Talent Was a Deadly Poison?

As he spoke, Nalan Shu seemed to realize something and immediately shut his mouth.

Long Xingyu had instructed in his letter that Nalan Shu was not to reveal Long Haochen's father's identity to anyone. Naturally, Nalan Shu did not dare defy Long Xingyu's orders.

"Why are you asking? Haven't you always looked down on those powerful people with high Innate Internal Spiritual Energy?"

After hearing Nalan Shu's words, Ye Hua's corpse-like face turned even colder, and his eyes revealed a hint of bitter resentment.

"If talent could truly replace wisdom and comprehension, I would not be limited to being merely a Sky Knight today. If my Innate Internal Spiritual Energy had been above fifty, then with my wisdom and comprehension, there would surely be a place for me upon the Throne of Seal. Damn it, damn it! That thieving heavens gave me wisdom and comprehension, yet robbed me of talent!"

After saying that, Ye Hua's corpse-like face had already twisted in distortion.

"To be honest, what I dislike most are geniuses like Long Haochen, who rely on their high Innate Internal Spiritual Energy to look down on everyone else. Geniuses are often loners, and students like that are the hardest to discipline."

"If he does not receive proper guidance, talent will only bring him more jealousy and exclusion. More often than not, excessive talent is a deadly poison."

Hearing Ye Hua's sour words, Nalan Shu could not help bursting into laughter. He draped his thick hand over Ye Hua's shoulder and said, "Ye Hua, that's just sour grapes. If you had Haochen's talent, you'd probably wake up laughing from your dreams."

Ye Hua snorted coldly, unwilling to respond to Nalan Shu. He then turned and left.

Nalan Shu shook his head helplessly and muttered to himself, "Ye Hua, geniuses are not envied because of their talent, but because many people simply cannot stand seeing others do better than them. When you leave those people far behind, those who once envied and excluded you will instead take pride in you. In the end, it all comes down to strength!"

Starting the next day, Long Haochen, the genius youth who had defeated Night Asura Ye Hua, vanished as suddenly as a fleeting flower. No one knew where he had gone.

Many people speculated that Long Haochen had angered Night Asura and been kicked out of Hao Yue Sub-Temple. Yet despite all the rumors among the Knights, Ye Hua, the chief instructor, showed no intention of clarifying anything.

Long Haochen had naturally not left Hao Yue Sub-Temple. Instead, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to cultivation.

His daily life was extremely simple, following the same three-point routine: the library, the training grounds, and the Monastic Quarters.

The training grounds of Hao Yue Sub-Temple had been tightly sealed off. Unless it was a Knight-level assessment, no one besides Long Haochen and Nalan Shu was allowed to enter.

That day, Long Haochen had just returned to the Monastic Quarters from the training grounds when he encountered Li Xin, who had been waiting bitterly outside.

Li Xin wore simple white training clothes that day, and there was a trace of resentment in her eyes.

"Sis," Long Haochen called softly.

Li Xin rolled her eyes at Long Haochen. "You've been so busy cultivating these past few days that you've completely forgotten about me, haven't you? I don't care. You have to have dinner with me tonight."

Long Haochen helplessly rubbed his forehead. "Sis, let's go inside and talk."

After entering the living room, Long Haochen poured a cup of tea for himself and Li Xin.

"Sis, the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament is in two years. I plan to break through to the Fifth Tier before it begins. That's why I have to make full use of every day and cultivate diligently. I neglected you these past few days. I'm sorry."

Hearing Long Haochen say this, Li Xin set down her teacup, sat beside him, and took his hand. She said gently, "Haochen, you're still young. Don't be too impatient with cultivation. Look at you, you look exhausted. Cultivation requires the right balance between work and rest, understand?"

Warmth filled Long Haochen's heart. He clasped Li Xin's delicate hand in return. "Sis, I understand. I'll take good care of myself."

Li Xin sighed softly. "Seeing you work so hard makes me feel embarrassed to slack off. My talent was already inferior to yours. If I keep being lazy, you'll leave me far behind. Starting today, I'll work hard on cultivation too."

Long Haochen's eyes lit up. "Sis, then I'll speak with Uncle Nalan tomorrow. From now on, you can come to the training grounds and library with me to study and train. That way, not only can we see each other every day, but we can improve together."

The corners of Li Xin's mouth twitched slightly. I was just saying that. Did you have to take it seriously?

"O-okay."

"Sis, I'll have someone prepare another dinner and send it up. Wait a moment."

To save time, Long Haochen never went to the dining hall for meals. Every day, Nalan Shu had someone deliver all three meals to Long Haochen's Monastic Quarters. With this big eater Li Xin suddenly visiting, one serving of dinner would definitely not be enough for both of them.

Long Haochen went to the kitchen of Hao Yue Sub-Temple and specifically instructed the chef to make several small dishes that Li Xin liked before returning to the Monastic Quarters.

Less than half an hour later, the fragrant food was delivered to Long Haochen's Monastic Quarters. Li Xin and Long Haochen ate heartily and were thoroughly satisfied.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Li Xin and Long Haochen lounged lazily on the living room sofa. Li Xin lay quietly atop Long Haochen, her head resting against his chest, while Long Haochen gently stroked her hair like a tender husband combing his wife's hair.

"Haochen."

"Mm..."

"It would be nice if we could stay like this forever."

With that, Li Xin gave him a gentle kiss.

Long Haochen tightened his arms around Li Xin, his breathing growing slightly rapid.

There had once been another girl who had lain on top of him like this.

That girl was naturally Yue Ye.

Long Haochen thought, We've been apart for so long. I wonder if Yue Ye is doing well over in the Demon Race. After the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament, I'll find a chance to return to the Demon Race and see her.

Steady breathing reached his ears. Li Xin had actually fallen asleep just like that while lying on Long Haochen.

Long Haochen shook his head helplessly, his gaze falling on the left hand wrapped around Li Xin. On the middle finger of that hand, the Forget-Me-Not Ring emitted a faint blue glow beneath the lamplight.

Long Haochen thought again of that cold yet stubborn girl, Sheng Cai'er. Would she also participate in this Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament?

If she did, then they would have a chance to meet again. He wondered whether Cai'er would still recognize him.

Familiar figures continuously flashed through Long Haochen's mind: Yue Ye, Sheng Cai'er, Feng Xiu, Bai Lingxuan, Bai Yue, Long Xingyu, Leng Xiao, A Bao...

As he thought, Long Haochen felt his eyelids growing heavier and heavier. Before long, he fell into a deep sleep.

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