Chapter 203: Do You Want to Become Stronger?

"This Prince wants..."

"Prince! News from the palace, the Emperor is ill." Yun Shan's voice came from outside the window. Mo Junyan's expression darkened, his brows tightly knitted, and he slowly released Chi Nan Yi's hand.

"What happened?"

"This subordinate is not clear either. The news was delivered by the Emperor's Dark Guard."

Mo Junyan looked at Chi Nan Yi and said in a low voice, "Don't forget, you still owe This Prince one thing."

Mo Junyan turned to leave, and Chi Nan Yi instinctively grabbed his hand.

"Wait."

Mo Junyan's gaze slowly fell upon the slender hand gripping his, his eyes darkening slightly. "What is it?"

Chi Nan Yi took out two porcelain vials. "Whether it's illness or poison, these two can cure it."

"Thank you." Mo Junyan gave her a deep look, then his figure flashed and he leapt out the window.

The warmth of Mo Junyan still lingered at her fingertips. Chi Nan Yi touched her chest, where her heart was beating in chaos.

"Haven't you seen a man in your past life? How embarrassing." She patted her own face. "Eight-pack abs, men more handsome than celebrities — I've taken them all down with my own hands, so how did I stare dumbly at Mo Junyan? If this got out, where would I put my face? But... he really does look good. No wonder they say Prince Li is the most beautiful man in Daqi — the rumors are true!"

Chi Nan Yi sat down in a chair and wanted to pour herself a cup of water. Only then did it occur to her: "Setting aside Mo Junyan, even Yun Shan can come and go freely without being detected. Are the Chi Family's Dark Guards just eating for free?"

Early the next morning, Chi Nan Yi gathered all of the Chi Family's Dark Guards together.

After several rounds of testing, Chi Nan Yi was speechless to find that only barely a few people met the standard for Dark Guards.

"Granduncle, with these misfits, they can protect the Chi Family? You must be joking."

As Chi Nan Yi's words fell, she noticed several resentful gazes land on her.

She turned to look at those Dark Guards and gave a cold laugh. "What, you think what I said is wrong?"

"Young Miss, our martial arts may not be the highest, but we are absolutely not as useless as you say." One Dark Guard craned his neck and shouted loudly, "We are loyal to the Chi Family, loyal to the Family Head."

"Loyalty is certainly important, but with loyalty alone, I might as well raise a dog."

Chi Nan Yi's words were harsh, and those Dark Guards' faces instantly darkened.

"The first rule of being a Dark Guard is never exposing your position or your presence. Have you ever seen a Dark Guard craning his neck to speak like you just did? To be a Dark Guard, you must engrave professional conduct into your bones. In daily life, make it your habit. And this is merely the entry-level lesson for Dark Guards."

As Chi Nan Yi finished speaking, cracks appeared in the angry expressions of those glowering Dark Guards.

Listening to her, it somehow sounded a bit reasonable?

"A Dark Guard must see in all directions and hear from all sides, detecting the enemy's movements and presence before they even draw near. True enemies hide in the shadows — before you can react, you may already be taken down by them. Learn this, then refine your internal energy and external techniques, that is, your combat power. When you possess absolute combat power to crush your opponents, everything else becomes less important. But clearly, you are still far from becoming true Dark Guards."

As she finished, everyone's expressions were no longer as arrogant as before. They lowered their heads with some shame on their faces, though there were also those who remained unconvinced, raising their chins and saying, "The Young Miss speaks with perfect logic, but could you demonstrate for us?"

"Insolent!"

Chi Zhongshan slammed the table heavily. "Is this the attitude you use to speak to her? Even I can't bear to say a harsh word to her — what are you lot blustering about?"

"Granduncle." Chi Nan Yi gave a faint smile. "I knew someone would surely be unconvinced today, so I had already prepared. Whoever is dissatisfied, come fight me."

Previously, without internal energy, she would not have had such confidence fighting them. But now it was different — even against many, she feared nothing.

The Dark Guards had just been scolded by the old Family Head — how could they dare raise their heads?

They kept their heads down and did not dare speak. Though they appeared respectful, the dissatisfaction and resentment in their hearts diminished not one bit.

Chi Nan Yi naturally understood this principle. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she said coolly, "In that case, then come at me all at once!"

What?

All at once?

"You wouldn't mind if I strike first, would you!" As her words fell, Chi Nan Yi moved, fast as an afterimage. In the blink of an eye, she was behind them. Before they could react, those on the outermost edge had already been thrown to the ground by Chi Nan Yi. She struck decisively, every blow landing on a vital point, but not with heavy force — otherwise, more than half of these people would have been finished.

Chi Nan Yi's figure wove rapidly through the crowd. The Dark Guards who had recovered their wits were about to strike, but after barely a couple of exchanges, they were brought down by Chi Nan Yi.

They never expected her speed to be so fast. Several dozen people, in less than the time it takes to burn one stick of incense, were all lying on the ground.

Chi Nan Yi brushed the dust off her clothes and slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air. Looking at the Dark Guards scattered haphazardly on the ground, she curled her lip and said, "With this little ability, you dare to spar with me."

How could those Dark Guards have imagined Chi Nan Yi possessed such formidable skills?

Chi Zhongshan sat in his chair, watching his grandniece with excitement.

"Good! Good! Well fought!" Chi Zhongshan could not help but laugh out loud. The Dark Guards sheepishly climbed up from the ground and stood orderly on both sides.

This time, when they looked at Chi Nan Yi again, the unwillingness and contempt in their eyes vanished completely.

"Do I now have the qualifications to say what I just said?"

Hearing this, everyone fell silent.

"Do you want to become stronger?"

Hearing Chi Nan Yi's words, they suddenly raised their heads, staring at her with burning eyes. Become stronger? Could they really become stronger?

"Do you want to become a qualified Dark Guard?"

"Yes."

Hearing the scattered, half-hearted responses, Chi Nan Yi frowned deeply. "Have you not eaten? Answer me loudly!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

Deafening voices echoed above the Chi Family. The light in their eyes seemed to have been kindled, and even their voices carried a slight tremor.

"To become stronger, you must endure pain and hardship that ordinary people cannot bear. Can all of you do this?"

"Yes!"

"Good." Chi Nan Yi nodded. "In that case, everyone, divide into four teams. The few who qualified earlier will serve as team leaders."

Before long, four teams stood in neat formation.

Chi Nan Yi waved her hand, and Ji Bai stepped forward carrying a box.

"The items in here — take one each day before training. Team leaders may take an extra one."

One of the Dark Guards stared at the black pill and couldn't help asking, "Miss, what's inside this?"

"After you eat it, you'll know."

They exchanged a glance and placed the pill in their mouths.

Instantly, a warm current flowed through their bodies, extremely comfortable, as if the power within was also gathering.