"I didn't, you misheard. Don't talk nonsense," Yao Chen denied firmly.
"You clearly said it," Xiao Yan insisted. He wasn't suffering from Alzheimer's; how could he mishear?
"I repeated what you said earlier," Yaochen clarified, spreading his hands to show he was merely echoing.
"You are quite skilled with words!" Xiao Yan said suspiciously, sensing something peculiar.
"Just ask questions at a young age! Shouldn't you be thanking me for saving you?" Yao Chen playfully knocked Xiao Yan on the head once more.
"You saved me? Why did you save me? Are you a ghost?" Xiao Yan finally grasped the situation. Without intervention, he would have met a gruesome fate after falling off the cliff.
Yaochen explained weakly, "I'm not a ghost; I'm a soul. Some people in this world retain their souls after death. Aside from lacking a physical body, they are essentially the same as before, distinct from ghosts."
"You should have said that earlier!" Xiao Yan exclaimed, jumping up. It was a relief to know he wasn't dealing with a ghost.
"Thank you for saving me. Without you, I would have perished again," Xiao Yan expressed sincere gratitude to the old man, who now existed solely as a soul.
Yao Chen chuckled, "It's alright. Since I saved your life today, consider it payment for supporting me for three years."
"Support for three years of fighting spirit?" Xiao Yan questioned, incredulous.
"Three years!!!" Xiao Yan was stunned, realizing his fighting spirit had mysteriously disappeared over the past three years. "Is it because of you?"
"I was compelled by circumstances. Without your fighting spirit, I would have vanished three years ago," Yao Chen admitted, a bit embarrassed.
"Your grudge disappeared just now; I absorbed it for study," a telepathic message reached Yao Chen's ears, revealing Meng Chuan's involvement. Yao Chen exchanged a glance with Xiao Yan, suspecting someone might be manipulating things behind the scenes.
"However, this is not just a flame; it involves the laws of heaven and earth..." Meng Chuan muttered to himself, focused on analyzing a strange fire.
"I'll get back my fighting spirit!" Xiao Yan, still upset, lunged at Yaochen, but to no avail.
"You saved my life, and I saved yours. We're even," Yao Chen reasoned.
"Damn it! Without you absorbing my grudge, would I have suffered humiliation for three years? Would I have lost face before my father today?" Xiao Yan vented his frustration.
"I'll make it up to you," Yaochen promised without detailing the intricacies of absorbing grudges and aiding growth. "How about I help you become a Dou Emperor?"
Yao Chen and Xiao Yan had a complex relationship. While Yao Chen was responsible for Xiao Yan's three years of humiliation, he was also crucial to Xiao Yan's cultivation progress.
Xiao Yan, conflicted, couldn't ignore the offer. Becoming a Dou Emperor was a formidable prospect, even though it involved the old man who had caused him anguish.
"You can make me a Dou Emperor, but will you still absorb my grudge?" Xiao Yan questioned skeptically.
"I won't need to absorb your fighting spirit anymore. That was the last time," Yao Chen assured.
Unconvinced, Xiao Yan insisted, "I don't need your compensation. Leave, and don't take my mother's relic, the ring."
"I've returned your talent; you can cultivate on your own. I won't bother you anymore," Xiao Yan declared.
Yaochen tried to ease the tension, acknowledging his fault in hindering Xiao Yan's progress. "Your talent is exceptional, but at fifteen, you're only at the third stage of fighting spirit. I admit that's partly my fault. With my help, you can easily become a formidable fighter."
Xiao Yan, although initially enraged, felt a hint of hope. "What can you do?"
"There are several ways. Choose one, and I'll make you stronger," Yao Chen offered with a mysterious smile.
As Xiao Yan eagerly awaited Yao Chen's answer, Meng Chuan sent a warning in a group message, suggesting trouble was brewing.
"I have three paths to offer," Yao Chen replied, maintaining his enigmatic smile. Xiao Yan, intrigued and hopeful, urged him to reveal the options.
"The first path involves enhancing your current strength, making you a formidable fighter," Yao Chen explained, watching Xiao Yan's reaction closely.
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up with excitement. "What about the other two paths?"
"The second path focuses on refining your understanding of the laws of heaven and earth. This will grant you profound insights and control over elemental forces," Yao Chen elaborated.
"And the third?" Xiao Yan inquired, curious about the last option.
"The third path is the most challenging but also the most rewarding. It involves cultivating a unique and powerful technique that aligns with your innate talents, unlocking your full potential," Yao Chen disclosed.
Xiao Yan pondered the choices, considering the implications of each path. "Which one do you recommend?"
Yao Chen thought for a moment before responding, "Each path has its merits, and the decision ultimately rests with you. Consider your goals, strengths, and aspirations."
Xiao Yan, determined to elevate his abilities, made a resolute decision. "I choose the third path. I want to unlock my full potential and cultivate a technique that suits me."
Yao Chen nodded approvingly. "Very well. Embarking on this path will require dedication and perseverance. Are you ready for the challenges ahead?"
"I am," Xiao Yan affirmed with determination. "I want to become a force to be reckoned with."
"Good. Remember, this journey is not only about power but also about understanding yourself and the world around you," Yao Chen advised.
