11. The smiling serpent

Ye Xian greeted his father with deep respect, his posture formal as he bowed slightly. He then acknowledged his stepmother with a courteous nod. Her response was cold; she didn't acknowledge him directly but instead continued speaking with her son, her expression sour. It seemed the news of Ye Xian marriage to the daughter of one of the top families in the region had not been received well.

However, his second stepmother's stiff posture softened ever so slightly as she glanced at her daughters, and the faintest smile appeared on her lips. Ye Xian took note of her behavior but didn't dwell on it.

Both his first and second stepmothers were sisters from the same clan.

Turning to the guest, Ye Xian greeted Xuan Hong with respect, introducing himself formally. "Ye Xian, at your service," he said, bowing slightly.

Xuan Hong eyes gleamed with approval as he regarded Ye Xian. His gaze was penetrating yet kind, his words warm as he spoke, "Ah, Ye Xian, I've heard much about you. A young man of manners, and a fine one at that. It is an honor to finally meet you."

The exchange was polite, yet an undercurrent of something deeper lingered in the air. Ye Xian could sense that his meeting with Xuan Hong and the Xuan Clan would soon take a significant turn, perhaps shaping the course of his future.

His father, ever the host, took a moment to introduce the man more formally. "This is Xuan Hong, the younger brother of the Xuan Clan's patriarch. He's here to discuss matters of great importance, and I believe his visit is no coincidence."

Xuan Hong's smile widened at the mention of his clan's standing, but there was no arrogance in his demeanor. Instead, he seemed pleased to be acknowledged in such a way, offering Ye Feng a genuine look of camaraderie.

As Ye Xian sat down, he found himself directly across from Xuan Lingshuang. The servants began serving the dishes, and conversation soon filled the air as their fathers spoke in animated tones. The atmosphere at the table was warm, yet Ye Xian couldn't shake the feeling of hidden tensions lingering beneath the surface.

He focused on his meal, eating slowly while allowing his gaze to drift from time to time. His attention was drawn to Xuan Lingshuang as she interacted with the twins. The two lively girls bombarded her with endless questions, their bright eyes filled with curiosity. To his mild surprise, Xuan Lingshuang answered them patiently, her usual coldness melting ever so slightly. A faint warmth flickered in her eyes as she indulged their whims, revealing a side of her that Ye Xian had rarely seen.

But what truly caught his attention was the subtle change in his younger brother, Ye Shen.

Across the table, Ye Shen's hand clenched beneath the surface, his knuckles turning white. His expression was carefully neutral, but the flicker of anger in his eyes betrayed his emotions.

'How… how could that trash Ye Xian still be alive?!' Ye Shen seethed inwardly. 'I sent two men after him, both with cultivation far higher than his. Yet, not only is he still alive, but there's been no news from them. It's as if they vanished into thin air…did they run away with money?'

His gaze darkened as it flickered between Ye Xian and Xuan Lingshuang.

'And now… my worst fear is coming true. That woman… my dream… she's going to become the wife of that worthless bastard!'

Ye Shen bit the inside of his cheek, barely holding back his fury.

'Ye Xian… you may be smiling now, but soon, I'll wipe that smug look off your face. Enjoy your time while it lasts… because I will kill you.'

His nails dug into his palm beneath the table, his hatred festering like a poison waiting to be unleashed.

Meanwhile, Ye Xian, unaware of the storm brewing within his younger brother, continued eating his meal at a relaxed pace. But as he glanced up, he caught a glimpse of Ye Shen's clenched fists and the barely concealed venom in his eyes.

A smirk played at the corner of Ye Xian's lips.

'How amusing…'

Though Ye Shen thought himself hidden, to Ye Xian, his intentions were as clear as day.

As the meal progressed, Ye Feng finally broached the subject everyone had been waiting for. He sat down his cup and looked at Ye Xian with a serious but affectionate gaze. "Ye Xian, there is something I must tell you."

A knowing sigh left Ye Xian's lips. Here it comes.

