"Thank you, Cousin Xiao Hua." Xiao Yan cupped his hands and gave a respectful bow, a sincere smile of gratitude gracing his face.
Xiao Yan's sudden change did not escape Xiao Hua's notice. A subtle sense of satisfaction flickered within him as he observed the boy's humility and maturity. It pleased him greatly that Xiao Yan no longer blamed others or acted like a victim of circumstance.
To Xiao Hua, this newfound mindset was a promising transformation. He had always held disdain for Xiao Yan's novel counterpart, who frequently wallowed in self-pity while conveniently ignoring his own past misdeeds.
For an ordinary child, such behavior might have been excusable. But for Xiao Yan—a reincarnator with the wisdom of a past life—such actions were unacceptable.
This evident growth in Xiao Yan's character relieved Xiao Hua, bringing him a quiet sense of accomplishment.
'It must be the influence of Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang, Xiao Hua mused. Unlike his father and elder brothers, they wouldn't coddle him. They would point out his flaws and improper behavior while guiding him on the right path.'
He recalled asking Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang to temper Xiao Yan's character, ensuring he wouldn't grow into an arrogant individual who ignored his own shortcomings while criticizing others.
'It seems they've truly done a remarkable job. Without their guidance, I might have had to deal with the Xiao Yan from the novel—a version I have no interest in tolerating.'
Xiao Hua shuddered at the thought of witnessing Xiao Yan's infamous misdeeds, particularly threatening to rape Xiao Yu.
'If I ever heard such words leave his mouth, I wouldn't hesitate to kill him on the spot, he thought coldly. I don't care if his presence is essential for dealing with the Heavenly Evil Monarch or the Fiend Clan. Such behavior would warrant immediate death.'
A sharp surge of killing intent flickered within his heart but disappeared just as quickly as it came. Regaining his composure in an instant, Xiao Hua ensured no one noticed the brief lapse.
Xiao Hua sighed in relief, shifting his gaze toward the Guest Platform in an attempt to redirect his thoughts and lighten his mood.
'I hope the Misty Cloud Sect knows what they're doing…' he silently prayed, hoping the sect would handle the engagement matter with the tact it required.
His wandering gaze landed on Ya Fei, whose presence momentarily eased his troubled mind. Xiao Hua offered her a gentle smile, which she returned with a slight wave and a beautiful, warm smile, her luscious red lips curving with affection.
"We shall discuss this later, Brother Xiao Hua."
The melodious yet subtly commanding voice that rang behind him sent a sudden shiver down his spine.
Gulping nervously, Xiao Hua turned slowly, his gaze locking onto Xun Er, who stood there with a serene, casual smile. His initial apprehension grew into confusion as he studied her expression more closely.
Xun Er was smiling—genuinely. Contrary to his expectations, her smile held no trace of anger. Neither the bone-chilling fury nor the quiet, unnerving ire he feared was present. Instead, her demeanor was calm, perhaps even amused, leaving Xiao Hua thoroughly baffled.
Finding his confusion entertaining, Xun Er chuckled softly, leaning in just enough for her whispered words to reach his ear.
"You don't need to worry, Brother Xiao Hua," she said, her voice soothing and reassuring. "I anticipated this long ago. Rest assured, I am not upset in the slightest."
"If you say so…" Xiao Hua responded, his tone tinged with unease. Though her words were comforting, he couldn't entirely shake the lingering fear.
His gaze shifted to Li Mei, Xin Yu, and Mei Ling. To his astonishment, none of them appeared upset either. Their calm expressions only deepened his bewilderment.
'Why are they so calm?' Xiao Hua thought, his anxiety rising. 'They've always been fiercely protective of Xun Er. Shouldn't they be furious about what just happened?'
The unexpected lack of anger from the three only added to his unease. What should have been a fortunate turn of events now felt eerily strange, leaving Xiao Hua caught in a storm of tension and doubt.
Xiao Hua shook his head lightly, pushing aside his lingering doubts. His gaze shifted to Xiao Zhan and the elders, and he decided to revisit his concerns later, once they returned to their residence.
"Clan Head, Elders," Xiao Hua began spoke in respectful manner, "we shall take our leave to rest and prepare for tonight's banquet."
"That is fine. I will have someone inform you of the banquet's arrangements," Xiao Zhan replied, his face glowing with a bright, lively smile. His gaze swept over Ming Cheng and the others before adding, "Should I arrange separate accommodations for your siblings?"
Xiao Zhan had heard rumors of Xiao Hua forging bonds of sworn brotherhood and sisterhood at the Jia Nan Academy. What had truly astonished him, however, was the revelation that these individuals had achieved a level of strength comparable to Xiao Hua's own.
"They can stay in my residence," Xiao Hua replied calmly, glancing at Ming Cheng and the others. "Their visit won't be long."
Ming Cheng and the rest exchanged brief glances, their expressions unwavering, offering no objections.
"Very well, we shall leave it at that," Xiao Zhan said with a satisfied nod. Seeing no complaints, he continued, "Nephew Xiao Hua, you may take the others and rest. Leave the handling of the guests and the cleanup to me and the elders."
Xiao Hua offered his thanks, his tone sincere, before turning to leave with Ming Cheng and the others. The long journey back had left them all in need of rest, and Xiao Hua knew both he and Xun Er needed to prepare themselves for the banquet that evening.
Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning lingered near the First Elder, their expressions betraying their discomfort. They exchanged uneasy glances, knowing their grandfather would relentlessly question them about Xiao Hua. Just the thought of it drained their energy.
'That bastard sure is lucky to have Cousin Xiao Hua personally treating him!'
Xiao Yu cast a cold, disdainful glance at Xiao Yan. Her hatred was plain to see, her teeth clenched tightly as memories of the past flooded her mind. Yet, she had no choice but to suppress her fury—Xiao Hua had asked her to let it go.
Her admiration and respect for Xiao Hua were so profound that she was willing to bury her grievances for his sake, even if it pained her.
'Whatever,' she thought bitterly. 'At least he seems to have matured after those years of humiliation.'
But deep down, she scoffed at the notion of forgiving him. 'Not that it matters. No matter how much he's changed, I'll still despise him from the bottom of my heart!'
At that moment, Xiao Zhan stepped forward, addressing the gathering with a dignified tone.
"Everyone, we apologize for the abrupt disruption to the ceremony. Although we must bring the Coming of Age Ceremony to an early conclusion, we are pleased to host a banquet tonight to commemorate the return of our exceptional youths. It would be an honor to have you join us."
His voice carried across the training field, calm and composed. He turned toward the Guest Platform, respectfully cupping his hands in a gesture of courtesy, smoothing over the situation with a polished demeanor.
"You do not need to worry about it, Sect Leader Xiao. With the return of Xiao Hua and the talented youths, it is only fitting to celebrate their achievements." Yao Ye's graceful smile lit up her face, effortlessly capturing the attention of several young men who couldn't help but admire her beauty.
"Princess Yao Ye is absolutely correct, Sect Leader Xiao," Ya Fei chimed in, her melodious voice sparking a passionate flame in the hearts of many. "Since you've graciously extended an invitation to tonight's celebration, we will gladly attend."
Yun Yun, however, felt a tinge of awkwardness. The reason for her and her sect's presence here loomed uncomfortably over her thoughts. Still, refusing the invitation would risk creating an even more strained and bitter relationship between the Misty Cloud Sect and the Xiao Clan. Reluctantly, she offered a polite nod and accepted the invitation, her demeanor calm but inwardly conflicted.
...
After Xiao Zhan concluded his apologies and escorted the guests, ensuring to extend invitations to the evening banquet, he gathered the elders and began overseeing the preparations for the celebration.
Meanwhile, Yao Ye headed toward the guest residence prepared for her by the Xiao Clan. Once there, she instructed her attendants to begin making arrangements for the banquet before retreating to her room for a brief rest.
Seated in her chamber, Yao Ye's thoughts circled back to the commotion earlier that morning, her mind focusing intently on Xiao Hua.
