As I parted with the mysterious girl, and made my way toward the Dragon's Whiskers Pagoda, an inexplicable sensation rippled through me. It was as if someone's intent was probing my being.
'Could it be her?'
I pondered, my mind circling back to the girl I had met earlier.
Speculation formed in my thoughts, 'It seems likely that she possessed a sub-physique related to willpower, employing her eyes as a conduit for this intriguing power.' I reviewed our interactions, contemplating the subtle nuances.
'This manifestation of will suggest a physique with the ability of divination,' I mused, my thoughts tracing the outlines of this unspoken exchange. I found it remarkable that she could pierce through my defenses, even at the sixth stage of the Qi condensation realm.
I debated whether I should have interacted with her more, but I realized that seeming too desperate could backfire, leading her to question my intentions. I concluded it was best to leave her with a memory of me as a kind individual she was indebted to.
Cao Meihui interrupted my thoughts, asking, "Senior brother, what are you thinking?" a pout gracing her lips.
My response was composed. "Nothing in particular."
A skeptical narrowing of her eyes expressed her doubt. Nonetheless, I whispered to Lei Qiang, entrusting her to investigate the mysterious girl later.
"Understood, young master."
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Upon my return from Fragrant Jade City, I found myself seated in my chamber, using a Jade tablet to read through the details about Xiao Xiang's origins.
'Xiao Xiang's origin remains shrouded in mystery—an adopted child fostered by an innkeeper couple alongside their son...'
Contemplating the mystery that was Xiao Xiang, I acknowledged the undeniable potential within her. Her sub-physique had to be of considerable rank, one that affected her sight. Her modest background only intensified the irregularity, as she had reached the sixth stage of Qi condensation despite the lack of any significant resources.
Turning my attention to her brother, I noticed his rapid progress. With his average inherent talent, his ascension to the fifth stage was surprising. His secretive cultivation technique raised my suspicions, and his existence was intertwined with the mysterious and talented Xiao Xiang.
'Given that he and his sister reside in a city directly affiliated with our clan, it's likely that they will join the 'sect'. Then, it's highly probable that this guy is the heaven-blessed-related to Yin Xifeng.'
Reflecting a bit more about this situation, I felt like it was all a bit odd,
'This is certainly surprising...'
Although I humored the notion of there being a heaven-blessed intertwined with Yin Xifeng's fate, It was only a foolish thought, an old habit from the long gone past. During times of peril and uncertainty, I'd often find myself comparing reality with fictitious work to take my mind off of things.
'Moreover, he has a talented sister of unknown origin...'
The complexity of this situation weighed heavily. My discovery of a remarkable talent entwined with a heavenblessed individual seemed like a double-edged sword.
'Haah, is this a blessing or a curse? The talented kid I found, turned out to be related to a heavenblessed, especially one that I will not be able to befriend no matter what. Well, at least it would be easier to keep track of the heaven-blessed's movements in the future.'
My course was clear—to track their movements, and, if necessary, to neutralize the threat, they posed.
"Sigh, why does this always happen to me?" I sighed, lamenting over my misfortune.
"Well, instead of worrying about trivial matters, I'd better focus on improving my strength."
'Rather than interfering impulsively, maintaining neutrality seems far wiser. Even if the heaven-blessed grew stronger, it would only lead to more benefits– the benefits I would reap from them, just like fattening up chickens before serving them for dinner.' I chuckled at the fleeting thought of the heavenblessed being served on a dining table.
(AN:- Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.)
...
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
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...
Six days later,
Finally, the much-awaited(not that much) day for our outing had arrived, and I knew I had to lay down a solid foundation for my plans.
However, rather than the future, my questioning gaze was cast upon the luxurious set of clothes, placed before me.
"Um... Lei Qiang, do I really need to wear 'that'?" I asked, pointing at the extravagant and flamboyant set of clothes. The robes were a vibrant purple with golden dragons embroidered on them, which were quite flashy if you ask me.
"Young master, it's your first time going out with Lady Xifeng. You must dress nicely to make a good impression!" Lei Qiang said with stars apparent in her eyes.
"But... uh..."
"No buts, young master. You must do it!" Lei Qiang interrupted firmly, leaving no room for argument.
I sighed and gave in, "Alright, fine."
...
Examining my reflection in the mirror, I had to admit, I looked pretty damn good. The clothes, along with my amethyst eyes, created a picturesque image.
"Are these robes to your liking, young master?" Lei Qiang asked, her face beaming.
"They are acceptable, I suppose," I responded, still not too keen regarding the flamboyant appearance.
Her smile broadened at my reply.
