Chapter 145: The Relentless Pursuit

After Chen Kailai was declined, Yenir decided to end the conversation.

Both sides had achieved their goals; further discussion was pointless.

More intriguing than Chen Yao was the Skill Book on the table. According to Chen Yong, this book—specially retrieved from Chen Kailai’s collection in the North China Battle Zone and rumored to be one of the prizes from this year’s Military Region competition—boasted not only exquisite sword techniques but an A-grade level as well.

Even for many Third-Stage fighters, the value of this Skill Book was beyond what one could afford even at the cost of their entire fortune.

He was simply curious to see what would happen if an A-grade skill were refined to SSS-level.

“Since you’re not interested, little brother Yenir, I won’t force you,”

Chen Kailai continued to smile. After being turned down, he didn’t show anger; instead, he regarded Yenir with even more admiration. With his status, he wouldn’t normally have gone so far as to offer his granddaughter’s hand. It was merely his delight in Yenir’s talent that sparked the matchmaking idea.

Young people having their own opinions was only natural.

“Commander Chen, you’re too kind,”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way.”

Grabbing the Skill Book, Yenir chuckled lightly as he prepared to leave. He disliked pretenses and wasted time.

“Alright, Chen Yong, see him off!”

Noticing Yenir was indeed leaving, Chen Kailai smiled and nodded, letting Chen Yong escort him.

After Yenir departed, Chen Kailai picked up a teapot of tea. The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by the imposing aura of a leader.

“Grandfather, why did you say that just now…?”

“As if we were begging him…”

Perhaps because Yenir had left, Chen Yao, who had remained silent, scolded softly. Recalling Yenir’s gentle refusal, she felt an unfamiliar pang. If he agreed, she’d be at a loss; if not, a quiet disappointment would settle in her heart.

Was it that I didn’t look good enough? Or that my background wasn’t worthy?

A girl’s thoughts were remarkably complex.

Seeing Chen Yao chide her, Chen Kailai’s affection for his granddaughter was evident. With a resigned sigh and a shake of his head, he spoke:

“What? Do you really think I’m about to treat you like a commodity? Or that you look down on that kid?”

Before Chen Yao could reply, Chen Kailai continued, his eyes darkening with seriousness.

“I don’t need to please anyone, nor would I ever stoop so low!”

“It’s just that Yenir is truly remarkable—that’s what got me thinking.”

“You might see him as having nothing now, but based on his potential, once he breaks into the First Tier, he’ll undoubtedly join the ranks of the elite!”

“Even Second-Stage fighters already exhibit Third-Stage power…”

In front of his own people, Chen Kailai made no pretenses. No one knew that when he first heard the news, astonishment—and even a hint of fear—stirred within him.

It was terrifying…

Only a Third-Stage fighter could truly grasp the significance of such talent!

Lost in his grim thoughts, he even wondered if Yenir, upon reaching Third-Stage, might only rival the strength of higher tiers. Advancing to Third-Stage granted an Awakener a bonus in spirit energy, with the skill’s potency rising dramatically!

If Yenir’s natural talent and the Third-Stage bonus were to combine… who could imagine how extraordinary it might become!

If that happened, it would drastically shorten the time it took for Yenir to attain top-tier combat prowess. Without even reaching the peak of Third-Stage, Intermediate, or Advanced levels, he’d join the ranks of China’s strongest Awakeners!

And that wasn’t all…

A mysterious emotion flashed in Chen Kailai’s eyes as he exhaled deeply:

“Yao’er, I don’t know why, but I always feel Yenir is hiding something.”

“I keep thinking you’d be safer following him,”

Unsure why these thoughts came to him, Chen Kailai sipped his tea and spoke slowly:

“Yenir… he’s in too much of a hurry…”

“He can’t possibly be unaware of what his talent implies. But from the look in his eyes, from every move he makes, I sense a pressure—like time is running short, or some immense danger is forcing him to grow stronger quickly…”

As he spoke, unease and confusion clouded his mind.

The situation seemed promising. If he were Yenir, he’d have nothing to worry about. In Chen Kailai’s view, Yenir’s rush to advance to Third-Stage could have been managed more carefully.

Resources can always be traded. Given Yenir’s calculating nature, Chen Kailai didn’t doubt that he understood the risks of charging into the First Tier. Staying low-key would eventually secure him a seat among the high ranks. Why rush?

If he was willing to forgo the First Tier, it could earn him favor from many factions—people would cherish Yenir as if he were a rare treasure.

Yet Yenir’s actions clearly showed he wasn’t willing to yield an inch.

What no one knew was that earlier today, top officials in the Capital had sent word to delay Yenir’s departure.

And it wasn’t just one or two people—

It was an entire cadre!

“The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be chopped down…”

“Too sharp a blade may break at the tip…”

Unable to understand Yenir’s urgency, Chen Kailai smiled wryly and shook his head, choosing not to overthink it.

Having experienced the early days of calamity, he couldn’t help but detect a disquieting aura lingering in the air.

Perhaps something momentous was about to occur…

………

What about the Tianfeng Military District?

Late at night, Yenir hurried back to the room Xiao Hai had prepared for him. Once he closed the door, he eagerly examined the Skill Book in his hands.

“Formation Charge: A-Grade (Sword Technique)”

“Skill Description: When activated, it grants a powerful leaping boost. It consumes 70% of stamina and 2300 spirit energy to deliver a devastating, crushing strike. During its activation, the user becomes immune to control effects and gains a 200% defense boost. The attack also carries additional effects such as termination, crippling, and crushing, and briefly staggers targets upon landing.”

“Skill Evaluation: The Spirit of Formation Charge!”

After a swift read-through, a joyful glimmer appeared in Yenir’s eyes—this was undoubtedly a formidable skill.

Offense, defense, mobility, control, immunity, and added effects—nearly six benefits were concentrated in this one skill. Apart from its demanding activation conditions, it was virtually flawless.

Clearly, this was the kind of skill suited for delivering a final, overwhelming blow.

The only regret Yenir felt was that the skill was geared toward offense; he longed for powerful mobility or enhanced defense to balance it out.

Yet that was natural. Sword techniques are inherently offensive, built to maximize power. For increased survivability, one had to resort to shield techniques or body enhancements.

“Forget it. The best defense is a good offense.”

“Defeat your enemy, and no one will ever be able to harm you.”

Yenir chuckled wryly and, without further hesitation, patted the Skill Book with his right hand before decisively opting to learn it.

“Buzz!”

A familiar sound signaled the skill’s enhancement as, within seconds, a dazzling burst of light exploded.

“Beep. Skill amplification successful. Current Skill: Fallen Heaven! (SSS-Grade)”