After his meeting with future mother in-law Ming Yue, Enjoying Her Captivating figure in his eyes.
Yun Tianhai made his way to the next room in the Spring Palace, where Xuan had been staying. He paused at the door for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then entered with a calm but firm expression. Xuan, who was adjusting his belongings, turned to see the eldest son of the Yun family standing before him.
In the quiet solitude of the Spring Palace, Xuan was sprawled comfortably on a luxurious bed, his eyes half-closed as he rested in the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the window.
Yun Tianhai raising an eyebrow as he spots Xuan lounging casually said"So, you're the one everyone seems to talk about. I expected… more."
Xuan smirking, leaning back said:"Funny, I was thinking the same about you. All I heard was how 'great' Young Master Yun is, yet here you are, barely making an impression."
Yun Tianhai frowning said : "Watch your tongue. You're a guest in my family's territory. Show some respect."
Xuan unfazed said : "Respect is earned, not given. And so far, I haven't seen anything worth respecting."
Yun Tianhai scoffing :"Bold words from someone who looks like they just woke up. Do you even take anything seriously?"
Xuan chuckling said: "Oh, I take the important things seriously… unlike you, trying so hard to look important."
Yun Tianhai irritated, crossing his arms said:"It's clear you lack manners. No wonder you're known for causing trouble."
Xuan shrugging casually said: "Trouble finds those who can't handle it. Besides, I'd rather be known for being a bit wild than for hiding behind family titles."
Yun Tianhai glaring said: "You'll regret speaking to me this way."
Xuan grinning, unfazed : "I'll take my chances. Just try not to lose your temper, 'Young Master.' It wouldn't be a good look for you."
Xuan leaning casually against the wall, a smirk on his face) "So, Young Master Yun, I hear you're engaged to Feng Yuxin. I must say, you're lucky… or perhaps 'fortunate' is the better word. She could've had her pick, yet she's settled for you."
Yun Tianhai scowling, taken aback by Xuan's tone : "Watch your mouth, Xuan. Feng Yuxin and I share a strong alliance. You wouldn't understand that kind of commitment."
Xuan chuckling, shaking his head: "Commitment? That's what you're calling it? I'd call it more of a convenient arrangement. But hey, as long as you don't get too insecure, I suppose it could work."
Yun Tianhai face darkening, gritting his teeth "Insecure? What would a Golden Core Realm cultivator like you know about it? You barely understand what true power is, yet here you are, acting like you're superior."
Xuan smiling, not missing a beat :"True power, huh? Funny, coming from someone who needs an engagement to keep his position secure. I may be at the Golden Core Realm, but at least I'm not using someone else's influence to feel important."
Yun Tianhai sneering said: "Keep telling yourself that, Xuan. You talk as if strength can be ignored. In reality, it's the foundation of respect. And with a Golden Core cultivation, I doubt you know what that even means."
Xuan shrugging, clearly unfazed said:"Oh, I understand respect. It's you who might want to grasp the difference between being feared and being respected. When your position is tied to others, well… let's just say it's not as stable as you think."
Yun Tianhai scoffs, dismissively : "That's rich coming from someone with such limited strength. Your Golden Core level might impress the lowly disciples, but it's laughable to someone like me."
Xuan leaning forward, voice low and mocking said: "You think strength is just a title or a realm? I'd take that 'laughable' Golden Core power over hiding behind an engagement any day."
Yun Tianhai snarling, clearly embarrassed but covering it with anger said :"Insulting me won't get you anywhere, Xuan. In the end, power is what defines who rises and who falls. Remember that when you're still struggling while I reach new heights."
Xuan chuckling, amused: "You enjoy those 'heights,' then. Just make sure you don't trip over your own ego. Power gained by circumstance has a funny way of crumbling."
Their exchange hung in the air, tension building as Yun Tianhai glared at Xuan, visibly stung by his words. Xuan merely shrugged, unfazed, his grin only growing wider as he watched Yun Tianhai struggle to regain his composure.