Although Xiao Yufan had regained consciousness, his body remained extremely stiff. It took a long time for the numbness to gradually fade away.
“That old bastard really hit hard. If we meet again, even if I can’t kill him, I will make him pay with his blood!”
A cold sliver of killing intent spread in his heart. Xiao Yufan wasn’t someone who held grudges easily, but that old man had nearly killed him—how could he not feel hatred?
Although Xiao Yufan had regained consciousness, his body remained stiff, and it took a long time for the numbness to gradually dissipate.
“That old scoundrel, you really struck hard. If we meet again, even if I can’t kill you, I’ll make sure you pay a bloody price!”
A chilling sense of murderous intent spread through his heart. Xiao Yufan wasn’t one to hold grudges lightly, but that old man had nearly killed him. How could he not harbor hatred?
Now, Xiao Yufan’s strength was at the mid-level of the Condensed Force stage, and with the presence of the Imperial Dragon True Art, even a peak Condensed Force expert might not be his match. In comparison, that old man at the Condensed Power stage no longer seemed as terrifying.
“What are you thinking about, so lost in thought…”
At that moment, a voice reached him. Xiao Yufan turned around to see a middle-aged man smiling at him, yet he hadn’t sensed the man’s presence at all.
A cold shiver ran down his spine. Xiao Yufan silently thanked his luck that this man wasn’t his enemy. Otherwise, with the man’s ability to appear behind him unnoticed, he would have been utterly defenseless.
Never before had he felt such a strong desire for power. Xiao Yufan knew that if he stood at the pinnacle now, everything would be different.
“If I’m not mistaken, this senior must be Xian’er’s father, right?”
While unconscious, Xiao Yufan had been aware of many things happening around him. He could tell from the voice that this middle-aged man was Huangpu Xian’er’s father, who had appeared in the bamboo house multiple times.
“You’re quite alert, kid. Don’t worry, I mean you no harm. If I did, do you think you’d still be unharmed?”
Huangpu Hanye looked at Xiao Yufan’s wary expression and smiled. From any perspective, he was quite satisfied with this young man. A Condensed Force expert in his twenties—what terrifying talent he must possess, even if luck played a part.
But luck was also a form of strength. In his eyes, this young man could already stand shoulder to shoulder with the top talents of the younger generation in the hidden Huangpu family.
“Uncle, you’ve misunderstood. I didn’t mean anything by it, and I’m very grateful for your care during this time.”
Xiao Yufan’s stiff face managed to form a faint smile. Since this man was Huangpu Xian’er’s father, his status in the hidden Huangpu family must be significant. Naturally, Xiao Yufan had to show him more respect.
“Haha, no need for thanks. After all, you’re the man Xian’er has her eyes on. Who knows, you might even become my future son-in-law. So helping you is only natural.”
Huangpu Hanye laughed heartily, as if he had encountered the happiest of news. But upon hearing this, Xiao Yufan’s expression subtly changed.
There was no denying that Huangpu Xian’er was a great beauty, but he didn’t want to get involved with the hidden Huangpu family. Moreover, from the earlier conversation between father and daughter, he knew that this matter also involved another hidden family.
He wasn’t afraid of trouble, but he couldn’t just clean up someone else’s mess for no reason. He had enough on his plate already—how could he spare the effort to deal with the Huangpu family’s affairs?
“What’s wrong? You don’t seem too pleased.”
Noticing Xiao Yufan’s stiff expression, Huangpu Hanye narrowed his eyes, a strange glint flickering within them. No one could tell what he was thinking, but under that gaze, Xiao Yufan felt a chill creeping up his spine.
“Cough, I just woke up and I’m still a bit disoriented.”
Xiao Yufan coughed dryly, feeling as if he were hanging in mid-air. This wasn’t right, that wasn’t right—he had to tread carefully. One wrong word, and he might really be done for.
“Don’t try to dodge the question. Tell me, what do you really think of Xian’er?”
“Ah…”
“Ah what? If you ‘ah’ one more time, I’ll make sure you go back into that wooden tub!” In an instant, Huangpu Hanye’s expression shifted from amiable to stormy. Xiao Yufan truly believed the man would follow through.
“Damn, even if you’re forcing a marriage, you don’t have to be so blatant about it!”
If the middle-aged man had spoken more gently, Xiao Yufan might not have been so resistant. But it was clear that there was no room for negotiation in his tone—it only conveyed one fact.
If Xiao Yufan refused, he would likely face disaster again just after waking up. Anyone would be extremely unhappy about that.
“Xian’er is beautiful, and she possesses a charm that many women lack. If I said I wasn’t attracted to her, that would be a lie, but…”
“See? That’s all you needed to say. No need for all those ‘buts.’ Our Xian’er isn’t someone just anyone can catch the eye of. Even within the hidden families, she has dozens of suitors.”
In an instant, Huangpu Hanye’s expression changed again, making Xiao Yufan feel the urge to kill. Huangpu Xian’er’s father’s temper was truly unpredictable.
“Since Xian’er has dozens of suitors, why don’t you just pick one…”
Xiao Yufan pursed his lips, but his words were cut short. He had been watching Huangpu Hanye’s expression closely, and the man’s face had already darkened slightly as he spoke.
“Hmph, do you think the women of the Huangpu family are so casual? Or do you think my daughter, Huangpu Xian’er, isn’t good enough for you?”
“I…”
Xiao Yufan was at a loss. The more he tried to explain, the messier it became. He didn’t even know how Huangpu Xian’er truly felt about him. Was he really supposed to accept a woman he had only met a few times?
Thinking of this, Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but recall the awkward situation when Huangpu Xian’er left, as well as her words and actions while he was unconscious.
“Perhaps, I owe her.”
Xiao Yufan sighed inwardly. If it weren’t for the Huangpu family bringing him back, he would have completely vanished by now. And the reason the Huangpu family helped him was undoubtedly because of Huangpu Xian’er.
No matter what Huangpu Xian’er wanted from him—whether it was something real or just a performance—he didn’t seem to have a reason to refuse. Owing such a great debt to a woman, especially a beautiful one, would make anyone uncomfortable.
The two stood in silence, as if lost in thought, while Huangpu Hanye’s gaze remained fixed on Xiao Yufan.
“What are you thinking about so intently…”
At that moment, a voice interrupted his thoughts. Xiao Yufan turned around and saw a middle-aged man smiling at him. He hadn’t sensed the man’s presence at all.
A chill ran down his back. Xiao Yufan inwardly felt relieved—it was fortunate this man wasn’t his enemy, or else with the man’s ability to appear behind him undetected, he wouldn’t have the slightest chance of resistance.
Never before had he felt such a strong desire for power. Xiao Yufan knew that if he stood at the peak of his strength, everything would be different…
“If I’m not mistaken, Senior must be Xian’er’s father!”
While unconscious, Xiao Yufan had overheard many events happening outside. Naturally, from the voice alone, he could tell this middle-aged man was indeed the father of Huangpu Xian’er, who had visited the bamboo hut on multiple occasions.
“You’re quite alert, kid. Don’t worry, I mean you no harm. If I did, do you think you could still be standing here unscathed?”
Although Xiao Yufan had regained consciousness, his body remained extremely stiff. It took a long time for the numbness to gradually dissipate.
“That old scoundrel, you really struck hard. If we meet again, even if I can’t kill you, I’ll make sure you pay a bloody price!”
A chilling intent to kill spread through his heart. Xiao Yufan was not one to hold grudges lightly, but that old scoundrel had nearly killed him. How could he not harbor hatred?
Now, Xiao Yufan’s strength was at the mid-level of the Condensed Force stage, and with the existence of the Dragon Control True Art, even a peak Condensed Force expert might not be his match. In comparison, that old scoundrel at the Condensed Power stage no longer seemed as terrifying.
“What are you thinking about so deeply?”
At that moment, a voice reached him. Xiao Yufan turned around to see a middle-aged man smiling at him, yet he hadn’t sensed the man’s presence at all.
A cold shiver ran down his spine. Xiao Yufan silently thanked his luck that this man wasn’t his enemy. Otherwise, with the man’s ability to appear behind him unnoticed, he would have been utterly defenseless.
Never before had Xiao Yufan felt such a strong desire for power. He knew that if he stood at the pinnacle now, everything would be different.
“If I’m not mistaken, this senior must be Xian’er’s father.”
While unconscious, Xiao Yufan had been aware of many things happening around him. Naturally, he could tell from the voice that this middle-aged man was Huangpu Xian’er’s father, who had appeared in the bamboo house multiple times.
“You’re quite alert, kid. Don’t worry, I mean you no harm. If I had any ill intentions, do you think you’d still be unharmed?”
Huangpu Hanye looked at Xiao Yufan’s wary expression and smiled. From every angle, he was quite satisfied with this young man. A Condensed Force expert in his twenties—what terrifying talent must he possess, even if luck played a part?
But luck was also a form of strength. In his eyes, this young man could already stand shoulder to shoulder with the peak experts of the younger generation in the hidden Huangpu family.
“Uncle, you misunderstand. I didn’t mean anything by it, and I’m very grateful for your care all this time.”
Xiao Yufan’s stiff face managed to pull out a smile. Since this man was Huangpu Xian’er’s father, his status in the hidden Huangpu family must be quite high. Naturally, Xiao Yufan had to show him more respect.
“Haha, no need for thanks. After all, you’re the man Xian’er has her eyes on. Who knows, you might even become my future son-in-law. So helping you is only natural.”
Huangpu Hanye laughed heartily, as if he had encountered the happiest of matters. However, upon hearing this, Xiao Yufan’s expression subtly changed.
There was no denying that Huangpu Xian’er was a great beauty, but he didn’t want to get involved with the hidden Huangpu family. Moreover, from the earlier conversation between father and daughter, he knew that this matter also involved another hidden family.
He wasn’t afraid of trouble, but he couldn’t just clean up someone else’s mess for no reason. He had enough on his plate already; how could he spare the effort to deal with the Huangpu family’s affairs?
“What’s wrong? You don’t seem too pleased.”
Noticing Xiao Yufan’s stiff expression, Huangpu Hanye’s eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a hint of something unusual. No one could tell what he was thinking, but under that gaze, Xiao Yufan felt a chill creeping up his spine.
“Cough, I just woke up and am still a bit out of sorts.”
Xiao Yufan coughed dryly, feeling as if he were hanging in mid-air. This wasn’t right, that wasn’t acceptable—he had to tread carefully. One wrong word, and he might really be done for.
“Don’t try to dodge the question. Tell me, what do you really feel about Xian’er?”
“Ah…”
“Ah what? If you ‘ah’ again, I’ll make sure you go back into that wooden tub!” In an instant, Huangpu Hanye’s expression shifted from amiable to stormy. Xiao Yufan truly believed this man would follow through.
“Damn, even if you’re forcing a marriage, you don’t have to be so blatant about it!”
If this middle-aged man had spoken more gently, Xiao Yufan might not have been so resistant. But it was clear there was no room for negotiation in his tone, which only meant one thing…
If Xiao Yufan refused, he might find himself in trouble again just after waking up. Anyone would be extremely unhappy in such a situation.
“Xian’er is beautiful, and she possesses a charm that many women lack. If I said I wasn’t moved, I’d be lying, but…”
“See, that’s all you needed to say! No need for all those ‘buts.’ Our Xian’er isn’t someone just anyone can catch the eye of. Even within the hidden families, there are dozens of suitors vying for her attention.”
In an instant, Huangpu Hanye’s expression changed again, making Xiao Yufan feel the urge to kill. Huangpu Xian’er’s father’s temper was truly unpredictable.
“If there are dozens of suitors, why not just pick one…”
Xiao Yufan smirked, but his words were cut short. He had been watching Huangpu Hanye’s expression closely, and the moment he spoke, the man’s face had already darkened.
“Hmph, do you think the women of the Huangpu family are so easily handed out? Or do you think my daughter, Huangpu Hanye’s daughter, isn’t good enough for you?”
“I…”
Xiao Yufan was at a loss. The more he tried to explain, the messier it became. He didn’t even know how Huangpu Xian’er truly felt about him. Was he really supposed to accept a woman he had only met a few times?
Thinking of this, Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but recall the awkward situation when Huangpu Xian’er left, as well as her words and actions while he was unconscious.
“Perhaps, I owe her.”
Xiao Yufan sighed inwardly. If it weren’t for the Huangpu family bringing him back, he would have been completely gone by now. And the only reason the Huangpu family had helped him was because of Huangpu Xian’er.
No matter what Huangpu Xian’er wanted from him—whether it was something real or just a performance—he didn’t seem to have a reason to refuse. Owing such a huge debt to a woman, especially a beautiful one, would make anyone uncomfortable.