"I was impressed by the artifact he wielded," she mused, her expression thoughtful. "But what truly piqued my curiosity were the medicinal pills he presented to Grand Elders Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang..."
Her gaze sharpened as she recalled Gu He's reaction to those pills. The renowned alchemist, despite his usual composure, had been visibly shaken. When questioned by Yun Yun, Gu He hesitated before confirming their quality, noting that the pills were undoubtedly of the eighth tier. Although their jade containers masked their aura, their illustrious names were unmistakable.
While her own understanding of alchemy beyond tier six was limited, Yao Ye could discern one undeniable fact: these pills had been refined by Xiao Hua himself. Such valuable and rare items were not gifts one would offer lightly, regardless of personal relationships.
"The rumors of Xiao Hua being an eighth-tier alchemist must be true," she thought, leaning back into her chair. A frown marred her delicate features as she contemplated the implications.
The matter weighed heavily on her mind. Ordinarily, the Imperial Family would seek to either win over or suppress such a talent. However, Xiao Hua's status as a Dou Zong rendered suppression impossible, and his position as an eighth-tier alchemist made attracting him equally difficult.
"There is likely nothing within the Imperial Family's grasp that could truly interest him," she murmured, her tone laced with frustration and resolve.
Yao Ye sat quietly, formulating a strategy. To make the most of this situation, they would have to tread carefully, balancing diplomacy with subtlety, and perhaps rely on methods far more nuanced than the Imperial Family was accustomed to using.
Moreover, with just a single word from Xiao Hua, other major powers would undoubtedly rally to his side, even if it meant opposing the Imperial Family. This matter demanded delicate handling; otherwise, the Imperial Family risked becoming irrelevant and irreverent in the eyes of thein the future.
"It seems I have no choice but to follow Great-Grandfather's engagement plan…"
Yao Ye's expression turned solemn as she considered her great-grandfather's wishes. Initially, she had been reluctant to entertain the idea of this engagement. Rumors of Xiao Hua already having a fiancée had reached her ears, and her pride as a princess made her unwilling to share a husband, no matter how exceptional he might be.
"And yet, what truly intrigues me," Yao Ye mused, her delicate fingers tapping her chair, "is the reaction of his fiancée…"
However, after meeting Xiao Hua in person, she understood the gravity of the situation. He was not merely exceptional; he was a figure beyond the norms of this world. Treading carelessly here would risk the Imperial Family's downfall, rendering them obsolete in the grand scheme of power.
Besides, Xiao Hua lacked nothing. With looks that surpassed all the young men of noble families, a captivating charm, noble demeanor, extraordinary talent, and limitless potential, he was the kind of man who would naturally attract countless women. To be the one standing beside him would ignite envy in the hearts of countless others.
As a member of the Imperial Family, Yao Ye had received detailed reports about Xiao Hua's relationship with Xun Er. The Imperial Family had once proposed a marriage alliance between Xiao Hua and herself, only to be politely declined with the explanation that Xiao Hua and Xun Er were already lovers. The Xiao Clan had firmly stated they would not interfere in Xiao Hua's personal matters, leaving the decision entirely up to him.
She had carefully observed Xun Er's expressions, scrutinizing her reaction when Xiao Hua and Ya Fei exchanged intimate smiles. To her surprise, Xun Er did not display the typical fury or distress of a woman who caught her lover being overly familiar with another. Instead, her demeanor was calm, almost as if she understood and accepted the situation.
'Does this mean she has accepted their closeness?'
No matter how much Yao Ye analyzed it, she couldn't grasp the answer. There was no way Xun Er could be oblivious to the closeness between Xiao Hua and Ya Fei. Did this mean she had already accepted their relationship?
"Regardless," Yao Ye thought, her brow furrowing in determination, "that only means I have to be the one to control the harem. But before that, I must first gain his attention—a task that seems insurmountable at this moment…"
Letting out a soft sigh, Yao Ye resigned herself to her role and cast aside her pride. She had reached a sobering conclusion: she would need to earn Xiao Hua's affection and favor if the Imperial Family wished to secure its position of influence through this union.
