As I followed Grandmother Bao Zhenhua, I could feel her aura pulsing with authority. She wasn't one to mince words, especially when it came to my future—or rather, her vision of my future.
I might not be vulnerable to her, but I sure wasn't going to avoid this impending lecture.
"You've been slacking off, Yue Phaelo," she said sharply, barely slowing her pace as we walked through the sect grounds. "Your cultivation may be exceptional, but there's more to power than that. The Bao Clan expects greatness, and I won't let your mother's efforts go to waste."
"Slacking? Grandmother, I'm just trying to balance all these... responsibilities," I said, making a half-hearted gesture behind me, vaguely referring to the chaos I'd just left behind with Ling Xueying and Long Zhen. Of course, I didn't expect her to care. Ling Xueying could single-handedly fight off an entire sect, and Grandmother Bao would still see her as an unnecessary distraction.
"Hmph," she grunted. "If you have time for distractions, you have time to push beyond your limits."
I suppressed a sigh. "Of course, Grandmother."
"And your grandmother, Yue Zhaoxiang... don't think I haven't noticed her coddling you," Bao Zhenhua added, the faintest hint of disdain in her voice.
Ah yes, here it was. The old rivalry between my grandmothers—the never-ending tug-of-war for my attention and loyalty. I almost smiled, imagining the two of them bickering over who had the better plan for my future.
"Oh, Yue Zhaoxiang treats me just like she treats the rest of her grandchildren," I said innocently, knowing full well that this would only fuel the fire.
"Bah! Don't insult me. I know exactly how that woman operates," she snapped. "But no matter. You'll follow the Bao Clan's path. We didn't come this far just for you to be swayed by her tricks."
I kept my face neutral, though inwardly, I was already imagining the upcoming dinner where both of my grandmothers would be present. If past experiences were anything to go by, it would be another night of subtle insults disguised as polite conversation—and not-so-subtle battles of Dao aura.
"Yes, Grandmother, of course," I said, keeping my tone measured.
"Good," Bao Zhenhua said, her voice softening just slightly. "You're the future of both the Yue and Bao clans, Phaelo. Never forget that."
I nodded, feeling the weight of her words, but also the amusement bubbling beneath my serious expression. This "future" she envisioned was always so rigid, so carefully orchestrated—yet I had plans of my own. Plans that didn't necessarily align with either side's ambitions.
As we walked toward the estate, I couldn't help but let my thoughts drift to the other troublesome individuals that lurked in my life.
Long Zhen and Bai Lifen, for instance, were always making things... interesting, to say the least. Sons of powerful families, they carried themselves like they owned the heavens—and they always managed to get under most's skins.
Long Zhen, with his Duke family backing, was as persistent as he was oblivious. He believed his charm was the greatest gift to all women—and unfortunately, he seemed intent on proving it, no matter how many times Ling Xueying turned him down.
Watching his relentless pursuits was a source of endless entertainment for me, though I'd never admit it to him.
And then there was Bai Lifen, the rich merchant's son, whose ego was only surpassed by his spirit stones amount. He loved flaunting his wealth even more than Grandmother Bao flaunted hers. He and Long Zhen were the perfect duo—both equally insufferable, yet somehow always finding themselves in my orbit.
Together, they were constantly vying for the affections of three women. Ling Xueying, of course, was the crown jewel of their affections, a core court disciple with enough power to make most men tremble. But Ling Xueying was far from their only target.
There were two other women they pursued: Li Mei, an inner court disciple known for her exceptional talent in the Spirit Realm, and Wen Jia, another inner court disciple whose beauty was matched only by her fierce combat skills. These women had no interest in Long Zhen or Bai Lifen, of course, but that didn't stop them from trying.
And that was where I came in. For some reason, these two sons of heaven had decided I was their rival in love, despite the fact that I had no interest in their so-called conquests. I had bigger problems to deal with—like my own family.
"Yue Phaelo!" Bao Zhenhua's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Are you listening to me?"
"Yes, Grandmother, of course," I replied, giving her my most sincere expression.
She narrowed her eyes at me, clearly not convinced, but said nothing more. Instead, she turned and continued walking, her robes billowing behind her like storm clouds.
I sighed inwardly, preparing myself for the inevitable clash between my two grandmothers—and whatever ridiculous drama Long Zhen and Bai Lifen would stir up next. But for now, I just had to survive this lecture.
As we approached the estate, I couldn't help but smile to myself. After all, life was never boring when you were surrounded by power, ambition, and enough family drama to fill a dozen lifetimes.