As Xiao Hua and the elders are discussing their request and transaction, Primer Tengshan excused himself from the discussion, leaving Xiao Hua and the elders to deliberate over the finer details.
The night was still and quiet, the moonlight casting faint shadows across the floor. Primer Tengshan strolled around the garden, searching for a certain figure. After a while, he finally meets the young lady sitting beneath huge tree appearing to be in deep thinking.
"Ya Fei, what are you thinking about?" Primer Tengshan greeted her, his voice casual, as he approached the young lady.
"Ah. First Elder... It's nothing." Having her thoughts interrupted, Ya Fei was shocked and hurriedly replied.
"Ha ha..." Primer Tengshan smiled and sat beside her. His gaze turned sharp and spoke with a deeper meaning in his words, "How's Xiao Hua? What do you think of him?"
Ya Fei turned to him, blinking slightly, not fully grasping the depth of his inquiry. "Xiao Hua? He isn't bad, I suppose," she responded lightly, her tone more reflective than anything else.
Primer Tengshan's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Is that so? Is that all, Ya Fei?" He pushed, his voice taking on an ambiguous tone, hoping to confirm his suspicions.
It was only after a moment of silence that the realization dawned on her. Her brow furrowed as she considered his words. "What is the meaning of First Elder's words?"
Primer Tengshan chuckled softly, his expression unchanged. "I meant nothing by it, Ya Fei. I'm not opposing it in any way," he said smoothly, his words layered with hidden meaning.
But as the implication sank in, warmth rushed to Ya Fei's cheeks. Her face flushed crimson, as if she had just sipped a strong wine. Hastily, she waved her hands in protest.
"I... I don't have such feelings for Xiao Hua," she hastily replied, her voice betraying a slight nervousness.
Primer Tengshan, ever perceptive, saw through her quick defense. He didn't press the matter further, instead offering a gentle, knowing smile.
"Feelings like that can grow with time," he mused. "No need to rush."
His words lingered in the air before he smoothly shifted the topic. "If it wasn't for Xiao Hua's sudden appearance, if the elders were to decide who suits you best, Ya Fei, their choice would likely be Mu Zhan—despite the trouble he's caused. A union between your families would benefit both sides." His tone was calm, measured, as if discussing an inevitability.
Ya Fei's grip on her wine cup tightened at the mention of Mu Zhan's name, her frustration evident. The thought of being tied to him—someone chosen purely for political reasons—stirred a deep unrest within her. Her knuckles whitened, but she said nothing, her gaze fixed on the wine in her cup.
Noting her reaction, Primer Tengshan let out a quiet sigh. He rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder for a fleeting moment before turning away, making his way back into the hall.
Left alone beneath the towering tree, Ya Fei stood still, biting her lip in frustration. The truth in Primer Tengshan's words was undeniable—no matter how much she wished otherwise, a marriage like that was not something she could easily escape.
Her gaze fell once more to the deep red wine in her cup. The moonlight bathed her delicate features in a silvery glow, yet it did nothing to ease the weight pressing on her heart. Her usual beauty, enchanting as ever, now carried a sorrowful fragility—like a flower wilting under an unseen burden.
"Born into such a large clan," she murmured to herself, "one gains status and power that others covet... but some things come at a cost. There are sacrifices, and not all dreams can be achieved."
She clenched her hands tightly against her chest as the cool night breeze brushed against her skin. Yet, no matter how sharp the wind, it could not chase away the coldness that had already settled deep in her heart.
Lifting her head, she gazed at the bright moon above, her eyes distant and melancholic. For a long while, she stood in silence, lost in thought, contemplating the future that awaited her.
Then, suddenly, something shifted. Her expression changed—her eyes narrowed, a glimmer of cunning and temptation flashing within them, as though an idea had just taken root. A fox-like smile curled her lips as she whispered under her breath, "Perhaps... some things are still within reach."
"If I don't want to be controlled by the clan then... I can only control the clan..." Ya Fei softly whispered as her pretty eyes stared at the red wine in the cup. Within it, the enchanting and moving reflection appeared to quietly have something change from that moment...
"I do not possess the cultivation talent of Nalan Yanran or Xiao Yan. Naturally, I will never be able to compete with someone like Xiao Hua. But the Primer Clan is a business clan. We do not operate like a noble family or a powerful sect—our strength lies elsewhere."
Her delicate finger flicked against the rim of her wine cup, producing a crisp, resonant sound that echoed in the quiet night.
To have risen to the position of overseeing the Primer Auction House Headquarters at such a young age, Ya Fei's talent in business and human resource management was undeniable.
After all, in this world, there was no shortage of individuals who commanded thousands—perhaps even tens of thousands—of loyal subordinates, despite lacking the strength to so much as slaughter a chicken.
