It had been two days since the Xiao Family had severed the marriage agreement with the Tang Family, yet the air in the capital was still thick with tension. Gossip swirled like an unchecked wildfire, reaching far beyond the city walls, spreading to the great clans and distant cities of the Central Region. Theories abounded, but one stood above the rest: war was imminent. The Xiao and Tang Families were both titans, and when titans clashed, the world shook.
But curiously, no swords had been drawn, no ultimatums issued. Instead, a strange silence hovered over the situation, leaving the public on edge.
For the young masters of other prominent families, however, this was a moment of celebration. The cancellation of the wedding opened the floodgates of opportunity. Aspirants from all corners of the Central Region packed their belongings and rushed to the capital, driven by dreams of wooing the unattainable Xiao princess. She wasn't just a prize; she was a legend, a symbol of beauty and mystery.
In the Xiao Family's main palace, behind gilded doors and grand walls, an entirely different atmosphere prevailed. The tension inside the study was palpable, though not of the kind the public envisioned. Tang Fei, the imposing leader of the Tang Family and father of the jilted groom, sat across from Xiao Fang, leader of the Xiao Family. Between them lay not just a table, but an unspoken battlefield of influence and pride.
Tang Fei raised his teacup, the porcelain so delicate it seemed absurd in his calloused hands, and took a measured sip. His expression betrayed no anger, only curiosity—a stillness that was somehow more unnerving than any outburst. "Tell me," he said, breaking the silence, "why cancel the wedding? What changed?"
Xiao Fang mirrored the movement, though his hand tightened around the cup ever so slightly. He took his time answering. "The reason is simple," he said at last, his voice flat but firm. "My daughter attempted suicide."
The words hung in the air like a blade suspended on a thread. Tang Fei's eyebrows rose slightly, but he said nothing, waiting for more.
"She didn't want to marry your son," Xiao Fang continued, his tone unyielding. "If he truly wishes to wed her, he'll need to win her heart. I refuse to risk her life for a marriage of convenience, no matter the benefits."
Tang Fei nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "A heavy decision, but understandable. Rushing them into this... that's on us. Perhaps we underestimated her resolve."
Xiao Fang sighed, a flicker of regret crossing his face. "Yes, we assumed they could develop feelings later. A mistake, clearly."
Tang Fei leaned back, his gaze turning contemplative. "You and I both know why this marriage was arranged," he said. "Before we attempt to ascend to the Spirit God stage, we need to solidify our families' bonds. Only then can we leave this realm with some assurance of their safety."
"I haven't forgotten," Xiao Fang replied, though a hint of frustration crept into his voice. "But we still have time. If this doesn't work, we'll explore other paths."
A soft knock at the door interrupted them. Tang Fei's eyes flicked toward it, his Spirit Awareness extending briefly. "My son is here. Let's hear what he has to say."
Xiao Fang waved his hand, releasing the lock on the door with a flicker of black Spirit Qi. The doors creaked open to reveal a young man of striking appearance. He wore a white fighting robe embroidered with a coiled black dragon, the threads gleaming faintly in the light. Even a beggar on the street would recognize that symbol—it marked him as a member of the prestigious Azure Dragon Faction of the Four Elements Academy.
In the Central Region, the Four Elements Academy was legendary, a place where only the most exceptional were trained. The factions—Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Turtle—represented the pinnacle of their respective disciplines. To hold the Black Dragon rank within the Azure Dragon Faction meant Tang Taizong was already a Spirit Lord at the age of sixteen, a prodigious achievement.
Yet his expression betrayed none of the humility one might expect from someone entering the room of two titans. His irritation was palpable as he approached the table, his steps clipped.
"Father," Tang Taizong began, his tone sharp, "I did everything I could, but she still refuses to meet with me."
Tang Fei's calm exterior didn't waver, but Xiao Fang's frown deepened.
"I've heard the servants whispering," Taizong continued, his voice growing louder. "They're saying I forced her to attempt suicide. If this rumor spreads, my reputation will be ruined. Everyone will mock me!"
Xiao Fang set his cup down with a deliberate click, his gaze hardening. So this is the boy my daughter was meant to marry, he thought. Not a word about her well-being, only his precious reputation.
"Taizong," Tang Fei said, his voice low and dangerous, "mind your tone."
But Taizong either didn't notice or didn't care. "Why should I? This whole situation—"
Before he could finish, a sudden wave of Spirit Aura crashed over him, heavy as a tidal wave. Tang Fei's usually composed face twisted in anger. "Kneel."
The command was a hammer blow, and Taizong's legs buckled beneath him. He hit the ground hard, the color draining from his face as he gasped under the crushing pressure.
"I apologize for my son's insolence," Tang Fei said, his tone cool but laced with menace. "Taizong, beg forgiveness."
Taizong struggled to lift his head, the weight of his father's aura pressing down like an iron cage. "I... I apologize for my impudence. Please forgive me."
Xiao Fang regarded him for a long moment before nodding. "I hope it doesn't happen again. If I hear you value your reputation over my daughter's life, this conversation will be very different."
"Yes, Sir," Taizong ground out, bowing low before staggering to his feet. He cast a final glance at his father, his eyes burning with resentment, before retreating from the room.
As the doors closed behind him, Tang Fei exhaled slowly, his Spirit Aura retracting like a sheathed blade. "I must apologize for his behavior," he said, his tone returning to its usual calm. With a flick of his wrist, a small bottle appeared, the faint glow of a Rank 7 Cultivation Pill emanating from within. "Please accept this as a token of apology. It's for your daughter."
Xiao Fang's eyes lit up at the sight of the pill. Even for a family as resourceful as his, Rank 7 Pills were treasures. "Then I won't be polite," he said, taking the bottle and slipping it into his storage ring.
Tang Fei stood, his movements as graceful as they were deliberate. "We'll take our leave. Let's hope our children can resolve this themselves."
"Indeed," Xiao Fang replied, rising to see him off. As Tang Fei disappeared, Xiao Fang sank back into his chair, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Finding the perfect son-in-law is harder than crafting a Rank 9 Spirit Artifact," he muttered.
And with a glance toward the hallway where his daughter's laughter used to echo, he couldn't help but wonder about the future of his family.