12: Chapter 012: Extraordinary Talent 12: Chapter 012: Extraordinary Talent Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation “Mmm—”
Zhou Yan gently released his embrace, and the person in his arms naturally woke up.
Ping’er was the first to open her eyes and, seeing Zhou Yan’s gaze, her heart involuntarily skipped a beat.
Quickly, she pretended to still be asleep.
Ning’er, on the other hand, opened her slightly weary eyes.
Her beautiful crescent-moon-like eyes seemed momentarily confused, but then she remembered—it wasn’t a dream.
A hint of shyness appeared on her beautiful face, but she didn’t shy away.
Instead, she gently smiled and looked at Zhou Yan’s gaze, “Have you perhaps started feeling something?”
“You know it and you still ask?”
Zhou Yan chuckled softly, his disposition appearing quite open-minded.
Ning’er was slightly stunned, not expecting Zhou Yan to admit it so directly.
She had originally thought that this similarly immature boy would be incredibly embarrassed, just like the times she occasionally ‘teased’ him.
But to her surprise, he had become so carefree.
There was an indescribable sense of joy in her heart.
It seemed that the more outstanding the person she liked became, the prouder and more satisfied she felt.
This was a very feminine feeling, but she enjoyed it.
“Zhou Yan, you’ve changed.
But you’ve certainly become much more outstanding than before.
Without that childishness, you are truly a talented hero.
Although your determination was strong before, you were a bit slow in some areas, and a bit timid too.”
Ning’er sighed softly, sharing her thoughts.
There were more things she didn’t say.
She vaguely knew that she wasn’t an ordinary person.
If Zhou Yan remained as timid as before, she had a premonition that it would be really difficult for them to be together.
She didn’t know why she had such an idea, but she was truly aware that her ‘premonitions’ were incredibly accurate.
Hearing Ning’er’s words, Zhou Yan seemed to sense her thoughts and nodded silently.
Not only did Ning’er see this; he himself thought the same.
Previously, how timid was he?
For an unworthy woman, he humbled himself, lost all face.
His maid beside him suffered grievances and didn’t even dare to speak up…
This was already a sign of cowardice!
Perhaps his only consolation was his unwavering heart as a Sword Cultivator and his perseverance.
Now, it was as if he had awakened.
Looking back at past events, he felt overwhelmed with emotion.
“I won’t let it happen again in the future.
In the past, I was ignorant and reckless, disappointing you and making Ping’er suffer a lot.
I remember all of it.
In the future, no matter the challenges, no matter the dangers, I will make it up to you and take good care of you.”
Zhou Yan’s words were incredibly gentle.
Ning’er was deeply moved and suddenly offered a kiss.
Zhou Yan accepted it without hesitation.
Two young girls giggled as they whispered, occasionally casting strange glances at Zhou Yan, as if discussing all his embarrassing matters.
Zhou Yan sat in front of a stone, angrily barbecuing a wild rabbit, looking quite dejected.
Just because he ‘accidentally’ grabbed the wrong place, causing Ping’er to cry out in pain, Ning’er learned that his interaction with her was inappropriate, and so neither girl ‘indulged’ him.
This left Zhou Yan unable to defend himself.
Zhou Yan understood it wasn’t jealousy from the two girls but rather a gesture of moderation.
Similarly, it was also meant to lighten the atmosphere and prevent him from wallowing in past pain.
Within it lay the kind, understanding hearts of the two girls.
Zhou Yan’s perception was highly acute, being able to vaguely grasp human sentiments.
Thus, he cared deeply for these two girls and did not hesitate to express such heartfelt sentiments.
All were genuine and not false.
At this moment, he could clearly hear all their conversations.
However, he didn’t listen; instead, he ‘turned a deaf ear’ as a basic gesture of respect toward them.
“Ning’er, Ping’er, come and have some roasted wild rabbit.
The young master personally made it for you, promising you an unforgettable taste.”
Zhou Yan said affectionately.
At this moment, even in his eyes, there was a carefree smile.
However, there was also a hint of mischief in that smile.
Ning’er and I have decided to practice cultivation earnestly in the future.”
Ping’er said happily.
“Ning’er, can you cultivate now?”
