— Quiet Growth
After leaving the Emperor's hall, Nahil did not wander around the palace any further and instead returned directly to the residence arranged for him near the Princess Manor, where the atmosphere was calm and isolated enough for cultivation.
The moment he entered his room, he closed the door behind him and let out a slow breath, as if releasing the pressure that had been building inside him since the meeting.
The presence of the Emperor still lingered in his mind.
It was not fear, but a clear understanding of the difference between them.
Golden Core before twenty…
The condition echoed within his thoughts, carrying a weight that could not be ignored.
—
Nahil walked toward the center of the room and sat down cross-legged on the floor, adjusting his breathing as his expression gradually turned calm and focused.
"There is no point thinking too much," he murmured softly. "Strength is the only answer."
—
He slowly closed his eyes.
His consciousness began to settle as he recalled the cultivation technique he had obtained from within the depths of his mind.
The Yang Circulation Method.
A technique that felt profound and unfamiliar, yet strangely natural to him.
—
As he began to comprehend the method, the surrounding spiritual qi started to respond.
At first, the flow was gentle.
Almost unnoticeable.
But as his focus deepened, the qi in the air gradually gathered around him, forming faint currents that moved toward his body.
—
His breathing synchronized with the flow.
Each inhale drew in spiritual qi.
Each exhale refined it.
—
The qi entered his meridians and slowly circulated through his body before gathering in his dantian.
There, something began to change.
—
The third layer of Qi Refining that he had previously stabilized started to tremble slightly, as if making way for something new.
A fourth layer began to form.
—
This was the Qi Circulation Stage.
—
The process was not fast, nor was it slow.
It progressed steadily, supported by the unique nature of the Yang Circulation Method and the transformation within his body.
—
Time passed quietly.
Hours turned into a full day.
Then another.
Then another.
—
For three entire days, Nahil remained in the same position, completely immersed in cultivation.
He did not eat.
He did not sleep.
His entire focus was placed on strengthening his foundation.
—
On the third day, the flow of qi within his body suddenly stabilized.
The fourth layer of Qi Refining solidified completely.
—
Nahil slowly opened his eyes.
A faint light seemed to pass through them, sharper than before.
—
He exhaled deeply.
"My cultivation has finally reached the fourth layer…"
—
He clenched his fist slightly, feeling the increase in strength.
There was a clear improvement.
—
However, instead of satisfaction, a slight frown appeared on his face.
"It is still slow…"
—
Although his speed had already surpassed his previous state, it did not meet his expectations.
Not when he had such a heavy condition placed upon him.
—
"I need something that can increase my cultivation speed further," he muttered.
Resources.
Techniques.
Opportunities.
He would need all of them.
—
After a moment of silence, another thought appeared in his mind.
My parents…
—
His expression softened slightly.
"They must be worried about me."
—
Without wasting any more time, Nahil stood up and left his room.
—
He walked through the quiet corridors of the manor, eventually reaching the area where the maids resided.
After asking briefly, he was directed to Clory's room.
—
He raised his hand and knocked lightly.
—
From inside, a voice replied,
"Come in."
—
Nahil opened the door and stepped inside.
Clory was seated at a table, seemingly organizing some items.
When she saw him, her expression changed slightly.
—
"You recovered quickly," she said, her tone carrying a hint of surprise.
—
Nahil smiled faintly.
"yes"
—
Clory narrowed her eyes slightly, as if trying to assess whether he was being modest or simply hiding something.
—
After a brief pause, Nahil spoke.
"I came to ask for a small favor."
—
Clory raised an eyebrow.
"A favor?"
—
"Yes," Nahil replied. "I want to inform my parents that I am safe. They must be worried about me."
—
Clory stared at him for a moment.
Then, without warning, she let out a soft sigh.
—
"So, you remembered that you have parents," she said, her tone slightly teasing. "I was beginning to think you planned to disappear without a trace."
—
Nahil's expression stiffened slightly.
"That was not my intention," he replied. "The situation was… unexpected."
—
Clory leaned back slightly, crossing her arms.
"Unexpected? You were nearly eaten by a beast, brought back by the Princess, and now you are about to marry into the royal family. I would say that is more than just unexpected."
—
Nahil could not immediately respond.
—
After a brief pause, he said,
"When you say it like that, it does sound a bit strange."
—
Clory let out a small laugh.
"You think?"
—
Nahil sighed lightly.
"I only want to send a message to them."
—
Clory looked at him carefully.
Then she nodded.
"It is not a difficult matter. I can arrange for someone to deliver the message."
—
Nahil relaxed slightly.
"Thank you."
—
Clory tilted her head slightly, observing him.
"However," she added, "you should be careful."
—
Nahil frowned.
"Careful?"
—
"You are no longer just a boy from a small family," she said. "Your identity is changing. Even something as simple as sending a message can attract attention."
—
Nahil understood her meaning immediately.
—
"I will keep that in mind," he said.
—
Clory nodded.
"Good."
—
Then she looked at him again, a faint smile appearing on her face.
—
"But I must say," she added, "you are surprisingly calm for someone in your position."
—
Nahil raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Should I be panicking instead?"
—
Clory smirked.
"It would be more normal."
—
Nahil shook his head.
"Panic does not solve problems."
—
Clory stared at him for a moment.
Then she laughed softly.
—
"You are either very mature," she said, "or very strange."
—
Nahil smiled faintly.
"Perhaps a bit of both."
—
For a brief moment, the atmosphere became lighter.
—
Then Clory stood up.
"I will arrange for your message to be delivered," she said.
—
Nahil nodded.
"Thank you."
—
As he turned to leave, Clory suddenly spoke again.
—
"Oh, and Nahil…"
—
He stopped and looked back.
—
"If you really plan to survive in this palace…"
she said with a faint smile,
"you should get stronger faster."
—
Nahil's expression became serious again.
—
"I plan to," he replied.
—
And with that—
he left the room.
—
Back in the quiet corridor, his gaze became firm.
—
This is only the beginning.