Training and Worry

"Clang! Clang!"

At dawn, the crisp clash of swords rang out above the mountain stream. Yi Chen and Yan were training, exchanging blows at high speed without holding back.

"Thud!"

Suddenly, the sound of a sword piercing flesh rang out. Yi Chen fell from the sky.

Yi Chen couldn't fly. He had only been using his genetic skill, Star Travel Electric March, to remain airborne for a short time while they fought. So when Yan struck him with her Sword of Flames, he could no longer stay aloft and fell.

Yan landed beside him and said,

"Take a fifteen-minute break, then we'll continue!" Her tone lacked its usual teasing lightness and held not a trace of emotion. After speaking, she glanced at Yi Chen, then left the training ground without looking back.

Yi Chen said nothing. He sat on the ground and began using the Power of Stars to tend to his injuries.

The wound wasn't a serious problem for a Divine Body, but if he left it untreated, the Sword of Flames would keep damaging his genes over time, causing irreversible harm.

For the past few days, Yan had mostly put him through physical training. Every day, he also sparred with her for two hours to practice combat techniques.

Yi Chen had modified the fighting methods from his previous life. Because "nothing supernatural is allowed after the founding of the nation," he could only practice techniques that didn't require spiritual energy. After several days, the results had been encouraging.

He hadn't used his Engine yet. Yi Chen's Engine hadn't been activated, so he couldn't access it at all. According to the system, activating it required special conditions, and there was no good way to do it for now.

Yi Chen's genes were extraordinarily powerful. His ability to temper his body and attack with the Power of Stars, as well as his control over space through the power of space, were innate traits of his genes. They were far more powerful than other Super Genes. If he mastered them completely, he could become a Main God in the future, with strength beyond measure.

Fifteen minutes later, Yan arrived at the training ground right on time. Yi Chen had already treated his injuries and was waiting for her there.

"Had enough rest?"

Yi Chen nodded.

"Then let's continue!" Yan said, drawing her Sword of Flames.

"Wait, Yan. I think I've had enough physical training, so I was wondering if we could start training something else?" Yi Chen asked suddenly.

"Enough?" Yan checked Yi Chen's combat data, then fell into thought. She recalled their fights over the past few days and realized that Yi Chen's growth was extraordinarily fast. His fighting style was also well-developed. He seemed to have his own distinct approach to combat. He didn't look like a beginner at all—in fact, he seemed like someone who had been fighting for years.

"Heh... kid, are you hiding something from me?" Yan stared into Yi Chen's eyes, trying to tell if he was lying.

Yi Chen didn't know how to answer her. He knew what she was asking about, but he didn't want to lie to her.

Yan had taken good care of Yi Chen all this time. Though she was strict during training, he always gained something from it. She had even given him the technology to upgrade to a Second Generation Divine Body. Yi Chen remembered all of it.

But being reincarnated was too shocking a secret. He wasn't strong enough yet to make sure no one would target him if they found out. If he revealed it too soon, they might capture him and dissect him for research. So he couldn't tell anyone. For a moment, Chen Yi was at a loss.

"Forget it, kid. If you don't want to talk about it, then don't. We Angels can forcibly access people's databases, but we don't make a habit of prying into their privacy. Still, I believe that one day you'll want to tell me. I've lived for over seven thousand years; I can wait a little longer."

"Sorry, Yan."

"No need to apologize. I don't mind. That's enough training for today."

With that, Yan turned and headed toward the stream. Yi Chen followed, walking beside her. They chatted as they went.

Aside from training, Yan was actually quite lively.

When they reached the stream, Yi Chen stopped chatting and sat down on a boulder. He closed his eyes and began using the Power of Stars to temper his body.

He felt that the Power of Stars on Brahma Star was much stronger than on Earth. Perhaps it was because the planet was in the Angel Nebula; the Power of Stars was especially abundant.

Yi Chen had only just broken through to the Second Generation Divine Body, so he could keep absorbing the Power of Stars to grow stronger. But once he reached the peak of the Second Generation Divine Body, he would have to learn new technology to upgrade again. Still, with the system, he believed there would be a solution. Even if his advancement was delayed, he didn't mind. He couldn't depend on the Angels forever.

"Heh... what an interesting kid. He can actually absorb the power of the stars. The Queen's database has never recorded this kind of genetic trait. I'm starting to think I'd like to study him properly."

Yan sat on a boulder beside Yi Chen, resting her chin on her hand as she studied him. She activated her Scouting Eye and saw the glowing specks around them being absorbed by Yi Chen. Even Yi Chen's body was giving off tiny points of light. She guessed this was the so-called Power of Stars.

Yi Chen didn't open his eyes again until evening. Yan's delicate face was the first thing he saw. She had changed back into her usual casual clothes, and the moonlight made her look even more stunning. He couldn't help staring for a moment.

"Um... Yan, it's getting late. We should head back and get some rest," Yi Chen said, stumbling over his words. He couldn't help thinking Yan looked even more beautiful than usual. But if he stared too long, he was afraid she'd catch him and tease him, so he turned to admire the beautiful starry sky instead.

"Heh... what's so interesting about the stars? There's a beautiful Angel right in front of you. Don't you want to get to know her better?"

"..."

Yi Chen seemed to have developed some resistance to Yan's teasing. As long as he didn't respond, she wouldn't keep at it. And he knew Yan just liked teasing him. But if he ever had any improper thoughts, she'd cut him down—without giving him the slightest chance to fight back.

After a moment of silence, Yi Chen said,

"Yan, do you know what's happening on Earth right now? When we left, it seemed the Taotie were already plotting an invasion."

"What's wrong, kid? Are you worried?"

"Yeah... I'm from Earth."

"Heh... kid, I have a lot of faith in your future. I might even fall in love with you, tease you, and protect you until the day I die. But you'll have to do more yourself, understand?

"You may think your current strength puts you among the best on Earth, but you need to understand that Earth could very well become a battlefield for Main Gods in the future. I don't expect you to repay me, but you have to be able to survive in that kind of environment. Besides, I've spent so long training you that I'd be losing out if you died. So work hard. Now's not the time to worry about that, and with Xiong Bing Lian on Earth, there's no need to be too concerned."

"I understand."