Two More Women Come Looking for Xiao Chong?

Afterwards, Xiao Chong performed a bloodline awakening for Xiao Mei, and the result... well, it wasn't too different from what happened with Xiao Yu. Even though there was still quite a bit of distance between them, the moment the process was completed, she just threw herself into a hug.

Feeling exasperated, Xiao Chong decided to use the Heavenly Emperor Brush to upgrade his own bloodline markings to also be of divine quality, and then handed the brush over to his own mother. Such matters are better left to the elders. At least Gu Xue doesn't carry the strong innate aura that attracts so much attention, and being an elder, handling these situations shouldn't be too problematic for her.

Xiao Chong really couldn't stand being hugged by people right after completing their bloodline markings.

After that, Xiao Chong returned to his cultivation practice, taking the opportunity to enjoy a couple of quiet days living like a young master.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed maid Qinglin massaged his shoulders, all while he kept an eye on her cultivation progress.

Initially, Xiao Chong had planned to refine the Eight Trigram Furnace. However, upon closely examining the materials needed for it, he decided against it for now.

Specifically, the Eight Trigram formation core requires eight energy-enhancing components as its central pivot. Upon thorough analysis and utilizing his exceptional comprehension, Xiao Chong concluded that demonic cores would be the ideal replacement.

However, he hadn't hunted any magical beasts recently to acquire such cores. Among the highest-grade demonic cores in his possession, he only had eight fourth-grade cores, and these cores were gifts from the Royal family and the Miter Clan. Considering that using higher-quality materials would yield a better-performing Eight Trigram Alchemy Furnace, Xiao Chong resolved to wait. He wouldn't proceed until he had seven or eight seventh-grade demonic cores in hand.

During the following days of cultivation and leisurely young master life, Xiao Chong also made sure to spread the word.

The news? The Xiao Clan was recruiting alchemists.

It didn't take long for word to spread that the Xiao Clan was looking for alchemists and currently possessed four clusters of Heavenly Flames!

The news created a massive stir among the external world. Soon, some twelfth alchemists from neighboring City shamelessly rushed over, hoping to scrape together a share of the Heavenly Flame.

Of course, those who approached with bad intention didn't end up with favorable outcomes.

Xiao Chong had made it clear: the alchemists he required needed to be at least sixth or seventh grade. Others, especially those showing up solely to stir up trouble, were directly handed over to the clan for disposal. Xiao Chong was confident that the allure of the Heavenly Flames was more than sufficient to attract high-tier alchemists. He speculated that even Gu He would likely show up to request a Heavenly Flame.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yan and Yao Chen were making preparations to depart for the Black Corner Region, scheduled to leave in two days. Incidentally, Xiao Yu was also planning to leave for Jia Nan Academy in two days, though naturally, the two parties would not be traveling together.

Those two days passed in an equally eventful manner. On the last day before setting out for Jia Nan Academy, two entirely different women came to find Xiao Chong.

The first was the princess of the Jia Ma Empire, Yue'er. After days of traveling by carriage, Yue'er finally arrived here. A sizable welcome ceremony was immediately arranged within Wu Tan City to greet this princess, a figure of notable reputation within the Royal family, who was here to marry into the Xiao Clan.

Yao Chen, Xiao Chong, and Xiao Yan all found the entire affair somewhat ridiculous.

Ah, this family, who still clung to the prestige of a minor northwestern empire, failed to comprehend that the so-called honor of marrying off a princess wasn't worth much at all. Anyone with experience navigating the greater world would instantly discern the imperial family's scheme. Moreover, this princess was just eleven years old!

Nonetheless, Princess Yue'er's obedient demeanor managed to soften Xiao Chong stance on her, if only slightly. When Yue'er met Xiao Chong, she bowed respectfully and said sincerely:

"Lord Xiao Chong, I understand my position within your household. Even if you look down on me, it doesn't matter."

"I will remain chaste and dedicate myself solely to Lord Xiao Chong."

As she spoke, the young princess from the Jia Ma Empire lowered her head humbly. There was a hint of shy innocence and resignation in her gaze, yet it was also tinged with genuine admiration.

After all, she was well aware of Xiao Chong deeds. During the empire's darkest hour, he had singlehandedly wiped out the entire army of the Chu Yun Empire, shielding the Jia Ma Empire from disaster.

This story, akin to legend, had completely mesmerized the young eleven-year-old princess. So, despite her nominal role as a pawn being sent to marry into the Xiao Clan, she seemed genuinely willing.

To Xiao Chong, though she was a princess, her genuine and demure attitude left little reason to find fault. It seemed the Royal family must have prepared her mentally before sending her over. Seeing her current sensible behavior, Xiao Chong nodded and said:

"Go find my mother. She will handle matters regarding you."

"Yes, thank you for your kindness, Lord Xiao Chong."

Upon hearing his words, Princess Yue'er let out a sigh of relief. As a clever princess, she was well aware of her precarious status upon arriving here. Her sole goal in coming to the Xiao Clan was to ensure that, should the Royal family ever become a hindrance to the Xiao Clan progress, Xiao Chong might show mercy for her sake.

Due to Xiao Chong overwhelming strength and talent, the imperial family lacked the courage to obstruct him or the Xiao Clan in any way. She didn't expect Xiao Chong to treasure her as his life partner or anything similarly sentimental. She merely hoped for the chance to remain in the household. Though it seemed pitiful, as a princess, she had no other choice.

Xiao Chong, however, was not a heartless person. He stepped forward, gently patted Yu'er head, and said:

"Don't worry. Though I dislike the schemes and plots of your royal family, it doesn't mean I'll treat you poorly."

"Ah, my mother will probably be rather pleased to see a child like you."

"Thank you, Lord Xiao Chong."

After a respectful bow, Yu'er was escorted by her attendants to Gu Xue.

Turning his attention, Xiao Chong's gaze shifted to the other presence in the room—Medusa, the Queen of Snakes, who had been watching him with a teasing smirk.

-------------------------------

Read 30 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.

patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator