Xiao Yufan knew that the underworld wasn’t suited for him—he’d rather remain hidden in the shadows.
Moreover, he had increasingly realized that although the Dark Gate’s power was growing, it still appeared somewhat powerless when facing formidable entities like the Assassin Alliance or the concealed aristocratic families.
“It seems strength is the ultimate truth!”
Letting out a soft sigh, Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but furrow his brows. The Assassin Alliance, the Hidden Palace family, and that man named Situ Xuan—Beijing was becoming more intriguing.
Although dealing with the Assassin Alliance was troublesome, Xiao Yufan wasn’t the type to hesitate or retreat. However, he couldn’t ignore the possibility of those people endangering the women close to him, so this issue needed to be resolved quickly.
As for Gong Hao’s matter, Xiao Yufan wasn’t entirely sure. Yet since the conflict had already begun, he couldn’t possibly believe that the Gong family would be easy to deal with.
“Women, sometimes they’re just complicated!”
Thinking about Gong Hao and Situ Xuan, Xiao Yufan felt somewhat helpless. If it weren’t for Lan Yue and Huangpu Xian’er, he might never have crossed paths with these two individuals. But now, it seemed certain things were unavoidable.
Besides, he could clearly sense that Situ Xuan was targeting him, though the reason remained unclear. Nevertheless, how could he possibly back down in the face of such provocation?
After hanging up the phone, Xiao Yufan didn’t wake the little enchantress—he knew she must be exhausted after a night of passion.
Instead of heading to Ji Yao and the others’ apartment, Xiao Yufan went straight to the Situ Estate. He had many doubts and felt it would be safer to consult the old master first.
“It seems my old bones aren’t as important to you as your young beauties. You’ve been back in Beijing for days, yet you’re only thinking of me now!”
Inside the antique-scented study filled with a charming aroma, Xiao Yufan was immediately greeted by a slightly aged voice. In front of the old master, Xiao Yufan seemed to have no secrets at all.
“An accident, an accident…”
He coughed dryly. He couldn’t exactly say he’d been too busy indulging in passion with his lover to remember his grandfather. Observing the old man’s expression, it was clear he wasn’t truly angry—warmth gradually filled the air between them.
“Tsk, I’m your grandfather. If I can’t even understand your temperament, I shouldn’t bother anymore. Alright, what’s on your mind now?”
With a teasing scold, it was evident that the old master was genuinely pleased. With his son and daughter far away, he longed for company.
Xiao Yufan rolled his eyes. Couldn’t he have simply returned out of missing his grandfather? Why did the old man have to be so blunt? Xiao Yufan almost felt too embarrassed to speak again.
“Do you know someone named Situ Xuan, Grandpa? Or rather, are there any other Situ families in China?”
“Situ Xuan? You’ve met him…”
Upon hearing Xiao Yufan’s question, the old master’s expression subtly changed, clearly surprised. Xiao Yufan became even more convinced that his grandfather was hiding something from him; otherwise, he wouldn’t have reacted so strongly to this name.
“I met him at Huaqing University. He seemed quite interested in me, and his strength is formidable. Even with my current mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivation, I’m not sure I could defeat him easily.”
Speaking of Situ Xuan, Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but feel some admiration for the man. After all, Situ was a few years younger yet had already reached the Body Cultivation Realm, a testament to his extraordinary talent.
The Body Cultivation Realm was a stage achieved only after pushing the body to its limits and undergoing gradual transformation. Considering this, Situ Xuan’s strength must be formidable indeed. At that time, Xiao Yufan hadn’t even known about the Body Cultivation Realm.
“He is also a member of the Situ family. To be precise, Situ Xuan is a direct descendant of the Situ family—the so-called hidden Situ family known to the world. Whereas our branch is merely a collateral line.”
A cold glint flickered in the old master’s eyes as his brush paused momentarily. Then Xiao Yufan heard a sharp sound, clearly indicating the old man’s inner turmoil.
“A collateral line?”
Xiao Yufan vaguely understood what a collateral line meant, but judging from his grandfather’s expression, there seemed to be many untold stories behind this.
“One could say our branch was exiled by the Situ family.”
Finally, the old master exhaled deeply, his mouth twitching involuntarily as he became aware of his earlier lapse in composure. But soon, he would show everyone just foolish the Situ family’s decision had been.
Upon hearing his grandfather’s words, a faint sneer appeared on Xiao Yufan’s face. He had never been fond of the so-called Situ family’s main branch, and now his disdain only grew stronger.
Just like how he had once been heartlessly abandoned, Xiao Yufan could empathize with his grandfather’s feelings. Exile—did the Situ family’s main branch really see themselves as emperors, dictating everything as they pleased?
“One day, they will regret it…”
Muttering softly, Xiao Yufan felt an added sense of responsibility weighing on his shoulders. The hidden Situ family sounded impressive, but it meant nothing emotionally to him.
“Grandpa, can you tell me what happened before? Why were we exiled by the hidden Situ family?” Regardless, Xiao Yufan was eager to understand what had transpired in the past.
“This probably has something to do with your grandmother…”
The old master fell silent for a moment, as if lost in thought, his expression distant. Hearing this, Xiao Yufan gradually pieced together the story, though he hadn’t expected his grandmother to be such an extraordinary figure.
“With the revival of martial arts, many hidden aristocratic families can no longer remain quiet. They’ve been too silent for far too long. Don’t underestimate any hidden family, for each one possesses the power to shake the entire nation.”
The old master’s expression stiffened slightly. He had buried those old memories deep in his heart for a long time—it was time to reclaim something long overdue.
“It seems I still know too little. If I hadn’t reached the Qi Condensation Realm, I might never have known about these things.”
Xiao Yufan realized how fortunate he was. By chance, he had entered a realm that countless others yearned for—the Body Cultivation Realm. How many people remained stuck at its threshold, unable to cross?
Yet now, it seemed the Body Cultivation Realm was merely the gateway to another world, a world far more extraordinary beyond that door…
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