Chapter 16 Another Lantern Festival

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Once Chen Yi and his brother Chen Yuan had both recovered, they would continue the previously unfinished Foundation Establishment evaluation.

Although Chen Yi hadn't left the house these past few days, he had learned through some blabbermouths, especially Yang Shuang, about the events that transpired after he had lost consciousness.

Zhao Xing, who had gone to the storeroom to fetch elixirs, was found dead in the firewood shed.

Second Master Chen Lixin and Third Master Chen Lide conducted an investigation following the clues but discovered nothing.

In the end, it seemed that the Old Lady said something that caused the incident to quietly disappear without a trace, as if nothing had ever happened.

At least since then, the uncles and other senior family members stopped mentioning the matter.

However, Chen Yi did not believe the Chen Family would truly let the matter rest.

A family that had lasted a millennium and held a hereditary marquisate—their house was the site of such an incident, and they claimed to dismiss it without investigation, what might outsiders think?

From this, he inferred that something must have happened to force his second granduncle and the others to shift their investigation from the open to the shadows.

Perhaps they had already found something and did not want it to be known by those with ulterior motives?

"Be careful, it's a bit hot."

Inside the room, one on either side, Chen Taixing gestured for the two to enter the wooden tubs.

Chen Yi nodded, jumping straight into the tub, scalded to the point of grimacing.

Chen Yuan, even more daring, plunged in headfirst.

"Hot, hot, hot..."

"I told you to be careful."

"Save, save, save me..."

Not only did Chen Taixing not help, he even pushed him down.

"Hold on for a full two hours, you're not allowed to get out until the time is up!"

"Second Uncle, wuu wuu."

Seeing the eldest crying, Chen Yi, with a toothy grin, said: "Big brother, let's see who can last longer."

"Compete?" Little Chen Yuan instantly held back the tears that were about to fall, clutching his little fists and raising his head proudly: "Let's compete!"

Chen Taixing couldn't help but laugh silently, casting a glance at Chen Yi and thought to himself that the little guy had his ways.

In the future, it seems Chen Yuan might be under Yi Er's thumb.

"Second Uncle, how long does the medicine soak for Body Refining take?"

As Chen Yi and Chen Yuan were competing, Chen Yi did not forget to ask about what comes after Foundation Establishment.

"Depending on your body's endurance, it generally ends in about half a month."

Chen Taixing casually replied: "If the talent is even higher, one month is also possible."

"Your father took a whole month just to complete the Foundation Establishment evaluation, causing a sensation throughout the entire Capital City."

"My father is that impressive? Then I, I also want to spend a month on Foundation Establishment!" Chen Yuan insisted through gritted teeth, sweat dripping on his little face.

"The longer you hold out, the better!"

Chen Yi understood in his heart but did not voice out how long they should endure.

One's own family affairs are well known to oneself.

From the moment he received the panel, he was clear that his body's talent was not considered high, otherwise, he wouldn't have had such a tragic life trajectory.

Although now he had achieved a certain mastery in Sword Dao and gained the Jade Sword through completing two revenging tasks, his bodily talent was still considered a "Late Bloomer".

Therefore, for this Foundation Establishment evaluation, Chen Yi did not set his expectations too high; above average would suffice.

"After your Foundation Establishment evaluation, you will be able to enter the Martial Arts Arena and practice Martial Arts with the other disciples."

"When that time comes, don't get lazy. Whoever dares to be lazy, your second uncle will surely discipline you on behalf of your big brother."

Chen Taixing put on a fierce face as he glared at both boys, before changing the topic to something else.

"Nine Grades of Martial Arts are also called the Nine Realms, among which the Ninth Grade is the lowest, and the First Grade is the highest, namely..."

Ninth Grade Mortal Realm, Eighth Grade Nayuan Realm, Seventh Grade Origin Transformation Realm, Sixth Grade Returning Yuan Realm, Fifth Grade Core Formation Realm, Fourth Grade Spirit Aperture Realm, Third Grade Heavenly Union Realm, Second Grade Divine Travel Realm, and the First Grade Void Extreme Realm.

Chen Yi had some prior knowledge of these Martial Arts basics but lacked detailed understanding.

Like the Mortal Realm, which takes its name from the common and ordinary people of the world, one can start to practice Cultivation Techniques and strengthen their muscles, bones, skin, or True Yuan inner energy.

Above the First Grade, Chen Taixing also mentioned something known as the Master Realm.

