This Nine Star Heavenly Chen Art must be an extraordinary cultivation technique!

However, the Nine Star Heavenly Chen Art consists of nine volumes, so its cultivation difficulty is several times that of ordinary techniques.

Just cultivating the Thunder Emperor Art alone should also yield some achievements, but after careful consideration, Charles York decided to cultivate the complete Nine Star Heavenly Chen Art. Although the path of martial arts might be much harder than for others, Charles York believes that as long as he is willing to put in the hard work, it should still be possible.

Start with the most familiar Thunder Emperor Art!

Charles York focused intently on comprehending the mysteries of the Thunder Emperor Art, only to feel the profound energy within his body surging and stirring. The barrier to advancement, under the impact of this profound energy, quickly shattered and vanished into nothingness.

After breaking through the advancement barrier, Charles York clearly felt that the profound energy in his body had become several times stronger than before.

Fourth stage!

Three years—this feeling of power returning to his body made Charles York especially excited. He wondered when he would be able to return to his previous peak state, the pinnacle of the sixth stage! Charles York believed that, at his current cultivation speed, that day was not far off.

Thinking of all the humiliation he had suffered over the past three years, Charles York let out a deep breath. One day, he would rely on his own strength to wash away those shames.

After reaching the fourth stage, his cultivation progress gradually slowed down, but Charles York was still advancing rapidly, practicing peacefully in the small courtyard every day.

That day at noon, a cool breeze was blowing, so it wasn’t very hot.

“Dang, dang, dang.”

A deep and melodious bell rang throughout the entire Ye Family Fort.

Charles York suddenly opened his eyes. This was the bell for the clan assembly. Whenever this bell was heard, all members of the Ye family had to gather at the martial arena. He stood up, tidied his clothes, and walked outside.

The martial arena at Ye Family Fort was bustling, filled with members of the Ye family—numbering in the thousands. Yet everything was orderly and well-organized, with everyone searching for their own place.

At the front of the martial arena were several chairs—these were for Henry York, David York, Matthew York, and others. On the left was an open area where the family’s elites aged eighteen to forty stood, numbering over a hundred, all at least at the fifth stage or above. They were the pillars of the family. On the right was another open area for the youths under eighteen with cultivation talent, numbering two or three hundred. As for the center, it was for those without cultivation talent or the elderly, weak, sick, or disabled clan members.

Charles York looked to the right and saw Charles York looking over at him. The little girl was wearing a pure white silk dress, like a fairy, standing out among the many youths. When she noticed Charles York's gaze, she smiled sweetly, drawing the attention of the boys around her.

Not far away, Emily York was searching the crowd for someone. When she saw Charles York, she also smiled gently. Charles York could feel that this usually quiet cousin cared a lot about him.

“I wonder what will be discussed at this clan assembly,” Charles York thought to himself.

Ethan York, following Emily York's gaze, saw Charles York and revealed a look of disdain.

At most, the Ye Family Fort only held three clan assemblies a year. No one knew what important matter would be announced this time.

Henry York stood at the very front. Now, he no longer looked as old as before, but appeared full of vigor.

After all, as a peak eighth-stage cultivator, he had previously been troubled and worried every day, which made him look tired and aged. In the past few days, with the burden in his heart lifted, cultivating and nourishing his energy, plus the assistance of Charles York's Thunder Emperor Art, his vitality had immediately returned to its peak. There was even a faint sign of a breakthrough, and he was in high spirits.

Henry York strode like a dragon and tiger, standing atop the high platform, and said in a loud voice, “The reason for today’s clan assembly is that there are some matters to inform everyone about.” Henry York's voice was like a great bell, deep and powerful. Every one of the thousands of clan members present could hear him clearly. The buzzing discussions in the arena immediately ceased, showing just how high Henry York's prestige was in Ye Family Fort.

Seeing Henry York in such good spirits, the clan members were all quite gratified.

“In the past three years, the family’s industries have lost more than half. I have decided to restore the management of the family’s businesses, and from now on, we will reduce the purchase of some Gathering Qi Pills.”

Henry York's words sparked a buzz of discussion among the clan members. Many looked at Charles York with eyes full of regret and pity. Back then, Charles York was the undisputed genius of the clan, the hope of the family. Everyone hoped the clan would produce a war god-like figure, so the clan could be protected in these troubled times. But now, it seemed that was no longer possible. Could it be that the clan leader was preparing to give up on Charles York?

“Clan leader, this must not be!”

“Clan leader, Chen’er’s meridians still need to be healed.”

“As for Chen’er’s meridians, I plan to use other methods.” Henry York glanced at Charles York in the crowd as he spoke. Though he appeared calm, he was actually quite pleased inside.

“Charles York bro, don’t lose heart. Your meridians will recover one day.” The speaker was Edward York, third son of second uncle David York.

“That’s right, Charles York bro, our uncles will definitely find a way to restore your meridians.” Beside him, Eric York also spoke with concern. He was the child of the sixth uncle.