Training, Worries

"Clang! Clang!"

In the early morning, the crisp clash of swords echoed through the mountain stream. Yi Chen and Yan were training, their exchange swift and merciless, neither holding back in the slightest.

"Pfft!"

Suddenly, the sound of a longsword piercing flesh rang out, and Yi Chen plummeted from the sky.

Yi Chen couldn't fly on his own; he could only sustain aerial combat briefly using his genetic skill 'Star Travel Electric March.' The moment Yan wounded him with the Sword of Flames, he lost his balance and fell.

Yan landed beside him and said, "Rest for fifteen minutes, then we continue." Her tone lacked its usual playfulness, as if stripped of all emotion. After speaking, she glanced at him and walked away from the training ground without looking back.

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

Though such a wound was trivial for a divine body, if left untreated, the genes damaged by the Sword of Flames would eventually cause irreversible harm.

Over the past few days, Yan's training had mostly focused on physical conditioning, followed by two hours of sparring each day to hone his combat techniques.

Yi Chen had already adapted his fighting style from his past life. Due to the rule of 'no spirits after the founding of the nation,' he could only practice techniques that didn't require spiritual energy. The results over these days had been fairly significant.

He hadn't used his Engine yet, mainly because it hadn't been activated and couldn't be accessed at all. According to the system, activating the Engine required special conditions, and there was no good way to do it for now.

Yi Chen's genes were extremely powerful. The body-tempering and offensive capabilities of the Power of Stars, along with the spatial manipulation of space energy, were all traits of his genes—far stronger than other Super Genes. If he could master them completely, his future potential as a Main God would be immeasurable.

Fifteen minutes later, Yan arrived at the training ground on time. Yi Chen had already healed his injuries and stood waiting for her.

"Rested up?"

Yi Chen nodded.

"Then let's continue." Yan drew the Sword of Flames as she spoke.

"Wait, Yan. I think my physical training is about enough. Could we start training something else?" Yi Chen suddenly asked.

"Enough?" Yan checked his combat data and fell into thought, recalling their spars over the past few days. She realized that Yi Chen's growth rate was unusually fast, and his fighting style was remarkably polished. He seemed to have his own combat philosophy, as if he were no novice at all, but rather someone with years of battle experience.

"Heh... Kid, is there something you're hiding from me?" Yan stared into Yi Chen's eyes, trying to confirm he wasn't lying.

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

For so long, Yan had taken good care of him. Though her training was strict, it always yielded results. She had even provided him with the technology to upgrade to a Second Generation Divine Body. Yi Chen kept all of this close to his heart.

But reincarnation was too shocking. He didn't yet have the strength to ensure he wouldn't be targeted. If he revealed it too early, he might end up being dissected 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 say it, don't. Angels can forcibly read someone's database, but we don't have a habit of prying into privacy. Still, I believe one day you'll want to tell me. I've lived over seven thousand years—I can wait a little longer."

"Sorry, Yan."

"No need to apologize. I don't mind. Training ends here for today."

With that, Yan turned and walked toward the stream. Yi Chen followed, walking beside her, side by side, chatting as they went.

Aside from training, Yan was still her lively self.

They reached the stream. Yi Chen stopped talking and sat on a large rock, closing his eyes to use the Power of Stars to temper his body.

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

Yi Chen had just broken through to the Second Generation Divine Body, so he could continue absorbing the Power of Stars to improve. But once he reached the peak of the Second Generation Divine Body, he would need to learn new technology to upgrade again. Still, with the system, he believed there would always be a way, even if it meant delaying his advancement. He couldn't rely on the Angels forever.

"Heh... What an interesting kid. Able to absorb the power of stars. The Queen's database doesn't even have records of this genetic trait. I feel like studying him properly."

Yan sat on a rock beside Yi Chen, chin resting on her hand, observing him. With her Scouting Eye, she could see faint specks of light around them being absorbed by Yi Chen, and even his body emitted a soft glow. She guessed this was the Power of Stars.

Yi Chen didn't open his eyes until nightfall. The first thing he saw was Yan's delicate face. She had changed back into her casual clothes, and under the moonlight, she looked even more stunning, making him momentarily captivated.

"Uh... Yan, it's getting late. Let's head back and rest." Yi Chen's speech stumbled a little. He couldn't help it—Yan seemed even more beautiful than usual tonight. But if he stared too long, she might tease him, so he turned his gaze to the starry sky.

"Heh... What's so interesting about the stars? A beautiful angel is standing 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 ignored her, she wouldn't push further. He knew she enjoyed teasing him, but if he ever had any improper thoughts, he'd definitely get cut down—without even a chance to fight back.

After a moment of silence, Yi Chen said, "Yan, do you know what's happening on Earth now? When we left, it seemed like the Taotie were planning an attack too."

"Oh? Kid, are you worried?"

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

"Heh... Kid, I have great confidence in your future. So much so that I might fall in love with you, tease you, and guard you unwaveringly until death. But you have to do more yourself, understand?

You might think your current strength ranks well on Earth, but you need to know that Earth could very well become a battlefield for Main Gods in the future. I don't expect much in return from you, but you must have the ability to survive in such an environment. Besides, after training with you for so long, it would be a huge loss if you died. So work hard. Now isn't the time to dwell on that. Earth has the Xiong Bing Lian, so don't worry too much."

"I understand."