"Regardless, I should now go to greet Miss Xifeng," I informed, hoping to shift the focus.
"Miss Xifeng is already present and awaits you in the Plum Blossom Manor."
"Why was I not informed of this earlier?" I asked with surprise apparent in my voice as the foundation of my plan to act as her caring fiance had already begun to crumble.
'What kind of fiance neglects to welcome his beloved after inviting her!'
"You were occupied with your preparations, and considering the informal nature of this meeting with Miss Xifeng, a formal welcome was deemed unnecessary," Lei Qiang clarified.
"Alright, I will go meet her now."
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Upon entering the Plum Blossom Manor, I anticipated encountering my fiancee. Yet, to my astonishment, I found her engaged in a conversation with my mother, both of them sharing genuine smiles.
"Ara? Yu'er, you're already here. It seems like you were truly eager to meet your dear fiancee~" my mother playfully remarked before exiting the room, her laughter echoing behind her.
A wave of embarrassment from this swept over me, momentarily rendering me speechless.
'How humilliating...'
My gaze soon shifted to Yin Xifeng, who briefly met my eyes before casting her gaze downward.
'I truly can't rely on her to initiate conversation, can I?.'
"Miss Xifeng, I am truly delighted that you accepted my invitation," I said, attempting to hide my embarrassment behind a warm smile.
"The feeling is mutual, young lord Jianyu," she replied, her expression somewhat reserved.
'Is she feeling uneasy, or perhaps just not interested? The latter, most likely...'
"Shall we make our way to Fragrant Jade City, Lady Xifeng?" I asked.
"Yes," Yin Xifeng replied softly.
...
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...
On that day, a special kind of charm shrouded everything around me. There was a sense of happiness in the air, making even the simplest things feel magical. I was feeling this way because I was about to see Jianyu, my beloved fiance.
I boarded the tranquil immortal boat that gracefully carried me to the territory of the Xin clan. The servants there led me to the familiar Peach Blossom Manor, a place that held recent memories. It did tug at my heartstrings that Jianyu was absent to welcome me personally, but it was a silent testament that I was now regarded as more than just a guest – a part of the Xin family.
While I waited, Lady Yingyue entered the room with her warm smile in stark contrast to my past life.
"I see that you have already arrived, Feng'er," Lady Yingyue addressed me, her voice infused with a tenderness I had rarely experienced before, in my past life.
'Not that I can fault her, given how I treated Jianyu in my previous existence.'
"Junior Yin Xifeng extends her greetings to Senior Yingyue."
A chuckle, filled with affection, flowed from Lady Yingyue's lips.
"Fufu, there's no need for such formalities between us, Feng'er. You can just call me 'mother.'" she kindly suggested.
"...Yes, Mother..." I responded, lowering my head bashfully as a warm feeling began to surge within my heart, a sensation I willingly embraced as I uttered the word 'mother.'
"As expected the robes I sent you, suit you very much."
She said, observing the robes she had gifted me. These robes of vivid red adorned with a golden dragon emblem were more than mere attire. The golden dragon, intertwined with crimson, stood as the emblem of the Xin family, a symbolic gesture that celebrated my engagement with sincere blessings, while also serving as a warning to those who harbored ill intentions toward me.
Our conversation flowed on until a particular individual entered the Plum blossoms pavilion,
"Ara? Yu'er, you're already here. It seems like you were truly eager to meet your dear fiancee" Mother playfully teased Jianyu, who had dressed exceptionally well for the occasion.
'H-how Handsome!' Today, Jianyu adorned himself in robes of Tyrian purple, intricately embroidered with golden dragons. The attire lent him an even more regal aura than usual, with the colors harmonizing splendidly with his eyes.
"Well then, I will leave you two to yourselves," Mother declared, her departure bringing in a slightly awkward silence.
"Ah...." I found my gaze fixed upon Jianyu, attempting to engrave his image into my memory. Our eyes met, and in my flustered state, I quickly averted my gaze, feeling as though I'd been caught red-handed committing a crime.
'H-how embarrassing!'
I thought, lowering my head slightly in an attempt to conceal my embarrassment.
"Miss Xifeng, I am truly delighted that you accepted my invitation," Hearing his words, I tried to look toward him, but my head remained lowered.
"...The feeling is mutual, young lord Jianyu." I tried to respond politely, though my efforts to convey my eagerness failed miserably.
'Aaaah! Why can't I sound just a bit more enthusiastic?! He must think of me as weirdo...'
"Well then, Lady Xifeng, shall we embark on our journey to the Fragrant Jade City?"
"...Yes."
'Alright! I will improve our relationship today!!' I resolved with newfound conviction.