Chapter 124: The Request

“No way!” another steward spoke bluntly. “The Heaven’s Chosen quota is extremely important. It concerns whether the young members of our Nangong family can gain recognition from the experts in the prefecture, and it may even affect the future prospects of the Nangong family. These quotas are already scarce—how could we casually give one to an outsider?”

“Yes, Steward, you are right,” the Grand Commander chimed in. “Brother Ye, you might not know, but within Nanyang Prefecture, there are three hundred and sixty-five cities. The Heaven’s Chosen quota is the prefecture’s way of selecting top-tier talents from these cities for cultivation. Those who stand out in this competition will bring great rewards to their families.”

“The Heaven’s Chosen selection only occurs once every three years, and the number of quotas allotted to each city varies based on its strength. Yongle City, ruled by the Nangong family, ranks slightly above average among these cities and only receives three quotas each time. Even a single quota is crucial for the Nangong family.”

“Moreover,” he continued, “various powerful factions within Yongle City have begun to stir, but as long as the Nangong family has disciples chosen by the experts in the prefecture, all these issues will be resolved.”

“I understand the crisis facing the Nangong family,” Ye Cheng said firmly, “but I will not give up this Heaven’s Chosen quota.” For Ye Cheng, this quota was an opportunity—a chance to strengthen himself and a gateway through the teleportation array leading to the Outer Realm, where he hoped to find his father. Such an opportunity was impossible to relinquish.

If he lost this chance, he would have to wait until reaching the peak of the Ancient Core Realm before qualifying to use the teleportation array based on strength. According to Elder Mu’s estimate, reaching the Primordial Spirit Realm could take twenty years, and even reaching the peak of the Ancient Core Realm would take over a decade. Ye Cheng could not wait that long.

“Heh, Brother Ye, rest assured. Since the Nangong family has promised you this, you will not be shortchanged. But this quota truly means a great deal to the Nangong family,” Nangong Hao said with a smile. “Also, standing out in the Heaven’s Chosen competition is no easy feat. Although you are indeed formidable, Brother Ye,” he glanced at him meaningfully, “each year many prodigies with extraordinary talents participate. Frankly, Brother Ye, you lack the backing of a major power and thus are somewhat at a disadvantage. Why not give up this opportunity? The Nangong family will provide you with some compensation. You can consider it.”

“Grandpa Hao, that’s not right. I’ve already promised Ye Cheng, and he has helped us win this competition,” Nangong Xue said, displeased, glaring at the elders of her family.

“Oh? Compensation?” Ye Cheng suddenly showed interest. “Some cultivation techniques? Martial arts?”

“Kid, don’t ask for cultivation techniques or martial arts. You have a devouring constitution. Aside from your exclusive technique, the Soul Devouring Art, it’s hard to find any other technique suitable for you in this world. As for martial arts, once you break into the Yuan Realm, I have plenty for you,” Elder Mu’s discontented voice echoed in Ye Cheng’s mind.

Upon hearing Elder Mu’s words, Ye Cheng’s eyes brightened. “Indeed, with such a living treasure, I won’t lack martial arts in the future.”

“Sorry, cultivation techniques and martial arts are far less important to me than that quota,” Ye Cheng said decisively. Elder Mu was right—no cultivation technique could match the Soul Devouring Art for his devouring constitution. No matter how many cultivation techniques were offered, if he couldn’t practice them, it was useless. As for martial arts, Elder Mu had plenty, and once he broke into the Yuan Realm, he could acquire many profound techniques.

“Brother Ye, have you thought this through? The Nangong family’s martial arts and cultivation techniques are not ordinary. Even one volume would cause countless Yuan Realm experts to fight viciously over it,” Nangong Hao persisted.

“Heh, it’s better to master a few well than many poorly. Sorry, but I’m not interested,” Ye Cheng replied.

Seeing Ye Cheng’s firm resolve, Nangong Hao sighed helplessly and turned his gaze to Nangong Xiong. The latter lifted his sleeves slightly, and after watching Ye Cheng calmly sip his tea for a moment, a hint of approval appeared in his eyes. “This young man’s character is truly understood.”

“Since Brother Ye is so intent on this Heaven’s Chosen quota, the Nangong family will not go back on its word. Not only that, but if Brother Ye ever encounters difficulties in the future, feel free to ask. As long as it’s within the Nangong family’s capacity, we will surely assist,” Nangong Xiong said with a smile, looking at Ye Cheng.

After a brief moment of surprise, those present instantly realized their family head was trying to win over Ye Cheng. They also understood how highly Nangong Xiong valued him.

“In that case, I thank the Nangong family head in advance!” Ye Cheng cupped his hands and smiled. Given all the favors extended, he naturally had to be humble.

“Don’t call me family head. That’s too formal,” Nangong Xiong said with a smile, pointing to Nangong Xue beside him. “You’re Xue’er’s friend, so there’s no need for such formality. If you don’t mind, just call me Uncle Nangong.”

Nangong Xue, seeing her father treat Ye Cheng so kindly, cast a few secret glances at him but said little, standing quietly to the side.

“Thank you, Uncle Nangong,” Ye Cheng replied politely.

“Haha,” Nangong Xiong laughed heartily. “If you achieve something in the future, Brother Ye, the Nangong family will definitely rely on you a lot.”

“That goes without saying,” Ye Cheng smiled.

Though he knew their interest stemmed from his potential, Ye Cheng did not dwell too much on it, especially since Nangong Xue was involved. Otherwise, with his talent, he might be average in Yongle City but fell short compared to some true prodigies in the prefecture. Forcing them to give up a Heaven’s Chosen quota would be nearly impossible.

After all, if the quota was yielded, even if Ye Cheng was recognized by the higher-ups in the prefecture, Yongle City would receive no benefit. Only the Ye family, his own, would gain.

After a brief silence, Ye Cheng suddenly remembered he had not returned to his family for months. When he left, the Luo family was still entangled in disputes with the Ye family, and Luo Long even followed him to the Demon Forest to attack him. All these thoughts weighed heavily on Ye Cheng’s mind.

With that in mind, Ye Cheng quickly said, “Uncle Nangong, I’d like to ask a favor.”

“Oh? What kind of favor? Don’t hesitate to say,” Nangong Xiong asked.

“I’d like to use the Nangong family’s intelligence network to check on the current situation of the Ye family,” Ye Cheng said.