BTTH: Death Letter From The Future

Five years later.

At the Imperial Training Grounds, two youths were engaged in a one-on-one duel. Their back-and-forth was quite exciting.

However, anyone with keen eyes could see that their conditions were vastly different. The more burly youth was clearly at his limit, giving everything he had.

On the other hand, the taller, more handsome youth moved with ease, advancing and retreating with calculated precision. His steps were steady, clearly showing he wasn't feeling any pressure from his opponent.

Bang!

Another punch was exchanged, and Zhao Gang staggered back several steps, nearly falling off the platform. Gasping for breath, he steadied himself and waved his hand to call off the fight.

"No more, no more. You're a freak. I've tried so hard, and even though my talent is better than yours, I'm still a bit behind. It's really strange."

"Haha, this just shows you haven't worked hard enough," Chen Guan responded with a smile.

Five years had passed, enough time for many things to change. Zhao Gang, who was once spurred by Chen Guan's progress, had worked hard to surpass him, training several times more rigorously than before. Every time he improved, he would seek out Chen Guan for a sparring session.

After countless matches, Zhao Gang no longer harbored any resentment toward Chen Guan. Instead, he saw him as a true rival.

Because of this, Zhao Gang had made significant progress over the years, now reaching the sixth stage of Dou Disciple. Even within the entire Jia Ma Empire, he could barely be considered a small prodigy.

His progress wasn't slow, but compared to Chen Guan, there was still a big gap.

"Be honest, what's your current strength? Are you about to break through to the seventh stage of Dou Disciple?"

"You're overthinking it. I'm just a bit ahead of you. If you keep working hard, you'll catch up soon."

"Heh."

Zhao Gang rolled his eyes, thinking to himself, "If I believe that, I'm an idiot." He had heard similar reassurances from Chen Guan more than ten times before!

In truth, Zhao Gang wasn't the only one curious. The other onlookers of their age group also wondered about Chen Guan's strength. Over the years, he had dedicated himself solely to training and had never publicly tested his abilities, living a dull life that revolved around his strict routine.

Whenever they sparred, Chen Guan seemed so composed. Zhao Gang and their peers tried to imitate him, but few could last more than three months. His lifestyle was simply too tedious.

Many of the more mature youths who had tried it for themselves marveled at his dedication. They thought, "Someone like him deserves to be strong. It would be unnatural if he weren't."

They envied him, but there wasn't much jealousy.

The two youths walked off the stage together, unaware that their match had caught the attention of certain people.

From the distant city tower, Yan Hongtao stood respectfully behind Jia Xingtian and a slender young woman dressed in luxurious clothing, reporting on the training progress of the past six months.

The young woman's name was Yao Ye, the eldest princess of the Jia Ma Royal Family. She was accompanying her grandfather as they passed by the training grounds and, on a whim, decided to check on the situation. As her strength wasn't very high, she simply felt satisfied listening to Yan Hongtao's report, not noticing anything out of the ordinary.

However, Jia Xingtian, an experienced Dou Emperor of the Jia Ma Empire, was deeply shocked.

A little over nine years old, and already at the ninth stage of Dou Disciple!

Moreover, judging by his aura, he wasn't just at the beginning of this stage—he was already on the verge of becoming a true Dou Practitioner. He had never imagined that such a genius was hidden within the palace!

"The one in black on the stage—the handsome one—what's his name?" Jia Xingtian asked.

"Chen Guan. He's one of the two prodigies I mentioned earlier. His talent is impressive. He was the second to sense Dou Qi energy back then, and this kid is incredibly diligent. If he's not training, he's on his way to training. His hard work has motivated many of his peers to push themselves harder as well," Yan Hongtao replied truthfully.

"Chen Guan…" Jia Xingtian pondered for a moment, finding the name somewhat familiar.

It took him a while to remember that this was the boy he had brought back from Wutan City.

"Hm, very good. I once thought that Xiao Yan from the Xiao Family of Wutan City had the greatest talent in the empire. I never expected someone to surpass him. Hongtao, have him come see me."

Jia Xingtian was in high spirits. Just a few days ago, he had secretly gone to observe Xiao Yan. The boy had reached the eighth stage of Dou Disciple at nine years old, which lived up to his great reputation. Jia Xingtian had been considering whether to pull him into the fold, but today's discovery was an unexpected surprise.

