The graduation ceremony was quite simple, with nothing more than a few encouraging words from Liu Hong.

Long Yunxiao and the others looked at the young man before them, their eyes full of complexity.

They couldn't understand why he cultivated so quickly, but due to Liu Hong's instructions, they couldn't ask, only burying their curiosity inside.

"Congratulations, Brother Chen, don't forget today's friendship," Wang Lei offered his congratulations.

Chu Chen sighed helplessly at Wang Lei's words, "What are you saying? We will always be friends."

At this moment, Long Yunxiao came to Chu Chen's side, patted his shoulder, and said in a deep voice, "Don't slack off, I'll catch up with you soon, don't let me lose my motivation."

Chu Chen laughed at this, "Don't worry, I won't slack off. As for you, don't let me pull too far ahead."

The two exchanged a glance and then burst out laughing.

The friendship between the young men was pure, without any unpleasantness from jealousy, which Chu Chen cherished greatly.

The next morning, Liu Hong personally set off to send Chu Chen and others back to Cyan Dragon City.

"There's still a month until school starts. What are your plans?" Long Yunxiao asked with a smile.

"Of course, I'm going home. I haven't been back for half a year," Wang Lei replied as if it were natural.

Zhang Wei and the others nodded, obviously thinking the same.

"Indeed, it's time to go home for a visit. See you at school," said Long Yunxiao, departing eagerly.

Everyone laughed at this; Long Yunxiao's home was in Cyan Dragon City, and the closer he got to home, the more he longed for it, which was understandable.

After clasping hands, everyone parted ways.

Chu Chen looked at Zhang Yuyan and asked softly, "When are you leaving?"

Before Zhang Yuyan could answer, a group of over ten burly men approached.

The leader was a middle-aged strongman, standing about two meters tall, with dark skin and a robust build, exuding an inexplicable sense of oppression as he walked.

The strongman walked quickly to Zhang Yuyan's side and said respectfully, "Greetings, Young Commander, the Old Commander sent me to pick you up."

Zhang Yuyan nodded, "I know, please wait a moment while I say goodbye to my friend."

The middle-aged man immediately stepped aside, but his sharp gaze fell on Chu Chen, full of warning.

Chu Chen wasn't bothered, as it was clear to anyone that their relationship was not ordinary friendship.

Zhang Yuyan slowly approached Chu Chen, biting her lip and clenching her fists, before taking a deep breath and mustering the courage to say, "Don't come looking for me, we're over. Thank you, this has been the happiest time for me." With that, she turned to leave.

Chu Chen grabbed her wrist and said in a deep voice, "Do you think I would believe your lies? I said I'd protect you for a lifetime, and I will..."

Before he could finish, the middle-aged man appeared in front of Chu Chen, grabbed his wrist, and said coldly, "Let go, or die."

Chu Chen's body burst with a shocking Evil Qi, staring coldly at the middle-aged man and saying, "Scram."

The man was taken aback; the boy's Evil Qi was terrifying, to nurture such intense Evil Qi, who knows how much slaughter it took.

At this moment, Zhang Yuyan shook her hand free, saying coldly, "Enough, we're over, let's go," and she turned to leave.

When Chu Chen was about to stop her, the strongman blocked him.

"Boy, I know who you are. You better not push me. The Young Commander's responsibilities are heavy, romantic entanglements will only be a burden. If you care for her, let her go."

Chu Chen didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the girl's lonely figure. He knew continuing to hold on was meaningless. To protect her, he needed to become stronger, strong enough that no one could stop him.

Zhang Yuyan's actions were to protect him. Everyone knew how dangerous the frontlines were; even a Soul Master Level wouldn't stir a ripple.

The middle-aged man sighed, patted Chu Chen's shoulder, and led the others to follow Zhang Yuyan.

Chu Chen watched her fading silhouette, feeling as though his heart left with her.

"Zhang Yuyan, wait for me, I will fulfill my promise."

The girl trembled at the boy's cry, wanting to continue being willful, but recalling her grandfather's weary look, her steps became firmer.

After a long time, Chu Chen snapped out of his sorrow from the farewell.

Though he was mentally prepared, he still found it hard to accept when she truly left. But he didn't act impulsively, knowing he couldn't prevent it, lacking the power to stop it.

Everything was due to insufficient strength; he had never felt so powerless, nor had such a craving for Power.

Helpless fury is a sign of weakness; true strength lies in never blaming the circumstances.

Chu Chen clenched his fists, looking eastward and murmured, "Wait for me."

At that moment, the Communication Bracelet on his wrist lit up.

"Teacher."

"Come to the Daoist School."

A half-hour later, Chu Chen stood outside the office door, a slightly weary voice came from inside, "Come in."

Without hesitation, Chu Chen pushed the door open and went in.

Long Batian was looking down at some files and pointed to the chair opposite his desk, "Sit down, I'll speak once I'm done."

Chu Chen nodded and sat down in front of the chair.

A moment later, Long Batian finished his tasks, sighing while looking at his serious disciple, "You're young, don't be burdened by emotions. With your talent, you'll soon become powerful, then you can take her back."

Chu Chen was stunned by his teacher's domineering words, realizing the power needed to reclaim the Young Commander from the front lines.

"I understand, I won't be discouraged, it will keep me driven," Chu Chen replied calmly.

Long Batian laughed, praising him generously.

"Ha, not bad, as expected from my disciple, looks like the Old Commander underestimated you."

Chu Chen saluted, "You're flattering me, Teacher, but there's something unclear, I seek your guidance?"

Long Batian nodded, "What is it? Speak."

"Last time, I heard the Old Commander made a breakthrough, easing the pressure on the frontlines, how did things reverse so quickly?"

Long Batian's smile disappeared, and after a moment of silence, he replied softly, "This involves secrets, I can't elaborate, but know this: the Star Beasts are stronger than us humans. Even if the Old Commander made a breakthrough, they can still send stronger Star Beasts to the front lines."

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