"Still," she thought bitterly, "that is easier said than done…"
For the first time, Yao Ye deeply regretted not joining the Jia Nan Academy when she first heard of Xiao Hua's extraordinary talent and potential. Back then, when he was still a child, capturing his attention would have been far less challenging. Now, with his immense growth in power and stature, the road to winning his heart seemed almost impossible.
Yet, Yao Ye understood that such thoughts were nothing more than a pipe dream. The Imperial Family had only become aware of Xiao Hua's existence after he entered seclusion, making the chances of her meeting him exceedingly slim.
Yao Ye also understood that her hopes of capturing Xiao Hua's heart were little more than a pipe dream. The Imperial Family only became aware of Xiao Hua's exceptional existence after he had already entered seclusion, making any chance of meeting him exceedingly slim.
Unbeknownst to her, two extraordinary women already stood by Xiao Hua's side: Lady Azure and Xue Yue. Both possessed unparalleled beauty, grace, and elegance, and had been his steadfast companions for a significant time. Yet, not once had Xiao Hua entertained the thought of possessing either of them.
It wasn't due to cowardice or disinterest but rather a profound respect for them. Xiao Hua regarded Lady Azure and Xue Yue as sisters, cherishing their unfettered and aloof nature. He took joy in watching their unrestrained independence. If there ever came a time when either of them found themselves drawn to a man, Xiao Hua would welcome such developments with a warm and open heart.
Naturally, he would conduct a thorough background check and test the suitor's character, but beyond that, he would wholeheartedly support their happiness.
Given that even the unmatched beauty and grace of Lady Azure and Xue Yue had failed to move Xiao Hua's heart, it was only natural that her chances of capturing his attention—be it through charm, status, or demeanor—were virtually nonexistent.
Letting out a resigned sigh, she decided to drop the matter altogether. Instead, she shifted her focus to the future, devising plans to secure the best interests of the Imperial Family in the changing tides of power.
...
Xiao Hua and Xun Er retreated to her residence—a serene dwelling bestowed upon her by Xiao Zhan and the elders, a gesture honoring her noble lineage as the Young Lady of the Gu Clan, one of the esteemed Eight Ancient Clans.
The pair sat in quiet contemplation on the veranda, overlooking a garden of breathtaking beauty. The tranquil ambiance of blossoming flora and gentle breezes could soothe even the most restless soul. Yet, Xiao Hua's heart churned like a tempest. His gaze remained fixed on Xun Er, his thoughts swirling with unease.
"Xun Er… are you truly not angry?" Xiao Hua's voice carried a nervous tremor, his usual confidence faltering.
His sharp eyes studied her every movement—the subtle flicker of her lashes, the faint rise and fall of her chest, even the soft, unspoken sighs she exhaled. Her composure was unnerving. Though her face betrayed no trace of anger, it was precisely this quiet stillness that unsettled him.
If she were to scold him, to erupt with fury, he could accept it. Her silence, however, felt far more ominous—a harbinger of something far worse.
"I'm not angry, Brother Xiao Hua," Xun Er replied at last, her voice laced with a wry tenderness. She glanced at him, her eyes shimmering like moonlit waters. She understood his unease and sought to allay it.
"I've told you this before, haven't I?" Her tone softened as she nestled her head against his shoulder, finding solace in his warmth. The serenity in her heart mirrored the garden's quiet elegance, her luminous gaze holding a depth of emotion only he could fathom.
"Ever since we spoke about Hu Jia… Even though you rejected her feelings, I had already made peace with the fact that you might not belong to me alone."
Xiao Hua froze, her candid words catching him entirely off guard. He opened his mouth, ready to protest, but Xun Er raised a slender hand, silencing him with a graceful gesture.
"However," she continued, her voice carrying a subtle edge, "if you ever think to make another woman your first wife or entertain the idea of countless lovers… I will show you what it means to cross the line, Brother Xiao Hua."
