25 25.

"So, what are your plans for the future?"

Sitting at the edge of a small table cross-legged; the old man asked while sipping a drink from the glass in front of him.

In front of him, Yang Ze was looking around. The room they were in seemed to be neatly arranged with everything in its proper place. Unlike his room which was usually messy, Yang Ze couldn't see a single speck of dust on the table or on the ground.

"I don't know. Maybe travel around a bit or maybe roam the world; I'm not sure."

"No, please don't pour drinks to me, I don't drink." Looking at the old man who was pouring him wine, Yang Ze shook his head in rejection.

"Oh." The old man paused for a moment before nodding his head in an understanding. "Well, everyone has their preference. Some likes to drink, some don't. Who am I to judge?"

"You told me you don't have any plans for the future. Then how about joining the Martial Academy?" The old man made a suggestion while sipping his drink.

"I haven't thought about it." Shaking his head, Yang Ze went silent.

"Hahaha. I think you misunderstood me. I am not talking about the so-called Martial Academy of the Ignis city. I am talking about the Xuanwu Martial Academy."

"I don't know. I heard they don't accept disciples so easily." Yang Ze shook his head. He was pretty familiar with this academy that was coming to Yuyang City to recruit people from the four main families. The date of their arrival was somewhat five or so months from now on.

"Well, they would if you have a quota." With a smile, the old man took a deep breath. His face was now flushed red from all that drinking.

"How about this. I won't lie to you. You remind me of my grandson. So, I will recommend you to the Xuanwu academy the next month they come to recruit disciples."

"Huh?" Yang Ze was surprised for a moment. "I heard they are coming five months later to the Yuyang City. Do you want me to go join them there?"

The old man's hand stopped for a moment before he burst out laughing. "Well, your information seemed to be a little outdated. Though they are coming to the Yuyang City; they are actually coming next month. I heard they brought the date forward due to some issues."

"How about it? Still interested?" There was still a smile on his face. In his eyes, the temptation of entering a Martial Academy was deadly to almost everyone. Entering the academy not only meant glory and powerful backing, but also a limitless future. However, to his surprise, there wasn't much of a reaction from Yang Ze. From his mask, he could see his eyes that were as clear as water without the slightest ripple in them.

"I see." Yang Ze nodded his head. It seemed that the news of Yuyang City's admission wasn't as much of a secret as he had imagined it to be. However, after thinking about it for a while, it was normal for such big families from the City of Ignis to know about this news too. He wouldn't be surprised if the five families of the Ignis city each had a quota in the upcoming admission.

"Why such benevolence to me?"

"Well, I told you, didn't I? You look a lot like my grandson."

"I see."

The scene went silent for a long time.

"Don't fret about it. You can tell me your decision six days later when you leave the village." Looking at the Jar that was empty of the wine, the old shook it before placing the last drop on his tongue.

"If you have anything to ask me, then you can ask."

Yang Ze looked at the old man in front of him whose face was slightly flushed due to all that drinking before asking.

"How much do you know about Innate?"

"Innate huh?

Well, that's an interesting question you asked me." The old man was silent for a long time before speaking.

"I don't know much about it, just some superficial knowledge. You see, In Qi Condensing and Qi guiding realm, Qi is formed from the food and the precious resources that we use. The more precious the resources, the more the increase in Qi. It is a gradual process that takes time and resources."

"The innate, however, is an entirely different process. In this realm, one can take the vitality from the world itself. There is no need to consume food or water."

'Holy Shit.' Putting aside the power they hold, just being not able to feel hunger or thirst itself was amazing.

"I myself am not clear about the innate realm. The nearest innate you can find is more than a thousand miles away from here, living in the Xuanwu academy. I suggest you taking a look there."

"Hmm." Nodding his head Yang Ze went silent for a long time. This trip was his biggest gain in terms of resources and information. Not to mention spirit stones, just the understanding of the power structure of this world was a huge bonus to him.

"Thank you. I shall take my leave." Bowing slightly, Yang Ze stood up and made his way back towards the place he was staying at. During the entire time, he seemed lost in his train of thoughts. It was only after he reached at the door, he stopped before narrowing his eyes. Right now, he could hear the heartbeat of a living being inside the room.

"Oh! Are you sure you are in the right place?" Looking at the figure of Hua Lin that was sitting on the bed quietly, Yang Ze asked with a slight smile on his face.

"Mmmm." Hua Lin shook her head shyly. Even though the room was lit dimly, Yang Ze was still able to see her embarassed face.

"Sigh. I think I need to tell you something." Closing his door, Yang Ze slowly walked to the bed before sitting on it.

Feeling her embarrassment, Yang Ze slowly held her hands. The moment their hands touched, Yang Ze could feel her heartbeat increasing along with the irregular breathing. The temperature in the room seemed to be rising slowly.

At this moment, the figure of a young boy was sitting in an ambiguous posture with the figure of a mature woman in her late twenties. No matter what others would think of it, to many young boys, this was a scene straight out of their fantasy.

"Since yesterday, I wanted to tell you something." Yang Ze was still holding her hands gently.

"Mmm." A meek voice still replied to him. At this moment, her head seemed to be be buried in her chest.

"Actually, I am a woman." Yang Ze's voice was like a basin of cold water that was poured upon her.

"HUH?" The first thought that came to Hua Lin mind was that she had some problems with her hearing. However, the next words Yang Ze spoke, made sure she wasnt just listening things.

"I didn't tell anyone about this. It's just that, I can't see you holding these feelings for me knowing it will all be in vain." Yang Ze's voice seemed to become a little emotional at the end of the sentence. It was as if he was going through a great deal of pain himself.

"You see, how I never use my voice and always wear mask? My vocal cords were damaged and the face was ruined a long time ago. Since then, I have always wore this mask to protect me from the prying eyes of the strangers."

Yang Ze felt the hand he was holding tremble for a moment before returning to normal. Both of them were sitting there in silence. After a long time, it was Hua Lin who stood up and walked out of the room without saying a single word. Even though the light was dim, Yang Ze could still see her ocassionally trembling figure.

Snce that day, Hua Lin didn't come to visit him. Even when he met her in the noon, she seemed to ignore his presence. For Yang Ze this was perhaps the best outcome.

Five days passed in the blink of an eye. It was at the morning of the day before their departure that Yang Ze walked out of the house and slowly made his way towards the stream in the distance. After taking off his clothes, he jumped into the river before looking at the screen in front of him.

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{Name: Yang Ze}

{Realm: Middle Stage Qi Guiding}

{XP: 1000/1000}

{Technique: Seaheart Art Third Layer} +

{Efficiency : 100 XP/day}

{Level: 1} (3/10 spirit stones needed to upgrade)

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"It is about time." Yang Ze'e eyes were completely emotionless. After taking a deep breath, he submerged his head into the river and clicked on the '+' sign.