Main Chapter: Just a Nephew Playing with his Uncle.

2039 of the Black Lightning Grand Sage, 10th day of the 1st month of Spring. North-west, Central Plains of the Greater Lands. Qing Ruo Mountain, Major Cultivating Ring, Xuan Estate. Time: 13:12.

Today the Academy was closed, and students were free to do as they pleased. As Ong Zhou had a special matter to talk about with the two brothers. They had gathered at the Xuan Estate Dining Hall and had lunch together.

The meal had ended some minutes ago, but Ong Zhou was waiting to speak. It seemed whatever he wished to say was hard on him. Suddenly, tears began to fall from his eyes and Xuan Yi was immediately flustered. Ong Jun, on the other hand, made no action but her makeup made her seem on the verge of tears. Watching the show Xuan Yu acted just like that as if he was watching a dull show.

"Xuan Yi, Xuan Yu it has been eight years. Truly, truly you are not the young orphans crying before your parents' picture. You are young men. Young men, we have watched grow up from childhood."

Ong Zhou choked up even more here.

"Sometimes, and I deeply regret this we had to be hard with you. We only did so because we ourselves were lacking and could not teach you well enough."

"Uncle."

Xuan Yi was shaken as he heard his Uncle's words and his voice was soft and comforting. Then the Qi infused words came and Xuan Yi unsettled as he was would never notice.

"No, I cannot ask you to understand how hard it was to punish you both, how much it tore at our hearts to do such things. We can only beg your forgiveness."

Ong Zhou audibly bowed his head knocking against the table. While Ong Jun hugged Ong Zhou in a way that made it seem as if she was lowering her head and comforting her husband.

"Uncle, please raise your head."

Xuan Yi immediately got up from his seat and called out. Ong Zhou quickly raised his head and met Xuan Yi's eyes with a clear, resolute gaze.

"It makes me so happy that you call me Uncle, Xuan Yi. But even if it is bold of me to say. I must ask, Xuan Yi, Xuan Yu are you willing to call me your Father. Of course, I am not asking you to become Ongs. Instead, I and Jun-love will become Xuans. So, even after you two become adults. We will remain your parents."

"Fa-…"

"No."

Hearing Xuan Yu cut off Xuan Yi several pair of eyes turned to him. Xuan Yu, of course, paid them no heed. His gaze indifferent. And Ong Zhou could finally confirm that his spell didn't work on Xuan Yu. His brows furrowed he turned his attention to Xuan Yi.

"Yi boy, your brother has discarded us. Ignored all that we gave up to come and live with you both. Forsaking all our assets to take care of you for 7 years of our lives. Managing the Xuan Estate with our hard work to ensure that you two were well and could inherit the hard work of your parents. Though we have been hard on you in the past. What parent doesn't have to get rough with their children from time? And that Xuan Yi, is all we want to be to you. Parents, not just until you become adults but even when you're strong enough to stand on your own.

Xuan Yi, my Jun-love can't have children as you know, we have not hidden this knowledge from anyone. But I love her with all my heart. Xuan Yi, this plays a big part in why we chose to raise you.

And over time you've long been our children in our heart. Today, Xuan Yu has discarded the bond between us. Xuan Yi, you are our last hope to be true parents. To one day have grandchildren and great children. If there truly is nothing in your heart for us, then do not take my words to heart. But if there is; then be what you have always been to us, our child."

Ong Zhou's solemn and resolute gaze were fixed onto Xuan Yi's trembling eyes. The hurt and understanding stirring the 10-year-olds heart just as much as the Qi infused words.

Xuan Yi was visibly shaken his eyes teary. He looked at his right hand as he found the decision harder and harder to make.

Ong Zhou and Ong Jun had indeed taken care of them. Or more precisely they had taken good care of Xuan Yu, but for Xuan Yi. The one who told the servants to bring him food was Xuan Yu. The one who instructed the servants how to care for him was Xuan Yu. The one who cut the food on the plate for him was Xuan Yu. If a servant was the least bit inattentive to him the one who would react wouldn't be Ong Zhou or Ong Jun but Xuan Yu. It was always his big brother whose robes he held onto, always that big brother looking out for him.

