Breaking Through the Limits
The 7th Prince sat cross-legged in the training courtyard, his breath steady as his cultivation surged. Tonight was different. His energy pulsed wildly, pushing against an invisible barrier.
Level 9… Level 10!
A surge of golden light erupted from his body as he crossed the threshold. He clenched his fists, feeling his power solidify within him. It was a small step—but an important one.
Watching from the shadows, Leo Chang nodded in approval. "Not bad. But reaching Level 10 is only the beginning."
The prince exhaled slowly. "Then teach me more, Grandmaster."
Leo smirked. "In time. But cultivation isn't just about power. You must also learn balance."
The young prince frowned. "Balance?"
"You'll understand soon enough," Leo said cryptically.
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A Growing Bond
That evening, the 7th Prince wandered the palace gardens, his body still adjusting to the breakthrough. He wasn't expecting company.
"Losing yourself in thought again?"
He turned to see Lian Hua, his teacher's daughter. She stood beneath the moonlight, her eyes calm but filled with something he couldn't quite read.
"You've been training too hard," she said, stepping closer. "You should rest sometimes."
He smirked. "Are you worried about me?"
She scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself." But her tone softened. "You're changing, growing stronger… I can see it."
Something about the way she looked at him made his heart pound. He had always admired her, but now—it was something more.
"Lian Hua…" he hesitated, then took a step forward.
She placed a hand on his chest, stopping him. "Not yet," she whispered.
He blinked. "What?"
"You still have a long way to go," she said, her voice gentle. "When you can stand at the top, then… we'll talk about this again."
She turned away, leaving him standing there, emotions swirling inside him.
He had gained power. But now, he had something else—a reason to push forward.
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