Chapter 20: Return Journey . . .
The bustling capital streets were constantly filled with people, groups arriving in threes or fives from outside the city. Currently, by the roadside, Ye Hang and his wife were bidding farewell to Ye Yuan.
"Yuan-er, even though it's just a half-day journey, I can't shake this feeling of unease. Knowing Wan Donghai's temperament, he won't let this insult slide quietly. I'm certain he's plotting something. Ah Ping and Ah Cheng have been with me for many years. I think it's best if they accompany you on the way," Ye Hang earnestly tried to convince his son.
Understanding Wan Donghai as deeply as Wan Donghai understood him, Ye Hang felt the need to insist that his son be escorted by the two guards, a suggestion Ye Yuan repeatedly declined.
"Father, it's only a half-day journey; I'll be fine. Besides, Brother Tang is accompanying me. No matter how bold Wan Donghai is, he wouldn't dare openly send people to harm me," Ye Yuan rejected with a reassuring smile.
"Oh, do listen to your father, Yuan-er. Wan Donghai is ruthless and cunning. It's easy to evade a spear in the open, but guarding against arrows in the dark is a different challenge," Ren Hongling chimed in, echoing her husband's concerns.
The couple, having once lost their son, didn't want to risk any accidents now that they had him back.
Ye Yuan simply smiled and shook his head, reiterating his rejection.
"You're so stubborn, Aiya."
Aware that his son's current state couldn't be compared to his past, Ye Hang sighed, acknowledging that Ye Yuan likely possessed a life-preserving trump card. His son's astonishing advancement to the Third Level Essence Qi Realm was a source of shock. Despite understanding that Ye Yuan encountered a formidable master, the speed of this progress was unnerving.
"Forget it. Since he doesn't want to, let him go alone. Our son is all grown up. There are some things he must face on his own," Ye Hang sighed.
With a bow toward his parents, Ye Yuan set off alongside Tang Yu and Lu-er.
...
Ye Yuan was well aware that this journey wouldn't be peaceful, but he sought to confront certain challenges independently, aiming to use the experience for personal growth.
His knowledge of Alchemy Dao and extensive understanding of martial techniques transcended the ordinary, yet they didn't equate to strength. He yearned to transform these assets into genuine power.
In his previous life, Ye Yuan prioritized Alchemy Dao, neglecting Martial Dao. Although his cultivation realm was high, his combat prowess suffered. Now, he aimed to convert the knowledge from his past life into tangible strength.
Ye Yuan recognized that the key was to fight, to engage in continuous combat, increasing his battle prowess and carving a path back to the Divine Realm.
Without genuine combat experience, his profound knowledge would remain illusory.
Hence, Ye Yuan refused to grow under Ye Hang's protection and chose to return to the Dan Wu Academy, entering the crucible of competition with other geniuses.
As Ye Yuan described to Tang Zonghuai, the Dan Wu Academy wasn't a utopia; rather, it hosted intense competition.
This return journey to the academy marked the first time Ye Yuan would face these challenges.
...
The Dan Wu Academy lay not within the capital but a hundred miles north, situated near the Endless Forest—an ideal location to hone young talents.
Ye Yuan and his group didn't rush back to the academy; instead, they rode leisurely on horseback.
"Oh right, I haven't congratulated Brother Tang on reaching the Fifth Level Essence Qi Realm."
Originally positioned at the peak of the Fourth Level, Tang Yu now contemplated the possibility of taking his own life if, with Ye Yuan's Exploding Yuan Pill, he couldn't advance to the Fifth Level.
"No, no. All thanks to Brother Ye's Exploding Yuan Pill. The miraculous potency of the Exploding Yuan Pill far surpasses that of the Essence Qi Pill. With just one, I easily broke through."
Tang Yu vividly remembered the violent surge of essence energy, realizing that advancing in cultivation was unexpectedly straightforward. Consuming the Exploding Yuan Pill made him comprehend why Ye Yuan managed a two-rank leap overnight.
Unbeknownst to Tang Yu, Ye Yuan had ingested the highest-quality Exploding Yuan Pills in significant quantities, sufficient to propel him to the Third Level Essence Qi Realm.
"Hahaha. An innocent man gets into trouble because of his wealth. When you return to the academy, be cautious not to disclose the Exploding Yuan Pill. The consequences would be dire."
Wan Donghai, confident in toppling the Fragrant Medicine Pavilion with Essence Gathering Pills, considered the Exploding Yuan Pill even more potent. Exposing it would undoubtedly lead to chaos.
Ye Yuan, with his experience, saw commendable qualities in Tang Yu, recognizing his filial piety and lack of treachery. He appreciated Tang Yu's talent and gifted him the Exploding Yuan Pill as a token of recognition. However, Ye Yuan had a strategic motive; having trustworthy allies would ease the challenges he might face in the future.
"Don't worry, Brother Ye. Tang Yu knows right from wrong. I understand the immense implications of the Exploding Yuan Pill and won't reveal it. Forgive my boldness, but with Brother Ye's capabilities, is there a need to attend the Dan Wu Academy?"
Tang Yu, though not fully aware of Ye Yuan's capabilities, sensed that Ye Yuan's Alchemy Dao exceeded the State of Qin's current standard. He questioned the necessity of attending the academy.
However, Tang Yu refrained from expressing these thoughts, fearing potential misunderstandings. Where did Ye Yuan acquire such knowledge and resources? The suspicions lingered unspoken.
"The Dan Wu Academy gathers the State of Qin's elites. It's an opportunity I cannot pass up," Ye Yuan replied.
"In my opinion, those so-called elites and geniuses are mere clay chickens and pottery dogs compared to Brother Ye."
Ye Yuan shook his head, emphasizing that heroes under the heavens cannot be underestimated. He explained the significant changes were due to a fortuitous encounter but acknowledged his current weakness. A genius who couldn't grow stronger would only become stepping stones for others.
Tang Yu admired Ye Yuan's humility and clear understanding of his position. In the academy, where arrogance often prevailed, Tang Yu believed Ye Yuan would soon shine brighter than the so-called geniuses.
"Come out. I believe our guest is tired after following us all this way. Am I right?" Ye Yuan abruptly called out while Tang Yu was lost in contemplation.