The two stood in silence, as if lost in thought, while Huangpu Hanye’s gaze never left Xiao Yufan…
But wasn’t luck also a form of strength? In Huangpu Hanye’s eyes, this young man was already on par with the strongest hidden talents of the younger generation in the Huangpu family…
“Uncle misunderstood, I meant no offense. I’m very grateful for your care all this time!”
Xiao Yufan’s stiff face managed a faint smile. Since this man was Huangpu Xian’er’s father, he must hold a high position within the hidden Huangpu clan. Xiao Yufan naturally needed to show him more respect.
“Haha, no need to thank me. Who told you that you’re the man Xian’er has chosen? You might even become my future son-in-law. Helping you is only natural!”
Huangpu Hanye laughed heartily, as if he had just heard the happiest news. Upon hearing this, however, Xiao Yufan’s expression subtly changed…
Undeniably, Huangpu Xian’er was indeed a great beauty, but Xiao Yufan didn’t wish to get entangled with the hidden Huangpu family. Moreover, from the previous conversation between father and daughter, he had learned that this matter had already dragged in another hidden clan.
He wasn’t afraid of trouble, but he wouldn’t clean up someone else’s mess without reason. He could barely take care of himself—how could he find the time to deal with the affairs of the Huangpu family?
“Hmm, you don’t seem very happy!”
Seeing Xiao Yufan’s expression stiffen, Huangpu Hanye narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze flickering with an unusual gleam. No one could tell what he was thinking, but under this gaze, Xiao Yufan felt a chill slowly creeping up his spine.
“Cough, cough. It’s just that I just woke up and am still a bit uncomfortable.”
Coughing dryly, Xiao Yufan now felt like he was hanging in midair—neither here nor there. He had to be careful with his words or else he might end up in real trouble.
“Don’t play dumb with me. Tell me, what exactly are your feelings for Xian’er?”
“Eh…?”
“What do you mean ‘eh’? Say it again, and I swear I’ll make you sit in that wooden tub again!” One moment he was smiling warmly, the next his face darkened. Xiao Yufan truly believed this man would carry out his threat.
“Damn, even forced marriages aren’t this obvious!”
If the middle-aged man had spoken to him more gently, Xiao Yufan might not have felt so resistant. But the man clearly showed no intention of consulting him. His tone only implied one thing…
If Xiao Yufan refused, he might just have to face another life-threatening ordeal shortly after regaining consciousness. Anyone would be furious in such a situation.
“Xian’er is very beautiful, and she possesses many charms other women don’t have. If I said I wasn’t moved, I’d be lying. But…”
“But why say ‘but’ then? You should’ve said that earlier. There’s no need for so many ‘buts.’ Not everyone can catch our Xian’er’s eye. Just among the hidden clans alone, there are dozens pursuing her!”
In an instant, Huangpu Hanye’s expression changed again, making Xiao Yufan feel like killing someone. The father’s temper really seemed unpredictable…
“If there are dozens pursuing Xian’er, why don’t you just pick one of them, Senior?”
Xiao Yufan curled his lips, but his words abruptly stopped halfway. He had been watching Huangpu Hanye’s expression closely, and he could already see a hint of displeasure forming.
“Hmph, do you think a woman from the Huangpu family can be chosen so casually? Or do you think my daughter, Huangpu Hanye’s daughter, isn’t good enough for you?”
“I…”
Xiao Yufan felt somewhat flustered. The more he tried to explain, the more complicated it became. He didn’t even know how Huangpu Xian’er truly felt about him. How could he just accept a woman he had only met a few times?
Thinking about it, Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but recall the awkwardness in Huangpu Xian’er’s expression when she left, and her every word while he was unconscious…
“Perhaps, I just owe her…”
Xiao Yufan could only sigh inwardly. If the Huangpu family hadn’t brought him back, he probably would’ve perished completely by now. The only reason the Huangpu family had helped him was because of Huangpu Xian’er.
No matter what Huangpu Xian’er wanted him to do, or even if it was just a play she wanted him to perform, he seemed to have no reason to refuse. Xiao Yufan couldn’t bear owing such a huge favor to a woman, especially a beautiful one.
The two stood there silently, as if lost in thought, while Huangpu Hanye’s gaze never left Xiao Yufan’s face…
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