The Huangpu Clan’s estate was exceptionally lively today. In the central plaza connected to the Cold Water Ravine, many members of the Huangpu family had gathered. They all wanted to see the man acknowledged by the most outstanding woman in the Huangpu Clan, curious to witness what kind of extraordinary genius he might be.
“Damn it, didn’t they say this guy was entering the Cold Water Ravine today? Why hasn’t he shown up yet? Could it be he’s chickened out?”
Seeing Xiao Yufan’s continued absence, some people had already grown impatient. The arrogance of the Huangpu Clan made them deeply dissatisfied with Xiao Yufan’s behavior, though they had completely forgotten that sending him into that dangerous place had been their own doing.
“I bet that’s exactly what happened. Otherwise, why hasn’t he appeared yet? If he’s afraid to show his face, well then, he’s a real coward!”
Another person immediately joined the conversation. Naturally, they didn’t want anyone else to have what they themselves couldn’t obtain. Secretly, they hoped Xiao Yufan wouldn’t come at all. If he really passed the Cold Water Ravine trial, their goddess would be his.
Although the crowd below was noisy, on a raised platform in the plaza, Huangpu Yi and Huangpu Hanye still wore faint smiles on their faces. They knew Xiao Yufan would definitely come.
“Clan Leader, I think this grandson of Situ Lingyu is far inferior to his grandfather. He’s not even here yet—could he have changed his mind at the last moment? Or perhaps he planned this all along? Could it be, Clan Leader, that you’ve been deceived?”
An elderly man who often opposed Huangpu Yi now stepped forward. The sooner Xiao Yufan was removed, the sooner they could marry Huangpu Xian’er to the hidden Tan family, completing most of their plans.
“If Situ Lingyu were standing here, would you dare to speak like this? Although I only saw the boy once while he was unconscious, I know that the grandson of the Silver Fox is definitely no ordinary person!”
Huangpu Yi smiled, a glint of coldness flashing in his eyes. Anyone could hear the mockery in his tone. The presence of Situ Lingyu alone was enough to make many so-called prodigies pale in comparison. For this Second Elder to speak this way was simply asking for humiliation.
“Hmph, talking too confidently isn’t always wise. If that boy really doesn’t show up, I’d like to see how the Clan Leader saves face!”
Faced with such mockery, even this old man, despite his age, turned pale with anger. He had expected Huangpu Yi wouldn’t give him face, but he hadn’t anticipated such a blatant slap.
Yet as he thought about it, the Second Elder’s heart sank. If after this matter Huangpu Yi really started targeting him, how would he deal with it? After all, Huangpu Yi was the leader of the Huangpu Clan, and even if he were his senior, it would be of no consequence.
Just then, the noise from the plaza decreased slightly, because from another direction, Xiao Yufan’s figure had slowly appeared, with the graceful figure of Jiao’er in purple trailing behind him.
At this moment, Huangpu Xian’er wore a light purple dress that accentuated her delicate and graceful figure, resembling a celestial being. Her long, flowing black hair was loosely tied with a purple ribbon, fluttering gently in the wind. Her exquisite profile carried a gentle smile, a sight captivating enough to make many hearts skip a beat.
“Haha, I told you! This kid wouldn’t break his promise. If he did, even if his father and the Situ Clan’s Elder came personally, I’d make sure he regretted it!”
Seeing Xiao Yufan approach, Huangpu Hanye finally broke into a smile. Earlier, he had also thought the boy might have fled, but it turned out to be a false alarm. Clearly, Xiao Yufan was a tough nut to crack. His late arrival was probably meant to express his displeasure.
“Wait to smile until he comes out alive. If he can’t walk out of the Cold Water Ravine, he’ll never become the son-in-law of our Huangpu Clan!”
“That’s none of your concern. This is our family’s own matter!”
Clearly unhappy with the Second Elder, Huangpu Hanye spoke coldly. Even though the old man was his senior, he showed no particular respect, for the old man had given him no reason to. Living nearly a hundred years and still clinging to power—what a shame.
This outsider’s remark made many people’s mouths twitch, especially the Second Elder, whose expression darkened. He could endure Huangpu Yi’s words, but Huangpu Hanye had no right to speak to him like that. Even if this man were to inherit the Huangpu Clan, it would still be years away.
“Hey hey hey, the kid’s here. I’ll go take a look!”
Before the Second Elder could erupt in anger, Huangpu Hanye had already walked forward, not even glancing at the old man. The elder was momentarily speechless, nearly choking on his unspoken words. When had he ever been so utterly ignored—twice in one day, no less?
As soon as Xiao Yufan appeared in the plaza, he felt countless eyes turn toward him. He wasn’t the least bit surprised by this scene, nor did he show any sign of panic. After all, by his side stood a beauty surrounded by countless auras of brilliance.
“Wow, if looks could kill, I’d probably be dead many times over by now. The worst part is, I haven’t even gained any real advantage!”
Xiao Yufan shook his head to himself, glancing at Huangpu Xian’er. As if she had heard his whisper, a faint blush rose on her face. It gradually deepened, and then, to everyone’s astonishment, her delicate arm wrapped around Xiao Yufan’s arm!
“Good heavens! What kind of fate does this guy have? My goddess is actually hugging him! Where’s the justice in this world?”
Huangpu Xian’er’s bold move immediately triggered a chorus of anguished cries from many young men of the Huangpu Clan. They had never seen their goddess act like a tender woman, walking beside a man and making such an intimate gesture in broad daylight…
“Damn it! Our Huangpu Clan’s goddess has been stolen away by an outsider!”
Murmurs rose like waves. These people were simply venting their frustration because they couldn’t have the grape they desired. After all, no one in the Huangpu Clan was worthy of this exceptional woman.
Facing Huangpu Xian’er’s bold action, Xiao Yufan could only shake his head with a bitter smile. This girl was really putting him in the spotlight. However, since the Huangpu Clan already harbored deep hostility toward him, he naturally had no objection to such an intimate gesture.
In fact, Xiao Yufan wore a face full of enjoyment, feeling the softness pressing against his arm. He swallowed hard. Phew! Fortunately, this was in public, or else he might really have done something inappropriate…
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