Eternal Holy Emperor
Chapter 43 - 41 The Thoughts of a Young Girl

Chapter 43: Chapter 41 The Thoughts of a Young Girl

After the arrival of Master Li Yun, one of Ye Chen’s identities was revealed as a disciple of a Second Star Alchemist.

This identity change caused everyone’s attitude toward Ye Chen to shift dramatically; no longer would they dare to look down on or scorn him, instead, they became respectful and didn’t dare to offend him.

Naturally, those who were happiest were Ye Chen’s parents as well as Huan’er and Ye Zimei, those who truly cared about him.

Although still shocked at Ye Chen’s status as a disciple of a Second Star Alchemist, they were mostly joyous and did not press for the mysterious identity of Mr. Qian.

Every alchemist is proud, especially a Second Star Alchemist, who would not tolerate others casually learning of their identity, lest it led to unpleasantries between them.

It was precisely because of this identity that Ye Chen had regained the dignity of his status as the noble young master of the family, and now, wherever he went within the clan, wherever there were people, they would almost immediately greet him with radiant faces full of respect, even appearing more reverent than when facing the elders.

However, he did not show arrogance or condescend; he merely handled it all calmly. To him, this status was mostly just a convenience, at least protecting him from being bullied or troubled by others.

Even Ye Zhengyang, the newly emerged Innate Expert of the Ye Family, hadn’t come to trouble Ye Chen in recent days. Being warned by the Great Elder was one thing, fearing Ye Chen’s status as a disciple of a Second Star Alchemist was another, but perhaps even more importantly, Ye Chen’s own strength was a significant deterrent.

Ye Zhengyang was appalled by how Ye Chen matched him in a direct contest previously and harbored a deep wariness of him, adding to the other reasons why he no longer dared to cause trouble.

Ye Chen, naturally, was pleased to see this. In truth, he never took Ye Zhengyang seriously. To someone who had witnessed the vast expanse of the Great World, a minor place like Luofeng City scarcely deserved his attention.

"Little Chenzi, what do you plan to do?" Elder Yan’s figure floated out and asked, "After all, Luofeng City is only a small city, and you cannot stay here for long. If you want to become truly strong, you will have to leave."

Ye Chen gazed up at the azure sky, his eyes somewhat distant, and softly said, "I’m naturally aware of this, be it Luofeng City, Xiafeng Country, or even the entire Tiandu Continent, they are all too small for me. I will leave one day, but only when I have amassed enough strength."

Elder Yan nodded, "Right now, your strength is too weak, and you’re not yet ready to leave the Tiandu Continent; it’ll probably take a few more years."

Ye Chen replied, "The cultivation here in Luofeng City has been largely sufficient. In a few days, I will leave this small city and head to a new world for training. But before I leave, I need to prepare."

Under the brilliant sunshine, Ye Chen strolled through the backyard when suddenly a bell-like, clear, and melodious voice rang out—

"Brother Ye Chen, congratulations."

A beautiful and graceful figure appeared, it was Ye Zimei. She glided over, clad in a flowing purple dress, dignified and lithe, with jade hairpins scattered among her black hair, her face lightly made up, shining brightly and enchanting.

The young girl offered her sincerest congratulations, delighted to see her brother regain his former glory.

"Zimei, thank you."

Ye Chen caressed Ye Zimei’s long hair that fell to her hips. Looking at the beautiful girl who had grown into an especially charming and tall young lady at the age of sixteen, he thought that though perhaps she might not yet match the innate talent of the Yangg family’s prodigious daughter, Yang Yi, due to her youthful freshness, she was still very pure and lovely.

"Ah, Brother Ye Chen, you’re so naughty, messing up my hair," the young girl muttered discontentedly, straightening her hair ruffled by Ye Chen. That day, clad in purple, she was even more beautiful, like a newly bloomed begonia in early spring, irresistibly heart-stirring.

She raised her delicate face, cheeks tinged with a timid blush, bit her red lip and said, "Brother Ye Chen, do you have free time today?"

Ye Chen glanced at her, smiling, "I don’t need to cultivate for the moment, so I am free today. What’s up?"

The girl’s soft hands twisted behind her back, suddenly seeming shy, her fluttering eyelashes lifted as she parted her red lips, "Can Brother Ye Chen spend the day with Zimei?"

Looking at the young girl’s moving face, Ye Chen habitually reached out to pinch her cheek and smiled warmly, "If little sister Zimei asks, how could I refuse? Sure, whatever you say goes. I will grant your wish."

"Thank you, Brother!"

The girl’s face immediately burst into a pure and stunning smile, beaming radiantly, turning heads.

From the Ancient Ring, Elder Yan emerged, and though he looked like the very picture of a Daoist sage, his words carried an unkind mirth, "Little Chenzi, you’re really popular. This young lady seems to have fallen for you."

Ye Chen rolled his eyes at the shameless old man; this was his sister, and he was certainly not a beast to lay hands on his own sister. Their relationship was, at most, a little more intimate.

Elder Yan shook his head speechlessly with a sigh, this guy, really as obtuse as a lump of wood, utterly clueless about romantic affairs...

Having received an invitation from a lovely girl, the two of them laughed and chatted as they made their way outside the clan, with peals of bright laughter occasionally ringing out, drawing attention.

When clan members who crossed their paths saw Ye Chen and Ye Zimei chatting and laughing intimately, they couldn’t help but show a look of envy.

Ye Zimei, with her beauty and talent, was the most dazzling jewel of the younger generation in the clan.

Countless younger clansmen adored her, but unfortunately, the young girl always maintained a distance from everyone. Even Ye Zhengyang, who was once prominent, had been rebuffed by her.

