressed, before frowning. "And your army?"
Chan Wei gave a slight smile, relieved to finally share this secret with his loved ones. But Lu Piao's question made him slightly uncomfortable, and Nie Li gave a silent nod of encouragement.
"I won't go into detail since I have a wide variety of species, but right now, I command 40 Gold Rank, 3-star Shadows, 400 Silver Rank, 5-star Shadows, and about 3,300 Bronze Rank, 5-star Shadows," Chan Wei stated, revealing numbers that left the group stunned—except for Ye Ziyun and Huyan Lanruo, who looked puzzled, unsure what he meant.
"Wait, isn't that too complicated to control?" Du Ze asked, his eyes wide in astonishment.
Chan Wei nodded. "No, they obey me and fight by my side when needed. Plus, I have Simia, who is gifted with wisdom. He's shared that wisdom with the other Shadows, so communication is easy."
"Forty Gold Rank, 3-star Shadows... That's impressive," Nie Li murmured, admiring his brother's ability to command such powerful creatures.
Ye Ziyun looked at Chan Wei with a mixture of awe and fascination. "That's incredible."
Chan Wei gave a gentle smile. "Not when I have my sister and friends by my side. The Shadows are valuable allies, but nothing replaces human companionship."
Huyan Lanruo looked at her brother with newfound respect, realizing how far he had come in both cultivation and mastery of his powers. "I had no idea... you've left me completely in the dust," she whispered, impressed.
After this surprising revelation, everyone returned to their cultivation. Chan Wei focused on strengthening his techniques, putting aside the search for new Shadows, as those from the training grounds no longer met his needs.
Meanwhile, Nie Li's cultivation was progressing by leaps and bounds each day. The remaining page of the Temporal Demon Spirit Book continued to play its role, expanding Nie Li's spiritual realm.
As his spiritual realm grew, his spiritual power steadily and surely increased.
Three days later, with the help of numerous Purple Mist Herbs and rare elixirs, Nie Li's cultivation finally reached Bronze Rank, 4-star. A sense of satisfaction filled his heart as he reflected on the fruits of his hard work and unwavering dedication to training.
Author's Note:I know, this is a Chinese novel, and my fanfic main character doesn't hide his powers like a typical protagonist. I prefer to take a broader approach. The part where my MC becomes independent should arrive soon, though I'll still include a few reunion scenes like this one.Thanks for the support!