Six years have passed.
In the rear mountains of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, a loud, weathered voice echoed through the valley.
"That lazy brat is slacking off again! Did he even learn the soul-forging technique I taught him?"
A massive bone dragon flew overhead. Riding its head, Gu Rong searched angrily for someone.
Not long after, the Sword Douluo Chen Xin arrived, asking if Ye Chen had grasped the sword intent he was assigned last month.
Gu Rong grumbled that Ye Chen had been missing for half a month, always off playing and never seriously training—even though his talent was astounding.
Despite this, Ye Chen's soul power continued to grow steadily, frustrating both elders.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen lounged under a giant clock tower, gazing at the distance, reminiscing about Tang San—the friend he promised to meet.
Beside him, Ning Rongrong curiously asked about "Xiao San." Though only 12, she had matured into a beautiful young lady, often playfully testing Ye Chen's boundaries.
Eventually, the day came. With advice and reluctant farewells from the elders, Ye Chen and Rongrong departed for Soto City.
After a month's journey, they arrived. Rongrong was ecstatic, dragging Ye Chen through street markets. Burdened with shopping bags, Ye Chen bumped into Tang San and Xiao Wu.
The group caught up and checked into a hotel. Rongrong casually revealed she and Ye Chen often shared a room, flustering him. Tang San and Xiao Wu found it amusing.
While chatting, a cocky young man with strange eyes (double pupils) entered, causing a scene. When he challenged the group, he picked Ye Chen as the strongest. Ye Chen downplayed it, warning the guy that he might regret it if he really fought him.
---
Realistic Rewrite:
Chapter 8: A Promise and a Departure
Six years had passed since that fateful day.
In the secluded rear mountains of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, an old yet powerful voice rang out.
"That kid's skipping practice again! Did he even try the soul-forging technique I taught him?"
A massive skeletal dragon soared above the valley. Perched on its head, the elder Gu Rong squinted down with an irate expression, searching the grounds.
Moments later, Sword Douluo Chen Xin glided in on a sword of light. "Gu Rong," he called, "have you seen Ye Chen? Did he manage to comprehend the sword intent I gave him last month?"
Gu Rong scratched his sparse hair in frustration. "Haven't seen him for half a month. That kid's always running off—fishing, climbing trees, even surviving on an island for months like he's on holiday. With his talent, it's a waste."
Chen Xin sighed. Despite their efforts to mentor Ye Chen like their own son, his interest in training was minimal. Strangely, his soul power kept improving steadily, almost unnaturally so.
Elsewhere, under a stained-glass dome inside the school's old clock tower, Ye Chen lay on his back, gazing at the sky.
"Six years... I wonder how you've been, Xiao San."
Beside him, Ning Rongrong leaned against his shoulder, her voice soft and curious. "Who's Xiao San? A friend from home?"
Ye Chen smiled, brushing her hair gently. "A brother I grew up with. We promised to meet again."
Rongrong was no longer a child. At twelve, she had grown into a poised young lady. Though they shared a close bond, Ye Chen always kept a line between them. She didn't make it easy—her teasing had grown bolder, and more difficult to ignore.
A few days later, Ye Chen packed his things. The sun was bright when they stood before the school gates. Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, and Chen Xin gave their farewells.
"Take care of Rongrong, Ye Chen," said Gu Rong seriously. "If anything happens to her…"
"I know," Ye Chen said, bowing respectfully.
As they left in a modest carriage, the elders watched silently. Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a half-smile. "She's completely smitten. Thankfully, Ye Chen's always been composed… for now."
---
Soto City.
A bustling city where trade flowed freely between kingdoms. The streets were packed with people. Naturally, Rongrong dove straight into the market, dragging Ye Chen along.
"Do you like this one? How about this? Isn't this dress adorable?"
Ye Chen followed, arms overflowing with bags. "Yeah, yeah. It's all great. Whatever you like."
Soon, he resembled a walking tree of shopping bags.
"Ye Chen!"
A familiar voice called out. Pushing the bags aside, Ye Chen's face lit up. "Xiao San!"
Tang San, in blue robes, approached with a gentle smile. Beside him, Xiao Wu's bright eyes sparkled with mischief.
After a few laughs and reunions, they headed to a nearby inn.
"Two premium rooms, please," Tang San told the innkeeper.
Xiao Wu raised an eyebrow at Ye Chen and Rongrong. "Just two rooms? Wait, don't tell me you two have already..."
Ye Chen waved his hands. "No! Nothing like that."
But Rongrong wrapped herself around his arm and smiled. "We share a room all the time. Daddy said not to be wasteful when we travel, right?"
Ye Chen coughed. "Right... save money."
Tang San and Xiao Wu chuckled. They'd seen the mountain of impractical shopping bags Rongrong had just bought.
As they laughed, a tall young man with golden hair entered, arms around two women. His piercing dual-colored pupils turned heads.
"I said I want a room," the man barked at the staff. "Where's your manager?"
Tang San stepped forward calmly. "Sorry, we were here first."
The man sneered. "You're soul masters too? Fine. I'll give you a chance—beat me, and the room's yours."
He looked over the group and pointed at Ye Chen. "You're the strongest, aren't you? Come prove it."
Ye Chen sighed. "Me? Nah, pick him." He gestured to Tang San.
The man laughed mockingly. "What, scared?"
Ye Chen smiled faintly. "A bit, yeah. I'm scared you won't walk out on your own if I actually try."