Her delicate fingers lightly traced the fabric of his sleeve, yet the unyielding determination in her gaze made his heart tighten. It was a warning veiled in elegance, a promise wrapped in love.
Xiao Hua could only manage a wry smile, realizing that the woman beside him, so gentle and poised, could be just as resolute and formidable.
The corner of Xun Er's lips curved into a delicate and alluring arc, her previously sharp expression softening as her cold voice melted into something tender. Her autumn-eyes lingered on Xiao Hua's pale face, his features etched with unease and trepidation.
She was not the kind of woman to fly into a rage over matters like this. Their bond had been forged through countless trials, strengthened further by the moment he had torn away the mask she had worn for so long, exposing her true self. That moment had sealed her trust in him, and since then, she had learned to accept the complexity of their relationship.
What's more, a subtle warmth blossomed in her heart—an almost mischievous trace of happiness. Seeing Xiao Hua so deeply concerned and guilt-ridden for her sake filled her with an inexplicable joy. It was proof of his regard for her, a testament to his unwillingness to wound her heart.
For that reason, she would not hinder him. But Xun Er was no weak-willed woman. If he dared to overstep, she would ensure he understood the consequences. She was gentle by nature, but even the softest rose had thorns to protect itself. Fortunately, she saw in his wary gaze that he already understood where her boundaries lay.
"By the way, have you heard from Cousin Xiao Tao and Cousin Xiao Yang about the matter they secretly informed us of, Brother Xiao Hua?" Xun Er, satisfied with the previous topic, decided to move on.
"You mean the annulment of the engagement?" Xiao Hua let out a sigh of relief at the change in subject before responding. "I already anticipated it. After all, I didn't see anyone from the Nalan Clan here—only representatives from the Misty Cloud Sect."
"Even so, will the annulment end amicably?"
Xun Er was taken aback upon hearing about the annulment. She had assumed that countless major forces would be eager to curry favor with the Xiao Clan, unwilling to provoke them given Xiao Hua's presence.
Moreover, the Xiao Clan's current strength and influence were far greater than before. No longer did they rely on a lone Da Dou Shi as their strongest member; they now had power sufficient to contend with major forces across the Jia Ma Empire.
"How could the elders of the Misty Cloud Sect allow such a thing to happen?"
"Initially, they likely wanted to settle the matter and sweep it under the rug as quickly as possible—before I broke through to the Dou Zong class."
"Understandable," Xun Er mused. "Those who have reached the Dou Huang class—or know someone who has—understand the immense difficulty of advancing to Dou Zong. Their thinking to resolve this before you reached such strength makes sense."
"Unfortunate for them that I broke through to Dou Zong so quickly…"
Xiao Hua and Xun Er exchanged glances and shook their heads helplessly, a faint trace of pity on their faces for the Misty Cloud Sect's poor timing and luck.
What made the situation even more pathetic was that it all stemmed from the impulsive declaration of the Misty Cloud Sect's Young Lady. The elders were now in a predicament, unable to refute the words spoken by their Young Lady without undermining the sect's authority.
"Will they still proceed with the annulment plan?" Xun Er asked curiously.
"With Sect Leader Yun Yun present, there's no doubt they will," Xiao Hua replied confidently. "Sect Leader Yun Yun is infamous for spoiling her disciple, so she'll undoubtedly try to fulfill her desires."
"But why now of all times?" Xun Er frowned, puzzled by their timing. "It doesn't make sense to address the annulment at this very moment."
"The pressure from Nalan Jie, the grandfather of Nalan Yanran, must be the key reason," Xiao Hua explained. "That old man is notoriously arrogant and puts extreme importance on promises he has made. He likely insisted on dealing with this as soon as possible."
"I see," Xun Er mused. "So, he believed that the marriage between the Third Young Master and his granddaughter would elevate the Nalan Clan's status, prompting him to do everything in his power to ensure its success."
Xiao Hua nodded, and the two exchanged a glance, both shaking their heads in resignation. They sighed in unison, their weariness evident. While they agreed that Nalan Yanran's impulsive declaration had caused significant trouble, they also recognized that the root of the issue lay in the stubbornness of an old man.
