Night had fallen at the Xiao family mansion, casting a serene yet heavy silence over the estate. In a remote room, Xiao Haoran sat with a solemn expression as he summoned Xiao Rui and Xiao Mei. The two sisters, noticing their father's serious demeanor, quickly set aside their usual smiles and grew serious as well.
"Father, what's the reason for this sudden meeting?" Xiao Rui asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Xiao Haoran exhaled deeply, his gaze heavy. "I received news that Xiao Ming is on his way back from the Divine Blue Sect."
"What? Brother Ming is coming back? I knew it! Knowing our family is in danger, he would never abandon us!" Xiao Mei exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
"Yes, Brother Ming cares about us deeply. He won't let Li Wei forcefully marry us!" Xiao Rui chimed in, equally overjoyed.
Before Xiao Haoran could finish his explanation, the sisters began chatting animatedly. Seeing their excitement, Xiao Haoran sighed heavily, his expression growing more complex.
But before they could continue, Xiao Haoran raised his hand to silence them. "Let me finish."
The excitement on the sisters' faces faded as they noticed the worry in their father's expression.
"I need you to understand something. Although Xiao Ming is returning, his presence alone won't change much. When I last communicated with him, he was still an outer disciple of the Divine Blue Sect."
The room fell silent. Xiao Rui frowned. "Father, even if he's an outer disciple, he's strong and resourceful. Isn't there hope—?"
Xiao Haoran shook his head. "You don't understand. The Divine Blue Sect has millions of disciples. They wouldn't care about the fate of one outer disciple, no matter his talent. And we cannot expect Xiao Ming to fight against the overwhelming power of the Li family and their Roaring Lion Sect backing."
The grim reality struck both sisters, replacing their hopeful expressions with solemn ones..
"If that's the case," Xiao Mei asked hesitantly, "why did you call Brother Ming back? Wouldn't he be safer staying at the sect?"
Xiao Haoran's face darkened. He hesitated before finally speaking, his voice low. "This brings me to the true reason I've called you here tonight. There's something you both need to know."
His pause made the atmosphere heavy, the silence almost unbearable.
The room grew still as Xiao Haoran continued, his voice weighted with emotion. "As you both know, Xiao Ming is not my biological son. His origins are... mysterious. As for his real parents, I cannot recall their names or even their faces. It's as if they made sure I wouldn't remember."
"Dad, we already know this. Why are you bringing it up now?" Xiao Mei asked impatiently, only to receive a light knock on her head from her father.
"Don't interrupt. What I'm about to say is important," Xiao Haoran said firmly. His gaze shifted to Xiao Rui, and his expression grew even more serious.
"Not only is Xiao Ming not my biological son, but Xiao Rui... you are not my biological daughter either."
Boom!
Xiao Rui felt as though a bolt of lightning had struck her. She froze, her mind reeling.
"Father, you're joking, right?" she asked, her voice trembling. "This can't be true... Am I really not your child?"
Her words came out as a murmur, disbelief etched across her face.
Xiao Haoran nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry, Rui'er. It's the truth. Your origins are as mysterious as Xiao Ming's. Your mother and I took you in as an infant, but your true parents One day, if you leave the Celestial Jade Domain, you may find your real parents. That's all I know."
The revelation hit Xiao Rui like a bolt of lightning. Having lived with Xiao Haoran as her father for over twenty years, this sudden truth was nearly unbearable.
Xiao Mei, equally shocked, turned to her father. "Wait... If Brother Ming and Sister Rui aren't your biological children, then what about me?"
Seeing her questioning gaze, Xiao Haoran sighed again. "You're my biological child, of course. Can't you tell? You look so much like me and your mother." He knocked her lightly on the head again, making Xiao Mei rub her head in annoyance.
Xiao Haoran softened, his voice tinged with emotion. "Although you and Ming'er aren't my blood, I've always treated you both as my own. You three are my pride, my family." Xiao Haoran said warmly, his eyes filled with affection.
The warmth in his words eased the tension, and Xiao Rui wiped her tears, forcing a small, grateful smile. "Thank you… Father."
Unbeknownst to them, a fourth figure had been silently observing from the roof of the room.
Ye Chan, wandering aimlessly through the Xiao mansion, had unknowingly arrived at the scene. He had overheard the entire conversation, his presence concealed by the mysterious techniques of his master, Elder Tianxian.
From his vantage point, Ye Chan couldn't see the sisters' faces, but their voices confirmed their identities. Just as he was processing the shocking revelations, Elder Tianxian's voice sounded. "Hmm," Elder Tianxian murmured in Ye Chan's mind. "To think that this remote celestial jade domain would have someone with the Cold Yin Sacred Body."
"The Cold Yin Sacred Body?" Ye Chan asked, intrigued.
"A supreme physique," the elder explained. "Women with this body are unmatched in beauty and cultivation potential. Their presence is so rare that even the gods would fight over them."
Ye Chan's eyes widened. "A physique like that… in this little family?"
Elder Tianxian's tone grew serious. "If you cultivate with a woman of this physique, your cultivation speed will soar. Even those with abysmal talent could reach the Sacred Lord realm. Do you understand what this means, Chan'er?"
Ye Chan swallowed hard, the enormity of the revelation sinking in. His master continued, his voice almost reverent.
"This girl's Cold Yin Sacred Body is currently sealed, likely by an expert. Perhaps her true parents are protecting her. But if you can gain her favor, her physique and background will be invaluable to you when you leave this small domain."
Ye Chan clenched his fists, his mind racing. "Master, don't worry. I won't let her fall into the Li family's hands. I'll make her mine. If I save her, she'll surely be grateful…"
As he plotted his next steps, Xiao Haoran's voice caught his attention.
"Tomorrow, the martial arts competition will decide the Xiao family's fate. Three fighters from each side will battle. Victory will determine whether the marriage goes through."
"But even if we win, do you think the Li family will honor their word?" Xiao Rui asked bitterly.
Xiao Haoran sighed. "No. Li Wei is shameless. That's why, after the match, you and several family members will leave Moonshade City. Go find Xiao Ming. Stay safe."
He pulled a ring from his pocket and handed it to Xiao Rui. "This ring was left for Xiao Ming by his parents. Give it to him when you see him."
On the roof, Elder Tianxian's voice suddenly grew sharp. "That ring…!