According to him, the entire Wei Dynasty, from top to bottom, had no more than a handful of Martial Arts powerhouses who could be called Grandmasters.

Chen Yi was somewhat skeptical about this.

After all, the more advanced one's Martial Arts, the longer one's lifespan, and it's possible that there are old monsters who have chosen to avoid the world and not reveal themselves.

"Then what realm is father currently in?"

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"Fourth Grade Spirit Aperture Realm," Chen Taixing said with a hint of envy, "Elder brother has exceptional talent, and I fear within ten years he may cultivate to the third-rank."

"By then, our Chen Family will no longer need to worry about the court's strife or fear the demons descending from the north of Beixiong Pass."

Hearing him say that, Chen Yi couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.

"Second uncle, will the court's strife affect us?"

"Of course..."

Just as he was about to elaborate, Chen Taixing caught himself and chided with a smile, "Kids shouldn't ask too many questions, your primary task now is to pass the Foundation Establishment evaluation and diligently practice martial arts."

"If you're lucky enough to pass the Grand Void Sect's examination at next year's Mid-Autumn Festival, it will benefit your martial arts training, as well as the Chen Family!"

Chen Yi chuckled and decided not to ask any further.

An hour later.

Chen Yuan climbed out of the wooden tub, his face pale with a hint of red, saying helplessly, "Little brother, let's battle again tomorrow, today I admit defeat."

Chen Yi wasn't feeling much better either, weakly responding with a yes.

"After Body Refining, eat more to facilitate the absorption of the medicine's efficacy."

"Thanks, second uncle."

Half a month quickly passed, and as Chen Yi had expected, his Foundation Establishment evaluation was over.

Chen Taixing shook his head, feeling a pity, yet said nothing.

After all, the Foundation Establishment evaluation is not indicative of future achievements nor does it reflect one's innate physical talent.

Just like he had previously noticed that Chen Yi was fearless in the presence of the residual power of demon corpses, which is a kind of personal talent.

However, to his surprise, Chen Yuan's Foundation Establishment evaluation was still ongoing.

Even after half a month, he was still able to fully absorb the medicinal liquid and continue to temper his body.

At the very least, his evaluation result is good, and if he inherits Chen Taiping's bloodline, he might even achieve excellent.

Such a discovery delighted everyone in the Chen Family.

Even the previous shadows cast by the Foundation Establishment's sabotage were dispelled, and the Old Lady also showed a smile on her face when she heard the news.

Chen Yi was also happy about this.

He believed that with his "precept and example," an elder brother with such extraordinary talent would surely not become someone who bullies the weak in the future.

"Little brother, look how long I've lasted, you've lost!"

Seeing Chen Yuan's smug expression, shrunk in the bathing barrel, Chen Yi unusually didn't thwart him and conceded with a smile.

An occasional loss could also help boost Chen Yuan's confidence, right?

...

The Lantern Festival had arrived once again.

Xia Wanwan planned to take Chen Yi out of the mansion for a tour, not only to relax but also to prepare him for his upcoming martial arts training.

This time, however, Zhou Wanyi was about to give birth, and Chen Yuan was still under Foundation Establishment, so they couldn't go out.

After some thought, Xia Wanwan had someone send an invitation to Duke Xing's Mansion, inviting Lin Xueru and her daughter to join them.

To make up for last year's regret, they decided to leave the mansion in the afternoon.

After visiting Dakong Temple, they could enjoy the lanterns on Baohua Street while the night was still young.

"Brother Yi, how did your Foundation Establishment evaluation go?"

Lin Xueru, who Chen Yi hadn't seen for a long time, was still petite, but her appearance had become even more delicate since passing her Foundation Establishment.

Especially that little round and rosy face, not only plump but also glowing.

Dressed in fitting clothes, she faintly gave Chen Yi a sense of seeing a young version of the Ten Taoist Immortals.

"Average. How about you?"

"I got excellent, Brother Yi. When I grow up, I'll protect you."

Chen Yi was left speechless.

He discovered that everyone around him, how come they are all monsters?

Chen Yuan is like this, and Lin Xueru is like this too.

Compared to them, he's actually the most mediocre one.

"Let's pinky swear; if you dare not care for me, I'll just die in front of you," Chen Yi extended his pinky finger and said with a smile.

The young Lin Xueru didn't understand his banter and seriously hooked her pinky finger with his.

"Pinky swear, hang yourself, not allowed to change for a hundred years!"

Her tender promise echoed far away with the clopping sound of the carriage...