Yan Hongtao took his orders and left, while Yao Ye glanced a few more times at the youth below. Unfortunately, her lack of strength made it difficult for her to see anything special about him beyond his good looks and extraordinary bearing.

"Grandpa, is he really stronger than that boy from the Xiao Family?" Yao Ye asked in disbelief.

"Haha, would Grandpa lie to you? Yao'er, do you know his current strength? Ninth stage of Dou Disciple! He's already a step ahead of Xiao Yan, and I remember he only began practicing Dou Qi several months after Xiao Yan. Can you imagine how high his talent is? As long as he doesn't die young, his future achievements could very well surpass mine," Jia Xingtian said with a laugh.

Yao Ye's lips parted slightly in astonishment. She fully understood what this meant and found her mind racing with thoughts.

"Yao'er, I know you're smart and wise beyond your years, but some things shouldn't be overcomplicated. Especially when dealing with talents like him, you must be mindful. Remember, moderation in all things. Later, when you meet him, just get to know him, and also, give him a Qi Gathering Pill. When allocating resources in the future, you can favor him a bit more," Jia Xingtian advised.

"I understand, Grandpa."

Yao Ye nodded in agreement, feeling the warmth of her Grandpa's trust. She silently vowed never to disappoint him.

Soon, Yan Hongtao returned, bringing the uncertain Chen Guan to the city tower. Without asking why Jia Xingtian wasn't present, Yan Hongtao quickly bowed and left.

Chen Guan looked up to see a woman standing on the tower with her back to him.

Dressed in fine robes with an elegant figure, even from behind, her aura was clearly different from that of ordinary women.

Seeing her, and considering the time and place, Chen Guan quickly guessed her identity.

"Chen Guan greets the Grand Princess."

Yao Ye turned around but didn't ask how he knew who she was, assuming that Yan Hongtao had told him. She sized him up, and knowing his talent, couldn't help but view him through a more favorable lens. Her first impression was quite good.

"No need for formalities. Come over here so we can talk."

Her tone was gentle, without any arrogance, a demeanor that conveyed much about her character. Chen Guan didn't believe a princess would be this kind to everyone.

"Chen Guan, you're only nine years old?" she asked.

"A little over nine," he replied.

"It's truly unbelievable. A nine-year-old at the ninth stage of Dou Disciple... The Jia Ma Empire hasn't seen that in many years. When I was nine, I was only at the seventh stage, far behind you."

"Uh…"

Chen Guan awkwardly laughed, unsure how to respond.

"There's no need to be nervous. My name is Yao Ye. You may have heard of me. The old man you met in Wutan City is my Grandpa, Jia Xingtian. He's a Dou Emperor. He told me you've reached the ninth stage of Dou Disciple, and I could hardly believe it at first."

Yao Ye candidly revealed her identity, which gave Chen Guan a more direct impression of her.

She was just a young girl, not yet an adult, but capable of handling herself in this way—truly worthy of being called the future star of the Jia Ma Royal Family.

"A genius shouldn't be overlooked. My Grandpa originally wanted to take you as a disciple, but he's spent most of his life in the palace and doesn't have much experience teaching. He didn't want to lead you astray, so he dropped the idea. It's clear he thinks highly of you. I do, too. Whether from the empire's perspective or personally, if you don't mind, you can call me 'sister' from now on," Yao Ye suggested with a smile.

This was Yao Ye's first lie of the day, but Chen Guan believed it. The second letter had mentioned Jia Xingtian considering taking him as a disciple.

So now they weren't talking about discipleship but siblinghood?

Chen Guan waited a few seconds, and when he didn't receive a third letter, he relaxed, relieved that it wasn't a life-or-death question.

"Sister Yao Ye is teasing me. It would be my honor," Chen Guan said, accepting her offer without hesitation.

He had leaned toward this outcome anyway. To grow stronger, resources were essential, and in the entire Jia Ma Empire Yao Ye was one of the top Golden Fingers. Only Xiao Xun'er could surpass her. Even the one from Yun Lan Sect was only about equal to her.

Anyway, I have already owed the royal family a favor, so even if I owe a little more, it won't be a burden.

What's more, if you don't give face to the other person after she has said so much, wouldn't you be offending her for no reason? Comparing the two, the answer was obvious.

"Hehe, you are more charming than I thought. Come on, I am in a good mood today, so I will give you a gift."

(End of chapter)