BTTH: At the beginning of BTTH, I received my suicide note

Without showing any identification, Chen Guan walked out of the training area.

Over the past month, he had spent 95% of his time in intense cultivation, with eating and other trivial matters taking up the rest. The remaining 5% had been spent with Princess Yao Yue. Since their initial interaction, she had often come to find him, and the two had explored almost the entire imperial palace together.

As for going beyond the palace, Yao Ye had temporarily forbidden it. Chen Guan understood and complied. After all, his talent was remarkable in the Empire. If someone with ulterior motives noticed, it could lead to dangerous situations. The situation in the other Empire, as mentioned in his will, was a case in point. The Sect also had similar actions in the original story.

Thus, it was better not to wander too far. It was safer for both him and Yao Ye, at least for the time being.

When Chen Guan reached the city tower, he stood side by side with Yao Ye and looked out over the scene below.

"Finally decided to leave the training area, huh?" Yao Ye said, her tone light. "Cultivation isn't something that can be rushed. Sometimes taking a break might actually help you break through a bottleneck. How's your progress this month?"

Chen Guan nodded, replying casually, "Not bad, I've reached Four-Star Dou Practitioner."

Yao Ye, who had been making some small gestures beside him, immediately fell silent. Her thoughts surged in her mind, but seeing that Chen Guan seemed nonchalant, as if reaching Four-Star was nothing special, she decided not to show her surprise.

If she reacted too dramatically, it might make her seem inexperienced for an older sister and as a Princess.

"Hmm, good. You should keep up with the hard training," she said, forcing a smile.

Chen Guan found her expression amusing. "Yao Ye, you should smile more. You look a little tense. Even Yue'er said you're looking a bit worn out."

Yao Ye shot him a playful yet slightly flirtatious glare. "You think I want to? But I have to maintain my authority in this position. Someone has to take on the responsibility, and it can't be that little girl Yue'er, can it?"

"Well, enough about this. I've invested in you for the future. When you become a Dou Emperor, or even a Dou Ancestor, my pressure will be gone. So, just focus on your cultivation. If you run out of resources, let me know. Don't feel embarrassed."

"Haha, I'll work hard then, otherwise I'd be a terrible investment, and you'd suffer a huge loss."

"That's not so bad. Worst case, I'll sell you to the Snake People. Their women love boys like you."

"Are you sure that's a punishment and not a reward?"

"Hmm? Little Chen, your thoughts are dangerous."

Yao Ye reached out to tug at Chen Guan's ear, putting on a fierce expression. For a moment, they seemed like real siblings. Chen Guan didn't dare to retaliate, avoiding her playful attempts to pinch him.

After a brief scuffle, Yao Ye finally stood victorious, holding her head high like a triumphant general returning from battle.

"Enough of this. Let's talk about something serious. In half a month, it's the royal family's annual Autumn Hunt. Do you want to participate? I can get you a spot."

"Autumn Hunt? Isn't that just a game for the young nobles of the capital? What's that got to do with me?"

Chen Guan was puzzled. He had heard Yao Yue mention it a few days ago, and even she had looked down on the event. He wasn't interested either.

"That's how it's been in the past, but this time is different. Last year, Yun Yun, the Vice-Head of Misty Cloud Sect Sect, came out of the life-and-death gates and took over as the Sect Leader. Nalan Su of the Nalan family wants to send his precious daughter to become Yun Yun's disciple. Yun Yun didn't agree immediately; she wanted to observe for a while, and this Autumn Hunt will be the final test."

"If you participate, with your Four-Star Dou Fighter strength, competing against a bunch of Dou Disciples kids, you won't need to show everything. Just using 30% of your power will be enough to win. Your performance will definitely catch Yun Yun's eye, and she might even take you as a disciple."

"Not only would this block the Nalan family's connection with Misty Cloud Sect Sect, but it also gives you a good teacher. It's a win-win situation."

"Aren't you afraid I'll really join Misty Cloud Sect Sect and backstab you afterward? Losing the girl and the army?" Chen Guan replied, skeptical.

The plan sounded good, and there was a chance it could work. But he also wondered if the royal family trusted him too much. Did they really believe he wouldn't betray them?

From what he knew, even if he performed better than Nalan Yanran, Yun Yun would likely accept both of them as disciples. After all, in the original story, Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran had a good relationship.

"I can arrange a proper identity for you within Misty Cloud Sect Sect. You won't need to worry about safety. As for backstabbing me—huh, I'm right in front of you. Do you dare to try?"

Yao Ye was confident. Chen Guan decided to stop joking and carefully considered the pros and cons.

Becoming Yun Yun's disciple would give him access to both Misty Cloud Sect's and the royal family's resources, and he'd also get close to the sect leader. Maybe he could win her over, fulfill his dream of becoming the ultimate master, and even take a little sister as a bonus. There were many potential benefits. The idea was rather exciting.

But in the end, Chen Guan chose to refuse.

Although there was no immediate threat to his life, that didn't mean there were no risks. Those who acted as spies never had good endings. Didn't he watch Infernal Affairs?

More importantly, he knew himself well. He didn't like being bound by anything. If he spent years by Yun Yun's side, what if he developed feelings for her? Then, with the royal family on one side and Misty Cloud Sect on the other, he would be stuck in the middle, unable to choose. Wouldn't he be complicating his own life?

As for resources, the royal family could provide him with everything he needed. Joining Misty Cloud Sect wouldn't bring many advantages at this stage.

"No need, Yao Ye. I'm not that cold-hearted yet. I can't handle the temptation of such a beautiful woman. If I go, I'll never come back. Don't worry about Misty Cloud Sect. Give me ten years, and I'll steal Yun Yun back, take over Misty Cloud Sect as part of my dowry, and solve all the problems."

"You're still young but full of ideas. Fine, I'll wait for that day. If you really do it, on our wedding night, I'll even help push you into the bridal chamber."

"Cough, cough, sis, a little elegance please."

The sudden bet left Chen Guan flustered. Who would believe that the Grand Princess of the Empire, Yao Ye, would speak like that? It almost overturned Chen Guan's long-held impressions.

But it was clear that Yao Ye said that because she genuinely thought it was impossible.

Chen Guan felt a rebellious streak rise up inside him. Now he really wanted to prove her wrong. Was it really that difficult?

But if he succeeded, wouldn't the scene be terribly awkward?