Chapter 7: Three Years of Suppression, Finally Unleashed!

Xiao Zhen, having just finished meeting the elders of his family, was informed that the Lian family had arrived unexpectedly. For a moment, he was taken aback but quickly regained his composure.

Could it be that someone from the Lian family had come to reconcile or perhaps even offer their friendship? He was well aware of his extraordinary talent and potential, which likely caught their attention. Before he could ponder further, he saw Lian Hua, accompanied by several elders from the Lian family, arriving at the Xiao residence.

Xiao Zhen's surprise deepened. Lian Hua? The daughter of the Lian family had come to visit him personally? He also noticed Lian Xiang standing beside her, her expression conflicted and uneasy, her hands fidgeting nervously.

Xiao Tianling, Xiao Zhen's grandfather, greeted the visitors with cupped hands and addressed the Lian family elder leading the group.

"What brings the Elder of the Lian family to our Xiao residence? We haven't had much contact since your family initiated the separation."

Lian Dang, one of the Lian family elders, looked visibly uncomfortable. He had been involved in the divorce proceedings years ago, believing Xiao Zhen to be unworthy of Lian Hua's hand due to his inability to cultivate at the time. Now, faced with the consequences of that decision, he struggled to find the right words.

The rest of the Lian family elders exchanged uneasy glances, not expecting Xiao Tianling to bring up the divorce right away. It was an awkward and uncomfortable situation for them.

Sensing the tension, Lian Hua stepped forward and spoke clearly, "Master Xiao, I've come here today with a proposal for reconciliation."

The moment those words left her mouth, a ripple of shock spread throughout the Xiao residence. Reconciliation? Was Lian Hua serious? Years ago, the Lian family had decisively ended their engagement with Xiao Zhen. It was a humiliating affair that the Xiao family hadn't forgotten.

Xiao Tianling couldn't help but chuckle. He had expected the Lian family to come seeking an alliance or some form of reconciliation, but Lian Hua herself asking to remarry? This was unexpected. The tables had certainly turned in favor of the Xiao family, and it was immensely satisfying.

"Princess Lian," Xiao Tianling said with amusement, "what if my grandson becomes useless again?"

The question hung in the air, and Lian Hua hesitated. However, she quickly regained her composure and replied confidently, "I am willing to take that risk. I trust Xiao Zhen will not lose his abilities again."

Her thoughts were clear—if Xiao Zhen could recover his cultivation once, surely he had the potential to do it again. She had no intention of letting such a rare talent slip away.

Xiao Tianling was taken aback by her determination. He hadn't expected Lian Hua to be so resolute this time. After a moment, he turned to his grandson.

"Grandson, this matter concerns you. I will leave the decision in your hands. Consider this as me showing some respect to her father."

Although Xiao Tianling and Lian Hua's father, Lian Tianfeng, had their differences and were rivals, the situation hadn't escalated to open hostility. Now that the Xiao family had regained its standing, it was only polite to allow Xiao Zhen the final say.

Lian Hua looked directly at Xiao Zhen, her expression softening as she spoke, "Xiao Zhen, I was wrong before. I'm truly sorry. Can you forgive me? If you marry me, I swear I will never leave you again."

All eyes turned to Xiao Zhen, waiting for his response.

A cold smile crept onto Xiao Zhen's face. Lian Hua, who had once looked down on him, was now trying to reconcile. He found the situation amusing, almost absurd. He had seen many strange things in his life, but this was by far one of the most unexpected.

Since Lian Hua had delivered herself on a silver platter, how could he not take the opportunity to humiliate her?

"You think you're worthy?" Xiao Zhen said, his voice dripping with disdain.

The crowd fell into stunned silence. Everyone, both from the Xiao and Lian families, was taken aback by the harshness of Xiao Zhen's words. They had expected him to refuse, but perhaps with a little more tact. Instead, his response was brutally direct.

Lian Xiang, standing nearby, let out a small sigh of relief. It seemed Xiao Zhen wasn't interested in rekindling a relationship with her older sister. Yet, despite her relief, she worried that Xiao Zhen's blunt rejection might lead to unnecessary conflict.

As expected, Lian Hua's face darkened at Xiao Zhen's scornful response.

"Xiao Zhen, I, Lian Hua, have swallowed my pride and come here to make amends, willing to reunite with you despite the embarrassment. And yet, you dare to insult me like this?" she snapped, her voice rising in anger. "Do you not understand the power my Lian family holds? Your Xiao family cannot afford to make enemies of us. Have you thought about the consequences of your words?"

Xiao Tianling's brow furrowed at Lian Hua's sudden shift in tone. How dare she try to intimidate them after coming here to reconcile? Did she think the Xiao family was weak and easy to bully?

Xiao Zhen, however, remained unfazed, his smile growing colder.

"You're amusing, Lian Hua. You think that just because you've thrown away your dignity, I'm going to be interested in you? Since the moment you left me, I've had no interest in you whatsoever. And don't think I'm unaware that the Third Prince has already offered a betrothal gift to you. You're nothing but a woman who lacks self-respect."

He paused, his gaze sharp as a blade.

"Let me make this clear—I'd rather marry a man than take you back. If you're suffering from some sort of delusion, I suggest you seek treatment. And as for your threats, if you think your Lian family is untouchable, I assure you, my Xiao family does not fear you."

With those words, Xiao Zhen felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. After three long years of enduring humiliation, he was finally able to release his pent-up frustration, and it felt exhilarating.

If the Lian family chose to retaliate for his words, that was their decision. But Xiao Zhen was confident it wasn't his fault—the blame lay entirely on Lian Hua.

She wanted to remarry? How laughable.

Suddenly, a voice rang out from the side, light and teasing.

"Sister Lian Hua, perhaps you should consider marrying my third brother instead."

The tension in the air thickened as everyone's attention shifted to the newcomer.Top of Form