Chapter 4: The Prodigal Returns (3)

The wind was quite chilly.

However, the cold autumn breeze could not dampen the bustling activity of the market. Many people were trying to lure customers into their shops.

'It's been a while.'

Once outside, thoughts of the Bie La Jin Jie had completely slipped his mind.

This was the first time he had come to the market since returning to the past. It felt like a new experience.

'Still the same.'

This street, where he had wandered so much as a child.

After the family's downfall, he had never come here once. He thought it would remind him of his deceased family every time he came.

"Good."

"Hehe, isn't it?"

Yan Zhiping's face was flushed with excitement. This was the first time he had come to the market with his brother alone.

"Brother, are you feeling unwell?"

"Hmm?"

"Your walk seems a bit strange."

"Oh, just a bit."

Suddenly, the quality of his inner energy had improved by two levels.

Moreover, many of the previously blocked meridians had been opened. As the true energy flowed through these meridians, his body naturally felt stronger.

The mismatch between his body and true energy. Even if he tried to walk slowly, his speed would naturally increase. This was due to the disparity caused by his body not being fully refined.

'I'll have to work hard in the future.'

The strength of the body is as important as inner energy. To train his body to the level of a Black Path expert, he would need to undergo hellish training.

As Yan Huozheng was rotating his shoulders.

"Ah, over there! Let's go there!"

Yan Zhiping pointed to a clean and tidy building.

"It's the Ancient Yang Tower."

The Ancient Yang Tower was a well-known building in southern Jiangsu Province. Although the prices were quite high, it was famous for its delicious food and beautiful scenery.

"Ah, have you been there before, Brother?"

"A few times."

It wasn't a place with particularly good memories.

About half a year before the Yan family's downfall, he had drunk a lot of alcohol in a state of despair. He had drunk quite a bit at the Ancient Yang Tower.

'What a foolish way to live.'

He had destroyed a lot of property while drunk and had also been beaten up badly after getting into a fight.

It was a place where both his body and mind had been battered.

"They say the fish dishes here are very famous. Let's go and have some fish, fish."

"Sure."

"Wait, does Brother eat fish? I thought you didn't like it much?"

Yan Huozheng shrugged.

"Eat while you can. By the way, is this your first time here?"

"Hehe, actually, I've been here once before. With my friends."

"Friends... from Qingkang Academy?"

"Yes! They're all good friends."

The Yan family emphasized both literary and martial arts more than other martial arts sects. They didn't expect to become outstanding scholars, but they believed one should be at least better than others.

This teaching remained the same even after the Yan family became one of the Seven Great Families. Yan Zhiping attended Qingkang Academy to learn literature for this reason.

Yan Huozheng smiled.

"Study well. There's no harm in learning."

Yan Zhiping asked with an innocent expression.

"Will Brother not come out anymore in the future?"

"To Qingkang Academy?"

"Yes!"

"I won't go."

Yan Zhiping's face showed a faint disappointment.

"Oh, I see."

What a straightforward kid.

It was pitiful, but he had no intention of going out. It wasn't that he disliked literature, but he didn't think there was a need to learn more.

"Are you getting along well with your friends?"

"Of course! Ah! By the way, short-term students have come to the academy this time!"

"Short-term students?"

"Yes! They are from famous martial families in Anhui. Among them, there's even a member of the Nangong family!"

He spoke with a bright expression, as if nothing had happened.

Yan Huozheng frowned.

"From Nangong?"

"Yes! Isn't it amazing?"

Is that so?

He couldn't remember that part. At that time, he was only interested in himself.

'Nangong... Nangong.'

The highest-ranking family in Anhui, adjacent to Jiangsu.

A family counted among the Seven Great Families, but with a much longer history than the Yan family.

When it comes to Nangong, it's about the sword. In the past and present, the Nangong family has been the most famous sword family.

This remained true even after the appearance of an outstanding swordsman from the Murong family.

"Brother?"

"Hmm?"

"Why? Your expression doesn't look good."

"No, let's go."

"Okay!"

The two finally entered the Ancient Yang Tower.

The Ancient Yang Tower was unexpectedly quiet. It seemed there were fewer than ten people in the four-story building.

"Brother, we have good luck. Let's go to the fourth floor!"

"Sure."

When they reached the fourth floor, the view was excellent. The windows were wide open, and the wind was refreshing rather than cold.

"Isn't it good? Isn't it good?"

"Yes, it seems like a good decision to come."

Although he had been there many times before, it felt like a new experience.

Yan Zhiping, sitting by the window, enthusiastically ordered food. One fish dish and a couple of vegetable stir-fries were not cheap.

"Isn't it too expensive?"

"I've saved a lot of pocket money!"

"Are you paying?"

"Of course! I said I would treat you!"

Indeed, he hadn't brought any money.

Yan Huozheng smacked his lips.

"Let's enjoy it."

"Sure!"

Yan Zhiping seemed ready to order everything on the menu. His eyes sparkled like a very excited puppy.

Yan Huozheng found his younger brother adorable. At the same time, he felt a bit burdened.

'What a bright kid.'

He had envied and treated this child badly. He hadn't physically abused him, but sometimes indifference can be even more cruel.

That's why, even though he felt burdened, he tried to smile in front of Yan Zhiping. The regret from his past mistakes was that strong.

Yan Zhiping, who had been smiling at Yan Huozheng, suddenly asked cautiously.

"Um..."

"Yes?"

"Are you upset or anything?"

"About what?"

"No, just... Is there anything bothering you?"

Yan Huozheng tilted his head.

"I don't think so. Nothing is bothering me."

"Oh, I see."

"Why? You don't look good."

