Chapter 5: Lian Xiang Blushes with a Racing Heart! Lian Hua Eyes Xian Zhen!

"Xiang, what do you think?" Lian Tianfeng asked with a warm smile as his gaze fell on Lian Xiang.

He was well aware that Xiao Zhen likely held some resentment toward Lian Hua. Anyone with a decent understanding of human nature could see that. Lian Xiang, however, was a different story. Over the past three difficult years, she had remained by Xiao Zhen's side, never wavering in her support, even when he lost everything.

In Xiao Zhen's heart, Lian Xiang was like the sky, while Lian Hua was merely the earth. Moreover, Lian Xiang's beauty far outshined that of her elder sister, Lian Hua. If their families were to unite once again, Lian Xiang was the perfect candidate.

"Me? What do I think?" Lian Xiang stammered, her heart suddenly pounding as if a deer had begun to run wildly within her chest. She could hardly believe that her father was suggesting she be betrothed to Xiao Zhen, the man she had quietly adored for years.

Her cheeks flushed a rosy red, resembling a ripe apple, and her normally composed demeanor melted away under the weight of her emotions.

Lian Tianfeng chuckled softly. "What? You don't want to?"

"N-no, that's not it! I would! I definitely would, Father!" Lian Xiang hurriedly answered, her words tumbling out in a rush. She realized too late that she had responded with too much enthusiasm, stomping her delicate foot in frustration as she pouted. "But Father, you're embarrassing me!"

Her father's laughter filled the room. "Good! Then I shall make the arrangements for the proposal first thing tomorrow."

Before Lian Xiang could respond, Lian Hua's voice interrupted, brimming with indignation.

"Father, why should it be Xiang? Xiao Zhen was originally my fiancé! I should be the one to marry him again now that his Talent has returned. He's destined to become a Martial Saint one day, and I want a husband of such standing. Besides, Xiao Zhen is so handsome. How could I let him go so easily?" Lian Hua protested, her tone increasingly possessive.

Lian Tianfeng narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone measured. "Do you really believe Xiao Zhen would agree to marry you again after everything that's happened?"

Lian Hua's confidence faltered, but she stubbornly persisted. "Of course! I'm in a much higher Realm than Xiang—I'm a Martial Venerate, after all. As they say, the strong are respected. Why wouldn't Xiao Zhen want to marry me?"

Lian Xiang remained silent, unsure of what Xiao Zhen truly wanted. She was conflicted between her loyalty to her sister and her own feelings for Xiao Zhen.

Lian Tianfeng shook his head. "You really think that's all it takes? Just because you're stronger than Xiang now? Strength alone won't win Xiao Zhen back after what you did to him. But if you insist, do you plan to negotiate with him yourself?"

Lian Hua's eyes gleamed as she replied with confidence, "Yes, I'll talk to him directly. I'm a Martial Venerate and he's a Martial Emperor now. I have the advantage, and I'll make him see reason. In this world, the weak are prey to the strong. If I use my strength wisely, he won't be able to refuse."

Lian Tianfeng's expression darkened. "And what if Xiao Zhen rejects you?"

Lian Hua's answer was immediate. "He wouldn't dare. The Lian family is the most powerful in the capital. Xiao Zhen knows better than to offend us."

An inward sigh escaped Lian Tianfeng. The Xiao family might not hold significant political power, but they were far from weak. Before the rise of the Lian family, the Xiao family had been the most influential in the capital. Even now, their prestige remained formidable, especially with Xiao Zhen's recent return to power.

In truth, he had allowed Xiang to stay by Xiao Zhen's side all these years because of the Xiao family's status. Despite Xiao Zhen losing his cultivation and becoming a tutor at Baixiao Martial Institute, he was still the Xiao family's heir. It wasn't something to take lightly, even if his future at the time had seemed uncertain.

But he didn't voice these thoughts aloud. Instead, he sighed and said, "If you insist on speaking to him, then fine. But Xiang will accompany you. If tensions rise, she can mediate. My only request is that no matter the outcome, you must not allow this matter to escalate into conflict between our families."

Xiang nodded. "Yes, Father."

As Lian Hua prepared herself to confront Xiao Zhen, members of the Lian family exchanged uncertain glances. They knew Lian Hua was determined to reclaim what she believed was hers. Xiao Zhen's return to power had made him an even more desirable prospect than before, and his Talent was too extraordinary to ignore.

Yet, many in the family also suspected Lian Hua was setting herself up for failure. They hadn't forgotten the quiet humiliation Xiao Zhen endured when she ended their engagement. While Xiao Zhen had remained outwardly composed, it was clear the wound had cut deep. And now, with his cultivation restored, things might not go as Lian Hua expected.

Lian Tianfeng's thoughts were elsewhere. Perhaps this situation would bring Xiang and Xiao Zhen closer together. He could only hope.

…

Word of Xiao Zhen's return to power spread rapidly throughout the capital. Not only did the influential families hear of his resurgence, but even the royal family was informed. Baixiao Martial Institute's secret agents wasted no time relaying the news to the emperor himself.

Sitting in his opulent throne room, the emperor's expression shifted from disbelief to curiosity as he listened to the report.

"Xiao Zhen's cultivation has not only returned, but he's advanced even further?" the emperor mused aloud, his interest piqued.

The court officials who stood by his side exchanged wary glances, unsure how this revelation would affect the delicate balance of power in the capital.