Ye Tian had heard Ye Feifei mention Linyuan Academy. It was an institution only the family's most outstanding disciples could enter, a goal countless others aspired to.
"Dad! I'm definitely getting into Linyuan Academy with Brother Tian this time," Ye Feifei declared. "Now that we've both reached the One Vein Seventh Layer, we're considered top contenders among the three great families of Lisha City. You don't have to worry so much."
"I'm not worried about Ye Tian. It's you I'm a little concerned about," Ye Weitian said gravely. "There are only five spots. Qin Lin of the Qin Family is a shoo-in for one, and those two from the Li Family are certain to get in as well. If another dark horse like Ye Tian shows up, the outcome will be anyone's guess."
"You're exaggerating," Ye Feifei giggled. "Do you think heaven-defying talents like Brother Tian grow on trees? So just relax!"
Ye Tian and Ye Weitian both glanced at Ye Feifei, pleased by her confidence. As for Ye Tian, he was genuinely looking forward to attending Linyuan Academy.
'At the Ye Family estate, it was inevitable that I'd run into Ye Shixue. Seeing her would just be awkward and ruin my mood. Besides, a man should always strive to better himself. Of course I'd go if it means a better environment for my cultivation.'
Afterward, Ye Weitian chatted with Ye Tian and Ye Feifei for a while longer. He specifically warned Ye Tian to be wary of Ye Hu and his father, who would likely seek revenge. After all, not only had Ye Tian injured Ye Hu today, he had utterly humiliated him.
Ye Tian was well aware of this. 'Now that I'm a Core Disciple, I can see Ye Weitian whenever I need to. Even if the Grand Elder wants to make a move on me, he'll have to find the right opportunity.'
However, it would be a different story if Ye Tian went out. As the head of the family, Ye Weitian surely had many important matters to attend to and couldn't protect him at all times.
This was precisely why Ye Weitian had warned Ye Tian to be careful. What he didn't know, however, was that no one dared to lay a finger on Ye Tian right now.
Leaving aside the Divine Dragon Remnant Soul inside Ye Tian's body, the Cyan Snake hiding in the shadows to protect him was enough to tear anyone who dared to harm him to shreds.
Of course, Ye Tian wasn't about to reveal his secrets. This was his greatest trump card, and he didn't want the Cyan Snake to help him unless it was a life-or-death moment; otherwise, he would never be able to grow stronger on his own.
Afterward, Ye Tian and Ye Feifei returned to their respective residences. Ye Tian's quarters had been moved to the area for the Inner Sect's Core Disciples. The room was more spacious than his old one, and the environment was more comfortable—a special privilege of his new rank.
When Ye Shixue returned to her residence, she immediately shut the door. Ye Tian had broken several of her ribs, but they had already healed completely. Her regenerative ability was in no way inferior to his.
She went to the bathing pool, washed herself, and then lay down on her bed. Just as she was about to close her eyes and rest, a middle-aged man's voice echoed in her mind.
"The War Dragon has not yet awakened. You must seize this time and break through as quickly as possible. Awaken your Demon Dragon Bloodline and hurry to Dragon's Roar Valley to be baptized in the Demon Dragon Blood Pool. Only then can you slay the War Dragon!"
The bizarre words left Ye Shixue baffled. "Why must I wait until then to kill him? Can't I do it now?"
"Fool! He has the War Dragon Pearl inside him. If you kill him, the immense energy of the War Dragon Pearl will be released in an instant. At that point, never mind you—even the land for tens of thousands of miles around will be razed to the ground.
"The Dragon Pearl energy of an Ancient War Dragon is not something you mortals can comprehend. Do as I say. I won't harm you. To become stronger, you must obtain the Yang Qi of more men!"
Ye Shixue fell silent. After a long moment, she asked, "Didn't you say only someone with a Pure Yang Body can absorb the War Dragon Pearl's energy? In that case, wouldn't it be better for me to just absorb Ye Tian's energy directly?"
"You haven't awakened your Demon Dragon Bloodline yet. If his Pure Yang Qi were to enter your body now, you would likely explode and die. The War Dragon's Masculine Qi is far too powerful; it's the natural nemesis of your Pure Yin Body.
"Don't ask any more questions. Now that you've taken this step, you must see it through, no matter the cost. You swore a blood oath, remember? I'm sure you understand the consequences of breaking it!" the mysterious voice rang out once more.
Lying on her bed, Ye Shixue quietly mulled over the mysterious voice's words. 'The reason I've changed... it's all because of the Dragon Pearl that suddenly appeared inside my body. This is my greatest secret.'
She had received her Dragon Pearl even earlier than Ye Tian; it seemed she'd had it since birth. She just didn't know why it had suddenly awakened recently, bringing with it the voice of a middle-aged man in her mind.
All she knew was that this man claimed she possessed the Dragon Pearl of an ancient Demon Dragon. He said that once she absorbed the energy within it, she could transform into a Divine Dragon and become one of the most powerful experts in the world.
When Ye Shixue first learned this, she was too excited to sleep for days. She longed to share the incredible news with Ye Tian, but the mysterious voice forbade her from telling anyone.
The voice had also told her that Ye Tian possessed a War Dragon Pearl, which left her utterly astonished.
Dragon Pearls were incredibly rare, yet the two of them had each managed to obtain one. It seemed impossible, yet it had happened.
At the same time, the mysterious voice told Ye Shixue she could no longer associate with Ye Tian and must make a clean break as soon as possible.
Ye Shixue was heartbroken by this news for a long time. She eventually learned that the original master of her Demon Dragon Pearl and the original master of Ye Tian's War Dragon Pearl were mortal enemies by nature!
Ye Shixue didn't want to agree to its demands; in her heart, she still loved Ye Tian deeply. However, the voice subjected her to unbearable torment, ultimately forcing her to swear a blood oath.
Later, Ye Shixue slowly distanced herself from Ye Tian, becoming close first with Ye Feng and then with Ye Hu. To increase her power by absorbing masculine qi, she was forced to give her virginity to Ye Hu.
Only she knew the pain in her heart. Now, she and Ye Tian were like strangers, and one day, they might even have to fight to the death. She could only resign herself to fate.
Meanwhile, in the Grand Elder's chambers at the Ye Family estate, Ye Hu sat on a stool, his body wrapped in bandages. His face was livid as he spoke. "Dad, what's your plan to kill that brat Ye Tian? I can't let this go! And what's more, he hurt Sister Xue!"
"My son, I have this matter under control. Don't you worry," the Grand Elder said. "Do you remember? After Ye Feng was injured, his father was never seen again. I suspect he may no longer be among the living!"
"Why would you say that? Don't tell me he went to get revenge on Ye Tian and ended up getting killed by him instead?" Ye Hu asked, his face a mask of confusion.
"Ye Tian himself certainly doesn't have the power to kill Ye Hongtao, but Ye Weitian does. Ye Feifei has been close with Ye Tian for a long time now. It's not out of the question that he would kill a disgraced Elder for his beloved daughter's sake. Therefore, we need to plan this out carefully," the Grand Elder said slowly...