Chapter 26: A Twelve-Year-Old Ninth-Rank! Eighth Level of the Physical Realm! A Grandmaster? “I admire you, but you do not know.” These six short words struck Fan Ruoruo like thunder. Her fair cheeks instantly flushed crimson, the heat spreading all the way to the tips of her ears. Warmth surged through her, and her heartbeat lost its rhythm, pounding against her chest like a drum. So much like… a confession! A whirlwind of thoughts raced through the young girl’s mind. Is Brother Changsheng… saying this to me? She abruptly raised her head and looked at Li Changsheng. Under the sunlight, the handsome boy’s eyes held a trace of playful amusement, his gaze clear and untroubled, as if he saw nothing unusual in his words. But Fan Ruoruo’s heart refused to calm down. The admiration she had buried deep in her heart—something she hadn’t even dared to acknowledge—now surged uncontrollably, ignited by those words. She studied Li Changsheng. At twelve years old, his posture was as straight as a pine tree, his breathing steady and deep, with no trace of childishness left in him. Only Fan Ruoruo knew that the Changsheng brother before her was no ordinary boy. His progress over the years had been terrifyingly fast. Now, he was a genuine upper ninth-rank expert! Moreover, he had cultivated some mysterious body-refining technique, his physique reaching the legendary eighth level of the Physical Realm! With such strength, who in the entire world could rival him, aside from those lofty Grandmasters? Every time she thought of this, Fan Ruoruo felt both pride and overwhelming admiration for him. No one in this world is more incredible than Changsheng brother. And he’s so talented too! Fan Ruoruo steadied herself, forcing down the fluttering in her chest and pretending to be composed. She lowered her head slightly, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum. “Changsheng brother, you’re… truly amazing.” “That poem… it’s beautiful.” She lifted her eyes, her gaze bright with unconcealed admiration. “W-when I’ve written down all the poems you’ve recited, I’ll compile them into a collection!” “One day, everyone will know of your talent!” The more she spoke, the more excited she became, her small face flushing even redder with enthusiasm. “Oh! And that Dream of the Red Chamber story you told me!” “The poems in it, the plot—everything is so brilliant!” “I’ll write it all down too! Such a wonderful story can’t be forgotten!” Her tone was resolute, as if declaring a grand mission. Li Changsheng watched her earnest expression, the amusement in his eyes deepening. He reached out, his fingertips lightly brushing aside a stray lock of hair that had fallen over her forehead, tucking it behind her ear. His fingers accidentally grazed the warm curve of her earlobe. Fan Ruoruo shivered slightly, her cheeks burning even hotter. Instinctively, she took half a step back before catching herself, freezing in place. Her hands nervously twisted the hem of her dress. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting faint shadows over her trembling lashes. Her skin was delicate and fair, as if it could be pierced with a single touch. At eleven years old, she was already a stunning beauty in the making—lively, delicate, and quietly radiant, like an orchid blooming in a secluded valley. Li Changsheng withdrew his hand, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before shifting away. “Alright, it’s getting late. I should head back.” Fan Ruoruo’s eyes dimmed slightly with disappointment, but she nodded obediently. “Mm, take care, Changsheng brother.” Back in the palace courtyard. The moment Li Changsheng stepped into the hall, a graceful figure approached him. Today, she wore a flowing lilac palace gown that trailed elegantly behind her, accentuating her enchanting curves. Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, her demeanor noble and dignified, yet an air of aloofness lingered between her brows. Only when she saw Li Changsheng did a trace of warmth soften her cool eyes. Her voice was soft, carrying a unique cadence. Li Changsheng stepped forward, studying the woman before him—his nominal mother, and the most powerful princess of the Great Qing Dynasty. Time had been kind to her, leaving few marks on her face. Instead, it had bestowed upon her a mature, intoxicating charm. Li Changsheng dipped his head slightly. Li Yunrui took a step forward and opened her arms, embracing him gently. A faint, fragrant hug. The softness pressing against him made Li Changsheng pause for a split second before relaxing. Over the years, such embraces had become routine. Li Yunrui released him, studying the boy closely. At twelve, Li Changsheng was nearly as tall as she was. His features were handsome, inheriting the best traits of Emperor Qing and Ye Qingmei, yet carrying a unique air of quiet confidence. His eyes were deep and bright, as if they could see through a person’s soul. Every time she met his gaze, an inexplicable feeling stirred within Li Yunrui. This child has been different since the day he was born. She knew he was intelligent—unnaturally so. But she had no idea just how terrifying his current strength was. Upper ninth-rank. Eighth level of the Physical Realm. Power bordering on that of a Grandmaster. He had never revealed any of this in front of her. Li Yunrui only vaguely sensed that her son was extraordinary. Years ago, she had sent Yan Xiaoyi to secretly follow and protect Li Changsheng. Yet, this peerless ninth-rank archer—a man whose tracking skills were unmatched—had somehow lost him! When Yan Xiaoyi returned to report, his face was grim, his usual confidence shattered. “Your Highness… I lost His Royal Highness.” But it struck Li Yunrui like a bolt of lightning. She shot up from her seat so abruptly that she knocked over a teacup beside her. The scalding liquid splashed onto the back of her hand, yet she didn’t even notice. Staring at Yan Xiaoyi in disbelief, her voice trembled. “How is that possible?!” Yan Xiaoyi was a ninth-rank archer! One of the greatest trackers in the world! The number of people who could evade him could be counted on one hand! And her son—how old had he been then? Yet he had managed to shake off Yan Xiaoyi? Li Yunrui’s heart pounded violently. A complicated emotion she couldn’t name surged within her. She stared at Yan Xiaoyi’s defeated expression for a long moment before slowly sitting back down. Her fingertips trembled faintly. Just how many secrets is this child hiding? From that day on, Li Yunrui never sent Yan Xiaoyi to follow Li Changsheng again. She understood now—her son was far more mysterious and powerful than she had ever imagined. This realization filled her with both pride and an inexplicable unease. Now, as she gazed at the increasingly tall and striking boy before her, Li Yunrui suppressed her thoughts and asked gently, “Was sword training tiring today?” Li Changsheng shook his head. His eyes drifted past her, settling on the courtyard outside. There, a tall, broad-shouldered figure stood, drawing his bow with focused precision. Dressed in black martial attire, his expression was solemn, every draw of his bow radiating an unshakable steadiness. The bowstring sang as the arrow shot forth. The projectile struck the bullseye of a distant target with unerring accuracy. The force was so strong that the arrow’s shaft continued to vibrate long after impact. Li Changsheng watched, a flicker of interest in his eyes. In the world of Joy of Life, Yan Xiaoyi’s archery skills were unparalleled. When it came to long-range assassination, no one surpassed him. Li Yunrui followed his gaze, spotting Yan Xiaoyi in the courtyard. A faint smile touched her lips. “Interested in archery?” Li Changsheng looked back at her and nodded. “It seems intriguing.” She turned and called out to Yan Xiaoyi in the courtyard. Hearing her voice, Yan Xiaoyi lowered his bow and bowed in greeting. “Starting today, you will teach Changsheng archery.” Her tone was calm, but it carried the weight of an unbreakable command. Yan Xiaoyi froze for a moment before shifting his gaze to Li Changsheng, his eyes complex. He still remembered the humiliation of losing track of this boy years ago. And now… he was to teach him archery? Bowing deeply, he replied, “As you command, Your Highness.”