Chapter 10: The Agreement with Father

Xiaobei walked along, pondering the words of the steward, Xiao. From the steward’s somewhat suspicious expression, Xiaobei deduced for a while and finally concluded that he seemed to have fallen into someone’s trap.

No matter where he went, there were traps everywhere.

Did life have to be like this?

Hmph, if you want to play, I’ll play along. Intrigue is also part of martial arts, and it helps with deduction. Besides, everything is decided by strength. As an Imperial Rank martial artist, what can the Xiao family do to me?

A smile crept onto Xiaobei’s lips, and he headed towards the place where Xiao Feng lived, as described by the steward.

Xiaobei naturally didn’t know where Xiao Feng lived. In fact, before this, Xiaobei’s status had never allowed him to visit the East Courtyard.

The East Courtyard was only for those with extremely high status in the Xiao family. The courtyard assigned to Xiaobei was in the South Courtyard, which also required a certain status to reside in.

Soon, Xiaobei arrived at the East Courtyard.

Xiaobei knew that Xiao Feng’s residence wouldn’t be far from Xiao Zhan’s. It was probably just a few courtyards away from where he had visited yesterday.

When he saw a massive mansion with two stone dragon sculptures, each about five meters tall, at the entrance, Xiaobei knew this must be the residence of his nominal father, Xiao Feng.

Indeed, it was splendid.

Xiaobei smiled as he looked at the mansion.

At the entrance, there were two guards. Xiaobei could sense that they were Second Rank Postnatal martial artists.

"Tell him that Xiaobei wishes to see him."

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was infused with his power, so the guards heard it clearly.

"Please wait a moment. I will inform him."

One of the guards bowed to Xiaobei and then turned to enter the mansion.

Soon, the guard came out, accompanied by an old man in his sixties.

"Master Bei, please come in. The master is waiting for you in the study." The old man had silver hair but few wrinkles, a sturdy build, and wore a dark gray robe, exuding the aura of a Fifth Rank Postnatal martial artist.

Hearing the old man call him "Master Bei," Xiaobei felt no joy, only a刺耳 (刺耳 means "irritating" or "grating") sensation.

When he was useful, he was "Master Bei"; when he couldn’t practice martial arts and was considered a waste, he was just a "waste."

Indeed, in this vast world, everything was judged by merit, with a sense of the victor being the king and the loser being the outcast.

"Hmm."

With a light hum, Xiaobei indicated for the old man to lead the way.

After sensing for a moment, Xiaobei finally confirmed that the aura in the main house of this courtyard belonged to his nominal father, Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng was apparently forty-five years old. A Saint Rank martial artist at forty-five, with his martial aura clearly approaching the Sovereign Rank, he was indeed a formidable expert.

After bidding farewell to the old steward, Xiaobei pushed open the door to the study.

Before pushing the door open, Xiaobei hesitated.

The merged soul made Xiaobei feel inexplicably uncomfortable all over.

This study, where Xiao Yun, Xiao Bing, and other Xiao family members often came, and even other Xiao family children, but he, Xiao Feng’s son, though an illegitimate one, had never been here, not even in his memory. If he had, it was when he was too young to remember, or when he was still in his mother Zhang Lan’s womb.

With a self-deprecating smile, Xiaobei stepped into the room.

Once inside, Xiaobei’s gaze didn’t linger in the study but fixed on a figure standing with his back to him.

The figure was tall and robust, exuding a powerful aura.

This aura was a refined and sharp one, like a sword drawn from its sheath.

It belonged to Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng, a general of the Wu Kingdom, commanded one of the four major armies, the Heavenly Dragon Army. However, the Heavenly Dragon Army, along with the Red Fire Army, which belonged to the imperial Zhou family, was stationed near the capital to guard against any unexpected changes, such as the appearance of beast monsters. Therefore, Xiao Feng had ample time to stay in the Xiao residence.

This was the fundamental reason why the former Xiaobei had harbored resentment towards Xiao Feng for not paying attention to him.

"You’ve come."

Xiao Feng turned around, his eyes locking onto Xiaobei.

Xiao Feng had a square face, thick eyebrows, and a prominent nose, making him look exceptionally handsome. His face bore a resemblance to Xiaobei’s.

"Hmm."

Xiaobei hummed and remained silent.

After a long moment, Xiaobei finally spoke, "I came today to ask you if you agreed to Xiao Yun’s request to marry Jiang Yuan."

Xiao Feng nodded, seemingly prepared for Xiaobei’s arrival, "Yes, I agreed to it. I’ve also discussed it with Jiang Yuan’s parents, and they agreed."

"Do you know that Jiang Yuan and I grew up together, and she and I are a pair?"

Xiaobei clenched his fists, his eyes fixed on Xiao Feng, looking at a face that had long since faded from his memory.

Xiao Feng’s face tightened, "This matter is settled and doesn’t need further consideration!"

"My martial path is the path of perfection. Jiang Yuan is as important to me as my mother. She is crucial to my martial path! I will not agree to this!"

Xiaobei smiled, glanced at Xiao Feng, and then turned to walk towards the door.

"Bang!"

Suddenly, the sound of a chair breaking came from behind Xiaobei.

Xiaobei didn’t stop, walking out of the study.

"Rebellious son! Stop right there!"

Xiaobei’s heart tightened.

However, he didn’t stop, his body tensed, ready to defend against Xiao Feng’s strike!

At this point, Xiaobei had made up his mind. If Xiao Feng really struck, Xiaobei would immediately counterattack without hesitation and knock Xiao Feng unconscious, then take his mother Zhang Lan and Jiang Yuan away from this place, regardless of whether his Imperial Rank strength was exposed.

"Bang!"

Xiaobei was about to reach the door.

But the door suddenly closed.

Xiaobei could sense that Xiao Feng had used his martial aura to shut the door.

Xiaobei sighed inwardly.

It seems that this time, I really have to make a move. Well, it’s fine. I might as well leave this Xiao family.

Turning around, Xiaobei faced Xiao Feng’s furious face again.

"I can give you a chance! One month! One month from now, the Xiao family will hold a trial for the young disciples. If you can win first place in the trial, I will change the marriage agreement!"

After saying this, Xiao Feng used his martial aura again.

"Bang!"

The study door opened.

Xiaobei’s eyes narrowed. As he was about to step out of the study, he thought for a moment and then turned back, "Thank you for the medicine you sent me in the past. With this promise, I think we are even. Also, I believe you won’t regret today’s decision."

With that, Xiaobei left without any lingering, taking large strides.

Looking at the open study door and the broken chair, Xiao Feng felt very uncomfortable, muttering to himself, "I wonder if I was right or wrong."

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(End of Chapter 10)