It could be said that, within the entire clan, only Ye Chen could have such closeness with Ye Zimei, which might have been different in the past but inevitably invited jealousy since Ye Chen was considered but a good-for-nothing. However, following the visit of Master Li Yun, Ye Chen’s secret identity was also exposed—a disciple of a Second Star Alchemist, how glorious.

Even now, the three family elders treat Ye Chen with courtesy, not daring to impose their elder status upon him, let alone remain hostile as before. They are quite amiable.

Ignoring the expressions of other clan members, Ye Chen led Ye Zimei away from the mansion for a casual stroll on the bustling streets...

Perhaps because of Ye Chen’s company, Ye Zimei became much livelier after leaving the family, pulling Ye Chen along as she darted from stall to stall, like a delicate begonia adding splashes of beauty to the small city.

Ye Chen walked behind her, looking at the girl who was giggling and lively. Suddenly, he became a bit dazed, as vivid memories deeply etched in his soul surfaced, followed by a somber sigh...

After their fun, the girl started to feel tired and suggested they rest. Naturally, Ye Chen readily agreed and led her down a quiet alley.

Suddenly, Ye Zimei’s face turned a flushed red, almost as if she was about to bleed, puzzling Ye Chen. He couldn’t help but ask, "Zimei, what’s wrong?"

"Brother Ye Chen, do you really want to go in?" asked Ye Zimei, her face blushing slightly.

Ye Chen, taking it for granted, replied, "Of course, the sun is so fierce, and it’s cool here. It’s best to go in. What’s the matter, don’t you like it?"

Ye Zimei’s face turned even redder. After hesitating for a moment, she shook her head and then said with some determination, "As long as Brother Ye Chen likes it."

Seeing the girl’s suddenly strange expression, Ye Chen was puzzled and didn’t quite understand. But he still led the girl further into the alley, where Elder Yan’s expression looked extremely mischievous, as if he was watching a good show.

They had only walked a short distance when strange sounds began emanating from farther in —

"Mmm, no, don’t—"

"Don’t, go slower, be gentle, it hurts, oh—"

"Yameide—"

A bizarre female voice came through, carrying a suppressed tone that also seemed excited, sounding very weird no matter how one listened.

Then a suppressed male voice joined in, panting heavily, blending with the female voice, rising and falling together.

"What is that noise?" Ye Chen was taken aback, listened for a moment, and was soon dumbfounded.

Oh my god, this was clearly the sound of people engaging in clandestine activities. To think they would brazenly choose such a place in broad daylight!

Looking around, Ye Chen then realized that this was a known spot in Luofeng City for lovers’ rendezvous and intimacy. No wonder Ye Zimei had looked so embarrassed. He rarely paid attention and hadn’t expected to inadvertently lead his sister into such a place. This was trouble.

Turning to look back at Ye Zimei, her face was blushing profusely, so much so it appeared as though she might drip water. She hung her head low, her hands fidgeting with her clothes in a manner that was exceedingly shy and alluring.

Ye Chen was dumbstruck. This was a disaster for his reputation...

Elder Yan gave him a thumbs up, smirking, "Little Chenzi, you’re bold! Seems like things aren’t convenient at home, and this place adds a thrill, doesn’t it? I understand, you don’t need to explain."

Understand my foot.

Ye Chen cursed inwardly. Having spent some time together, he knew that Elder Yan was not the Immortal with the Dao Bone he pretended to be, but instead very roguish at heart. Now without any reservations, he cursed openly.

But looking at Ye Zimei, he said with an embarrassed face, "Zimei, I’m sorry, this..."

Suddenly, Ye Zimei lifted her head, her face full of shy charm, her eyes spring-like, pitiful and endearing, softly asking, "Brother Ye Chen, do you really want to?"

Ye Chen was struck speechless by her words, hastily saying, "Zimei, don’t misunderstand me, brother I really didn’t..."

Before he could finish, Ye Zimei placed a small hand over his mouth, giggled, and said, "Brother Ye Chen, you don’t have to explain. Zimei trusts that you’re not that kind of person. It was just a joke just now."

However, he failed to notice the fleeting sadness and disappointment in Ye Zimei’s eyes as she turned away.

"You understand, that’s good," Ye Chen breathed a sigh of relief. If Ye Zimei misunderstood that he intentionally brought her here for those blush-inducing activities, it would ruin his reputation for a lifetime.

Elder Yan looked at him with a disappointed expression, thinking the kid was so dense...

Ye Chen was oblivious to Elder Yan’s thoughts, but he dared not linger in this embarrassing place any longer. He quickly pulled Ye Zimei out of the alley.

Not until they returned home did Ye Chen habitually ruffle the girl’s silky hair, prompting her to murmur in dissatisfaction. Only then did he laugh heartily and head back to his own courtyard.

But he didn’t notice that at the parting spot, Ye Zimei stood tall and graceful, watching the retreating figure of the young man with a mix of shyness, resoluteness, sorrow, and disappointment, her feelings complicated...

Brother Ye Chen, don’t you understand Zimei’s feelings...

PS: The internet was down, the network has just been fixed, so the update was delayed; there will definitely be three updates. Also, I glanced at the weekly recommendation votes, and I was dumbfounded; I’m just a few votes short of my target. Looks like there will be three updates tomorrow, your power is really strong, I didn’t think it would happen. Dear readers, keep it up, I’ve said that if we reach fourteen hundred votes this week, I’ll do four updates, we’re only a little short. And if we hit eighteen hundred votes, there will be five updates. Your power is immense, so don’t make it tough for me, my stockpile of Chapters is nearly gone, I never imagined you’d be so fierce, I better hurry and type, hehe!