Chapter 144: A Test of Potential in Tianfeng

In Tianfeng’s top-notch private room, two Second-Stage Peak Fighter guards stood at the door while four people sat inside.

Chen Kailai, Yenir, Chen Yong, Chen Yao.

Seated opposite Yenir, Chen Yao awkwardly went to serve tea for both Yenir and her grandfather, then sat obediently beside her brother.

In front of her own grandfather, the once headstrong girl now behaved as docile as a bunny, while Chen Yong remained so composed he barely breathed, clearly nervous.

He kept his composure.

After accepting the tea, Yenir carefully scrutinized the elderly man across from him.

With snowy hair and vigorous vitality, the man exuded an almost undiminished energy.

Though nearly seventy, Chen Kailai—a Third-Stage Mid-Level fighter—remained full of life. Occasional flashes of sharp insight shimmered in his eyes. In his standard military uniform, he exuded an imposing presence.

“Indeed, heroes often arise from youth…”

Chen Kailai smiled warmly at Yenir as he, in return, studied him with equal interest.

Even though Zhang Tao and Chen Yong were full of praise for Yenir, Chen Kailai wanted to see him for himself.

Potential is one thing; meeting in person would reveal Yenir’s true nature and aura.

Yet after their first encounter, a sense of admiration quietly welled within him.

Yenir’s demeanor was remarkably composed and unflappable. Besides an almost overwhelming sharpness lurking beneath the surface, he possessed a trace of the commanding presence cultivated by years at the top.

It was hard to imagine a kid from a humble background radiating such aura.

No wonder his tone of cooperation was so assertive—as if expecting them to work for him and let him call the shots.

With a satisfied smile, Chen Kailai waved over a guard—still as a statue—to hand him a Skill Book.

“Little Brother Yenir, the old man is taking a gamble by calling you ‘little brother.’ Is that all right?”

In a gentle tone, Chen Kailai glanced at his granddaughter before sliding the Skill Book across to Yenir.

“So young—even younger than my granddaughter.”

“A true standout, blessed with immense talent. Your future is limitless… after all, this era belongs to the young.”

“And in the future, I hope you can teach my disappointing grandson Chen Yong a thing or two.”

“That brat may not be the brightest, but his nature is decent, and he hasn’t caused much trouble for me.”

He spared no praise.

Chen Kailai sipped his tea happily while waiting for Yenir to speak. Chen Yong offered an awkward smile and nervously adjusted his nose.

He knew that his grandfather was paving the way for him.

When he first met Yenir, they were more or less equals, given his own respectable background.

But now, considering Yenir’s potential, even his grandfather had to show him some deference—earning a spot by Yenir’s side was a serious boon.

The Second-Stage fighters standing behind, as still as statues, were visibly startled. They had never seen Chen Kailai speak so cordially; his words bordered on flattery.

Mind you, with someone of Chen Kailai’s stature, there wasn’t a single person in the entire North China Battle Zone he would lavish such praise on.

They were so taken aback that they began to wonder just who Yenir really was.

Across the table, Yenir grasped Chen Kailai’s subtext and laughed:

“Commander Chen, you’re too kind.”

“Chen Yong is my friend. When the opportunity arises, I’ll certainly look out for him. The North China Battle Zone is a prime spot, and I believe he’ll grow to be as outstanding as his father—even as impressive as you.”

He made no secret of his intentions.

Yenir quickly laid out his terms. He knew Chen Kailai was testing him.

He wasn’t surprised by such a situation.

When someone’s trying to rope you into their scheme, you have to give the necessary promises.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, a spark lit in Chen Kailai’s eyes as he fixed a deep gaze on Yenir.

His request that Yenir look after Chen Yong was essentially a test: Could Yenir help Chen Yong secure a leadership role in the North China Battle Zone? He hadn’t expected Yenir to grasp his meaning so effortlessly and respond with a decisive promise, without any hesitation.

Just like his father and me…

Doesn’t that mean you’re committed to helping Chen Yong gain at least a commander’s position—even the top post? With such high ambitions, if anyone else said that, Chen Kailai would dismiss it as nonsense.

But Yenir was adamant—it was entirely possible! While others merely marveled at Yenir’s almost extraordinary talent, Chen Kailai knew exactly what that potential signified. In time, reaching at least Third-Stage Advanced and even ascending to Second-Stage Peak Fighter wouldn’t be an issue.

Remember, there are only a couple dozen Second-Stage Peak Fighters in the entire Huaxia Battle Zone, and barely over ten among the Authorities. Their prowess places them among the very top echelons—capable of deciding the fate of millions with just a word!

“Alright!”

“Old man, you sure know how to pick your people!”

Chen Kailai roared with laughter, grabbing Chen Yong and his granddaughter:

“Come on, Chen Yong, Chen Yao—raise a glass for Little Brother Yenir!”

With an eagle-like gaze directed at the bewildered Chen Yong, Chen Kailai inwardly sighed, wondering why his once promising grandson was so slow. The kid was good in many ways but too sluggish when it came to big matters.

Recognizing his grandfather’s silent cue, Chen Yong jumped up in alarm, quickly standing alongside Chen Yao.

His gaze toward Yenir mixed complexity with quiet admiration.

He hadn’t expected that in just a few days, when he once considered approaching Yenir as an equal, now even his grandfather was softening towards him.

Still, he knew Yenir had the credentials to back it up!

Meanwhile, a slightly confused Chen Yao—unaccustomed to standing up—looked dazed at the young man before her. Ever since birth, she’d thought no one in the world truly cared about her, but now, it seemed she was beginning to understand.

She realized that status and titles are mere illusions—only true strength matters.

With a smile, Chen Kailai shared his thoughts briefly before diving straight into the matter:

“Little Brother Yenir, when you head off this time, there’s little your old man can do for you. I don’t know many people up there in high places.”

“But after you’re gone, you can reach out to Zhao Long. He wields some influence at the top and happens to be a good friend of mine. If you need anything or run into trouble, while outsiders might not be much help, he could lend a hand.”

Hearing this, Yenir nodded slightly, understanding that Chen Kailai was fully opening up his network for him.

Sure, high potential is valuable, but without backing in the Capital, the lack of advocates could lead to problems. Having an insider on his side would be a significant advantage—and a way to further expand his influence.

Before he reached the Fourth Stage, having his own power base would be indispensable.

Seeing Yenir’s affirmation, Chen Kailai’s smile widened. As if struck with a new idea, he suddenly looked at Chen Yao:

“Little Brother Yenir, I heard you still haven’t found the right match, is that so?”

“How about my granddaughter?”

At that moment, Chen Kailai resembled a wily old fox, smiling warmly at Yenir.

Offering both resources and connections.

Now, he was even considering gifting him a partner.

For a promising Awakener like Yenir, Chen Kailai naturally hoped their relationship would evolve beyond mere cooperation.

Hmm?

Yenir was momentarily taken aback, his expression turning oddly guarded.

Under the amber lights, a sudden flush of red and panic spread across Chen Yao’s lovely face.

……..