Gazing at the plain-hewn linen tunic, and the young, delicate face wearing a hint of a self-deprecating smile, Han Xue, for all her usual poise, found her cherry lips parting slightly in surprise. After a long pause, she finally exclaimed, “Xiao Yan? How could you be here?” Xiao Yan shrugged, knowing that this explanation would be rather lengthy…
“Eh? Sister, do you know Mister Xiao Yan?” When Han Xue called out Xiao Yan’s name, Han Xue was equally taken aback. Such a coincidence seemed too unlikely. Han Xue gazed intently at Xiao Yan, and after a moment, her charming smile blossomed like an epiphany, easing the tense atmosphere in the hall. She surveyed Xiao Yan with amused eyes, “Of course, I know him. We were even classmates once, you could say.”
“Ha ha, this young man is also a student of the Inner College of the Jia Nan Academy, then? From what I hear, the academy is quite strict in its admissions. It must mean that he’s a true prodigy to be admitted,” the man in the brocade robe laughed. He had scrutinized Xiao Yan closely when he first appeared and was somewhat surprised to find that even with his half-step Battle Sect level strength, he couldn’t discern Xiao Yan’s full potential.
“This is my father, the head of the Han family, Han Chi,” Han Xue introduced quietly beside Xiao Yan.
“Not just a prodigy, but one who dared to challenge a Battle Emperor at the mere rank of Great Dou Shi. Within less than a year, he has risen to the top three on the strong list, a testament to his courage and talent unmatched in the college,” Han Xue chuckled, a beguiling sight.
Upon hearing her words, the faces of the Han family members in the hall shifted, realizing that this seemingly ordinary young man had such remarkable origins. Han Xue, hearing her sister’s description, turned to look at Xiao Yan with astonished yet sparkling eyes. She knew all about the strong list from conversations with Han Xue, and even with her impressive talent, she herself only ranked below tenth. The top ten were geniuses, and the top three were almost monsters.
“Ms. Han Xue, you flatter me. It’s just a bit of luck,” Xiao Yan smiled wryly, shaking his head modestly.
Han Xue returned his smile, seeing that he didn’t wish to dwell on the subject. Curiously, she switched topics, “How did you end up with Xue?”
At this, Han Xue eagerly took over and recounted their experiences in the desert and the journey so far in brief.
“Ah, I see. Then let me thank you, Brother Xiao Yan. If not for your help, my daughter and the Han family’s convoy would have been in dire straits.” The brocade-clad man’s expression changed as he heard the details, rising to salute Xiao Yan solemnly.
“Head Han, it was nothing. Helping each other is simply the right thing to do,” Xiao Yan smiled.
“Ha, since you’re acquainted with Yue and saved Snow, feel free to call me Uncle Han. Head Han sounds so formal,” Han Chi waved, smiling warmly.
Xiao Yan couldn’t refuse, and nodded in agreement.
“Father, the Hong family is causing trouble again?” As the introductions were completed, Han Xue’s finely drawn brows furrowed, asking.
“Alas, the Hong family has always wished to dominate Tianbei City, eyeing the Han family with hostility. In the past, our equal strength kept things stable, but now that Hong Chen has returned from the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion, becoming an esteemed inner disciple, his standing has greatly improved. The Hong family’s reputation has surged, and many neutral forces in Tianbei City have now aligned themselves with them.”
“The Wind and Thunder North Pavilion? I thought it was just the Wind and Thunder Pavilion?” Xiao Yan asked in confusion, turning to Han Xue.
“The Wind and Thunder Pavilion is divided into four parts: East, West, South, and North. Each resides in a corner of the Northern Central Region. The Wind and Thunder North Pavilion, located on Phoenix Rest Mountain, is where Hong Chen, an inner disciple, hails from,” Han Xue explained.
Realizing this, Xiao Yan was impressed by the pavilion’s power. Even one of its sections was enough to make the Han family wary.
“Hong Chen demanded the marriages of you and your sister to consolidate his control over the Han family. While it may appear that he desires you both, it’s more likely a ploy to erode our influence. I, naturally, refused. Though the Hong family is powerful, any attack on us would result in significant losses for them,” Han Chi said slowly.
Han Xue’s hand tightened, her voice cold, “So he proposed a match with one of our peers?”
“Yes. Among the youth, your sister is the most outstanding. Yet, she has only just reached the Battle Emperor realm, partly due to a fortunate encounter. Hong Chen, at least a Seven-Star Battle Emperor, possesses many high-level techniques from the pavilion. Your sister is no match for him. Even throughout Tianbei City, it’s hard to find a peer who can compete with Hong Chen. His proposal comes with great confidence.”
“A tricky situation, but not unsolvable. Of course, it depends on whether a certain person agrees to help,” Han Xue smiled, looking pointedly at Xiao Yan.
Hearing her, the gazes in the hall fixed on Xiao Yan. Han Xue nodded eagerly, “Yes, Mr. Xiao Yan is very strong. If he helps, he can surely defeat Hong Chen!”
Under the scrutiny, Xiao Yan felt somewhat helpless. Despite their cold outward demeanor, these sisters seemed to possess a cunning streak.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s reluctance, Han Xue bit her lip, moving closer and whispering, “Xiao Yan, this is very important to our family. Please, help us out of respect for our past friendship. At the least, I won’t hold it against you if you secretly take the Earth Core Essence Milk I found.”
Xiao Yan’s face flushed, stammering, “Ms. Han Xue, how… how did you know?”
“Did you forget the gorilla guarding the Earth Core Essence Milk speaks human tongue?” she smiled.
Xiao Yan grimaced, remembering the beast. “How does it sound?”
Han Xue’s eyes implored, “Will you help us?”
Xiao Yan pondered. Seeing his silence, Han Xue grew disappointed, biting her lip, and gathering courage, she said, “If you help us through this, I… I…”
“Do you also want to become my concubine?” Xiao Yan finished, his mouth twitching.
Her face flushed, even her ears turned red.
“Ah, don’t do this, I’m really afraid…” Xiao Yan sighed, feeling that he was being backed into a corner. “I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do my best.”
Reluctantly, he nodded. Seeing this, relief and joy flooded Han Xue’s eyes. “Really?”
Xiao Yan nodded again under her intense gaze.
“Father, since Hong Chen has said that anyone in the same generation qualifies, Xiao Yan would be our best choice,” she smiled at Xiao Yan, turning to Han Chi.
Han Chi hesitated, “I trust your judgment, but this is a high-stakes matter. Despite Xiao Yan’s prowess, capturing Hong Lie and Hong Mu, Hong Chen is formidable. A high-ranking Wind and Thunder North Pavilion disciple, he knows many advanced techniques. Losing this match would mean a lot for my daughters’ future. If anything happens to him, I would feel guilty.”
Xiao Yan was moved by their trust. This was the destiny of two lives they were placing on him. He smiled and stepped forward, bowing to Han Xin. “Within ten rounds, if I am hit even once, I will withdraw from the match!”
The hall erupted in a clamor.
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