The deafening cheers slowly receded like a tide. Inside the massive Fighting Arena, the clamor gradually subsided, but the air remained thick with the lingering warmth of excitement and fervor.
The seven members of the Tianxing Academy Team, under the gaze of countless eyes filled with admiration, envy, or complex emotions, walked down the arena floor—which was now covered in cracks and scorch marks—while supporting one another.
Although everyone was injured, their soul power nearly exhausted, and their complexions pale, a flash of irrepressible excitement and pride shone in every one of their eyes.
They had done it! This was the first time Tianxing Academy had participated in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.
Before this, although Tianxing Academy had gained considerable fame as the bridgehead for the martial way founded and spread by Yu Yuanchen, the current leader of the three supreme masters in the soul master world, they had not participated previously. This was because their foundation was still somewhat lacking, they did not need to rely on achieving good results at the tournament to increase enrollment, and they lacked particularly dazzling geniuses.
Now, as a dark horse, they had defeated the powerful Martial Soul Academy Team and captured the overall championship of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament! This honor was enough for them to remember for a lifetime.
Guided by staff and academy mentors, they returned to their exclusive lounge located in the core zone of the Fighting Arena.
The heavy door closed slowly, sealing off the noise from the outside world. The room instantly fell silent, leaving only the heavy panting of the group.
However, this silence did not last long.
As their eyes adjusted to the slightly dim light of the room, they were shocked to discover that two figures were already sitting on the lounge sofa.
It was none other than Yu Yuanchen and Ye Zhilan.
"Dad! Mom!"
Yu Yunting and Yu Yunyao called out in surprise almost simultaneously. Their exhaustion seemed to be dispelled in an instant; the siblings, like fledglings returning to their nest, rushed over impatiently.
Yu Yunyao's eyes even turned slightly red. She grabbed Ye Zhilan's arm, leaned her head on her mother's shoulder, and said with a hint of a spoiled nasal tone, "Mom, you really came!"
Although Yu Yunting's personality was more composed, he could not hide his excitement at this moment. Standing before Yu Yuanchen, he did not rush over like his sister, but the light flickering in his eyes and the slightly upturned corners of his mouth clearly displayed his inner joy.
"Uncle Yu! Aunt Ye!" Seeing the two, Tang Wei also revealed a simple and sincere smile on his face, stepping forward to bow respectfully.
Because of the excellent relationship between his father and Yu Yuanchen, Tang Chen had brought him to specifically visit Yu Yuanchen and his wife when Tang Wei entered Tianxing Academy to study. He was well-acquainted with them and maintained the etiquette of a junior.
Yu Yunting's personality was steady and reserved. Seeing his brother and sister-in-law, he also stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying, "Big Brother, Sister-in-law." His tone was calm, but the respect and closeness in his eyes were evident.
As for Yu Luomian, who stood at the very back, his reaction was somewhat subtle. The moment he saw Yu Yuanchen, his body stiffened imperceptibly. The excited smile that had been plastered on his face due to the victory vanished in an instant, replaced by a trace of imperceptible nervousness and... a guilty conscience?
He subconsciously shrank his neck and quietly took half a step back, seemingly trying to lower his presence, before speaking somewhat awkwardly, "Big... Big Brother, Sister-in-law."
This appearance was exactly like a child caught by their parents after doing something wrong.
As for the other two members of the team—Ning Cheng of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Lightning Leopard soul ancestor Lei Dong—they were completely stunned.
Although they were geniuses of their sects and the academy, when had they ever been in such close contact with a legendary figure like Yu Yuanchen? This man was a top powerhouse of the continent, the pillar that held up the sky and the beam that supported the sea for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
He was even the founder of their Tianxing Academy! The two were so excited they were at a loss for what to do, hurriedly bowing and saluting, their voices trembling: "G-Greetings, Dragon Sovereign Your Excellency! Immortal Blossom Your Excellency!"
Yu Yuanchen set down his teacup, his gaze sweeping over the group with warmth before pausing slightly on Yu Luomian, which made the latter's scalp tingle, before he smiled and said, "No need for such formalities. You all fought very well today. You didn't lose face for Tianxing Academy; you are all good kids. When you return, the academy will have its own rewards."
His voice was calm, yet carried an inherent majesty and affinity that made people trust him.
Ye Zhilan also set down her book, gently patted her daughter's hand, and said softly, "You've worked hard, children. We saw it all; your performance was outstanding." Her gaze lingered especially on Yu Yunting and Yu Yunyao, filled with a mother's pride and affection.
Receiving affirmation from their parents, Yu Yunting and Yu Yunyao were even more overjoyed, as if the bitter battle and fatigue had vanished into thin air.
"Uncle Yu, are my mom and dad doing well over on the Sun Moon Continent?" Tang Wei was straightforward by nature; after checking on the tournament, he immediately asked about his parents' recent situation.
