The moment Xiao Xue took a step back, Xie Yuan felt and looked like he wanted to commit bloody murder.

Xiao Xue had just gotten used to Zhang Lao and the others’ presence during their journey. Although they did not talk about it in detail, Xiao Xue accepted the fact that Xie Yuan’s subordinates were necessary, especially now that she’s not able to utilize her strength. Xiao Xue understands that if they are to stay together and live as husband and wife, she’d have to get used to having them around.

At first, Xiao Xue was disinclined to the idea of having people wait upon her. But when she thought about it rationally, these simple adjustments are nothing if it meant she got to stay together with Xie Yuan. It is fortunate that Xie Yuan’s subordinates were well trained and respectful. Their behavior and attitude made it easier for her to adjust.

In due time, Xiao became less wary as she got more comfortable and acquainted with them. Xiao Xue’s personality was naturally giving and kind so it did not take too long for her to see them as her own people. It gradually got to a point where she no longer distanced herself from Xie Yuan in front of his subordinates and as an added favor, she allowed them to call her ‘young mistress’ but only in private.

While Xiao Xue was now at ease with having a caretaker and guards buzz around during the journey the situation is different when it involves strangers. In front of others Xiao Xue would become stiff and would unconsciously take a step back and move away from Xie Yuan.

For some reason, Xiao Xue could not get over the belief that she was, in some sense, inferior to Xie Yuan. And though Xiao Xue agreed to marry Xie Yuan, Xiao Xue was adamant on asking his family’s opinion first. She wanted to have their blessing before agreeing to perform a formal ceremony.

Her way of thinking frustrates Xie Yuan to no end. He feels like Xiao Xue was still drawing a line between them, that in some way she believed he would change his mind about making her his wife if his family disagreed with his choice. But no matter what he said, Xie Yuan could not change Xiao Xue’s mind. Again, he has no choice but to bow to her demand.

This sort of situation is a bit disheartening but it does not deter Xie Yuan. He consoled himself with the thought of his wife’s stability and firm resolve. If Xiao Xue was too pliant and accommodating it would only cause him endless worry. Besides, unlike when they were in Infernal Rise Valley, he has more chances to enlighten Xiao Xue about their relationship. Xie Yuan could take his time and slowly savor the feeling of wooing his wife. With this thought he’s not as pressured.

Still, Xie Yuan felt extremely crossed at the sudden interference. Even if they were now more intimate, it still takes a lot of encouragement for Xiao Xue to display her affection for him. Normally, Xiao Xue’s guard is unusually high that Xie Yuan had to be shameless to the extent that even his subordinates find it difficult to accept their young lord’s behavior. The worst is if she’s spooked, like today, it would be harder to persuade her later. What happened was clearly a missed opportunity for Xie Yuan to flirt with his wife and he’s not happy!

Xie Yuan tried to pull Xiao Xue back in his arms but the latter decisively shook her head and gestured that they have company. Xie Yuan gnashed his teeth in dissatisfaction and mentally cursed whoever it was that interrupted them. Now that their ‘moment’ was disturbed it’s unlikely that Xiao Xue would respond in an intimate way again, at least not until they’re alone.

Seeing the group heading their way, Xiao Xue unconsciously took another half step back. When Xie Yuan noticed Xiao Xue’s silent withdrawal, his desire to beat someone up solidified. To comfort himself, Xie Yuan grabbed Xiao Xue’s hand and kept it locked within his before he turned to face the newcomers.

At first, Ning Jing thought she was seeing things. The couple’s intimate actions were visible from the inn’s dining hall. Even if the man’s stature was identical to Second Senior Brother it was impossible for the man, who was behaving ambiguously towards the woman, to be her Second Brother.

Every disciple from Divine Martial Sect knows that Second Senior Brother’s personality is cold and ruthless. His detached and unfeeling personality were considered his only flaws and at the same time his greatest attraction to others. Second Brother was not the type of man who would indulge in romantic relationships. He does not get close to others, especially women, and he absolutely would not hold anyone in broad daylight, in full view of the public. The thought of Second Brother acting friendly with others is unrealistic and almost impossible.

When Ning Jing saw the man being affectionate towards the woman she believed she was mistaken and was resolved to ignore the shameless couple. But the man suddenly half turned and his unmistakable mien was revealed to Ning Jing’s gaze.

The unparalleled face could not be denied. The man was indeed Xie Yuan, Divine Martial Sect’s Second Senior Disciple, whom people usually refer to as ‘Young Master’. And when Ning Jing realized the fact she almost vomited blood. Without thought, she rushed out of the inn and boldly called out to Xie Yuan, prompting the other disciples to follow her out.

When Xie Yuan turned to face the group, they couldn’t help taking cautious steps back. Second Brother has always been aloof. He rarely displays emotions, except when he’s thrashing someone. This time the gaze Xie Yuan threw their way appeared like he wanted to commit murder. Xie Yuan’s body was exuding a bitter, cold aura that made them shiver and hesitant to approach.

Xie Yuan’s vicious glare made the group of disciples feel ill at ease. He did not acknowledge their presence and instead continued to view them with distant and indifferent eyes.

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At that moment Ning Jing regretted calling out to Xie Yuan. In truth, they were not close and perhaps Xie Yuan does not even know or recognize her. Although both of them were inner disciples of Divine Martial Sect they are trained by different masters. And like the others, Ning Jing has never personally interacted with Xie Yuan.

In the first place, Ning Jing had no way to get close to Xie Yuan. She could only admire him from afar. The only people within the sect who could be considered acquainted with Xie Yuan was the Sect Master, even the elders and hall masters of the sect were wary and respectful of him. So how could she, a mere inner disciple, have a chance.