But Ong Zhou and Ong Jun were indeed taking care of the estate. Doing all the things that Xuan Yu and he couldn't do. He truly believed that if it wasn't for them he and Xuan Yu wouldn't be able to enjoy their parent's inheritance or the luxury they had. And Xuan Yi thought it was just a small request of theirs.

In truth, he could barely remember a warm cheek rubbing his and the smile of a woman who resembled him, but that was it. Ong Zhou and Ong Jun were a clearer image of parents. But…

"I can't…"

Not only Ong Zhou and Ong Jun were shocked but so was Xuan Yu. Ong Zhou was enraged, the air around him began to tremble.

"How d-…"

Suddenly, Ong Zhou's face was contorted in pain. His words cut off and he gripped his chest. He collapsed forward with a clenched fist as the servants screamed and Xuan Yi rushed forward.

The servants quickly ran off to call someone from the Medicine Hall and the Xuan Estate's doctor. While others rushed forward to lend their expertise.

Xuan Yu who had just finished a few silent hand seals rested his face on his knuckles. The usual cold indifference a sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle around him.

'Uwaa, YuYu, you used such a painful curse.'

'How could I not? it's his fault for filling the air with so much Qi. Fulfilling the three requirements for such a pain in the ass curse. What kind of nephew would I be if I didn't gift it to him after all that work on his part?

Say, do you think any of the doctors here will be able to dispel it?'

The nearby servant who was there in case of poisoning was able to quickly rule it out. The Head Butler who had been nearby kept berating him for an explanation. While Xuan Yi clutched Ong Jun's hand with tears in his eyes.

'Nah, they probably won't even notice it, despite it being the Winged King's favorite.'

'Indeed, the knowledge of curses died out ages ago, so it is unlikely. But if I was able to rediscover it I'm sure someone beyond my sight has as well.'

The curse that Xuan Yu used was called the Strangle Heart Curse and needs three things; a victim in a highly emotional state, sufficient amount of Qi in the surrounding and for the caster to have no feelings whatsoever on the victim. The curse was like a disease it would afflict one with a stroke-like paralysis and severe heart pains. But it had a backlash.

Even with Xuan Yu resting on it. His arm was still albeit barely noticeably, trembling. The pain that was having Ong Zhou on the ground with his eyes rolled over. Half of it was being felt by Xuan Yu.

Not knowing what to do, Xuan Yi looked at Xuan Yu and seeing his brother merely sitting there indifferently. He felt there was something he couldn't understand. Something he needed to realize. But then his brother mouthed something.

'Foolish Little Brother.'

"It looks like he's having a stroke. Stop moving him as you please. Lay him on his side and slightly raise his head, keep it supported."

Hearing Xuan Yu's cold voice some order returned to the situation. Though they had been ignoring him Xuan Yu had once given them all orders before.

"If you see any weakness in his limbs avoid moving him. But from your haphazard attempts at diagnosis, he seems fine enough. Loosen his robes, ensure he's breathing properly and make sure he's warm. Xuan Yi, reassure him. Explain what's going on and what's happening to him and let him know he'll be alright."

As the servants and Xuan Yi did what Xuan Yu ordered. Ong Jun made a loud showing of crying and forced several people to comfort her.

The other servants were quick, and Ong Zhou was taken care of per Xuan Yu's orders in a few seconds.

"Don't crowd him, I'll observe him and if he needs anything. Move at my command."

The servants bowed at his words and retreated. Xuan Yi was the only one staying by Ong Zhou side. Ong Jun was in a chair near the corner with three or four servants trying to calm her down. Feeding her, stroking her hair and reassuring her.

Of course, Ong Jun was perfectly calm, rather she was happy. Even though she and Ong Zhou had agreed to keep the servants away from Xuan Yu to prevent him from influencing any. At the moment her first priority wasn't stopping Xuan Yu or taking care of Ong Zhou but being coddled.

Though it had seemed like ages for those on the scene it was only a few minutes before the Xuan Household doctors came. Leaving his Uncle's side Xuan Yi looked for Xuan Yu, but the latter was already gone.