As Xiao Yan prepared to embark on this new path, he couldn't help but reflect on the twists and turns that led him to this moment. Despite the complications with Yao Chen, he saw an opportunity for growth and redemption.
"Thank you for this chance, old man," Xiao Yan said sincerely.
Yao Chen chuckled, "Call me mentor from now on. Let our journey together begin, and may you rise to greatness."
And so, with a mentor at his side, Xiao Yan embraced the challenges ahead, determined to carve his destiny and fulfill the potential that had long been suppressed. Little did he know that this decision would mark the beginning of a remarkable transformation in his life.
Under the mentorship of Yao Chen, Xiao Yan delved into the intricacies of the third path, aiming to unlock his latent potential. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months as Xiao Yan immersed himself in rigorous training and study.
Yao Chen guided him through the profound teachings of the technique, emphasizing the harmony between one's inner self and the external world. Xiao Yan learned to channel his energies with precision, gradually gaining control over the elemental forces surrounding him.
As the months passed, Xiao Yan's progress was undeniable. His once third-stage fighting spirit ascended rapidly, reaching levels that surpassed his previous limitations. The techniques Yao Chen imparted were proving effective, pushing Xiao Yan to the brink of his abilities.
During this transformative journey, Xiao Yan encountered numerous challenges. He faced formidable opponents, mastered intricate techniques, and delved deep into the mysteries of the laws governing the martial world. Each trial brought him closer to his goal of becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Meng Chuan, who had been observing the proceedings, couldn't help but be impressed by Xiao Yan's growth. He marveled at the unique bond between mentor and disciple, recognizing the profound impact Yao Chen had on Xiao Yan's cultivation.
One day, as Xiao Yan stood atop a mountain, surrounded by swirling energies, Yao Chen approached him with a knowing smile. "You've come a long way, Xiao Yan. Your dedication and determination have borne fruit."
Xiao Yan nodded, a sense of accomplishment radiating from him. "I couldn't have done it without your guidance, mentor. Thank you for showing me the path to my true potential."
Yao Chen patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder. "Our journey is far from over. There is still much for you to discover and master. Remember, true strength is not just about power but also about understanding and adapting."
With newfound confidence, Xiao Yan continued his training, fueled by the knowledge that he was on the right path. Alongside Yao Chen, he faced the challenges of the martial world head-on, leaving a trail of awe and admiration in his wake.
As the months turned into years, news of Xiao Yan's extraordinary feats spread across the land. His name became synonymous with strength and resilience, a testament to the transformative power of dedication and the guidance of a wise mentor.
In the end, Xiao Yan not only achieved his goal of becoming a formidable fighter but surpassed it, leaving an indelible mark on the martial world. The mentorship with Yao Chen had not only shaped his skills but also his character, turning him into a beacon of inspiration for aspiring warriors.
And so, the tale of Xiao Yan's journey continued, a testament to the boundless possibilities that unfolded when one embraced their true potential and walked the path of self-discovery.
Xiao Yan's reputation as a martial prodigy continued to grow, attracting the attention of renowned martial clans and practitioners from far and wide. His feats in battles were legendary, and stories of his encounters spread like wildfire. People spoke of the once-young man who, with the guidance of his mentor Yao Chen, had transformed into a martial force to be reckoned with.
As the years passed, Xiao Yan's journey took him to various corners of the martial world. He encountered ancient relics, deciphered cryptic scrolls, and faced adversaries who tested the limits of his newfound strength. With each challenge, he emerged stronger and wiser, earning the respect and admiration of those who witnessed his prowess.
Yao Chen, ever the mentor, continued to stand by Xiao Yan's side. Their bond deepened as they faced adversity together, reinforcing the idea that true strength was not just about individual power but also about the relationships forged along the way.
During a pivotal moment in their journey, Yao Chen revealed the origins of the technique he had imparted to Xiao Yan. It was a sacred art passed down through generations, a legacy of wisdom and power. With this knowledge, Xiao Yan felt a profound connection to the martial lineage he now represented.
The martial world buzzed with anticipation as rumors spread about a grand tournament that would bring together the most formidable fighters. Xiao Yan, now a recognized master, accepted the challenge, eager to test his skills against the best.
The tournament unfolded as a spectacle, drawing martial enthusiasts, dignitaries, and curious onlookers. Xiao Yan faced opponents of unparalleled skill, each confrontation showcasing the depth of his training and the mastery of the technique bestowed upon him by Yao Chen.
In the final showdown, Xiao Yan faced a renowned grandmaster, a formidable opponent who had also made a name for themselves in the martial world. The clash of titans resonated through the arena as spectators held their breath, witnessing a battle that would be etched into martial history.
With a display of unparalleled skill, Xiao Yan emerged victorious. The cheers of the crowd echoed, recognizing him as a true martial champion. Yao Chen, watching with pride, knew that his role as a mentor had played a crucial part in shaping Xiao Yan's destiny.
As the cheers subsided, Xiao Yan addressed the crowd with humility. He acknowledged the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the debt of gratitude he owed to his mentor. The martial world applauded not only his martial prowess but also the values of honor, dedication, and camaraderie that defined his journey.
And so, Xiao Yan's name became a symbol of inspiration for future generations of martial practitioners. His story, intertwined with the wisdom of Yao Chen, echoed through the annals of martial history—a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, dedication, and the pursuit of one's true potential.