C39 – Peaceful Time
“What kind of strength is required to gain the Chu family’s recognition?” Min Zhenkang inquired.
“In my opinion, you’d need the power of at least a Martial Emperor to even stand a chance of earning the Chu family’s approval—and age is also a factor; you can’t be too old,” came the reply.
In the entire Bacia Dynasty, the presence of a Martial Emperor was a rarity, akin to an esteemed ancestor. Now, Min Zhenkang needed such formidable strength just to scrape by for the Chu family’s nod of approval. Their might was indeed formidable!
“Alright, I’m determined to give it my all,” Min Zhenkang resolved, intent on seeking the Chu family’s blessing to marry Chu Keke in an honorable manner.
“Brave lad, full of spirit and audacity. Not even the Chu family intimidates you. With that kind of bravery, you’re already a match for Miss Keke. But I’m curious about your actual level of cultivation.”
“Zhenkang, have you thought about what you’ll do in the future?”
“After wrapping up some matters here in Whalespell over the next few days, I plan to set out on my own and see what I can make of myself.”
“It’s wise to explore beyond Whalespell. Staying put could limit your potential and put an end to any hopes of marrying Miss Keke, not to mention squandering your extraordinary, heaven-sent talent.”
“So, where do you intend to venture?”
“I’ll start with a stint at the Fang Sect. It’s also a chance to check in on Qigang and see how he’s faring.”
“Setting a clear goal and pursuing it step by step—that’s the way to go.”
“Old timer, I’ve been wondering about your strength. How powerful are you?”
“I’m rather unremarkable, only at the sixth level of Martial King,” he confessed.
“The sixth level of Martial King? That’s a level where one can soar through the skies!”
In Suanikos, reaching the Martial King Stage was a prerequisite for flight. However, this wasn’t an absolute rule. Some practitioners of wind techniques could achieve flight without reaching the Martial King Stage by using specialized methods to create whirlwinds beneath their feet, lifting them off the ground.
Yet, such displays were more for show or swagger, lacking any substantial utility.
Moreover, this method consumes a tremendous amount of Profound Qi.
However, the Martial King’s ability to fly is different; it entails complete detachment from the ground, allowing one to soar freely in the sky with minimal Profound Qi expenditure.
Given the extreme destructive power unleashed during battles at or above the Martial King Stage, combatants often take to the skies to avoid harming innocents.
“Flying is merely a minor skill. Once you ascend to a higher realm, you’ll understand the vastness of the universe. What does it matter if you can fly? You’re still within the confines of this world,” Chu Le remarked wistfully.
“Then I’ll shatter these confines and soar beyond the sky!” Min Zhenkang declared boldly.
“It’s admirable to have ambitions, but throughout history, countless individuals have possessed extraordinary talent, and many have reached the Supreme Realm. Yet, who has ever broken through this world to venture beyond the heavens?”
Chu Le appreciated Min Zhenkang’s audacious aspirations, yet he knew they were unattainable.
“Alright, I’ve said my piece. Is there anything else you wish to inquire about?” Chu Le asked the Min family trio.
“Old timer, when do you intend to journey back to the Chu Clan?” Min Hanshi was the only one who would address Chu Le so casually.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m
“We’ll depart as soon as Miss Keke’s poison is purged. For all we know, a large force could already be en route to Whalespell. The longer we wait, the greater the danger to the young lady.”
“Very well, if there’s anything the Min Mansion can assist you with, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Three days after settling the affairs with the Guo Family, Chu Keke was finally free from poison, thanks to Min Zhenkang’s antidote.
After Chu Keke had recuperated, she sought out Min Zhenkang.
“Zhenkang, Grandpa says we’re leaving Whalespell tomorrow to return to our family.”
Chu Le and Chu Keke had been staying with the Min family for the past few days instead of going back to their own estate. During this time, Chu Le fully disclosed Chu Keke’s heritage to her.
Chu Keke might not have grasped the full extent of the Chu family’s vastness, but she had a good idea from what Chu Le had described.
She realized that it might be a very long time before she saw Min Zhenkang again, so she treasured every moment they spent together.
“Yeah, take care of yourself in the clan. I’ll come to take you back to Min’s mansion for our wedding,” Zhenkang assured her.
“I believe you will, Zhenkang,” she responded with confidence.
“But you’re going to get hurt a lot in the meantime, and I won’t be there to be by your side, Zhenkang!”
“Silly girl, the path to becoming a strong warrior is fraught with injuries and sacrifices. There will be times of parting and times of reunion.”
“This parting is just to lay the groundwork for an even better reunion next time.”
“Zhenkang, I just can’t stand the thought of leaving you!” Chu Keke clung to Min Zhenkang’s arm, her voice tinged with a playful whine.
“Keke, it’s hard for me too. But there’s no choice. I must keep getting stronger, become the strongest in the world, so I can protect you, and we can stay together forever.”
Min Zhenkang gently caressed Chu Keke’s hair with his other hand.
His arm, which had been seriously injured, was now fully healed after several days of recovery.
Chu Keke remained there, silently holding onto Min Zhenkang’s arm, sitting in the small pavilion in his courtyard, savoring the beauty of the evening sky.
“Keke,” he finally spoke, as the twilight gave way to nightfall, breaking the serene moment.
“Hmm, what is it, Zhenkang?” Chu Keke looked up, her eyes meeting Min Zhenkang’s gaze.
Min Zhenkang looked down at her tenderly, then slowly leaned in closer.
As Min Zhenkang’s face drew nearer, Chu Keke understood his intentions.
Yet, as a young girl facing such a moment for the first time, she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of shyness. So, Chu Keke simply closed her eyes and waited in silence for Min Zhenkang’s kiss.
He pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that surged with passion.
In that kiss, they each held only the other in their hearts.
The kiss lingered, enduring for a long stretch before they finally parted.
Chu Keke’s cheeks glowed like ripe apples, her head nestled deeply against Min Zhenkang’s chest.
Min Zhenkang held her close, enveloping her in his embrace.
Together, they sat in the tranquility of the pavilion, their gaze shifting from the hues of the sunset to the glow of the moon.
It was deep into the night when Chu Keke finally made her way back to her room. Yet, the memory of that afternoon’s encounter sent her heart racing with the sweet tumult of a startled fawn.