Realizing how late it was already, he stood up reluctantly. “I should probably head back now.”
She walked him to the door. “Be safe. And don’t forget our plans.”
He smiled. “I won’t. Goodnight, Qingyu.”
“Goodnight, Shen Yuan.”
As he made his way back to his residence, he couldn’t help but reflect on the evening.
There was a new warmth in his heart, a sense of anticipation for what the future might hold.
Yue Lan’s voice chimed in his mind. [It seems you’ve grown closer to Han Qingyu.]
He smiled inwardly. “Indeed, it was bound to happen sooner or later.”
[True. It’s good to have companions who enrich your life in more ways than one.]
He agreed silently, appreciating the wisdom in her words.
[Then, when will you tell your family about her?]
“Haha, I’m sure they are already investigating her background to see if she is fit for the harem or not, and not only her but most likely all of the girls around me.” Shen Yuan laughed while shaking his head as he headed inside his mansion.
The next morning, Shen Yuan awoke feeling refreshed.
He stretched his arms while standing up from his bed.
“Now, what should I do today?” he said while wearing his clothes and heading towards the garden.
He stepped into the garden, the morning sun casting a gentle glow over the dewdrops clinging to the grass.
The cherry blossom tree remained standing at the center as usual, its petals fluttering softly in the breeze.
Shen Yuan made his way to the wooden table beneath the tree, where a tea set awaited him.
He poured himself a cup of tea, the fragrant aroma of jasmine filling the air.
Taking a sip, he savored the delicate flavor, allowing himself a moment of peace.
The chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves created a serene melody that eased his mind.
As he contemplated his plans for the day, he couldn’t help but think about the upcoming sect competition and his progressing relationship with Han Qingyu.
A slight smile formed on his lips as he recalled the warmth of her gaze.
His peaceful moment was interrupted by a gentle knock at the gate of his residence.
Setting down his cup, he stood up and walked towards the entrance.
Opening the gate, he found a young female disciple standing there, her expression respectful yet slightly nervous.
“Senior Brother Shen Yuan,” she greeted with a bow. “I have a delivery for you.”
He nodded politely. “Thank you. Please, come in.”
She stepped inside, carefully handing him a small jade box. “This arrived for you earlier this morning. I was instructed to deliver it personally.”
He accepted the box, sensing a familiar aura within. “Thanks for your efforts.”
The disciple hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
“Of course. Thank you again,” he said with a gentle smile.
She bowed once more before turning to depart, a faint blush on her cheeks.
Closing the gate behind her, Shen Yuan returned to his seat beneath the cherry blossom tree.
Placing the jade box on the table, he opened it to reveal a storage ring nestled within.
Recognizing it as the one used by Lian Fang, the mercenary that he had met the last time he went out for a mission.
A special jade orb was placed within the storage ring that he took out. He picked it up and infused a trace of his spiritual senses into it.
Immediately, a wealth of information flowed into his mind.
Detailed reports about the Ironwood Mountain Clan appeared before his inner eye: profiles of the clan leader, the elders, and the disciples who would be attending the competition.
There were also strategic assessments of their strengths, weaknesses, and known techniques.
“Well done, Lian Fang,” he murmured appreciatively.
The thoroughness of the information exceeded his expectations.
He began to sift through the data.
The Ironwood Mountain Clan was known for their mastery of wood-based techniques and body-strengthening arts.
Their clan leader, Elder Mu Rong, was a formidable cultivator at the Nascent Soul Realm, renowned for his impenetrable defenses.
The participating disciples were no pushovers either.
Among them was Mu Chen, the prodigious grandson of the clan leader, rumored to have achieved the peak of the Origin Core Creation Realm with a unique physique that granted him exceptional resilience.
“This competition will be more interesting than I thought; there are more monkeys for me to play with,” Shen Yuan mused.
He continued reviewing the information, and making mental notes of potential challenges and opportunities.
Yue Lan’s voice echoed in his mind. [It seems Lian Fang has outdone herself. Having this intel will give you a significant advantage.]
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He nodded slightly. “Indeed. Knowing the opponents is the first step to securing victory for others.”
[Are you planning to share this information with anyone? Perhaps Han Qingyu could benefit from it.]
He considered her suggestion. “You’re right. It would be beneficial for her, while the rest are far too weak to participate in this competition since they recently advanced to the Inner Sea Realm. I’ll prepare a summarized version to share.”
As he was contemplating this, he felt a subtle presence approaching his residence once more.
Turning his gaze towards the entrance, he sensed a familiar aura.
Moments later, a graceful figure appeared at the gate—it was Wan Ling.
She spotted him beneath the cherry blossom tree and approached with a cheerful smile.
“Senior Brother Shen Yuan, I hope I’m not intruding,” she said warmly.
He gestured for her to join him. “Not at all, Wan Ling. Please, have a seat.”
She settled across from him, admiring the peaceful setting. “Your garden is as beautiful as ever. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom.”
He poured her a cup of tea. “After all, I take care of them diligently every morning.”
[The only thing you do is drink tea or wine beneath the poor tree, tsk.]
He ignored Yue Lan as Wan Ling accepted the cup gratefully.
She took a sip of the tea, her expression turning thoughtful. “There’s a lot of talk about the Ironwood Mountain Clan. They say their disciples are exceptionally strong this year.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What have you heard?”
“Just rumors, mostly. That their top disciple, Mu Chen, is nearly unbeatable in close combat. Some are feeling a bit anxious.”
He smiled faintly. “Competitions are as much about strategy as they are about strength. Knowing your enemy makes the fight that much easier.”
She looked at him curiously. “You seem confident. Do you have some extra information that you won’t mind sharing?”
He laughed softly. “I’m confident in my own strength; I won’t lose to these disciples who are not even a major realm above me.”
But he paused and considered for a moment. “I might have some information that could help. I think the sect will share this information on the last day, but I got it by my own means. I will send you the information when I’m done sorting it.”
Her eyes lit up. “I would appreciate that greatly.”
“Very well. I’ll send word once everything is ready.”
They chatted a while longer before Wan Ling took her leave, expressing her gratitude once more.