Hearing the clear chime, a faint arc formed at the corner of Ya Fei's lips. She was naturally enchanting, her every movement carrying an effortless grace. Yet, in this moment, as an unknown resolve took root within her heart, she appeared even more breathtaking than before.
Just as that newfound determination began to sprout within her, a black robe with an embroidered blue outline was gently draped over her shoulders from behind.
A familiar, gentle voice reached her ears—warm, soothing—stirring the depths of her heart at a time when it was most vulnerable.
"The night is cold. Aren't you afraid of falling ill, Sister Ya Fei…?"
Her smile softened, its charm tinged with warmth as she turned her head slightly. Her gaze landed on the face that had captured the hearts of countless young women.
In that brief, trance-like moment, a subtle ache rose in her chest, the tip of her nose tingling slightly with emotion.
Ya Fei inhaled softly, her delicate hands gripping the edges of the black robe as she instinctively nestled into its warmth.
A single sentence from Primer Tengshan had left her spirit cold. But now, in the embrace of this faint warmth, that coldness began to melt away.
Ya Fei's long eyelashes fluttered slightly as she smiled and asked, "Have you finished?"
"It didn't take long…" Xiao Hua nodded, returning her smile. The elders of the Primer Clan hadn't asked for much—only for him to refine a pill for them. Most of the requests were simple tier five medicinal pills, Dou Ling Pills, meant to help those at the Dou Ling class advance.
His gaze lingered on Ya Fei's enchanting, delicate face.
"Are you alright?"
Though fleeting, he had caught the sadness and melancholy in her eyes. Even though it had disappeared quickly, the sight of it left him feeling slightly unsettled.
At the same time, something about her felt… different. It was subtle, yet undeniable.
"I just found a new goal… and I'm determined to reach it."
Ya Fei's smile was radiant, yet her eyes shone with a pure and unshakable resolve.
Xiao Hua blinked, realization dawning upon him. Then, his lips curled into a warm, approving smile. "A woman with strong determination and an unbreakable heart… is truly a beautiful one."
"Fu fu. Thank you for a compliment."
Ya Fei chuckled elegantly, a soft, enchanting sound. Despite the cold night breeze, warmth bloomed in her chest, a gentle yet undeniable feeling slowly filling her heart.
Her gaze remained fixed on Xiao Hua, unwilling to stray. But just as warmth seeped into her heart, an ache followed. A sudden pang of pain, as she remembered—he already had a fiancée.
Her eyes trembled, and her heart wavered.
At that moment, she finally understood. 'No wonder First Elder spoke of us being together…'
This was not the affection of an elder sister towards a younger brother.
What she felt for Xiao Hua… was the undeniable attraction of a woman towards a man.
Her thoughts drifted to the conversation she had with Xun Er before she left. Memories of their discussion resurfaced, echoing in her mind—bringing with them a realization she could no longer ignore.
...
In the courtyard behind Xun Er's residence, under the soft glow of moonlight, two breathtaking figures sat across from each other beneath a bamboo gazebo. One exuded an air of delicate elegance, while the other radiated an enchanting, almost intoxicating allure.
The tranquil garden seemed to come alive in their presence—the faint fragrance of flowers drifted through the cool night breeze, weaving around them like an unseen melody. The gentle rustling of leaves accompanied the occasional clink of their wine cups, the crisp sound subtly breaking the serene silence.
Had Xiao Hua been here, he would have been utterly captivated by the sight—two unparalleled beauties, lost in the moment, drinking in peaceful harmony. And yet, he would also feel a hint of disbelief.
Xun Er slowly swirled the wine in her cup, watching the liquid dance beneath the starlight before placing it down with practiced grace. A soft smile played on her lips as she lifted her bright, jewel-like eyes to meet the captivating gaze before her.
"Sister Ya Fei, I have known of you ever since we returned to the clan. He often speaks highly of you—his most trusted business partner, someone exceptionally talented in business and human resource."
Ya Fei's white-jade fingers paused slightly before she, too, placed her cup down. A flicker of emotion rippled through her alluring eyes as she responded with a gentle smile.
"I must thank my little brother for his generous praise."
Xun Er's lips curved into a knowing smile as she murmured, her voice as light as the evening breeze, "Little brother, hmm?"
Ya Fei blinked, tilting her head ever so slightly, a trace of confusion flickering across her face. She couldn't quite grasp the deeper meaning behind Xun Er's words.
With a soft shake of her head, Xun Er sighed, her golden eyes carrying a touch of amusement. "It seems you haven't noticed it yet." She let the words linger before meeting Ya Fei's gaze once more, her voice carrying a quiet certainty.
"Just know that I have no intention of stopping such things… but remember, I will always be the first."
Then, with a graceful smile, she added playfully, "However, if there are too many, I trust you'll stand with me… when we burn his house down."