Although he knew his parents had followed Yu Yuanchen to the overseas continent to develop their careers, he did not know the specifics.
Yu Yuanchen nodded, his tone carrying a hint of approval: "Brother Tang and your sister-in-law are both doing well. Uncle Tang Chen is now the general manager of the forging department for the Federal Soul Tool Army. He is so busy he barely has time to touch the ground, but his cultivation and forging skills have improved significantly. Aunt Yang is assisting your father in managing related affairs, and everything is going smoothly.
By the way, with your father's help over the past few years, your mother has successfully broken through the martial soul restrictions of the Soul Breaking Spear and successfully reached the rank of Titled Douluo. You can share the good news with your grandfather and the others; they have been quite busy these years and likely haven't had time to send word back."
He looked at Tang Wei and continued, "Xiao Wei, you have now graduated, your soul power has reached level fifty-four, your foundation is solid, and you have achieved initial success in the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer and the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes. Are you interested in seeing the Sun Moon Continent? The world there is broader, and there are more opportunities. Your father also mentions you often."
Hearing this, Tang Wei's eyes lit up instantly. Without the slightest hesitation, he nodded vigorously: "I want to go! Of course I want to go! I've long wanted to see the new world that you and my dad have built!" His personality was like his father's; he yearned for a broader stage, and the Sun Moon Continent undoubtedly held a huge attraction for him.
"Good, when things here are settled, you shall come with me," Yu Yuanchen agreed with a smile.
At this moment, Yu Yunting also spoke, his tone still steady but filled with concern: "Big Brother, the Federation has just been established and affairs are complex. You and Sister-in-law returning this time won't delay important matters, will it?"
"It's fine," Yu Yuanchen waved his hand. "The framework of the Federation is basically stable. Daily affairs are handled by Xu Yu, Zhao Hui, and the others, and with Brother Qian holding the fort, no major chaos will occur. We returned this time, firstly to watch your tournament, and secondly, there are some sect affairs that need to be discussed with Grandfather. Besides..."
His gaze swept over his son and daughter, a hint of softness flashing in his eyes, "We cannot always be absent for the children's growth."
Ye Zhilan also said softly, "That's right. Seeing you all so capable, no matter how busy we are, it's worth it."
Feeling the care in their parents' words, a warm current surged in the hearts of Yu Yunting and Yu Yunyao.
However, in this warm atmosphere, there was always someone who seemed a bit out of place. Taking advantage of his brother and sister-in-law talking to others, Yu Luomian quietly moved to a corner, attempting to pick up a kettle to pour water, but his movements were somewhat stiff, and his eyes glanced at Yu Yuanchen from time to time with obvious guilt.
What kind of keen eyes did Yu Yuanchen have? He had long since taken in his third brother's little actions, and he couldn't help but find it amusing. His third brother's talent was actually not bad—even more spirited than his second brother, Yu Yunting—it was just this personality... a bit too flighty.
In the words of his previous life, he was a bit "mischievous," and because he had made the wrong friends in his early years, he had a bit of a "dark history." Although it was corrected in time by his father, Yu Mingfeng, that rebellious streak and the occasional flash of playboy behavior had not been completely eradicated, especially in front of his "strict" big brother, where he always felt a bit of trepidation.
Under the good upbringing of Yu Boxuan and Yu Mingfeng, Yu Luomian's nature was still good; he just didn't like the rules of the family, but he was very ashamed of the mistakes he had made and had sincerely apologized.
He had a deep sense of belonging to the family and respected his older brother; he just needed to be reminded from time to time to keep him from getting carried away and going down the wrong path again. After all, the arrogance that came with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul was particularly evident in him, and if not guided, it could easily turn into blind, conceited arrogance.
But in the devilish training Yu Yuanchen put his two younger brothers through, regarding Yu Luomian's habit of being mischievous from time to time, Yu Yuanchen also liked to be "mischievous" toward Yu Luomian from time to time, letting him experience the joy of being teased.
Yu Yuanchen didn't really want to manage him into being as rigid as Yu Yunting; everyone had their own nature. As long as the major principles were not violated, some harmless little flaws didn't matter.
Moreover, his second brother, who appeared steady and rule-abiding, also had personality flaws; his character was actually a bit pedantic, and when facing people he wasn't familiar with, he could be a bit self-opinionated.
But this wasn't a big deal. Just like in some novels from his previous life, an arrogant personality in a genius with the potential of an emperor was a sign of an invincible heart, while in a nobody, it was just being blind and arrogant.
Besides, if there were acquaintances around to advise him, Yu Yunting could still listen. As long as Yu Yuanchen paid attention to not letting this personality develop further, it would be fine. After all, everyone had shortcomings, and he couldn't make everyone perfect.