Zhou Yan asked in surprise.
At this moment, he also noticed that Ning’er seemed to have regained some health, losing a bit of her sickly paleness and gaining a healthier glow.
Her spiritual temperament seemed even more impressive.
It was as if a Divine presence was awakening within her; her Soul seemed to be constantly undergoing Transformation.
When I was with you earlier…
I felt as if I was practicing swordsmanship in a certain place—one swing of the Sword could freeze everything in its path, shattering Heaven and Earth…
That invincible sense of power was very intense.
I have a premonition that I might be able to start Cultivation.”
Ning’er gently furrowed her brows yet softly approached to stand before Zhou Yan and spoke these words.
There was one more thing she kept to herself.
In the midst of feeling invincible, she also felt lonely and desolate inside.
The morning sun had already risen.
Looking at this beautiful person, Zhou Yan felt an unspeakable impulse once again, as though he wished to merge her into his own body.
That inexplicable feeling, intensely engraved in his heart, suddenly grew stronger.
And as she spoke, Zhou Yan also experienced an unfamiliar, indescribable sensation.
Much like the Disciples and Elders within the community who, despite facing this seemingly delicate girl, exhibited immense fear—she had an inherent ethereal essence akin to a Fairy, making her sacred and beyond violation.
Yet, he had violated her.
Zhou Yan wanted to express thoughts of not wanting to be apart from her.
However, his premonitions were only premonitions, and he did not want to lack confidence in himself.
“Have something to eat; you’re both tired and hungry.” Zhou Yan dismissed certain thoughts of his own and steered away from the heavy topic.
This tranquil, ethereal girl, so pure and untainted, yet willing to offer herself willingly; what did he have to worry about?
He should trust her wholeheartedly!
He thought to himself and found relief.
He gathered his power, directly channeling the Sword Qi within, slicing the roasted rabbit into six perfectly even portions.
He unleashed the Sword Qi, and even the seemingly naive maid Ping’er understood this basic truth—No one below the Sword Qi Realm could produce Sword Qi!
And clearly, her young master Zhou Yan was only at the Sword Beginning First Layer, rumored to have forcefully broken through by burning his potential!
This casual display left both young girls stunned on the spot.
Ping’er’s beautiful eyes were filled with shock and joy.
Ning’er, at this moment, had eyes brimming with disbelief.
“Zhou Yan, have you comprehended Sword Qi?”
Her expression was intriguing, her eyes filled with mixed joy and wonder.
“Yes, contrary to their beliefs, I didn’t break through by burning potential; it was a natural breakthrough.
Not only that, but I also comprehended Sword Qi, which further refined my body.
Now, both my body and comprehension are quite impressive.”
Zhou Yan did not hide it.
It wasn’t about Grandmaster inheritance, so speaking openly was fine.
Mainly, he didn’t want the two girls to worry about him anymore.
He hoped to give them confidence.
And confidence stemmed significantly from talent, so Zhou Yan deliberately did it this way here.
Young master, I just knew you were the true genius.
Those evildoers will get their due sooner or later!” Ping’er was overjoyed, tears of happiness flowing uncontrollably.
“Your talent, impressive, is not just good.
Even the Great Zhou Family’s first genius, Zhou Yuntian, only comprehended Sword Qi at the Great Achievement Realm of the Sword Beginning First Layer and couldn’t even use it.
Yet you’ve just broken through and can already use Sword Qi; undoubtedly, the ‘Qi Column’ within you is remarkable.
Your talent has already surpassed his!”
Ning’er earnestly analyzed.
Hearing this, Ping’er was directly shocked into silence.
And Zhou Yan, knowing well of his own matters, realized that Ning’er’s analysis proved she was indeed knowledgeable—remarkably, some of her knowledge even seemed innate, which was a crucial reason why others in the family ‘feared’ her.
“As for whether I’ve surpassed him, it’s hard to conclude, but I’m confident I’m stronger.
However, this matter won’t be widely publicized for now; given my current situation, it’s not suitable to stand out.”
Ning’er nodded approvingly, “Yes, this aligns with what I wanted to tell you.
I’m relieved that you think this way.
Your talent, in my naturally awakened memory, is extraordinary too!”