NOVEL WEB Chapter 12: Chapter 12: The Passage of Time
After about four hours of cultivation, Ye Xi began to feel mentally exhausted.
Slowly opening his eyes, Ye Xi stretched his body and then lay down on a soft, comfortable bed, falling into a deep sleep.
…
Sometimes, time flows like water — once gone, it never returns.
In the blink of an eye, three years had quietly passed, and Ye Xi was now nine years old.
During these three years, Ye Xi's life had been very disciplined. Every morning, he exercised his body under the guidance of the Second Elder Jin E; in the mornings, he studied strategies with the Third Elder Qing Luan; in the afternoons, he trained in combat with the Fourth Elder; and at night, he soaked in medicinal baths and practiced meditation.
At the age of nine, Ye Xi's soul power had already reached the level of a 24th-rank Great Soul Master.
His second soul ring came from a Soul Devouring Golden Eagle that was about a thousand years old.
Second Soul Skill: Soul Devouring Gaze — By forming a gaze with soul power directed at an opponent, the target's overall attributes are reduced by 30%, while his own attributes are increased by 50%.
Early morning.
Dressed in a silver palace gown, Ye Xi left his room early and headed toward the main hall of the Elders' Sanctuary.
Upon arrival, Ye Xi bowed respectfully to the six elders of the sanctuary, expressing gratitude for their teachings over the past three years. Then, he approached Qian Daoliu.
"Grandpa, I want to venture out onto the continent to gain real experience."
His bright blue eyes were filled with determination, and his tone was more serious than ever before.
"To venture out onto the continent?" Qian Daoliu asked.
"That's fine, but I'm a little worried if you go alone," he added. "Let me take you to the Elders' Hall, where one elder can accompany and protect you."
Qian Daoliu gently stroked Ye Xi's hair, a look of pride in his voice.
He had witnessed Ye Xi's growth over these three years.
In fact, the other elders had nearly taught him all they could—whether it was battle experience, combat skills, or strategy, Ye Xi had learned nearly everything.
So Qian Daoliu was very satisfied with Ye Xi.
"Grandpa, besides an elder from the Elders' Hall, I want someone to come with me."
After some thought, Ye Xi said seriously.
"Xiao Xi, who do you want?"
Qian Daoliu asked with interest.
"Yang Wushuang from the Pope's Hall."
Ye Xi's voice was firm.
"Yang Wushuang?" Qian Daoliu considered the name carefully and realized he had some impression of him.
Yang Wushuang was an 81st-rank Soul Douluo currently serving Bibi Dong, the Pope of the Pope's Hall.
"That's fine," Qian Daoliu said, producing a token engraved with the image of a six-winged angel. Handing it to Ye Xi, he whispered, "When the time comes, show this token at the Pope's Hall to summon him."
Ye Xi took the token and smiled.
This token was called the Angel Token, unique to the Elders' Sanctuary.
Its power was that whoever held the Angel Token had authority equivalent to an elder of the sanctuary. Although it was not as well known as the Pope's Hall's Pope Token, it was far more useful.
After all, the Pope's Hall was only the nominal highest authority of the Martial Soul Realm, while the real power center lay with the Elders' Sanctuary and the Elders' Hall.
In fact, with a vote, the Pope's Hall and Elders' Hall could replace the Pope.
"Xiao Xi, if you're going to venture out, why not bring Tian Yao along?"
"She's about your age and will keep you company."
Jin E gestured toward Tian Yao, standing nearby with a smile.
"That's a good idea."
"I just don't know if Sister Tian Yao is willing."
Ye Xi smiled, looking at Tian Yao.
After three years together, Tian Yao had become his only true friend.
"Of course, I'm willing," Tian Yao said brightly as she stepped up to Ye Xi.
"Tian Yao, remember to listen to Xiao Xi on the journey," Jin E said earnestly, looking at Tian Yao's happy face.
"Grandpa, don't worry."
"I will definitely protect the Second Miss," Tian Yao said confidently, patting her chest.
Hearing this, Jin E only smiled quietly, saying nothing.
He knew well the abilities of Ye Xi and Tian Yao.
Although Ye Xi was a 24th-rank Great Soul Master, in an actual fight he could defeat most Soul Ancestors around the 40th rank.
Tian Yao's soul power was the same as Ye Xi's, and her skill level was top among her peers.
If anything really happened, who would protect whom was uncertain.
"All right, I'll take you to the Elders now."
Qian Daoliu stood and walked toward the Elders' Hall, followed by Ye Xi and Tian Yao.
At the Elders' Hall, Qian Daoliu introduced them to a woman about thirty years old.
"This is Elder Ling Yuan."
"Her martial soul is the Blazing Fire Spirit Swallow, a 92nd-rank fierce offense-class titled Douluo."
Qian Daoliu pointed to Ling Yuan as he spoke.
"Elder Ling Yuan," Ye Xi and Tian Yao greeted her.
"Second Miss."
"Miss Tian Yao."
Ling Yuan responded respectfully.
"Ling Yuan, Xiao Xi and Tian Yao will be going out to train. You are to accompany and protect them."
Qian Daoliu said calmly.
"Grand Elder, rest assured."
"Under my watch, the Second Miss and Tian Yao will be safe."
Ling Yuan bowed solemnly.
"Good," Qian Daoliu nodded, then looked at Ye Xi.
"Xiao Xi, when do you plan to set off?"
"Grandpa, I intend to leave around noon."
Ye Xi answered clearly.
"Mm."
"Xiao Xi, remember, if any elders from the old generation get out of line during your training, have Ling Yuan teach them a lesson."
"If Ling Yuan can't handle it, send me a message, and I'll bring the Angel Holy Sword to help you reason with them."
Qian Daoliu said seriously.
"Grandpa, I understand."
A smile bloomed on Ye Xi's delicate face.
How could she not be happy with such a grandpa?
Although Ye Xi thought that if Grandpa really brought the Angel Holy Sword, it probably wouldn't be reasoning but "physical explanation."
After all, across the entire continent, there were fewer than three soul masters who could truly contend with Qian Daoliu.
"All right, go get ready."
Qian Daoliu patted Ye Xi's shoulder and headed back toward the Elders' Sanctuary.
(End of Chapter)
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