Chapter 26: The Dragon Family’s Secret

“Elder brother, how have you been lately?
This time, Ling’er sneaked into City H, and I asked her to bring you a bottle of Concentration Pill.
I used to think that only by breaking through the limits of the Post-Natural realm through internal energy could one reach the Natural realm. But a few days ago, I met a solitary cultivator who managed to reach the Natural realm by strengthening his body. This made me think that if mental strength can break through the limits of the Post-Natural realm, it might also lead to the Natural realm.
That Concentration Pill was made by the Third Elder at my father’s request after I told him about this. It can greatly enhance mental strength. If taking it helps your mental strength break through from the Post-Natural realm to the Natural realm, it might even improve the chronic problem in your dantian. Then, you’ll be able to return to the family legitimately.
Our father has been worried about you all these years. You’re his only son. He was forced to expel you back then due to clan rules and the pressure from the elders. I hope that one day you’ll rise and return to the Dragon family with honor, showing those powerful elders that their actions were wrong!
Yue’er is just a woman. Her only wish in life is to find a man she loves and marry him. If you refuse to return to the Dragon family, Yue’er will have to take on the responsibility of clan leader, ruining her happiness for life. Yue’er is your own sister—can you bear to see her live like this? I hope you’ll return soon, take on the role of clan leader, and arrange Yue’er’s marriage.
There’s one more thing to mention: the Natural realm isn’t the peak of martial arts as ordinary warriors imagine. There are differences even within the Natural realm. After you break through, don’t be reckless or fight bravely—keep a low profile.
—Long Yue”
After reading the letter, Long Tian shook his head with a bitter smile. “That little girl Yue’er—writing like this… Could it be she has a sweetheart and wants to get married urgently?”
“That man is a physical cultivator, but just a solitary one without any family background. Sister Yue’er told me and asked me not to tell anyone else,” Zhuge Ling’er said, blinking her big eyes at Long Tian.
“No wonder she mentioned that solitary cultivator in the letter, saying he’s her friend…” Long Tian shook his head again, a hint of gloom in his eyes. “But asking me, a natural loser, to be the clan leader? She’s really overestimating me.”
“Brother Long Tian isn’t a loser! I heard from Sister Yue’er that it took him less than a year to reach the peak of the Post-Natural realm. Those people are just jealous of him and said such things,” Zhuge Ling’er pouted, defending Long Tian.

“What’s the use of reaching the peak of acquired strength? With an abnormal dantian, it’s impossible to transform innate power. No matter how strong one is, they’ll remain at the peak of acquired strength for life.” Long Tian sighed lightly. “It’s no different from being a waste!”
“Brother Long Tian… you’ll definitely get better…” Zhuge Ling’er said weakly beside him. Seeing Long Tian in such a state, she felt very distressed.
“It’s okay. So many years have passed…” Long Tian turned around, smiled at Zhuge Ling’er, and changed the subject. “What do you think of City H?”
“It’s great! The scenery is beautiful, with trees everywhere, as well as mountains and rivers. It’s much better than our dilapidated house!” Zhuge Ling’er nodded eagerly.
“If your dad heard you say that, he’d definitely beat you! If the Jade Tower of the Zhuge family is considered a dilapidated house, then all the houses in the world would be nothing but shacks.” Long Tian shook his head and laughed.
“By the way, Brother Long Tian, before coming here, I met Ye Feng!” Zhuge Ling’er suddenly remembered this. In her eyes, Ye Feng should be Long Tian’s only friend in this world.
“Oh, was it because of the case?” Long Tian frowned slightly and asked casually.
“Mm, yes. He’s a really handsome guy!” Zhuge Ling’er laughed.
“Is it me who’s handsome or him?” Long Tian raised his eyebrows slightly, waiting for Zhuge Ling’er’s answer.
“Well… um… you two are different types, so it’s hard to say…” Zhuge Ling’er hesitated for a long time. Clearly, the two of them were a struggle in her mind, and she ultimately couldn’t decide.
“Hmm, it seems I’m on the same level as him after all. Being eight years older than him, I’m quite pleased—seems I’m not that old yet.” Long Tian picked up a mirror beside him somewhat narcissistically and adjusted his hair.
“You’re so narcissistic!” Zhuge Ling’er couldn’t help but laugh.
“What did Ye Feng tell you?” Long Tian put down the mirror and looked at Zhuge Ling’er.
“He said you’re a great person…” Zhuge Ling’er covered her mouth and laughed. “He said you have courage and are very generous…”
“Surely you didn’t write that in your report too?” Long Tian found it hard to accept this answer from Zhuge Ling’er.
“No, I asked him privately!” Zhuge Ling’er stuck out her tongue.
“If you even ask him such things privately, it shows your relationship isn’t ordinary!” Long Tian finally felt relieved. Since Zhuge Ling’er said so, it must mean Ye Feng being the killer had been kept hidden.

“I’m just gossiping occasionally, what’s the big deal? But there’s one thing that seems strange to me—these past few days, it seems like you two haven’t been in touch by phone at all. Didn’t you used to take him out for dinner every week?” Zhuge Ling’er noticed something odd as she spoke.
“I’ve been quite busy lately, and that kid seems to have some exams coming up too, so I just haven’t bothered to take him out!” Long Tian tried to cover it up.
“By the way, why is Emperor Bar suddenly getting renovated? The owner has also disappeared. I was planning to go check it out; after all, it’s the most popular bar in City H…” Zhuge Ling’er complained.
“I have no idea about that. But the owner, Old Liu, is quite adventurous—who knows where he’s gone?” Long Tian shook his head with a wry smile. He knew that if someone were to connect these events, they might indeed uncover the reasons behind this shooting.
“How much longer do you plan to stay here?” Long Tian hoped that this girl would leave this troublesome place as soon as possible.
“I’ll leave in a few days. After all, I did this secretly from my dad, so I can’t stay too long. My letters and medicinal pills have already been sent, and there’s nothing else to do.” Zhuge Ling’er seemed a bit disappointed.
“Oh, you can just slip out again another time. As long as your dad doesn’t find out this time, there will be another chance. If he does find out, it’ll be harder to get out in the future…” Long Tian deliberately urged her to leave City H quickly.
“You’re right. It seems I need to head back early tomorrow. I’ll come to City H again next time!” Hearing Long Tian’s words, Zhuge Ling’er found them sensible and immediately decided to go back.
“I’ll see you out. Stay longer next time, and I’ll treat you to dinner!” Long Tian nodded and escorted Zhuge Ling’er out.