Chapter 9: The Proposal Storm

Today, in the martial arts hall, Xiao Bei, who was teaching the Xiao and Jiang family's young disciples, was the same Xiao steward who had taken Xiao Bei to his grandfather, Xiao Zhan, yesterday. The Xiao steward seemed to be someone who personally handled many matters, so many people knew him. Additionally, because of his amiable personality, many people went to him to ask questions.

As the sun began to set, the Xiao steward, with his voice imbued with power, said to everyone, "The path of martial arts emphasizes talent, opportunity, and effort. These three elements are indispensable. Like me, if I hadn't received a pill from the family head and been given guidance, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to reach the innate realm."

"You, although you have at least a third-rank postnatal realm cultivation by the age of twenty-five, which proves your talent, if the family hadn't provided excellent teachers and solidifying foundation pills, I believe you would know how difficult it is to reach the innate realm."

"Therefore, I hope that each of you first clearly understands that you are a member of the Xiao family! When the Xiao family has matters, you cannot shrink back! And for the Jiang family's young disciples, I hope you also feel fortunate to be with the Xiao family!"

His words became increasingly serious, and finally, the Xiao steward continued, "I have said so much today to encourage you to train harder! Because, one month from now, the Xiao family's library will open. All Xiao family disciples who have reached the fifth-rank postnatal realm will have the opportunity to choose an annotated classic from the family library! As for the Jiang family's disciples, don't be discouraged, because if you reach the fifth-rank postnatal realm, the Xiao family will provide you with more pills this time!"

This was an inspiring message, whether for the Xiao family's disciples or the Jiang family's disciples present.

"Alright, if no one has any questions today, we will dismiss here."

Having said what needed to be said, the Xiao steward waved his hand.

"Xiao Bei, come over here, Xiao Yuan, you come too."

His voice condensed into a thread, reaching Xiao Bei and Jiang Yuan's ears. No one else felt the波动 (vibration) emitted by the Xiao steward.

After all, a holy-grade martial artist, already in the innate realm, had passed through a thunderbolt and could sense the qi in the world, thus having many advantages. One of these advantages was the ability to transmit sound privately, which was also a hallmark of the innate realm.

Xiao Bei and Jiang Yuan exchanged a glance, then turned and walked towards the Xiao steward.

The Xiao steward didn't speak until he saw that most people had left. He then smiled at Xiao Bei, "I didn't expect that in just one night, you would become a fourth-rank postnatal martial artist. Truly, it has broadened my horizons."

During the day, the Xiao steward had already learned about Xiao Bei from the whispers of other family disciples, so Xiao Bei wasn't surprised by the Xiao steward's words.

"It's due to the pill's burst, and there might still be some residual effects," Xiao Bei said to the Xiao steward.

The Xiao steward was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled, "Xiao Bei, you have a great fortune! Opportunity is also an important part of success! Good, good!"

He said the word "good" twice, then seemed somewhat hesitant.

"Xiao steward, if there's something, just say it."

Xiao Bei smiled faintly, "Is it something about me that's troubling you? Is it about the courtyard, or..."

The Xiao steward waved his hand, sighed, and first glanced at Jiang Yuan, whose beauty was so striking that it was hard to imagine how stunning she would be when grown. He then looked directly at Xiao Bei, "Xiao Bei, after hearing this news, I hope you don't do anything rash."

Xiao Bei, seeing the Xiao steward's expression, anticipated something and nodded.

"Yesterday, your father, Xiao Feng, returned. Then, Xiao Yun presented a marriage proposal to your father, and your father agreed."

The Xiao steward waited for Xiao Bei's response.

Yesterday, Xiao Bei had given him the impression of being deeply calculating and ruthless, as seen from the kick he gave to Li Han. However, the family head, Xiao Zhan, had instructed him to reveal this matter to Xiao Bei, so he couldn't avoid it.

He also knew the family head's intention was to see if Xiao Bei was lying, and if the white-bearded old man was still in contact with him. If there was contact, Xiao Zhan would use Xiao Bei as a line to contact the white-bearded old man.

In today's Wu Kingdom, the waves a supreme-grade martial artist could stir were significant. If this supreme-grade martial artist could be contacted through Xiao Bei and help the Xiao family...

"He agreed? Very well, very well, indeed a good father. Tell me, where is he?"

Xiao Bei, seeing Jiang Yuan's pale face, felt a pang of pain and held her hand. His expression turned serious as he asked the Xiao steward.

Meeting Xiao Bei's deep, abyss-like gaze, the Xiao steward was startled.

This young man's gaze was too sharp!

Even the family head might not have such a sharp gaze!

"At your courtyard, not far away, there are two stone dragon statues at the entrance."

"Thank you."

Xiao Bei nodded at the Xiao steward.

Turning around, Xiao Bei said to Jiang Yuan, "Yuan'er, go to my mother for a while, I'll be back soon."

Seeing Jiang Yuan's hesitation, Xiao Bei shook his head, "Don't speak, everything is under control. Trust me, I won't let you get lost and cry again, and I won't let anyone bully you again."

Jiang Yuan nodded, and her pale face regained some color.

Suddenly, just as Xiao Bei was about to turn and bid farewell to the Xiao steward, Jiang Yuan tiptoed and lightly kissed Xiao Bei's cheek.

Then, her face flushed, she ran off.

In the sunset, the light blue skirt swayed, stirring Xiao Bei's heart.

"Xiao Bei, I hope you can remain calm."

The Xiao steward sighed again, addressing Xiao Bei.

Xiao Bei nodded, then took large steps towards the training ground's entrance.

The Xiao steward smiled bitterly, "Family head, I don't know if what you did was right or wrong. If the white-bearded old man is no longer in contact with Xiao Bei, haven't you destroyed Xiao Bei and Jiang Yuan's beautiful marriage?"

I hope, Xiao Bei, you still have contact with the white-bearded old man. Otherwise, your fortune, just as it was improving, shouldn't be lost in personal affairs.