Sitting on the couch in the living hall, Hu Liena had a contemplative look.
Moments ago, she had watched Qian Renxue leave after boldly kissing Xuan Yan's forehead.
That act, though seemingly innocent, had stirred something deep within her...
Was it irritation? Annoyance? Or… something else entirely?
Her brows furrowed as she struggled to pinpoint exactly what she was feeling.
Finally, unable to sit still any longer, she turned toward the woman beside her—her teacher, Bibi Dong.
Taking a quiet breath, Hu Liena uttered "Teacher! I want to ask something."
Bibi Dong, who was sipping her tea, glanced at her disciple with mild curiosity "Oh? What is it, Nana?"
Hu Liena hesitated for a brief moment before speaking. "That girl… I want to know about that girl?"
The question made Bibi Dong blink in surprise "That girl?"
Then, after a brief moment of thought, realization dawned on her face. "You mean Xue'er?"
Hu Liena nodded, suppressing the strange discomfort that bubbled within her "Yes, that Xue'er girl."
Bibi Dong looked at her disciple for a second before responding "She is the previous Pope's daughter and the granddaughter of the Grand Worshipper of the Elder Palace."
"She is the Young Miss of the Spirit Hall—Qian Renxue."
Hu Liena's breath hitched slightly. 'As I thought...'
A woman born into power, destined for greatness, and holding a status far above her own.
A strange sensation settled in her chest.
It wasn't just shock...
A realization that she hadn't expected.
Qian Renxue… was superior to her.
In both status and strength.
Even in looks, she had an undeniable elegance that exuded nobility.
Hu Liena clenched her fists slightly.
How was she supposed to compete with someone like that?
Her mind became clouded with doubt.
'Why do I even care?'
Before she could find an answer, Bibi Dong's voice interrupted her thoughts "What's this, Nana? Are you jealous because she was close to Yan'er?"
Hu Liena's body stiffened.
"I—I…" She stumbled over her words, feeling suddenly cornered "Teacher, I… Yan'er, I just…"
She didn't even know what she wanted to say.
Bibi Dong chuckled at her disciple's flustered state "I don't mind if you love him, Nana," she said casually, tilting her head slightly.
"But don't try to force anything. Instead, focus on winning his heart naturally."
Hu Liena's face turned warm at her teacher's direct words.
Love?
Does she love Xuan Yan?
She wasn't sure.
But she was sure of something... she didn't like seeing another woman so close to him.
She didn't like the way Qian Renxue looked at him.
And she especially didn't like the way he smiled at her.
Before she could dwell on her thoughts any further, Bibi Dong continued speaking "But remember this, Nana."
Hu Liena raised her eyes to meet her teacher's gaze.
"In talent, looks, and power, no one can compare to him. As time passes, he will only become more powerful… more influential… and, of course, even more handsome,"
"A man like that… is bound to attract the attention of many women."
Hu Liena's grip on her robe tightened slightly.
Bibi Dong noticed but continued "There will be more women around him, more women who will admire him and seek his love. He may not belong to just one person, and he may even take multiple wives in the future."
Hu Liena's gaze narrowed.
Does she want to be the only one by his side?
Does she want him to see only her?
She had never truly considered these things before.
Before meeting Xuan Yan, she had never cared for romantic matters.
She had always been focused on her training, her goals, and her teacher's expectations.
But now… things felt different.
And she didn't know how to deal with these emotions.
Bibi Dong, noticing the inner turmoil on her disciple's face, gave a small smile. "So, Nana, if you truly wish to be with him, then you must be prepared."
Hu Liena looked up at her teacher "Prepared?"
"Prepared to share," Bibi Dong clarified.
"You shouldn't try to monopolize him entirely. Instead, you should learn to accept the presence of others in his life. If you want a place in his heart, you need to secure it early on. Otherwise, you might regret it later."
She finished her words with a small wink before gracefully continuing to sip her tea.
Hu Liena sat there as her mind swirled with countless thoughts.
The conversation had left her with more questions than answers.
Does she truly want to be with him?
Or was she simply being possessive?
She don't know.
...
Next day morning-
Xuan Yan was sitting patiently on an elegant sofa in the main hall, waiting for Hu Liena to arrive.
Today, he was finally returning home.
His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest, and just as he was about to lose himself in thought, the sound of light footsteps echoed from the staircase.
He lifted his gaze, and there she was—Hu Liena.
She wore a stunning yellow one-piece dress that accentuated her curves.
As she reached the last step, she twirled in place and the hem of her dress fluttered slightly with her movement.
With a bright smile, she spread her arms out slightly and asked, "Yan'er? How is it?"
Xuan Yan couldn't help but chuckle at her playful gesture.
His gaze softened as he looked at her, "My Sister Nana is truly beautiful,"
Hearing his words, Hu Liena's eyes sparkled with delight, and she let out a pleased giggle "Hehe..."
