Throughout the long history of the Sun Moon Empire, those who reached the Soul King realm before the age of fifteen were extremely rare.
Each one of them, as long as they didn't die young, became a great figure of the empire—recorded in the annals of history, leaving their names shining for future generations to admire.
As for reaching the Soul Emperor realm before the age of fifteen? Impossible. Completely unrealistic. Such a thing had never been recorded in the entire history of the Sun Moon Empire—it was beyond imagination.
Seeing Elder Wang Yuan's look of disbelief, Wang Chen first nodded, then shook his head.
Under Wang Yuan's puzzled gaze, Wang Chen said calmly, "Right now, I've already reached the Soul Emperor realm."
Wang Yuan: (O_o)?? Soul Emperor? Are you serious? You're not joking with me, are you?
When he first heard Wang Chen's words, Wang Yuan didn't believe it at all. He quickly forced a laugh and said, "Chen'er, you're teasing me, aren't you?"
Wang Chen replied seriously, "I'm not joking."
At that, the smile on Wang Yuan's face froze completely. "Chen'er, your Grandpa Yuan is old. You'll scare me to death if you keep this up."
Wang Chen knew that no matter how much he tried to explain, words alone wouldn't convince the old man—because this truth defied all common sense.
So he directly released his soul power.
In an instant, the might of a Soul Emperor burst forth without a trace of doubt.
Facing Wang Chen's Soul Emperor-level aura head-on, Wang Yuan was struck as if by lightning. His head went blank, his mind completely overwhelmed by the shock.
He even lost his balance, collapsing heavily into his chair.
Looking at the elder's stunned, speechless face, Wang Chen couldn't help twitching at the corner of his mouth, thinking to himself, If this little bit already shocks him like this, what'll happen when he sees me defeat a Contra-level powerhouse with just my Soul Emperor cultivation? Won't he pass out from excitement?
While Wang Chen silently judged Elder Wang Yuan's lack of mental endurance, the elder finally snapped out of his daze after quite some time.
Once he recovered, Wang Yuan immediately asked detailed questions—whether Wang Chen had used any potential-burning pills or other dangerous methods to forcefully raise his cultivation.
Only after repeated confirmation did Wang Yuan finally accept the truth.
His eyes shone brightly as he looked at Wang Chen, as if staring at a priceless treasure.
Soul Emperor! A Soul Emperor!
A fourteen-year-old Soul Emperor!!
Genius! A peerless genius! No—genius isn't enough to describe this. This is monstrous! A true monster! Our Wang Clan has birthed such a heaven-defying talent!
The heavens truly favor our Wang Clan.
Given time, once Chen'er fully matures, the Wang Clan's status will surely soar—destined to become one of the foremost families of the Sun Moon Empire!
He didn't know how Wang Chen had managed to rise from Soul Ancestor to Soul Emperor in just three short years, but that didn't matter.
As long as this cultivation was real—and not gained by burning his potential—that was all that mattered.
The Wang Clan was destined to prosper!
However, soon after, Wang Yuan's joy gave way to concern.
Right now, Wang Chen's strength was at the Soul Emperor level, but he hadn't truly matured yet.
If this news were to spread, there would surely be those who wouldn't allow him to grow stronger.
With worry in his voice, Wang Yuan said, "Chen'er, you haven't told anyone else about your Soul Emperor cultivation, have you?"
Wang Chen, of course, understood the elder's concern. But his true strength was far beyond what appeared on the surface.
Still, to avoid shocking the old man further, he decided not to reveal too much for now.
Wang Chen shook his head, indicating that no one knew.
Wang Yuan let out a sigh of relief and muttered, "Good, that's good. The tree that stands above the forest is the first to be destroyed.
Chen'er, remember—until you become a Titled Douluo, you must learn to conceal your brilliance and bide your time. In fact, you shouldn't even have told me…"
Then Wang Yuan continued, "Chen'er, remember this—never tell anyone else about your cultivation. I'll also keep this secret for you."
Hearing Wang Yuan's sincere advice, Wang Chen felt a warmth in his heart, even though he didn't actually need such protection.
Finally, Wang Yuan gripped Wang Chen's arm tightly, his tone grave and emotional.
"Chen'er, now that Xu Tianran has become Crown Prince, if one day our Wang Clan faces danger, you must leave the family behind. Hide your name, live in secrecy, and keep cultivating.
When your strength is great enough, rebuild the Wang Clan. As long as you live, the Wang Clan will rise again."
A quarter of an hour later, Wang Chen turned and left Elder Wang Yuan's residence.
Walking along the narrow paths of the Wang estate, he passed by many familiar clansmen. Each face carried a trace of sorrow.
Wang Chen couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.
Within a single clan, there were men like Wang Yan—selfish, greedy, and willing to sacrifice the entire family for personal gain.
But there were also people like Elder Wang Yuan—those who would give up their lives for the clan's sake.
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After leaving Wang Yuan's home, Wang Chen visited several other elders.
Then, he went to the spot where he and Meng Hongchen had agreed to leave messages for each other.
Seeing the letter she had left, Wang Chen thought of the exquisite young girl he hadn't seen for a month, and the corners of his lips curved into a faint smile.
Time slipped by quickly, and the next day arrived.
Room 607 of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion—this was where Wang Chen and Meng Hongchen had agreed to meet.
Originally, this place had been used by the two of them to exchange information.
But after Jing Hongchen discovered their private meetings, it somehow turned into their secret dating spot.
As soon as Wang Chen stepped into the room, his eyes met the sight of a breathtaking girl in a blue dress.
Her long, silver-white hair cascaded like a waterfall, shimmering with a cool, soft luster.
Her face was as delicate as a porcelain doll's, her skin pale as snow, giving off a faint glow of cold light. Her eyes were as bright as twin sapphires.
Her figure was graceful, her slender waist accentuating her gentle curves.
Her long legs, wrapped in white silk stockings, were straight and flawless—like two carved pillars of jade. Her beauty was enough to make one forget to breathe.
As Wang Chen admired Meng Hongchen's lovely figure, the girl suddenly took a few quick steps and leapt into his arms.
Like an octopus, Meng Hongchen clung tightly to him, her soft voice calling out, "Brother Wang Chen."
Her tone was sweet and tender, soft enough to melt the heart—anyone who heard it would feel their mood lighten.
Holding the fragrant, delicate girl in his arms, Wang Chen walked to the sofa and sat down.
Looking at the girl nestled in his embrace, a gentle smile appeared on his lips. One arm wrapped around Meng Hongchen's slender waist, while the other gently caressed her smooth, fair back.
Meng Hongchen sat comfortably in Wang Chen's arms, enjoying the warmth of his touch, breathing in his familiar scent.
Her pretty face rested against his chest, eyes closed as she listened to the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat.
The two of them simply held each other quietly. Time itself seemed to freeze. The room was filled with a sweet, peaceful atmosphere.
After who knows how long, Meng Hongchen was the first to break the silence. She tilted her head slightly, her sapphire-blue eyes meeting Wang Chen's dark gaze.
And then, their breaths intertwined…