"No! I just thought maybe."

"You're a troublesome kid."

Yan Huozheng turned his head to the window. He wanted to enjoy the view.

Seeing his brother, Yan Zhiping sighed with relief.

'He seems fine.'

At that time, the treatment by the leader of the White Eagle Sect, Jiang Yun, was understandable as a member of the Yan family. But it was in front of his younger brother, which could be embarrassing for anyone.

Fortunately, his brother didn't seem to care much. On the contrary, Yan Zhiping felt very sorry for his brother.

Yan Zhiping, who had been smiling at Yan Huozheng, suddenly tilted his head.

"But, Brother."

"Yes?"

"Um... I don't know if I should say this."

"What is it?"

"Your Feiyan Qi seems more active."

"Hmm?"

"Can you tell?"

"Yes? Oh, yes. I was a bit unsure, but it definitely feels different from before."

Yan Huozheng looked at Yan Zhiping with renewed interest.

'You noticed that?'

Although his dantian had been activated and the Feiyan Heart Method had reached a high level, these changes were hard to detect without a thorough examination.

Yan Huozheng was skilled at continuously gathering his energy, and since the Feiyan Heart Method was not a high-level martial art, the changes were not significant. It would be hard to detect the changes in true energy from the outside.

Yet, his younger brother had seen through it. Even though he wasn't yet a first-class expert.

"You've mastered the Feiyan Heart Method."

Yan Zhiping jumped up without realizing it.

"Really?!"

"Yes."

It must be hard to believe, coming so suddenly.

"Congratulations! Really, congratulations, Brother!"

He believed it.

Yan Zhiping congratulated him as if it were his own achievement. He clenched his fists and waved them excitedly.

His younger brother's gratitude was touching, but his surprise was even greater.

'I knew he was talented, but...'

A faint admiration appeared on Yan Huozheng's face.

'This kid is a complete prodigy.'

When it comes to martial arts talent, there are generally two types: those with superior physical abilities and those with superior intellect.

But Yan Zhiping's talent was beyond that.

'He has a good sense.'

A good sense is harder to come by than physical superiority or superior intellect.

A power that surpasses logic and reason. It's an ability one is born with. In other fields, it might be different, but at least in martial arts, Yan Zhiping's sense was undoubtedly superior to anyone else's.

Moreover, his physical talent was also considered the best in the Yan family.

'If he trains properly, he'll make a name for himself in no time.'

Yan Zhiping said with an excited face.

"Brother will get strong soon! Definitely!"

"Yes, that's the goal."

Regardless, it was a moment that surprised both of them.

A short while later, the food arrived.

The two of them laughed and chatted while eating. Most of the talking was done by Yan Zhiping, but Yan Huozheng wasn't silent either.

After finishing their meal quickly, they ordered tea. The steam rising from the cups had a pleasant aroma.

"Brother, since you've mastered the Heart Method, let's practice together!"

"No."

The refusal was more decisive than expected. Yan Zhiping flinched.

"Why?"

"Our training methods are different. Maybe later, but for now, it's better if we train separately... Hmm?"

Yan Huozheng turned his gaze to the stairs.

"Why, Brother?"

"..."

"Brother?"

"Quite impressive?"

Impressive? What is?

Yan Zhiping, tilting his head, suddenly felt a faint aura coming from the first floor.

Yan Zhiping's eyes widened.

"An expert?!"

No, not an expert.

A true expert can apply their skills in real combat. Only then do they deserve to be called an expert.

From that perspective, there were no experts among those coming from the first floor. At least, that's what Yan Huozheng thought.

But the level they had achieved was impressive.

'For their age, that is.'

The vitality emanating from their aura was very fresh. They were clearly not yet of age.

"Ah!"

Yan Zhiping exclaimed.

"Why? Do you know them?"

"Yes! I don't know who the expert is, but I feel a familiar aura. It must be a friend from the academy."

A friend from the academy?

"Go and greet them."

"Ah?! Is that okay?"

"If you didn't know, it would be one thing, but you can't just pass by without greeting them. Go on."

Yan Zhiping quietly stood up.

"Okay, Brother, I'll be right back. Please wait a moment."

"Take your time."

Yan Zhiping quickly went down the stairs.

Yan Huozheng smiled and rested his chin on his hand.

'He's so cheerful.'

Maybe it's because he grew up in a dark environment.

While uniting the Black Path, he had developed some social skills, but he wasn't as bright as Yan Zhiping. He often found conversations with others tedious.

That's why he liked his younger brother's cheerful attitude. It was a personality he didn't have.

'Grow up bright. You don't need to be serious all the time just because the world is harsh.'

He wanted his younger brother to grow up beautifully more than anyone else. Now, that was the only thing Yan Huozheng wished for his younger brother.

Yan Huozheng, drinking tea and enjoying the view outside the window.

He didn't think this was the time to enjoy such leisure, but what could he do? This was the first time he had come out to eat with his younger brother.

Preparing for the family's downfall was the most important, but there were also things that shouldn't be missed.

While Yan Huozheng was enjoying his brief leisure, he heard voices from the third floor.

"Is this it?"

"Wow! The third floor is definitely different!"

And Yan Zhiping's flustered voice.

"Wait a moment. Let me talk to my brother first..."

"Hey! I just want to say hello. Besides, you didn't rent the fourth floor exclusively. Let us have a look too."

"Ah..."

Yan Zhiping's voice conveyed a sense of confusion.

A short while later.

"Wow, what a view!"

"Good thing we came up!"

Yan Huozheng turned his gaze to the scene.

Yan Zhiping, standing among two men and one woman, looked very uncomfortable.