"Why has Teacher Zhou suddenly come here?”
“Word is that Teacher Zhou is close with Xiao Chen and the young miss. She’s probably here to help our lady,” murmured some Zhao family servants as they recognized the elegant woman who had just arrived.
“Teacher Zhou!” Zhao Yao exclaimed with delight, running over to her.
Zhou Tong, their esteemed mentor, was someone both she and Xiao Chen trusted deeply. During their earlier expeditions in the mountains, Zhou Tong had coincidentally encountered them. Impressed by Xiao Chen’s resilience and his ability to triumph against stronger foes, Zhou Tong decided to take him under her wing. It was she who had recommended him to Hua Qing Academy.
Chen Anlin narrowed his eyes. Zhou Tong—ah, the second female lead.
As the protagonist’s teacher, it was inevitable that she and Xiao Chen would share some ambiguous moments. Early on, she played a critical role in helping him, often resolving his problems personally.
Zhou Tong acknowledged Zhao Yao’s gratitude with a slight nod, signaling her not to worry. She then turned to Chen Anlin, her gaze sharp and cold.
This arrogant lackey of the Empress was bullying her beloved student again. Hearing about yesterday’s events only this morning, she had rushed over. And now, to witness such scenes firsthand? Zhou Tong’s expression darkened further.
“Chen Anlin, did you hear me? I am a teacher at Hua Qing Academy, and I do not speak lightly,” Zhou Tong declared icily.
She cared little for whatever illustrious background Chen Anlin might have. So what if he had the Empress’s support? Her Zhou family was also a prominent martial family, her father a fourth-grade cultivator, and she herself a fifth-grade expert.
Chen Anlin remained calm, hands clasped behind his back. Though he knew this spelled an end to today’s confrontation with the Zhao family, it didn’t matter—he had already collected the luck points he was after.
“Since Teacher Zhou has spoken, I will let this matter go. Let’s leave,” he ordered, turning to his men.
---
Back in the Zhao Household
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“Thank you, Teacher Zhou,” Zhao Yao said gratefully, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
“Zhao Yao, who did you tell about Xiao Chen staying here? Think carefully,” Zhou Tong asked, pulling her aside with a frown.
“Well... I only told my best friend, Su Menghan. Could it be her—?”
“It was me,” interrupted a cold voice.
Su Menghan stepped forward, her expression indifferent.
“But Zhao Yao, I did it for your own good. Xiao Chen is a wanted man. He will bring nothing but trouble for you,” she said bluntly.
“This…” Zhao Yao was stunned. It really was Su Menghan. “Menghan, if you felt that way, you could have told me first.”
“If I had, would you have reported Xiao Chen yourself? Zhao Yao, I’m your best friend. I’m looking out for you. If you think I’m wrong, then perhaps we shouldn’t meet again.”
With that, Su Menghan turned to leave.
“Wait, Menghan! That’s not what I meant!” Zhao Yao hurriedly grabbed her hand.
---
Meanwhile, at the Chen Residence
Returning home, Chen Anlin smirked to himself. After today, Zhao Yao would likely never fully trust Su Menghan again.
“Anlin, I heard you took the Eastern Bureau to the Zhao family again to capture Xiao Chen?”
It was his father, Chen Fu, who spoke as he entered, dressed in gleaming silver armor. His mother, Li Aijuan, followed behind him.
“Father, Mother.”
Noticing his father’s attire, Chen Anlin was puzzled. “Why are you wearing battle armor, Father?”
In the original novel, Chen Anlin’s character had been killed off early on, and the Chen family was rarely mentioned afterward. As a result, he had little knowledge of their current affairs.
“The Northern Barbarians are causing trouble again. Your mother and I, along with some of our clan, will head to the northern border tomorrow. It’s the Empress’s command,” Chen Fu explained, sighing deeply.
Though the Empress was immensely powerful, she couldn’t personally handle every conflict. Given the lack of competent officials in the court, Chen Fu, a seasoned general, had to step in.
Chen Anlin’s thoughts raced. He remembered this subplot from the novel: early victories against the Northern Barbarians turned into crushing defeats later, with the barbarians eventually invading Da Zhou. This marked the beginning of the dynasty’s downfall.
“Father, if anything happens at the border, let me know. Once my cultivation improves, I’ll come to assist you,” Chen Anlin said earnestly.
Seeing his son’s determination, both parents smiled warmly. Since breaking off his engagement, Anlin had indeed matured.
“Well done, Anlin. There’s no need to waste time on women like that Zhao girl. Focus on your training. The academy’s assessment is approaching—seize the opportunity to gain a good inheritance and bring honor to our family.”
Chen Fu laughed heartily. “If you’re thinking about marriage, though, how about Iron Pear Blossom from my army? She’s young, a sixth-grade cultivator, and strong enough to bear a dozen sons!”
Iron Pear Blossom—a hulking, dark-skinned woman. Just the thought made Chen Anlin shiver slightly.
“Father, I think I’d rather be brothers with her,” he quickly replied.
His mother, Li Aijuan, added seriously, “Anlin, marrying a wife is about choosing someone who can support you. Don’t waste time on anyone who’ll drag you down. Focus on your cultivation—we’ll ensure you have all the resources you need.”
“Understood, Mother,” Chen Anlin replied, feeling grateful for their support.
---
Later
Back in his room, Chen Anlin pulled out a pen and paper, jotting down key events and treasures from the novel. There were many to remember.
Afterward, he visited the family library and retrieved the Phantom Sword Art, the Chen family’s most advanced technique. Previously, he had given up on it due to its difficulty, but now, bolstered by his luck points, he was determined to succeed.
He activated the luck system, presented with three options:
1. Believe in hard work and persistence to master the technique. (Cost: 300 Luck Points)
2. Start with lower-level sword techniques to build a foundation. (Cost: 600 Luck Points)
3. Dedicate yourself to understanding the incomplete technique over time, even if it takes a lifetime.
(Cost: 1,000 Luck Points)
With a deep breath, Chen Anlin began his journey to master the Phantom Sword Art.