"Still, he's someone who places great emphasis on honoring promises, so it's understandable that he wouldn't easily discard it…" Xun Er remarked, rubbing her temples thoughtfully. She neither criticized nor condemned his stubbornness, showing understanding of his perspective.
'If only Xun Er knew what that old man did in the novel, she'd definitely take back her words,' Xiao Hua scoffed inwardly.
Unlike Xun Er, Xiao Hua had a clear understanding of Nalan Jie's character. The old man's refusal to lift a finger when Xiao Yan was in dire straits—despite owing him a favor—was a glaring stain on his so-called honor. Instead, he remained complacent while the Misty Cloud Sect besieged Xiao Yan, trapped in their attack.
'She'd absolutely regret not criticizing that arrogant old fool,' Xiao Hua thought bitterly, his disdain for Nalan Jie evident in his expression.
"Regardless, there must have been quite the heated debate among the elders of the Misty Cloud Sect upon hearing of your return to the clan," Xun Er mused thoughtfully. "Some of them might have even retracted their earlier support for the annulment, hoping to push Nalan Yanran to uphold the engagement for fear of angering you."
She paused briefly, her golden eyes focusing on Xiao Hua. "So, will you interfere with the annulment? After all, Xiao Yan is under your protection..."
Xiao Hua crossed his arms and shook his head firmly. "I despise arranged marriages, so I won't involve myself in this matter," he declared, his tone resolute.
Though Xiao Hua had walked the treacherous paths of the Black-Corner Region and his heart had grown steeled by the brutality of this world, his principles had not been entirely eroded. He had no tolerance for the archaic and oppressive practice of arranging marriages before birth—an act devoid of respect for personal choice.
Furthermore, the very idea of arranged marriages had long been a sore point for both Xun Er and himself.
The Gu Clan elders, ever focused on preserving their bloodline, had persistently attempted to betroth Xun Er to one of their younger generation, valuing her exceptionally pure Di Bloodline and unparalleled talent while utterly disregarding her personal wishes and her status as the Young Lady of the Gu Clan.
Thankfully, no candidate had yet met their criteria, leaving the matter in indefinite suspension. But both Xun Er and Xiao Hua knew that this reprieve might not last forever.
If their relationship were to be exposed, the consequences would undoubtedly be dire. The elders of the Gu Clan would voice fierce opposition. Depending on their views, some might even resort to drastic measures—including attempts to eliminate him outright.
Xiao Hua's expression darkened slightly at the thought, but his voice remained calm as he added, "The Misty Cloud Sect's troubles are their own. As for Xiao Yan, I'll protect him if needed, but I won't stoop to defending this outdated practice."
Xun Er giggled softly at Xiao Hua's resolute tone, her melodious laughter carrying a hint of mischief. Leaning her head gently on his shoulder, she allowed herself to enjoy the serene beauty of the tranquil garden surrounding them.
"Then, when the meeting for the annulment begins, we shall remain on the sidelines," she murmured, her voice as soothing as the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Xiao Hua nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "To avoid unnecessary complications like preserving the clan's dignity or restoring its honor, I'll enter a retreat immediately after examining Xiao Yan to refine a medicinal pill for him. That should keep me out of their way."
Xun Er lifted her head slightly, a teasing smile gracing her lips. "In that case, I'll attend the meeting on your behalf. It's only proper to show respect to them, even if they've brought this trouble upon themselves."
"Thank you, Xun'er," Xiao Hua said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I'm sorry for pushing everything onto you."
Xun Er shook her head lightly, her golden eyes shimmering with warmth. "It's fine. In truth, chaos would likely erupt if you were to participate. As your fiancée, it's only natural for me to handle these matters on your behalf."
The two lapsed into a comfortable silence, savoring the slow passage of time in the peaceful garden. Unlike the others, who were preoccupied with preparations for the evening's celebration, Xiao Hua and Xun Er found such formalities tiresome. They merely wished for the events to conclude swiftly so they could return to the calm and simplicity of their shared moments.