"Luomian," Yu Yuanchen suddenly spoke, his voice calm.
Yu Luomian, who was sneakily drinking water, was so startled that his hand shook, nearly spilling the water. He hurriedly set down his cup, turned around, and squeezed out a smile: "E... Elder brother, what are your instructions?"
"In your match today, you coordinated with that Lightning Leopard Soul Ancestor and attempted to cut into the opponent's backline. The idea was good," Yu Yuanchen said slowly.
Yu Luomian felt a surge of joy, thinking his elder brother was about to praise him, and he straightened his back a little.
"However," Yu Yuanchen shifted his tone, "your execution was too poor. Your Timing Control was a split second late, which led to a disconnect from the main battlefield. If not for Yu Yuanzhen bursting forth in time to contain the Coiled Dragon Cudgel brothers, not only would you have failed to cut in, but you would have fallen into a heavy encirclement.
Furthermore, during your charge, you used Blue Lightning Divine Dragon Swiftness too aggressively and lacked variation. You were predicted by that Guang Ling and forced back by an arrow, wasting your Soul Power and the opportunity for nothing."
The smile on Yu Luomian's face froze instantly, and a thin layer of sweat broke out on his forehead. His elder brother was absolutely right; he had indeed been too eager to show off at the time, wanting to replicate the Combat Method Yu Yunting used to defeat Xiao Changfeng, only to have it backfire.
"In terms of reading the flow of battle, Timing Control, and the flexibility of using Soul Skills, you still have a long way to go." Yu Yuanchen's tone was not harsh, yet every word struck Yu Luomian's heart. "Winning the match is a good thing, but you must see your own shortcomings more clearly. Pride is a great taboo on the Path of Cultivation."
"Yes... yes, elder brother is right to lecture me, I will remember it." Yu Luomian hung his head and replied in a low voice, the pride of his recent victory vanishing into thin air.
Yu Yuanchen looked at him and sighed inwardly. He knew that for Yu Luomian, suppression alone wouldn't work; he had to provide some encouragement and direction. His tone softened slightly as he said: "Your timing when using Thunder Dragon Roar was actually very well grasped, and the interference effect on the enemy's Soul Power was quite good. This is worth acknowledging.
Given your personality, you might prefer abilities with more variety. In the future, you can put more effort into unexpected moves; perhaps you can carve out a style that differs from Yuanzhen's aggressive path."
Hearing this, Yu Luomian looked up abruptly, a flash of surprise and contemplation in his eyes. Although his elder brother was strict, the direction he pointed out was always spot on. He did indeed prefer that kind of surprise-based Combat Method.
"Thank you for your guidance, elder brother!" This time, his gratitude was much more sincere.
Yu Yuanchen nodded and said no more. He knew when to Stop at the Point; the rest was for him to realize on his own.
Subsequently, the group's topic returned to the match itself, analyzing their respective gains and losses and exchanging insights on combat. Yu Yuanchen and Ye Zhilan also offered them many pertinent suggestions from the perspective of experienced veterans, especially setting higher requirements for Yu Yunting's control over his Thunder True Essence and Yu Yunyao's timing for healing and control.
The Atmosphere in the lounge was Harmonious, filled with the warmth of family and the fighting spirit to forge ahead.
After a long while, Yu Yuanchen looked at the sky and stood up, saying: "Alright, you have expended a great deal today and still need to properly Regulate Breath and recover. The glory of the championship belongs to you, but the Path of Cultivation is long; you must not slack off because of a momentary victory."
"Yes!" the group replied in unison.
Yu Yuanchen's gaze swept over Tang Wei, Yu Yunting, and Yu Yunyao: "Xiao Wei, Yunting, Yunyao, prepare yourselves. In a few days, you will return to the Sun Moon Continent with me. The environment and opportunities there are more beneficial to your growth."
He then looked at Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian: "Yuanzhen, Luomian, you stay in the sect to assist Grandfather and Father in handling affairs, and do not neglect your cultivation. The burden of the sect's future will eventually fall upon your shoulders."
"Yes, elder brother (Uncle Yu/Father)!" The group respectfully accepted the order.
Yu Yuanchen and Ye Zhilan exchanged a smile, their figures slowly fading as if merging into the Air, disappearing quietly. Coming without a shadow and leaving without a trace, they fully displayed the demeanor of powerhouses.
Looking at the spot where their parents (brother and sister-in-law) had vanished, Yu Yunting and Yu Yunyao's eyes were filled with reluctance, but even more so with anticipation for the new journey ahead. As for Yu Luomian, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, patted his chest, and muttered: "Finally gone... I have to perform better next time..."
Yu Yuanzhen looked at his younger brother's appearance and shook his head helplessly, though a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes. With his elder brother around, this restless younger brother would never be able to stir up any real trouble.
───────────────
Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan