Xiao Yufan suddenly realized that Huaqing University was indeed a place where hidden talents thrived. First came the members of the Gong family, then that woman named Huangpu Xian’er, and finally Situ Xuan, whose appearance brought him quite a shock.
“It seems the stronger one becomes, the more one knows, and the more complicated things get!”
Thinking about his past conflicts with Gong Hao and today’s verbal clash with Situ Xuan, he couldn’t help but feel a headache. He could pretend nothing had happened, but that didn’t mean the other two would forget so easily.
Especially Situ Xuan. Xiao Yufan had a vague feeling that the man was deliberately targeting him. Since they had no prior conflict, it could only mean one thing—this man had known about him long before.
Still, thinking too much wouldn’t help. Xiao Yufan took Lan Yue and wandered around Huaqing University for a while, only then realizing he hadn’t eaten dinner yet. After spending the whole day with this lively girl, he was actually a bit tired…
Meanwhile, in the independent student apartment of Huaqing University.
Huangpu Xian’er stood on the balcony, gazing at the city lights, a beautiful smile curling at the corner of her lips. Such a smile could charm an entire nation, yet no one was there to witness the beauty of this woman.
“Shadow Elder, since you’re back, come out already…”
Suddenly hearing a faint sound, Huangpu Xian’er’s eyes flickered slightly. Her gentle voice, like celestial music, slowly spread into the air.
A figure appeared behind Huangpu Xian’er. The speed was even faster than Xiao Yufan’s at the Qi Gathering Stage. This elderly man was also an expert in internal energy.
“Miss, your senses are as sharp as ever. It seems your current strength must already surpass this old man’s,” Shadow Elder said, gazing at the jade-like beauty. A rare smile appeared on his weathered face. He had practically raised Huangpu Xian’er, so naturally, he held a special affection for her.
“Shadow Elder’s strength is unmatched even within our entire family. How could I ever compare to you?” Huangpu Xian’er smiled modestly. Other than her closest family, Shadow Elder was the one person she respected and trusted the most.
“Shadow Elder, have you found out who that person is yet?”
As if recalling something, before the elder could speak, Huangpu Xian’er continued. The person she referred to was naturally Xiao Yufan.
“He’s from the Situ family.”
“The Situ family?” Huangpu Xian’er’s brows slightly furrowed, slightly surprised. She had never heard of such a figure among the younger generation of the Situ family.
“Miss, you might have misunderstood. He isn’t from the hidden Situ clan, but rather the Beijing branch of the Situ family—the branch that was cast aside. I just don’t understand why Situ Lingyu, who was so brilliant back then, was abandoned by the main Situ family.”
From Shadow Elder’s mouth came a piece of hidden history. Yet when he mentioned Elder Situ, he couldn’t help but sigh. From their generation, he knew just how powerful Situ Lingyu had once been.
“Oh? Is he that person’s grandson? No wonder…”
Huangpu Xian’er suddenly understood, slowly recalling some things she had heard before. Yet her curiosity about Xiao Yufan only deepened.
After departing from Huaqing, he headed to Yulan Pavilion. If the young lady is intrigued by him, perhaps you could go and meet him. I can sense his power—he’s almost reached the middle stage of the Qi Gathering Realm. He might be of assistance to you.
Shadow Elder could see that Huangpu Xian’er was quite interested in that man, so he teased her. He had never seen Huangpu Xian’er show such interest in any man before.
“Without any reason or identity, how can I just go find him? Otherwise, people might think I have a crush on him!”
Smiling shyly, a faint blush appeared on Huangpu Xian’er’s face. She wasn’t some aloof fairy, but merely a mortal with emotions. Her heart rippled slightly at Shadow Elder’s teasing.
“There are two other things. One is that, due to the success of the charity gala, they’re hosting a banquet and want you to attend.”
“Decline it. I only helped them to stir up some attention. I don’t like crowds.”
Huangpu Xian’er shook her head, uninterested in attending the banquet. Accustomed to a quiet life, she preferred to stay peacefully at Huaqing.
“Miss is sure you won’t go? The banquet will be at Yulan Pavilion, meaning that man will be there too.”
As if already expecting her answer, Shadow Elder remained calm. Yet he was sure that if Xiao Yufan were there, Huangpu Xian’er would definitely be interested.
“Well then, do I really have a choice? Attending the banquet would be a proper excuse!”
Her beautiful eyes twinkled, and Huangpu Xian’er suddenly changed her mind, clearly showing how much interest she had in Xiao Yufan.
“It’s time for Miss to go out more. Otherwise, how will those who want to make a move ever get the chance? It’s about time we cleaned things up.”
A cold glint flickered in Shadow Elder’s eyes. The terrifying aura he exuded made anyone shudder. If merely his presence was this terrifying, no one could imagine how powerful he truly was.
“What’s the other matter?”
Huangpu Xian’er merely smiled at Shadow Elder’s killing intent. She knew the old man’s concern for her rivaled that of any family member. Those who dared to harm her deserved to die!
“The elders from the Huangpu family are pushing again. You know it’s time for the arranged marriage between the two families. If anything goes wrong, it will greatly impact the Huangpu family.”
Sighing, Shadow Elder furrowed his brows, somewhat helplessly. Noble families were often heartless—that was an unchanging truth. Many would sacrifice family bonds for the sake of clan interests.
But Shadow Elder knew this woman would never let her family control her fate. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have stirred up such a commotion. She was simply warning those old elders.
“If they want someone to marry, let them go ahead. I will never do it unless I’m dead!”
A faint smile curved her lips, yet her expression suddenly turned icy. Yes, she was a Huangpu, but that didn’t mean she would passively accept whatever fate handed her. If someone tried to control her destiny, she would resist with all her might.
“They fear that most of all. Therefore, Miss, your own destiny will always be in your own hands…”
Shadow Elder knew Huangpu Xian’er’s nature. He knew she wasn’t just speaking out of anger. But could a single woman really change the decisions made by the elders of the Huangpu family?
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