Beyond the Cold Water Ravine, although there wasn’t an abundance of frigid energy, the chill in the air was very real. Within moments, Xiao Yufan could feel a slight coolness radiating from Huangpu Xian’er.
“Let’s leave this place first. Now that I’ve emerged from the Cold Water Ravine, I should inform the elders about it.”
Xiao Yufan smiled gently, softly pushing away the delicate frame of Huangpu Xian’er and locking eyes with her beautiful gaze. Immediately, a faint blush rose to her cheeks. Now that this man had emerged from the Cold Water Ravine, it meant she was no longer under the control of those old traditionalists.
Yet, thinking about their previous agreement, Huangpu Xian’er felt her face flush with heat. Although she harbored feelings for Xiao Yufan, she wasn’t quite ready to become his woman just yet.
“Oh, right—Grandmaster Situ and Uncle also came to our Huangpu family. They’re probably with Grandfather now.”
Huangpu Xian’er was no ordinary woman. Despite Xiao Yufan’s surprised expression, she quickly regained her composure and recalled that Grandmaster Situ and many powerful figures from the Heaven Alliance were still at the Huangpu residence, prompting her to speak softly.
“Eh… Grandfather and Father are here?”
Unaware of the outside world while inside the Cold Water Ravine, Xiao Yufan naturally didn’t know what had transpired. He assumed his grandfather must have heard some news and rushed over to pressure the Hidden Huangpu Clan for answers. Thinking of this, a warm current stirred in his heart.
Family bonds were always the most comforting. Whether it was for his grandfather or his father, Xiao Yufan harbored a deep, indescribable affection. Especially upon hearing that his father had also made the journey, his eyes softened noticeably.
Of course, if Situ Yonghui had known what Xiao Yufan was thinking at that moment, he would have been overjoyed. After so long, the rift between father and son had finally begun to heal. At this moment, the invisible barrier deep within Xiao Yufan’s heart quietly shattered.
Before long, the two arrived at the study. Along the way, many people stared in astonishment—not because of the closeness between Huangpu Xian’er and Xiao Yufan, but because Xiao Yufan had actually emerged from the Cold Water Ravine. It was almost unbelievable.
“Grandfather, Father…”
As soon as he entered the study, Xiao Yufan saw two familiar figures, and his eyes immediately grew moist. Having survived life-and-death trials and narrowly escaped the gates of hell, he now cherished this bond even more.
“Haha, I knew it! My grandson Situ Lingyu couldn’t possibly be so fragile. It’s good you’re back, very good indeed!”
The three figures in the study turned abruptly. Upon seeing Xiao Yufan, their expressions changed dramatically—Situ Lingyu and Situ Yonghui were clearly delighted, while Huangpu Yi’s face was filled with shock.
“Once again, I’ve made Grandfather… and Father worry…”
His voice paused slightly, his tone somewhat choked. After his disappearance, he imagined how anxious his elders must have been. He wasn’t unaware of the Hidden Huangpu Clan’s strength, yet despite that, his grandfather and father had still come searching for him.
“Worry my foot! If you had died, the Situ family’s bloodline would have been severed! I sure as hell don’t want to be scolded by your grandfather!”
Situ Yonghui laughed, his demeanor completely different from how Xiao Yufan had previously known him. Yet, rather than feeling offended by the scolding, Xiao Yufan welcomed it warmly. This sense of bloodline connection felt truly wonderful.
“You’re a grown man now—shouldn’t you watch your language a little? There’s a young lady here, after all. Don’t scare her!”
Grandmaster Situ shot Situ Yonghui a disapproving glance, while the three Situ men shared a warm, joyful moment together. Watching this, Huangpu Yi hesitated to interrupt.
“Brother Huangpu, if I recall correctly, you once said that once Yufan emerged from the Cold Water Ravine, you’d marry off your most precious treasure in the Huangpu family to the Situ family as a daughter-in-law. Does that promise still stand?”
After the laughter faded, Situ Lingyu turned his gaze toward Huangpu Yi, almost making the older man lose face. Was he implying that Huangpu Yi was a man of his word?
“Of course, the promise stands. Since Yufan has emerged from the Cold Water Ravine, it’s as if he’s been acknowledged by the ancestors. Even the old traditionalists won’t force Xian’er to marry into the Hidden Tan family anymore. So, I suppose their matter can now be settled. I think Xian’er won’t object, will she?”
Huangpu Yi had always been very fond of Xiao Yufan. He hadn’t brought it up earlier simply because he was Xian’er’s grandfather. Bringing up such matters himself would make his granddaughter seem less valuable.
Upon hearing this, Situ Lingyu and Situ Yonghui both broke into smiles. Xiao Yufan, however, remained relatively composed. He preferred to respect Xian’er’s own choice in such matters. If she was unwilling, he naturally wouldn’t force her.
Moreover, Xiao Yufan could tell that she was a very strong-willed woman. Even if she wanted something, if it felt forced, she would resent it. If pressure from his grandfather and father caused her resentment, that would be counterproductive.
“I have no objection, whatever Grandfather decides…”
Just as Xiao Yufan expected Huangpu Xian’er to protest, her melodious voice floated from her delicate lips, her head bowed, revealing a shy, girlish charm.
“Excellent! It’s rare for Xian’er to be so willing. I imagine Yufan must be delighted with this arrangement?”
Letting out a hearty laugh, Situ Lingyu was naturally overjoyed. Even though the Heaven Alliance was powerful, it remained isolated. Gaining an ally like the Hidden Huangpu Clan would significantly strengthen their position. Naturally, he wouldn’t let such an opportunity slip away.
“If Headmaster Huangpu is willing to entrust Xian’er to me, I will devote myself entirely to protecting and cherishing her, ensuring she never suffers the slightest injustice!”
Xiao Yufan wasn’t ignorant of romance either. He couldn’t miss this moment. Moreover, how could he not understand Xian’er’s feelings? Naturally, he wouldn’t refuse such a beautiful woman offering herself to him.
“With Brother Lingyu as witness, I’m not worried about Xian’er suffering mistreatment in your family. But young man, are you still going to call me Headmaster Huangpu? Perhaps it’s time for a different title!”
Handing over his beloved granddaughter to the Situ family made Huangpu Yi feel a pang of loss. However, considering the Heaven Alliance’s might and Xiao Yufan’s terrifying strength, he felt somewhat reassured. Securing this alliance meant the Hidden Huangpu Clan now had a powerful ally.
“Grandfather…” Understanding the meaning behind Huangpu Yi’s words, Xiao Yufan called out sincerely, without a hint of pretense. As the words left his mouth, Huangpu Yi and Situ Lingyu exchanged glances and burst into laughter…
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