Ye Feng turned to Xuan Hong and said, "Years ago, Brother Xuan and I made a promise that our firstborn children would be wed. Now that Ye Xian has grown, it is time to fulfill that promise. The wedding will take place one year from now, when Ye Xian turns eighteen."

The table fell into silence.

Xuan Hong smiled and nodded in approval. "I had hoped you would say that. My lingshuang is a proud daughter of the Xuan Clan, and this marriage will not only unite our families but also strengthen our bonds. But Ye Xian—do you accept this arrangement?"

All eyes turned to him.

Ye Xian glanced at Xuan Lingshuang, whose expression was unreadable. His heart was calm as he gave his answer. "I have no objections."

Ye Feng laughed heartily. "Good! Then it is settled!" He then turned to Xuan Lingshuang and added with a teasing grin, "Lingshuang, if Ye Xian ever bullies you, just come tell us. I'll personally break his legs."

The tension in the air broke as laughter erupted around the table. Xuan Hong chuckled, and even some of the servants struggled to suppress their smiles. The twins giggled, clearly amused by the thought of their older brother being punished.

Ye Xian, however, could only smile wryly. Bully her? If I even tried, she'd beat me senseless before I could lift a finger.

Only Ye Shen and his mother remained silent. Her face was twisted in displeasure, and Ye Shen… his hand trembled beneath the table, his nails digging into his palm.

A Storm Brewing in their minds.

After dinner, Xuan Hong and Xuan Lingshuang took their leave, bidding farewell to Ye Feng and the rest of the family. The others also began dispersing, retreating to their respective quarters.

Ye Xian, feeling the need for fresh air, took a leisurely stroll through the garden. The soft breeze was cool against his skin, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to relax. But his peace was soon disturbed.

Footsteps echoed behind him.

"Congratulations on your engagement, dear brother."

Ye Xian turned to see Ye Shen standing there, a forced smile on his lips.

"To think that the precious gem of Azure Sky City will soon belong to you. What a great fortune, Ye Xian."

His voice dripped with concealed anger and contempt, and his eyes gleamed with barely restrained hatred.

Ye Xian studied him for a moment before smiling faintly. "Indeed. Fortune is a strange thing, isn't it?"

Ye Shen's hands clenched at his sides, his fury barely contained.

Enjoy it while you can, you worthless bastard. Soon, everything will be mine.

Unfazed, Ye Xian let out a quiet chuckle before walking past him, leaving his younger brother standing alone in the darkness, seething with rage.

And so, beneath the peaceful facade of a joyous occasion, the first sparks of an unseen storm began to ignite.

After the meal, Ye Xian returned to his room.

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Night had descended, and the sky was draped in a black cloak, studded with stars, while the moon floated serenely across the vast expanse. In a dimly lit room, four individuals were present. Two young men, both under twenty, sat on a long bench, their expressions unreadable. Behind them stood a middle-aged man, his hands clasped firmly behind his back. His presence was commanding, so much so that it seemed to fill the room with an air of silent authority, demanding attention in the otherwise quiet space. The fourth man stood before them, dressed in simple clothes, his demeanor betraying a mix of confusion and uncertainty.

"So, do you understand?" one of the young men asked, his tone casual yet laden with intent. "If you do well, I'll reward you with gold. No more labor, no more hardship. It's that simple."

The fourth man hesitated for a moment, then caught sight of a small pouch placed before him. He peered inside, his eyes widening as he found gold coins gleaming under the dim light. His confusion was replaced with a look of delight, and he nodded gratefully. He would do it, he thought, but a subtle unease crept up as he glanced over his shoulder at the middle-aged man standing silently behind the young men. The man's presence was overwhelming, suffocating even, and his gaze seemed to pierce through the room like a silent threat. The fourth man hurriedly agreed to the task, eager to leave the oppressive atmosphere.

Once he had exited, one of the young men turned to his companion, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Do you think it will work?"

"It should," the other replied with quiet confidence. "And if it doesn't, we have a backup plan."

The first young man chuckled, a dark humor lacing his tone. "Hahaha, your confidence is as strong as ever."