Yan Manor:
In the heart of Yan Manor's sprawling courtyard, Yan Yueqing engaged in a serious conversation with his close companions, their voices intermingling with a palpable mix of anxiety and determination. His brow furrowed in worry, Yan Yueqing voiced his frustrations to those around him.
"It's been a week, and still, no word about Sophia," Yan Yueqing mused aloud, his voice a mixture of concern and determination. "If I were the one with her, I'd never allow anything to happen under my watch."
His friend Ming Chao, hailing from the Ming family, chimed in with a sense of grim resignation. "We've all been searching, using our influence, but it seems like we're hitting a wall. My gut feeling tells me this might be connected to the unrest in the Northern part of the kingdom."
Yan Yueqing's expression darkened as he mulled over the situation. "Could Valeria Kingdom possibly be involved in her disappearance? But what could they stand to gain from this?" He voiced his thoughts aloud, his determination unwavering despite the uncertainty.
Ming Chao, ever perceptive, offered a speculative notion. "It's just a hunch, but it's possible they might be planning to use her as leverage against the Eastern General. They might be aiming for some political advantage."
Yan Yueqing's expression darkened with determination. "Regardless of the reasons, I won't stop looking for her. It doesn't matter if she ends up with me or not. What matters is her safety and happiness."
As the discussion unfolded, three small figures made their way into the courtyard, the youngest among them seeking answers. Yan Sen, with his characteristic curiosity, approached his older cousin Yan Yueqing. "Big brother, have you seen my mother?" he inquired innocently.
Yan Yueqing's concerns for his young cousin are evident. "Hey there, little Sen," he greeted, scooping Yan Sen up with a mixture of affection and playfulness. "I heard about your tussle with that Guan kid, you showed real courage there. But remember, you need to be careful. I'll teach you some moves when we have some free time. For now, let's focus on finding Sophia." His gaze then shifted to Li Wei and Mei Lin, his words taking on a mentor's tone. "You two, look after each other. You've all done well. Oh, and by the way, I think Aunt is speaking with Grandfather in the main hall. You should head there."
Blushing slightly, Yan Sen allowed his cousin to set him down. He and his companions obediently made their way to the main hall. There, they were met by the figures of Lady Meilan, Yan Sen's mother, and Yan Meng, his grandfather.
As they entered the hall, a hush fell over the room, the air thick with anticipation. Lady Meilan's eyes softened as she watched her son approach, while Yan Meng's gaze held a blend of curiosity and concern. "Mother, Grandfather," Yan Sen began, catching their attention, "do you remember the day I fell into a coma?"
His mother and grandfather exchanged glances before nodding in affirmation. Intrigued by Yan Sen's demeanor, they encouraged him to continue.
"During that time," Yan Sen continued, his voice steady and determined, "I encountered a mysterious master. He was incredibly powerful, flying through the skies. He said he witnessed everything between us and Guan Wei, and he took an interest in us, wanting to take us as his disciples. But due to his busy schedule, he can only interact with us occasionally. He offered us a cultivation technique and martial arts skills, along with knowledge of various herbs to aid our cultivation. He said not to teach the cultivation technique to anyone without his permission"
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As Yan Sen revealed these astonishing details, his mother and grandfather's eyes widened in a mixture of astonishment and concern. Their thoughts raced, trying to grasp the implications of such a powerful figure taking an interest in their young family members. “ Core formation stage or above!!!” both of them exclaimed inside their mind trying to control their cool. Only core formation stage and above can fly in the sky.
"He's too busy to directly teach us," Yan Sen added, "so he implanted the knowledge directly into my soul. He said I will be in a coma for a week, but he assured me of my safety. He waits until I returned home before embedding the information to ensure I'd be cared for."
Yan Sen's words painted a surreal image of his encounter, leaving his mother and grandfather both awed and apprehensive. Lady Meilan's gaze held a mixture of pride and worry, while Yan Meng's expression displayed a mixture of skepticism and caution.
Yan Sen's earnestness persisted as he revealed further information. "Upon waking up, I followed his instructions to create an elixir using specific medicinal herbs. After consuming it, Li Wei, Mei Lin, and I experienced significant growth in our souls and cultivation levels."
A tense silence hung in the air as Yan Sen's mother and grandfather grappled with the implications. Yan Sen's revelation had far-reaching consequences, and they couldn't help but worry about the intentions and motivations of this mysterious master.
However, the gravity of Yan Sen's words did not escape Yan Meng, who voiced a note of caution. "But you mentioned the necessity of secrecy regarding the cultivation technique. Why are you divulging all of this now? Sharing such information might inadvertently endanger our family."
Yan Sen met his grandfather's gaze with unwavering determination. "You needn't worry, Grandfather. The secrecy pertains specifically to the cultivation technique. As for the existence of my master and his guidance, it might be wise to share some details selectively. He's already aware of our actions and has been communicating with us."
As the weighty conversation unfolded, Yan Sen's mother and grandfather grappled with the profound implications of the revelation. Their contemplations danced between the awe-inspiring potential and the potential risks inherent in this newfound connection.
Yan Sen's unwavering determination shone through as he addressed the concerns raised by his family. "We're allowed to share the existence of our master, though it's best to keep it discreet. The guidance and influence he offers are invaluable, and his intentions seem genuine."
The tension in the room lifted slightly as Yan Sen's mother and grandfather absorbed his words. Despite their reservations, there was a glimmer of trust in the mysterious master's intentions, coupled with a sense of pride in Yan Sen's wisdom and maturity.
As the conversation evolved, Yan Sen's focus shifted toward the mission ahead. "Moreover, my master instructed us to win the upcoming Grade 2 martial arts assessment. The reward is a 10-year-old silver pine tree, a vital component for our cultivation."
Yan Meng's expression shifted from concern to disbelief. "Winning the Grade 2 tournament won't be easy, especially as you'll be facing opponents at 6th or even 7th skin tempering cultivation levels."
Yan Sen's eyes sparkled with confidence as he met his grandfather's gaze. "That's precisely why I wanted to share our progress with you. In less than a week, I've already broken through to the 3rd level of skin tempering, and Li Wei has already reached the 4th level. Mei Lin has made impressive strides as well, going from having no cultivation to reaching the 2nd level. Our master told us to concentrate on cultivation for the following months until the martial arts assessment and we have a great chance of winning the 2nd grade championship."
Yan Meng's skepticism gave way to astonishment as Yan Sen and Li Wei stood up, ready to demonstrate the mortal level UCH martial arts technique. Their movements flowed with grace and precision, revealing an uncanny level of proficiency and coordination.
Yan Meng's jaw nearly dropped as he watched the impromptu display. "This martial art technique... It's unlike anything I've seen before. It’s way more advance than the Yan families martial art technique. How did you both become so skilled in such a short time?"
Yan Sen's eyes gleamed with determination as he met his grandfather's gaze. "This is the result of our master's teachings and the intensive cultivation we've been undergoing. We've trained diligently."
The impromptu sparring session concluded, leaving Yan Meng both bewildered and intrigued. His initial skepticism had been replaced with a newfound appreciation for the extent of Yan Sen and Li Wei's growth.
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