In his quiet room, Cang Yan sat cross-legged, still immersed in his morning cultivation. Suddenly, the door opened softly, and a young maid entered, bowing respectfully.
> "Young Master, Lord and Madam are waiting for you at the breakfast table."
Cang Yan slowly opened his eyes, the faint golden glow fading.
> "Alright. You may go."
He stood up, changed into fresh clothes, and made his way to the dining hall.
At the table, his mother Fan Yan greeted him with a warm smile.
> "My child, Yan, how are you feeling? Sit, come eat."
Cang Yan nodded and sat down.
> "I feel refreshed after cultivating. I've already reached Martial Apprentice level four."
Both his parents froze. His mother's smile stiffened, and his father Cang Jun nearly dropped his cup.
> "What?! You're already Martial Apprentice Four?"
Cang Yan simply nodded, calm as ever.
His father laughed proudly.
> "Good! You're definitely my son!"
Fan Yan glared playfully.
> "Oh? So before this, he wasn't your son?"
Cang Jun waved his hands nervously.
> "No, no, that's not what I meant!"
Cang Yan couldn't help but chuckle.
> "Hehe… so this is what a real family feels like."
Laughter filled the hall, and breakfast continued peacefully for nearly an hour.
---
Afterward, Cang Yan walked through the clan grounds.
A familiar voice called out,
> "Brother Cang Yan, how are you?"
It was Cang Mo, one of the younger clan members.
> "I'm good. And you?"
> "I just came from the market—and I finally reached Martial Apprentice level one!" Cang Mo said proudly.
Cang Yan smiled faintly.
( If I tell him I'm already Martial Student Four, he might faint… )
> "That's great," he said aloud. "I just reached Apprentice Four myself. Keep working hard."
> "Thanks, Brother Yan!"
Cang Yan nodded and continued walking back to his residence.
Inside his room, he sat down once more. Determination flashed in his red eyes.
> "I need to reach Martial Grandmaster within nine days."
He closed his eyes, and spiritual energy began swirling around him once again.
---
Nine days later, inside the same room—
The aura was so thick it looked like mist. His Celestial Martial Spirit hovered above him, shining brighter than ever.
> BOOM!
A powerful wave of qi exploded outward, shaking the walls.
Cang Yan opened his eyes slowly, a calm smile on his lips.
> "I didn't expect… that I would reach Martial Spirit Realm in just nine days."
He clenched his fist, feeling the divine power coursing through him.
> "This speed… even heaven itself would be jealous."
He smiled quietly to himself, eyes burning with purpose.
> "Mojin Sect, I'm ready."