Traveling a thousand miles in a single day

Therefore, Chen Fengyun did not hurry on his journey. Instead, he immersed himself in the wonders of nature, verifying the myriad incredible techniques of the Qi Vein Art as he went. His state of mind grew rapidly. Originally, he was merely an eighteen-year-old youth with little experience of the world, living an ordinary life in accordance with the rules since childhood. Suddenly, he had become a cultivator, possessing powers that surpassed the mundane.

If not for Chen Fengyun’s naturally calm disposition, someone with a more irritable or darker temperament might already have used such power for selfish gain, or even to bring great harm to society. Yet Chen Fengyun was not like that. Aside from making a name for himself in the college entrance examination, he seldom used his abilities for personal benefit in daily life, especially not at the expense of others.

Still, Chen Fengyun’s strength had advanced too quickly. In just half a year, he had reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, and his spiritual sense had already attained the mid-stage of the Yellow Rank. Such a cultivation speed would likely outstrip most geniuses even within the world of cultivation.

The sudden surge in power brought him not only troubles but also a restless mind, filled with distractions he had never experienced before. However, by choosing to walk home this time—traversing mountains and rivers, marveling at the miracles of nature, and gaining insight into the mysteries of heaven and earth—he broadened his horizons, elevated his consciousness, and gained perfect control over his own power.

Though he traveled on foot, Chen Fengyun drew on the energy of the earth’s veins to move swiftly across mountains and rivers, covering over a thousand kilometers in a single day. By dusk, he appeared outside the East Station of Rong City and soon after returned home.

“Son, you’re finally back. Just in time—tomorrow your Uncle Zhang is hosting a dinner. If you didn’t come home, he would have been terribly disappointed.” When Chen Fengyun returned, his parents were naturally delighted. That evening, Chen Zhian even pulled his son aside to share a few drinks.

Chen Fengyun prepared dinner. All the vegetables came from his miniature paradise, and now, he had more vegetables and fruits than the family could possibly consume. Fortunately, nothing in the miniature paradise spoiled with time.

“Uncle Zhang is inviting us? Which Uncle Zhang is that?” Chen Fengyun couldn’t immediately recall.

“Who else? It’s Zhang Qingyan’s father,” Chen Zhian replied, giving his son a sidelong glance. “Don’t you know? Since you topped the province in the exams, your Uncle Zhang has been especially courteous to me. He even invited you over to play with his daughter.”

“Dad, surely you didn’t agree? Qingyan and I aren’t kids anymore—what’s there to play?” Chen Fengyun felt a headache coming on. He knew his parents had always hoped to draw closer to Uncle Zhang’s family and perhaps match him with Zhang Qingyan.

“You two got along well enough as children, didn’t you? Besides, Qingyan has also been accepted to a university in the capital. You could travel together in the future and look out for each other.

Oh, and just a few days ago, your mother and I ran into Qingyan and her mother on the street. That child even asked about you herself,” Chen Zhian said, setting down his glass and giving his son a meaningful look.

“Zhang Qingyan is going to university in the capital too? Which university?” Truthfully, Chen Fengyun hadn’t paid attention to her exam results or which school she’d chosen.

“Capital Normal University. She was admitted in the early round as well. I think it’s wonderful for a girl to study teaching—whether it’s for work or raising children, being a teacher is a good path,” his mother, Zhou Chunfeng, chimed in. She had been keeping up with Qingyan’s mother and was quite invested in her affairs.

“Mom, Dad, please don’t promise anything to Uncle Zhang’s family. Qingyan and I may have played together as kids, but it’s been years since we last spoke. We’re hardly close now—just let things happen naturally,” Chen Fengyun quickly tried to dissuade his parents, though he found a convenient excuse. Truthfully, he thought it unlikely that Zhang Qingyan would be interested in him.

After all, his family’s circumstances were average, and nowadays, most young women had high expectations for material conditions. Especially in the capital, where wealthy heirs were everywhere—why would she choose him?

With this thought, Chen Fengyun felt somewhat reassured. He decided to go along with his parents for the time being. As long as they were happy, it was fine. If, in the end, Qingyan didn’t choose him, he’d have an explanation for his parents.

“Why is tonight’s scrambled eggs with chives so delicious? And this watermelon—it tastes completely different from usual. It’s simply extraordinary,” his father, Chen Zhian, suddenly exclaimed.

“I think this vegetable soup is even better. I’ve never tasted such fresh greens in soup before. Son, did you go off to learn cooking this time? Your skills have improved so much,” his mother, Zhou Chunfeng, joked, smiling.

“Maybe so. I met a master chef, and his dishes were so good I asked him for some tips,” Chen Fengyun replied vaguely. He had indeed asked Ye Mingfu for a few pointers, though only on the first night and about one particular dish.

Of course, he couldn’t explain to his parents that tonight’s vegetables and watermelon all came from his miniature paradise. Even if he did, they’d never believe it, and he certainly couldn’t speak about his cultivation.

However, his parents’ words did remind him: his miniature paradise was now overflowing with vegetables, fruits, and watermelons—far more than the family could eat. He would have to think of a way to deal with the surplus.

The next day at noon, Chen Fengyun accompanied his parents to the banquet, only to discover that they were not the only guests. Many relatives and friends had been invited—it was a full celebration for Zhang Qingyan’s admission to a prestigious university.

“Oh my, isn’t this our provincial top scorer? We’ve been waiting for you!” Upon seeing Chen Fengyun, Zhang Qingyan’s mother exclaimed, rushing to his side and sizing him up with eager eyes.

Yet Chen Fengyun immediately sensed something unusual in her gaze—a mix of warmth and scrutiny, very much like a mother-in-law evaluating her future son-in-law. His face grew a little hot.

With her exclamation, everyone around turned to look. Upon learning that this young man was the top liberal arts scorer in the province, they regarded him with all kinds of expressions: envy, jealousy, curiosity, and even disdain.

Nevertheless, Chen Fengyun was a cultivator. How could he be intimidated by a crowd’s attention? He politely said to Zhang Qingyan’s mother, “Auntie, we’re here today to congratulate Qingyan on her admission to a top university in the capital.”

“Thank you. Qingyan, your brother Fengyun is here—why don’t you come over?” she replied delightedly, greeting Chen Fengyun’s parents and calling out to Zhang Qingyan. Just like that, Chen Fengyun had become “Brother Fengyun.”