Ya Fei's confusion deepened at the cryptic remark, her brows furrowing slightly. Yet, before she could press further, Xun Er's expression suddenly changed. Without another word, she abruptly stood and departed, leaving Ya Fei staring after her, lost in thought.
...
"So that's what she meant..."
Ya Fei let out a wry smile, a trace of bitterness flickering in her eyes as she finally grasped the meaning behind Xun Er's cryptic words.
She had always prided herself on reading emotions with ease, effortlessly discerning intentions and guiding outcomes to her favor. Yet, when it came to her own heart—she had been utterly blind.
To everyone else, her feelings for Xiao Hua were unmistakable—far too tender, far too intense to be mistaken for mere sibling affection.
Her gaze lingered on him, and in that moment, a sudden realization struck her. Her heart was racing—fast, erratic, beyond her control.
A soft breeze brushed against her skin, yet the warmth spreading through her chest had nothing to do with the night air. Her fingers curled slightly, as if trying to grasp something fleeting—something she had long refused to acknowledge.
'When… did this happen?'
Her eyes softened, a gentle warmth surfacing as she stared deeply at Xiao Hua's youthful yet strikingly handsome face.
'Since the moment you allowed him to have more than one wife…'
A quiet murmur echoed in her heart, and the corners of her lips curved ever so slightly into a faint, knowing smile.
'Then, allow me to claim a part of his heart as my own.'
"Are you alright?" Xiao Hua asked, his tone laced with doubt.
Even though he felt drawn to her captivating gaze, he couldn't shake the slight unease creeping up his spine. There was something intense—almost predatory—in the way Ya Fei looked at him, as if he were a rare and luxurious delicacy she had no intention of letting slip away. Within her eyes, he could see an unwavering determination, a resolve so strong that it left no room for retreat.
"I'm fine." Ya Fei smiled, her lashes fluttering as she blinked at him playfully.
Xiao Hua exhaled softly, glancing toward the distant back mountain. His brows furrowed slightly—he was curious about the message Xun Er had received from the Gu Clan, and he intended to find out.
"Since there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave, Sister Ya Fei." He stretched lazily, offering her a casual smile.
"Of course. Have fun with the First Princess." Ya Fei replied, her smile tinged with mystery.
Xiao Hua narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing something cryptic in her words, but he had little time to dwell on it. His priority remained Xun Er and the news from the Gu Clan. Without hesitation, his figure blurred and vanished, leaving the Primer Clan's residence in an instant as he sped toward the back mountain.
Ya Fei watched his departure in silence, her gaze lingering on the ethereal mist that veiled the distant peak. That mountain, suffused with an overwhelming concentration of heaven and earth energy, felt almost otherworldly—an isolated realm where only the strong could step.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she mulled over Xun Er's words.
"Is it confidence… or simply the certainty that Xiao Hua's presence will always draw women to him? Is that why she allows me to step forward, to try and carve a place in his heart?"
She searched for an answer but found none. Yet, one thing she undeniably agreed upon with Xun Er—
"If Xiao Hua dares to gather too many women… I shall stand alongside my future stepsisters and burn his house to the ground."
A slow, deliberate smile curved her lips, carrying with it a chilling frost, like the whisper of winter's first breath seeping into one's bones.
A man should never misinterpret the patience of women—especially not theirs.
For if he ever strayed… the lesson awaiting him would be so agonizing, so unforgettable—he would regret it for a lifetime.
...
As Xiao Hua slowly approached Xun Er, a sudden chill ran down his spine. His body tensed, and he swiftly turned around, his sharp gaze scanning his surroundings for the source of the eerie sensation.
Yet, he found nothing. Letting out a quiet sigh of relief, he forced himself to set aside the lingering unease and refocused on his goal—reaching Xun Er.
Before long, he arrived before Xun Er and Ling Ying. The heavy atmosphere around them, coupled with Xun Er's dark expression, made it clear that the news they had received was far from good.
Xiao Hua glanced at Ling Ying, his eyes silently inquiring about the details.
Sensing his questioning gaze, Ling Ying exhaled heavily before speaking. "The Clan Head, Young Lady's father, and the elders are currently discussing sending someone to the Xiao Clan… to retrieve the fragment of the Tou She Ancient God's Jade."
Xiao Hua remained silent at the revelation. This confirmed that the Gu Clan was determined to claim the fragment in the Xiao Clan's possession.
He understood why Xun Er was troubled, yet he wasn't overly concerned. After all, sending someone to the Xiao Clan to seize the fragment wouldn't be easy. The moment they acted, the other eight Ancient Clans would surely take notice.
"Don't worry too much about it, Xun'er," Xiao Hua murmured, his voice laced with warmth. With gentle affection, he softly ran his fingers through her hair, a reassuring touch meant to ease her worries. "It won't be easy for them to send people after the fragment. At most it will take some time before they could send someone again to Xiao Clan."
