The Tenth Elder turned around and saw that the voice belonged to none other than the esteemed guest who had recently visited the Wang family.
Considering the nobility of the speaker's status, the Tenth Elder quickly changed his aloof tone to a more gentle one.
"Your Highness Xian'er, what do you mean by that?"
As his voice rang out, the crowd suddenly quieted down, and all eyes shifted in unison.
At the center of their gaze stood a young girl in a golden gown, elegant and composed.
Her noble aura bloomed like a peony in full flower, and despite her youth, she already exuded an extraordinary presence.
The corners of Yun Xian'er's lips lifted slightly, her youthful face hinting at a beauty that could one day topple kingdoms.
"The sun has not yet set, so how can we speak of failure?"
Yun Xian'er extended her hand, revealing a wrist as fair as jade, and formed a series of intricate seals with her fingers.
"Command the sun!"
As soon as she spoke, her body burst forth with brilliant golden light, as though an immortal had descended.
In the next moment, a colossal figure began to take shape behind her—a magnificent bird-like beast, seemingly forged from pure flame. Most astonishing of all, the creature had three legs!
"The Golden Crow of the Great Sun!"
The Tenth Elder stared in disbelief at the girl beside him.
As soon as the Golden Crow appeared, it soared into the sky, replacing the sun that had nearly disappeared below the horizon.
The once dim dusk was rekindled with radiant light thanks to the crow's presence!
Yun Xian'er remained silent, for she was now unable to speak; it was clear that summoning the Golden Crow had taken a heavy toll on her body.
But the boy, Wang Xianxian, caught her gaze perfectly.
It was as if the Golden Crow had dispelled the darkness and despair in his heart.
The warm glow bestowed upon him the last bit of strength he needed.
The Tenth Elder, now at a loss for what to do, could not bear to see the girl injured under his watch, so he hurriedly called out.
"Your Highness Xian'er, if you wish to help him, I'll simply release him right now."
However, the girl did not withdraw her power over the Golden Crow.
She knew that speaking up would be an insult to the boy.
The road one walks is never a gift from another—it must be earned.
With a furious roar, Wang Xianxian, to the astonishment of everyone present, pushed himself up.
With resolute steps, he finally walked through the gates of the Wang family.
At the very moment his foot crossed the threshold, the Golden Crow vanished into thin air, and the girl collapsed without warning.
"Splurt!"
Wang Xianxian coughed up a mouthful of blood, falling heavily to one knee.
In a rush, he turned to look back, hoping to catch a glimpse of his benefactor.
But the Wang family estate was in chaos by now, and the human wall blocked his view.
All attention had shifted to the unconscious girl.
Feeling the new surge of vitality coursing through his body, Wang Xianxian knew this was a gift from his savior.
After a long silence, he whispered softly to himself, in a voice only he could hear.
"Thank you..."
With that, he dragged his weary body and slowly walked away.
As the Tenth Elder led the unconscious girl away, the Wang family onlookers finally remembered Wang Xianxian.
But when they turned toward the gates, the boy was nowhere to be found.
They stared at the crimson footprints he had left on the stone tiles, a vague sense of unease creeping into their hearts.
That once battered figure was now etched deeply into their minds.
---
In the Wang family's council hall.
The Tenth Elder, his face filled with concern, looked anxiously at the unconscious Yun Xian'er and nervously asked the white-haired elder beside him.
"Emperor Baize, what is Her Highness Xian'er's condition?"
The white-haired elder raised his hand, gesturing for calm.
"She forced herself to summon the Golden Crow, damaging her soul, but for us of the Third Imperial Hall, it is not a major issue."
The Tenth Elder's heart skipped a beat at the mention of soul damage.
Among all types of injuries, none were as difficult to heal as those involving the soul.
And this young princess held a special status—her foundation must not be compromised.
Even the Third Imperial Hall would have to use many costly remedies to treat her.
Noticing the Tenth Elder's uneasy expression, Emperor Baize reassured him.
"Rest assured, this matter was entirely Her Highness's own decision and has nothing to do with the Wang family."
"We came here to the Wang family with the utmost sincerity."
"Her Highness is still young and reckless, and as her teacher, I should apologize to your family for her actions."
The Tenth Elder quickly rose and bowed.
