Though his foundation was still slightly unstable, the truth was undeniable....Ye Chen had stepped into the realm of a Da Dou Shi.
Ye Chen felt his face heat slightly under her probing. He hadn't expected her to test him so openly.
Her gaze softened, though it carried a trace of concern. "Ye Chen… have you been cultivating that technique again?"
Her question was quiet, but her tone was serious.
Ye Chen stiffened slightly. He knew exactly what she meant...the Dragon-Phoenix Art. It was a dual cultivation method, mysterious yet notoriously indulgent, one that allowed his strength to soar at an abnormal pace.
Yun Yun had always been worried about the toll it might take on his body.
He lowered his eyes and gave a small nod. "Yes."
Yun Yun's lips pressed into a thin line. Her emotions were complicated.
On one hand, she was proud of his meteoric progress. On the other, she couldn't help but worry.
Would his body withstand such strain in the long run? Would he burn too bright and too fast?
Her next question came with sharpness in her gaze. "Then tell me… with whom have you been cultivating it?"
Ye Chen's breath hitched.
Her words pierced straight to the heart of the matter. Yun Yun, as sect master, knew about Nalan Yanran's pregnancy.
With Yanran unable to continue dual cultivation, the only way Ye Chen could have advanced so quickly was if he had… found someone else.
That thought alone made Yun Yun's expression sour. To her, Nalan Yanran was like her own daughter.
If Ye Chen had secretly sought another partner behind her back, how could she not be upset?
"Teacher, I…" Ye Chen's mouth opened, but no words came. He wanted to explain, but what could he say?
One lie had already led to another. Now he was trapped, unable to provide an answer without causing more problems.
A bitter smile tugged at his lips. If he had known this would happen, he would never have revealed the Dragon-Phoenix Art in the first place.
Yun Yun's frown deepened, but before she could press further, an elder sitting nearby let out a hearty laugh.
"Come now, Sect Master, isn't Ye Chen's breakthrough something worth celebrating? Why the long face?" It was the Great Elder, Yun Leng.
His eyes twinkled as he looked at Ye Chen. "With talent like his, today's tournament will surely be his to claim."
Other elders quickly joined in.
"Indeed! Everyone knows Ye Chen is the brightest star of our sect. With him participating, first place is practically guaranteed."
"Not only is he talented, but he's also the personal disciple of the Sect Master herself. Truly, a case of 'a master produces an outstanding student.'
His future accomplishments will surely surpass all expectations."
Their voices overlapped, each word filled with admiration. It was clear they were all eager to earn Ye Chen's favor.
Ye Chen responded with a polite bow. "Elders, you flatter me. I will simply do my best."
Beside him, Yun Yun gave him a sharp glare, clearly signaling her displeasure.
"I'll deal with you later," she muttered under her breath, her voice cold enough for only him to hear.
Ye Chen's smile froze. He could only bow his head helplessly.
Down below in the plaza, the disciples' chatter rose like waves. Many pairs of eyes turned toward Ye Chen, admiration and envy filling their gazes.
"Look! That's Senior Brother Ye Chen! No wonder they say he's the number one genius of Yunlan Sect...just his presence feels extraordinary!"
"He's so handsome… If only I could marry him!"
"Forget marrying him. If he'd just give me one kiss, I'd gladly trade three years of my life!"
A chorus of giggles broke out among the female disciples, their gazes filled with starry-eyed adoration.
But then, a voice cut through their dreamy chatter.
"You girls can stop fantasizing. Haven't you heard? Senior Sister Nalan Yanran is pursuing him—and he's already agreed!"
"What?!"
The group of girls gasped, their excitement quickly turning into disappointment.
It was common knowledge that if Ye Chen was the sect's "young grass," then Nalan Yanran was its "young flower."
The most talented male and the most beautiful female...it was only natural the two would end up together.
Their union was practically written in the stars.
Still, not everyone was convinced Ye Chen would dominate today's tournament.
"Hmph. Ye Chen may be talented, but he's still young. Winning first place won't be easy."
"Agreed. In my opinion, Senior Brother Yun Tao has a better chance.
He's the Great Elder's grandson, and his cultivation has already reached the Dou Shi realm.
He's seventeen this year, and his strength is nothing to underestimate."
As their discussion heated up, a tall youth dressed in a moon-white robe appeared at the edge of the plaza.
His movements were confident, his expression calm but tinged with pride.
The moment his name was whispered through the crowd, a ripple of excitement spread.
"It's Yun Tao!"
He walked forward with a faint smile, the crowd parting before him.
His eyes swept toward the high platform where the elders sat, and when they landed on Ye Chen, they lingered for just a heartbeat too long.
A glint of challenge flickered in his gaze as he strode closer.
The stage was set.
The Yunlan Sect's Inner Sect Tournament was about to begin.
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