A Month's Harvest

"Ancestor!"

"I... I've actually broken through to the True Qi Realm, first level?"

"This... this is simply unbelievable!"

For an entire month, Chen Yunxuan had been cultivating under Chen Chang'an's guidance.

Chen Chang'an provided the resources, while Chen Yunxuan focused solely on relentless training.

Initially, Chen Yunxuan had thought that reaching the Core Formation Realm, fifth level, from the Spirit Gathering Realm, seventh level, in just a month would already be an astonishingly fast pace.

Yet now, he had directly ascended to the True Qi Realm, first level—equivalent to the cultivation level of Chen Zhengyuan, the current head of the Chen Family, just a month prior.

To Chen Yunxuan, this past month felt like a dream—the most wonderful dream he had ever experienced.

Seeing Chen Yunxuan's excitement, Chen Chang'an understood perfectly. A pauper suddenly turned rich—of course he'd be thrilled!

"Yunxuan, your talent isn’t actually that poor."

"It’s just that the Chen Family’s foundation was lacking, and the Great Zhou Kingdom is a remote, barren land."

"Otherwise, at sixteen, you wouldn’t have been stuck at the Spirit Gathering Realm, seventh level."

"Do you think those so-called prodigies rely solely on their innate gifts?"

"Let me tell you—it’s resources. The cultivation resources they possess are beyond ordinary imagination."

"This world is vast. The Great Zhou Kingdom is but a speck, insignificant in the grand scheme."

"If you truly wish to make a name for yourself, Yunxuan, you must step beyond this tiny corner and see the world." Chen Chang'an said with a faint smile.

Step beyond and see the world?

Hearing this, Chen Yunxuan’s heart swelled with anticipation. Yes, only by leaving this insignificant place could he truly embrace a new horizon.

"If you had grown up in a land rich with spiritual energy and abundant resources,"

"At sixteen, you wouldn’t merely be at the True Qi Realm, first level."

"You might even have reached the Transcendent Realm!"

Though Chen Chang'an had lived in seclusion with his master, he had often sneaked out to explore.

While he wasn’t deeply familiar with the outside world, he had encountered a few true geniuses.

Those individuals were all prodigies—young, yet overwhelmingly powerful, each a peerless talent of their generation!

"Ancestor... are you saying there are truly people who reach the Transcendent Realm by sixteen?"

Chen Yunxuan’s face was a picture of shock. This was beyond his experience, something he could scarcely fathom.

The Transcendent Realm at sixteen? How absurdly fast was that cultivation speed?

"Hence, you must go out and broaden your horizons."

"How can a frog at the bottom of a well comprehend the height and breadth of the heavens?" Chen Chang'an chuckled.

"Ancestor’s wisdom is profound."

Now, Chen Yunxuan yearned even more for the world beyond. A seed had been planted deep in his heart.

Chen Chang'an’s guidance served two purposes.

First, he hoped Chen Yunxuan would gain experience by venturing out—it would only benefit him.

Second, Chen Chang'an had his own motives.

With the whereabouts of the fetal pearl still unknown, searching the vast world alone would be no easy task.

But with help, efficiency would improve.

Once Chen Yunxuan left, he could gather information on Chen Chang'an’s behalf.

As the two conversed, Chen Zhengyuan arrived at Chen Chang'an’s courtyard.

His gaze first fell on Chen Yunxuan, pride and admiration gleaming in his eyes.

His son, now training under the Ancestor, had advanced by leaps and bounds—his future was boundless!

"Greetings, Ancestor!"

"Ancestor, our informants in Swallow Return City report that the Xu and Ning Families are making moves."

"I suspect they are targeting our Chen Family." Chen Zhengyuan said with a frown.

The Xu and Ning Families—the other two powers of Swallow Return City?

"Let them come."

"With the Chen Family’s current strength, they’ll gain nothing from it."

"How has everyone progressed this past month?" Chen Chang'an asked.

"Reporting to the Ancestor."

"The Chen Family’s power has grown significantly, all thanks to the treasures you brought back."

"I’ve now reached the Transcendent Realm, second level. The elders have attained the peak of the True Qi Realm, ninth level."

"The rest of the clan has also entered the True Qi Realm, though the younger generation remains in the Core Formation Realm."

Chen Zhengyuan’s heart swelled with excitement. In just a month since the Ancestor’s return, the Chen Family had undergone a complete transformation.

Given time, could they not only restore their former glory under his leadership but even surpass it?

"If the family has grown so much, what are you afraid of?"

Chen Chang'an’s words struck Chen Zhengyuan like a bolt. Indeed—why was he fearful?

With the Chen Family’s current might, why dread the Xu and Ning Families?

"With greater power comes greater confidence."

"Understand?" Chen Chang'an smiled.

"Ancestor’s lesson is well taken."

"Enough talk. They’re here."

The sudden remark from Da Huang (Big Yellow) sent a chill through Chen Zhengyuan and Chen Yunxuan.

That Da Huang could speak was no secret in the Chen Family.

After all, this was no ordinary dog—it was the King of Dogs!

"Ancestor, leave this matter to us. There’s no need for you to—"

"No, I’ll come along for the show. Don’t mind me."

"Then... as you wish!"

Meanwhile, the Xu and Ning Families had mobilized their elites, their intent clear—to seize that legendary treasure from the Chen Family!

"Head of the Xu Family, Head of the Ning Family, the Chen Family truly isn’t receiving guests today. Perhaps you could—"

"Enough nonsense! Since when does the Chen Family dare shut its doors to us?"

The Head of the Ning Family’s words trailed off as he sensed something amiss.

The cultivation level of this Chen clansman...

"Ning Brother, isn’t this Chen Zhanyuan of the Chen Family? Wasn’t he only at the Core Formation Realm?"

"But now... he’s in the True Qi Realm?"

The Head of the Xu Family also noticed the discrepancy. The Chen Family’s strength had indeed changed.

In just a month, someone from the Core Formation Realm had broken through to the True Qi Realm?

Such rapid advancement was unheard of!

Exchanging glances, their eyes burned with greed.

The treasure—it had to be a cultivation treasure!

If they obtained it, their power would soar!

Blinded by desire, they failed to consider the implications.

If Chen Zhanyuan had improved so drastically, what of the rest of the Chen Family?

Could they still measure the Chen Family by its past standards?

Alas, such thoughts never crossed their minds. Their hearts were fixated solely on that fabled treasure!

"Step aside!"

"Or we won’t hold back!" The Head of the Xu Family glared coldly at Chen Zhanyuan.

Chen Zhanyuan met his gaze unflinchingly.

After all these years of bullying, did they still think the Chen Family was easy prey?

"Not hold back?"

"I—"

"Zhanyuan, let them in."