"Emperor, you mustn't say such things. You are the teacher of saints! How could we possibly accept an apology from you? In truth, this all stems from our Wang family's situation."
"If anyone should apologize, it is we of the Wang family. We've treated you poorly during your stay."
"The Grand Elder's ill health has been most unfortunate. Otherwise, we would not have kept you waiting so long."
Emperor Baize shook his head. "It's no matter. I've known of your Grand Elder's condition for some time. A few more days of waiting is nothing."
"However, I do have one small request."
The Tenth Elder bowed deeply. "Please, speak your mind, Emperor."
"There's no need to be so tense. It's nothing major," Emperor Baize said with a light smile. "I merely ask that your family refrain from further punishing that boy. After all, Her Highness went to great lengths, even harming herself, to save him."
"Of course, I'm not trying to meddle in your family's affairs. I just don't want the boy to die in vain; otherwise, I'd have no way of explaining things to Her Highness."
The Tenth Elder immediately grasped the underlying meaning of the Emperor's words and solemnly nodded.
"Rest assured, Emperor. According to the Wang family's rules, once a member is expelled, we no longer pursue any punishment for their transgressions. I will ensure this matter is handled appropriately."
With that, the Tenth Elder turned and left the council hall.
---
In the courtyard of the family head.
Patriarch Wang Xiao glanced at the couple standing before him—Wang Jianian and his wife.
"I heard that little waste managed to fulfill the Tenth Elder's conditions?"
Wang Jianian's expression turned grim. "From what the other clan members have said, it appears so."
"Hmph!" Wang Xiao snorted in disdain. "Who would've thought that worthless boy had such resilience."
Murong Wan, Wang Jianian's wife, poured Wang Xiao a cup of tea. "Father, rest assured, his spiritual veins are destroyed. He won't ever rise again."
Wang Xiao stared at the tea in front of him, lost in thought.
After a long silence, he spoke slowly. "Arrogance is always the deadliest poison for those in power."
Wang Jianian immediately understood the hidden meaning behind his father's words.
"Don't worry, Father. I'll send someone tonight to take care of that rebellious child."
Just as Wang Jianian was about to leave the courtyard, he suddenly noticed another person had appeared behind him, unnoticed.
When he saw who it was, he quickly bowed. "Jianian greets the Tenth Elder."
The Tenth Elder glanced coldly at the three of them.
"No need for that. I'm only here to inform you of one thing."
"Please, Elder, speak," Wang Xiao said, clasping his hands.
The Tenth Elder's eyes narrowed slightly. "You are forbidden from making a move against Wang Xianxian."
"This..." Wang Xiao's face changed drastically, and he tentatively asked, "Why would you say that, Elder?"
The Tenth Elder fixed his gaze on the increasingly nervous Wang Jianian.
"I don't care what issues you have with Wang Xianxian, but I suggest you remember my words."
"I have already pardoned Wang Beichen's crime of falsely accusing his kin, which is mercy beyond the law."
"If I hear news of Wang Xianxian's death, your branch of the family will have no reason to continue."
Wang Jianian, sweating profusely, tried to protest. "Elder, Wang Xianxian's spiritual veins are destroyed. He can hardly survive on his own, so we—"
The Tenth Elder interrupted him sharply.
"You don't need to worry about that. Just remember my words."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Tenth Elder disappeared from sight.
The three of them were left standing there, utterly at a loss.
Murong Wan, filled with fear, asked, "Why would the Elder go out of his way to warn us about that useless boy?"
Wang Jianian was drenched in sweat, his back soaked. "The Elder was serious. If we really lay a hand on that waste, I fear—"
Murong Wan, unwilling to accept such a threat, gritted her teeth.
"We have Beichen. Why should the Elder treat us this way!"
But Wang Xiao's face darkened as he muttered, "Could it be that a certain powerful individual wants to protect him?"
Wang Jianian immediately caught the critical phrase. "Father, what do you mean by 'powerful individual'?"
Wang Xiao shook his head. "This is not something for you to know. Just understand that even the ancestors wouldn't dare show any disrespect toward this individual."
Murong Wan could no longer contain her alarm.
"Father, if that little brat has caught the attention of such a person, then we—"
"This boy must not be allowed to live!" Wang Xiao's gaze turned cold and ruthless. "But now is not the time to act."
"Let him live a little longer..."