As Yue Zhaoxiang and Bao Zhenhua carried me through the halls of the estate with their combined spiritual auras, I kept my face composed.
Internally, though, I was bracing myself for whatever they had planned. It wasn't the first time I'd been spirited away by these two, and it wouldn't be the last.
But considering the mischievous glint in their eyes, I had a feeling this was going to be more than a simple chat.
Before I knew it, we were in one of the estate's private pavilions.
A peaceful space filled with blooming celestial lotus flowers and a shimmering pond reflecting the setting sun. The tranquility of the scene was at odds with the immense power radiating from the two women beside me.
I was unceremoniously plopped down onto a plush chair in the middle of the pavilion. Yue Zhaoxiang settled into a seat across from me, her legs elegantly crossed, I caught a glimpse of something but just smiled while Bao Zhenhua on the other sat beside her, casting me a wide smile.
"There he is!" Yue Zhaoxiang cooed, her tone filled with amusement. "Our little devil, all grown up and breaking into the Heavenly Edge Stage without telling his grandmothers."
Bao Zhenhua huffed dramatically, casting a playful glare at her daughter-in-law. "Our little devil? Please, Zhaoxiang, you're just jealous because my grandson broke through first!"
Yue Zhaoxiang rolled her eyes but wore a knowing grin. "I am his father's mother, remember? He's clearly inherited my superior cultivation genes. I'd say I deserve all the credit."
"Oh, don't be ridiculous," Bao Zhenhua shot back, waving her hand dismissively. "It's my Bao Clan's blood that gives him his strength. You Yue clan members are just good at talking."
Yue Zhaoxiang leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mock rivalry. "Is that so, Zhenhua? I seem to remember someone calling for help when they were stuck in the Heavenly Unity Stage for twenty years."
I sat back, a smirk tugging at my lips as the two of them bantered back and forth like this. It was always a show with them, and I had to admit, I enjoyed it.
But then, their attention snapped back to me, and before I knew it, they were practically showering me with affection.
"Oh, enough of that," Bao Zhenhua said, her tone softening as she turned to me. "Phaelo'er, dear, you've done us proud. Breaking into the Heavenly Edge Stage so soon—just look at you! It feels like only yesterday you were running around causing mischief in the lower realms." Oh, yes the lower realms (worlds), a place I haven't visited for so long.
"Ah, yes," Yue Zhaoxiang added with a glint in her eye, "he's still causing plenty of mischief, but that's what makes him our favorite." She reached out and gently pinched my cheek. "Congratulations, my little devil. You've surpassed all expectations."
I felt a warmth spread through me, despite my usual nonchalant demeanor. It wasn't often that these two openly praised me like this.
As if on cue, Bao Zhenhua pulled something out of the folds of her robes—a small, glowing jade box, intricately carved with runes that shimmered in the fading light. "A belated gift for your breakthrough," she said with a wink, handing the box to me. "Something from the Bao Clan's secret treasury."
I raised an eyebrow as I accepted the box, carefully opening it. Inside was a gleaming white stone, swirling with traces of gold. "A Celestial Meridian Stone?" I asked, impressed despite myself.
Bao Zhenhua nodded proudly. "That's right. One of the rarest treasures in the Xianlun World. It can help enhance your spiritual meridians, allowing for even smoother energy flow during cultivation. Consider it a little boost to help you reach the next stage."
Not to be outdone, Yue Zhaoxiang snapped her fingers, and in a flash of light, a stunning golden bracelet appeared in her hand. "And this," she said, dangling the bracelet in front of me, "is the Golden Serpent's Coil. It's imbued with the essence of a long-dead ancient serpent, capable of protecting you from spiritual attacks and amplifying your spiritual defenses."
I took the bracelet, turning it over in my hands. The craftsmanship was impeccable, and I could feel the faint pulse of spiritual energy within it. "Grandmother," I said, looking between the two of them, "this is… extravagant."
"Nonsense!" Yue Zhaoxiang waved me off. "You've reached the Heavenly Edge Stage. It's only fitting you're rewarded with treasures worthy of your achievements."
Bao Zhenhua nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Besides, we'll give you more once you break into the next realm. We expect nothing less from our little devil."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "You spoil me."
"Of course, we do!" Yue Zhaoxiang said with a smirk. "After all, you're our future. Who else could carry the family's legacy with such flair?"
The atmosphere lightened further as they continued to lavish me with praise, even as they threw sly remarks at each other.
"I see you've taken to spoiling him more than usual," Bao Zhenhua said, casting a mock accusing look at Yue Zhaoxiang. "Maybe you're trying to bribe him into liking you more."
Yue Zhaoxiang gasped, her hand flying to her chest in mock offense. "Bribe him? As if I need to! He's always preferred me, haven't you, Phaelo'er?"
I raised my hands in surrender, grinning. "Now, now, let's not start a war over me."
Bao Zhenhua narrowed her eyes playfully. "That's exactly what someone who's guilty of favoritism would say."
Yue Zhaoxiang chuckled. "Well, guilty as charged. After all, he is my grandson."
"Our grandson, Zhaoxiang," Bao Zhenhua corrected with a smirk.
I leaned back, enjoying the playful squabbling between the two. It was always like this when they were together—each one subtly competing for my favor, though they'd never admit it outright. It was both entertaining and endearing.
"Enough of this," Yue Zhaoxiang said after a moment, turning her attention back to me. "You've been working hard, haven't you? Tell me, what are your plans now that you've reached the Heavenly Edge Stage?"
I leaned forward slightly, considering her question. "Well," I began, a grin spreading across my face, "I suppose I'll be helping with the TingTing situation next."
Bao Zhenhua's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, about that. Poor Yue Shen doesn't stand a chance, does he? That family is of arrogant old farts I don't think they will allow TingTing to be scrutinized by you."
"Not at all," Yue Zhaoxiang added, chuckling softly. "But, I trust you'll handle it… delicately."
I nodded, my grin widening. "Of course, delicately."
Both grandmothers exchanged knowing glances. They weren't fooled, but they didn't seem too concerned either.
"Well then," Bao Zhenhua said, standing up gracefully, "just remember, Phaelo'er, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We're always here for you."
"And don't forget to wear that bracelet," Yue Zhaoxiang added with a wink. "It might just save your life one day."
With that, they both rose from their seats, their spiritual auras retreating as they prepared to leave. I stood as well, bowing my head slightly in thanks.
"Thank you," I said, genuinely grateful despite the teasing. "I won't forget it."
They both smiled, and for a brief moment, I could feel the warmth of their affection.
As they left the pavilion, I couldn't help but laugh softly to myself. Between these two and the chaos that was bound to unfold with TingTing, I had a feeling things were about to get very interesting.