In the midst of the awkward atmosphere, a man with a calm bearing stepped forward from behind the group. The man was well-built and could be considered handsome. He looked to be the same age as Xie Yuan but if one looked at his eyes one could see a strange glint that was not on par to his age. Unlike the others, the man did not shy away from Xie Yuan’s frigid reception.

“Young Master,” the man greeted respectfully. His composed behavior and courteous address slightly diffuse the tension. The other disciples blindly followed his lead and greeted Xie Yuan.

Xie Yuan glared at the man and asked callously, “What are you doing here?”

“In response to young master, we were out on a mission. Having completed the task, we are now on our way back to the sect.” The man replied, unruffled, seemingly accustomed to Xie Yuan’s uncouth behavior. “We saw young master arrive and thought of giving our greetings.”

In truth, the man was cursing Ning Jing for her thoughtless actions but what’s done is done. His quick thinking salvaged the originally unfavorable situation. Now, not only will Xie Yuan not be offended by their sudden appearance, Nin Jing would owe him a favor for cleaning up her mess.

Everyone within the sect knows that Xie Yuan does not like it when disciples try to act with familiarity towards him. Ning Jing unthinkingly broke that taboo by her shameless behavior. If the man did not step forward in time, the situation would have been unsalvageable and he would leave a bad impression on Xie Yuan. At the moment, he cannot afford to offend Xie Yuan.

Xie Yuan hummed in response but it was apparent he did not want to converse with the group. Having disciples from Divine Martial Sect stay at the same inn would be troublesome, especially this group. Xie Yuan knew most of them by name and faces, although he hadn’t interacted with them.

Lin Ru, the man who bravely stepped forward and greeted Xie Yuan, is the Sect Master’s second disciple. He and Wei Qian, the first disciple, are currently locked in a heated battle to become the Sect Master’s successor.

Usually, their schemes were done in the dark and were known only to some but Xie Yuan was very clear about the situation. So far, their rivalry was equal but when it comes to personality, talent and charisma, Wei Qian was, in all respects, above Lin Ru. The only reason Lin Ru was able to compete head to head with Wei Qian was due to the interference of his grandfather, one of the Divine Martial Sect’s elders.

Although most of Lyra believed that Xie Yuan would be the next Sect Master, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Divine Martial Sect, in fact the whole of Lyra, was nothing but a training ground for him. Xie Yuan was meant for bigger things on higher realms that this insignificant issue was nothing to him.

Lin Ru have been trying to obtain Xie Yuan support and have been scheming in vain for years. He was oblivious to the fact that Xie Yuan was not someone that could be schemed against. And in this respect, Wei Qian rated higher on Xie Yuan’s view. Even if he cannot intervene with the succession and was not partial to either of them, Xie Yuan believes that Lin Ru would not get what he wants in the end. His uncle could see clearer than anyone what his disciples can and can not do.

Xie Yuan, unwilling to waste more time and exchange pleasantries with the group, turned to give orders to Zhang Lao. But before he could say anything someone cut him off.

“Senior Brother, who is she?” Ning Jing bravely asked. She already committed a huge blunder, she might as well go all the way.

Ning Jing could not process the fact that Senior Brother was intimate with someone. Xie Yuan had not let go of the woman’s hand and was keeping her close to him, like he was protecting her from them.

The situation cannot be borne! Who was this bitch who shamelessly attached herself to Senior Brother and what’s her relation to him?!

Xie Yuan ignored Ning Jing’s impertinence and turned to leave. But Ning Jing was not someone who was used to being snubbed. Since she cannot do anything to Xie Yuan, she turned her attention to Xiao Xue.

The slut’s presence has been grating on her nerves from the beginning. How dare she act so familiar with Senior Brother! No one was allowed to have Senior brother’s affection aside from her, especially not some bitch whose origins were unknown!

Heedless of the consequences, Ning Jing recklessly pulled Xiao Xue away from Xie Yuan. When she saw Xiao Xue’s half ruined face Ning Jing shrieked in fright and shoved her harshly. Xiao Xue was caught off guard and fell on the ground.

Xie Yuan reacted fast but not fast enough. He did not think Ning Jing would be so bold and assault Xiao Xue in front of him. He extended a palm towards Ning Jing’s direction and sent her flying towards the nearby wall. He scooped Xiao Xue in his arms and shouted for Yi Xin to come.

Lin Ru gritted his teeth. He wanted to kill Ning Jing himself but since she was currently part of his group, he was responsible for her. He flashed to her side and checked her situation. Who knew that Xie Yuan would be so vicious? Ning Jing’s ribs were broken and she suffered severe internal injuries. If Xie Yuan hit her harder her cultivation would have been wasted. And he did all that for some unknown woman!

“Young Master, I understand that Ning Jing was impolite and should be punished.” Lin Ru said emotionally as he helped Ning Jing. “But she is still an inner disciple of the sect and your junior sister. How could you be so heavy handed?”

If they were alone, Lin Ru would have left Ning Jing on her own to seek death. But there were other disciples who could act as witnesses and with his position as group leader Lin Ru cannot afford not to get involved. He decided to slight Xie Yuan so he could garner the other disciples’ admiration. Even if Ning Jing was useless and stupid, her Master was not. With this incident Ning Jing’s Master would owe Lin Ru as well. Lin Ru was willing to suffer a loss if it meant gaining more later. To him, Xie Yuan was a dead end anyway so it was fine to use him this way to increase his prestige with the other disciples.