Xuan Yan was relieved she ask something troublesome like 'Who is more beautiful, me or Xue'er?' That would have been a dangerous question to answer.
Instead, he simply smiled and extended his right hand toward her. "Shall we go?"
Hu Liena's cheeks tinged slightly pink, but she quickly took his hand without hesitation.
Their fingers intertwined naturally, as if it were the most familiar thing in the world.
As they walked through the grand hall, the spirit guards stationed along the corridor straightened their backs.
Then, one by one, they kneeled in unison and their heads lowered in respect.
Xuan Yan glanced at them with mild surprise.
'Well, they must have heard about the new Holy Son by now.'
Indeed, the news had spread like wildfire throughout the mainland.
The mysterious phenomenon from the previous day, the overwhelming dragon's roar, and the announcement of the Holy Son.
And at the center of it all was him, Xuan Yan.
Outside the palace, a magnificent carriage awaited them.
...
Several hours passed, and soon, the carriage approached a grand estate in the heart of a quiet, noble district.
As the carriage rolled to a stop near the entrance, a group of maids who had been tending to the garden turned their attention toward it.
The intricate carriage alone was enough to draw their curiosity, but when its door opened and a striking young man stepped out, their eyes widened in astonishment.
The maids stood frozen, completely dazed by his appearance.
Among them, an elderly maid gasped in recognition.
Her wrinkled hands trembled as she whispered, "Young Master…?"
As realization dawned on her, she turned abruptly and rushed toward the mansion, her voice trembling with emotion. "Young Master has returned!"
Hu Liena stepped out of the carriage right after him, and Xuan Yan instinctively reached out his hand to help her down.
The moment she placed her hand in his, she felt the warmth of his palm against hers.
'How is it that even something as simple as holding his hand feels so… nice?' she thought absentmindedly before shaking the thought away.
The two of them walked toward the grand doors.
As Xuan Yan pushed open the doors, a sudden blur of movement shot toward him.
A petite figure launched into his arms without hesitation "Big brother!"
He barely had time to react before soft arms wrapped tightly around his neck, and a sweet, familiar scent filled his senses.
Looking down, he saw a small girl clinging to him, her black hair slightly messy and her emerald green eyes sparkled with joy.
"Yin'er,"
Xuan Yan gently patted her head.
Xue Yin wrapped around him like a koala and buried her face into his chest, her small hands gripping onto his robes.
She let out a content sigh as she melted into his touch, clearly enjoying the affection she had been missing during his absence.
After a few moments, she slowly lifted her head, her bright green eyes shimmering with admiration as she gazed up at him.
"Big Brother, what happened to your face? You look so cool now!"
Xuan Yan let out a chuckle "Oh? So you think Big Brother looks cool?"
Yin'er nodded vigorously, her dark hair bouncing with the motion "Yes! Big Brother, you are soooo cool!"
Her enthusiasm brought a soft smile to Xuan Yan's lips.
He ruffled her hair once more, making the little girl giggle in delight.
However, her joyful expression suddenly changed and her eyes narrowed when she noticed Hu Liena standing beside them.
Xuan Yan immediately picked up on her shift in demeanor.
Before he could say anything, Hu Liena took a step forward, smiling warmly as she introduced herself "Hi Yin'er, I'm Hu Liena. Yan'er has told me a lot about you."
She reached out a hand to gently ruffle Yin'er's hair, but before she could, the little girl swiftly stepped sideways as her small body pressed even closer to Xuan Yan's arm.
Xuan Yan chuckled at the sight of his little sister's obvious wariness.
"Sister Nana, Yin'er isn't very good at talking to new people,"
Hu Liena blinked, slightly taken aback before letting out a soft laugh "Oh, I see."
She wasn't too bothered by Xue Yin's reaction.
It was completely natural for a younger sibling to be possessive of their elder brother, especially after a long separation.
Still, she made a mental note to slowly earn the little girl's trust.
Just as the moment settled, a familiar voice rang from inside the mansion.
"Yan'er, you are finally here..."
Xue Ling was dumfounded to see her son.
Had it truly only been four months since she last saw him?
He had grown so much.
And yet, despite the changes in his appearance, the warmth in his smile remained the same.
Beside him a charming young girl was standing.
Xue Ling's gaze flickered between the two of them, and for a brief moment, she raised an eyebrow.
Hmm? He already brought a girl home?
A small smile played on Xue Ling's lips.
Hearing his mother's voice, Xuan Yan turned his gaze toward the graceful woman walking toward him.
A soft smile spread across Xuan Yan's face "Yes, Mom..."
Xue Ling's eyes softened further at his words "Come inside, dear."
Xuan Yan nodded in return and took a step forward, but found that Xue Yin still refused to let go of his arm.
He glanced down at his little sister, whose grip had only tightened.
She was still eyeing Hu Liena with visible suspicion, as if assessing whether or not she could trust her.
Her eyes squinted 'Homewrecker...'
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!
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Like 200 ps or 50 comments :)