Xun Er's face carried a dazed, almost intoxicated expression as she savoured his soft, affectionate touch. Yet, despite the warmth that threatened to consume her, she steadied her heart and refocused on the matter at hand.
"I'm not worried about that, Brother Xiao Hua." Xun Er sighed heavily, pausing for a brief moment before meeting his gaze. Her eyes held a mixture of anxiety and sorrow.
"What truly worries me is what will happen when they discover you. I understand my clan—especially the elders. They refuse to lose their position as the strongest, and if they see you as a threat… they will undoubtedly cause trouble for you."
"You're overthinking, Xun'er." Xiao Hua smiled, completely unfazed by her concerns. He was neither troubled nor bothered by the possibility.
He understood that with the Eight Ancient Clans keeping each other in check, the chances of the Gu Clan sending an old expert were nonexistent. At most, they would dispatch members of the younger generation.
Typically, those sent to the Xiao Clan were from the younger generation—at least at the Dou Zong level, with the strongest being Dou Zun.
If it were a Dou Zun, he was confident he could escape using Four Divine Phoenixes, Fly and Dance Across Heaven should they attempt to eliminate him. If it were a Dou Zong, he was even less concerned—after all, within the Dou Zong class, he was invincible.
The only thing that truly concerned him was the possibility of them going directly to the Xiao Clan. Those who came would undoubtedly be hostile, and he would rather have them come for him instead. That way, they wouldn't discover the fragment of the Tou She Ancient God's Jade hidden by Xiao Zhan and the high-ranking elders.
Just as he was thinking this, a realization suddenly struck him. His eyes widened slightly before a helpless smile appeared on his lips.
'So that's why she's worried…'
He turned to Xun Er, noticing the deep concern etched into her expression. At that moment, he finally understood—she already knew what he was planning to request when she returned to the Gu Clan.
"Xun'er, I know this is worrying, but I doubt they will act so soon. Just sending you to the Xiao Clan and picking you up with Dou Sheng expert has already made the other Eight Ancient Clans wary of your clan's intention"
"At most they will send a younger generation to take the Tou She Ancient God's Jade. If it's only the younger generation of the Gu Clan, I can easily escape or defeat them if necessary. So, there's no need for you to be too concerned about this matter."
Xun Er regained her focus and realized that Xiao Hua's words were true. Using her as an excuse, the Gu Clan now had a justified reason to send someone to retrieve her. However, the other Eight Ancient Clans were well aware that she was at Jia Nan Academy—if her clan were to send someone to the Xiao Clan, it would be noticed immediately, raising suspicions.
"However, given their desire for the Tou She Ancient God's Jade, they will undoubtedly send people sooner or later. At most, within four years—whether you like it or not, whether you know it or not. When that time comes, I want you to inform me immediately of their movements and destination."
"I don't mind… but Brother Xiao Hua, make sure not to stir too much enmity." Xun Er sighed helplessly.
She knew she couldn't stop her clan from coming to the Xiao Clan. While she was capable of delaying the matter, it was inevitable that they would eventually send people to search for the Tou She Ancient God's Jade in the Xiao Clan's possession.
Since that was the case, she might as well let it happen openly rather than risk them sending people in secret without her knowledge.
'Besides, it's better for Brother Xiao Hua to know their departure and destination in advance. That way, he'll know who is coming and can prepare accordingly.' Xun Er thought to herself.
Moreover, since they had sent a Dou Sheng to retrieve her, they would have to send someone below the Dou Zun level to the Xiao Clan—anything higher would undoubtedly attract the attention of the other Ancient Clans.
"I have no interest in causing mere animosity," Xiao Hua said, the corner of his lips curling into a mysterious grin. "But I have a feeling… we won't need to worry about that too much."
He knew that others would inevitably make their move, potentially rendering the Gu Clan's efforts meaningless.
'Hun Tiandi will undoubtedly send someone to kidnap Xiao Zhan—especially once he learns that the Gu Clan has failed to obtain the fragment. That person will likely act after the 'Three-Year Agreement' has passed.'
Xiao Hua understood all too well that Hun Tiandi was ruthless in his methods. He would never stop until he obtained what he wanted—one of the fragments of the Tou She Ancient God's Jade in the Xiao Clan's possession.
Even though the Xiao Clan had a few low-ranked Dou Huang experts, it would be far from enough to resist the Hall of Souls. If they sent a few high-level Protectors to complete the mission, there was no way the Xiao Clan could stop them.
'To them, a few Dou Huang experts are nothing more than an inconvenience. Only a strong Dou Zong might make them hesitate—but even then, they could simply overwhelm me with numbers or send a Dou Zun…'