When the Hong Clan had fully withdrawn from the Han Clan's manor, the once-tense meeting hall turned lively, brimming with relief and joy. The elders and juniors alike rejoiced at having escaped calamity… and at having safeguarded their young ladies from being forced into marriage with the Hong Clan.
One by one, their gazes instinctively turned toward the striking young man who now stood silently at the center. Though he spoke not a word, his presence was like an unfathomable abyss—deep, tranquil, yet immeasurably vast. His bearing was gentle yet refined, his figure dashing and graceful—impossible to forget at a single glance.
Though no malice lingered in his demeanor, his heterochromatic eyes effortlessly seized their attention. One glance into those eyes made them feel as if their souls could never escape his gaze.
Everyone within the meeting hall felt sincere gratitude toward the young man who had dispersed the storm that had long loomed over their heads. Even the middle-aged man and the white-clothed old man could not hide the relief etched upon their faces, thankful that this calamity had been resolved by his hand.
Xiao Hua could feel their gazes filled with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude. He merely shook his head before turning toward Han Yue and Han Xue. A faint, playful smile curved his lips as he spoke, his tone carrying both relief and light-heartedness.
"It has been quite some time since we last met. You've grown into a truly beautiful young woman… if you can even stir such obsession from that young man."
Han Yue blinked in surprise at the sudden remark, then rolled her eyes with a soft sigh, realizing he was trying to ease the lingering tension by jesting. Still, she found it comforting that he treated her no differently despite their long separation.
Chuckling at her reaction, Xiao Hua shifted his gaze to the still-stunned Han Xue. With a teasing smile, he asked, "Still think you brought me trouble, lass?"
Han Xue blinked, snapping out of her daze. A deep blush rose from her cheeks to her slender neck, painting it an alluring shade of red. She shot Xiao Hua a shy glare, recalling the moment she had whispered those words inside her carriage. She had not expected this man to hear them—much less tease her about it so openly.
Even so, she could not deny her astonishment upon discovering that Xiao Hua was actually the Mansion Master of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. Nor could she fault him for concealing it; after all, had he told her earlier, she likely would not have believed him.
Xiao Hua's smile deepened, quiet amusement glimmering in his heterochromatic eyes as he found her reaction irresistibly adorable. In truth, the last time he had thought someone this adorable—who was neither his daughter nor one of his future wives—had been Zi Yan and Qing Lin.
"Mansion Master Xiao, thank you for rescuing us from this calamity. Without your intervention, we would have been left helpless…" The white-clothed old man approached Xiao Hua with slow, measured steps. He cupped his hands and bowed his head, his voice filled with sincere gratitude.
"Mansion Master Xiao, I also thank you for your assistance—for saving my great-granddaughters from suffering an unerasable humiliation." The middle-aged man in brilliant robes followed suit, cupping his hands and lowering his head respectfully.
"Older Brother Xiao Hua, this is our father, the current Clan Head of the Han Clan, Han Chi," Han Yue introduced with a gentle tone.
"And this is our great-grandfather, the ancestor of our Han Clan, Han Fei. Though he's not as strong as you, he's the strongest one in our clan," Han Xue added lightly.
Han Fei shot her a withering glare for her mischievous remark, which only made Han Xue stifle a giggle. He could only let out a soft, helpless sigh.
"Please ignore her words. Mansion Master Xiao is our benefactor. There is no need for you to show deference to me or even to my grandson," Han Fei said as he waved his hand dismissively.
Han Chi gave a firm nod, clearly agreeing with his ancestor's words.
Xiao Hua responded with a faint smile. "Regarding the matter with the Wind Lightning Pavilion, there's no need to thank me, Old Han, Uncle Han. Han Yue is someone my elder sister values deeply, and she was once under my care. It is only natural that I would stand for the clan of a friend when they are being bullied."
He paused, then turned his gaze toward Han Yue as his tone softened. "Moreover, I owe Miss Xue'er my gratitude. To repay kindness with indifference… is something I cannot bring myself to do."
"Now that I think about it…" Han Yue's eyes flickered with realization as she recalled the unanswered question. "You still haven't told me why you were together with Xue'er."
Even if Xiao Hua had tried to move in secret, his movements would have been noticed by the powers of the Western Region—and news of his approach would have shaken the entire Northern Region. If word had spread that he was heading here, the Wind Lightning Pavilion would never have dared to act so arrogantly in his presence. They would have sealed themselves inside Qi Feng Mountain, not daring to take a single step outside, even if it cost them their lives.
"I suffered some backlash while attempting to forcibly break through to the Dou Di realm… During the mishap, a spatial crack opened and brought me out in the path of Han Xue's convoy," Xiao Hua admitted with a faintly awkward smile.
His words were not entirely false—after all, he truly could not advance to the Dou Di realm without unlocking the second level of the Chaos Mantra. In truth, however, his injuries had come from a moment of carelessness…
But to those unaware of the full truth, his casual words struck like thunder. The hall fell utterly silent as his revelation sank in, their expressions stiff and shaken.
Dou Di… a realm that had not appeared since ancient times. None of them had ever imagined that someone could even touch its threshold—yet here stood Xiao Hua, who had done exactly that. Even if he had suffered backlash, the mere fact that he had reached so far was beyond astonishing.
Han Fei and Han Chi were deeply shaken as well. Han Chi slowly shook his head and said solemnly, "Compared to this old one, Mansion Master Xiao's talent has already soared beyond my comprehension."
"I believe that if it's Brother Xiao Hua, you will one day succeed in advancing to the Dou Di realm," Han Yue said with a soft laugh, lightly covering her lips. Her graceful demeanor carried a quiet allure that drew every gaze toward her.
She had encountered countless prodigies during her years in Jia Nan Academy and even after her graduation. Yet none had managed to shatter the ancient legend that no one could reach the Dou Di realm. In her heart, she believed that if anyone could ascend to that mythical height and become the first Dou Di in the modern era, it would surely be Xiao Hua.
Xiao Hua let out a low chuckle at her unwavering faith in him. Deep down, he knew that even if he himself did not exist, Xiao Yan would still one day achieve it.
Beside them, Han Xue was quietly surprised to learn why Xiao Hua had appeared near the path her convoy had taken—and secretly joyful at this unexpected fateful encounter. Moreover, she found nothing suspicious about his explanation, as it was true that while his body seemed fine externally, it was in disarray internally.
"Not only that, Father, do not hold back in demanding the proper repercussions," she added firmly.
After recovering from her initial daze, Han Xue quickly took over the conversation, recounting in detail what had transpired along the road to Tian Bei City.
"So that's what happened…" Han Chi's expression darkened with fury as he listened. "Rest assured, I will demand a heavy price from them!"
He was truly enraged by the Hong Clan's actions this time, and he had no intention of letting them off lightly—especially with Xiao Hua present to back them.
Turning toward Xiao Hua, Han Chi cupped his hands and spoke in a deep voice, "I truly must thank Mansion Master Xiao. Had you not lent a hand, my young daughter and the Han Clan's convoy would never have escaped that situation alive."
He had found it suspicious that Hong Chen and his clan had suddenly stormed into the Han Clan's manor, but never had he expected this reason. His own daughter had nearly been taken as leverage!
"Uncle Han Chi is too courteous. As I mentioned before, I owe Han Xue—so doing this much is only natural." Xiao Hua smiled faintly as he spoke.
"Anyway, forgive me… but may I take some rest? The injuries within my body have yet to fully heal."
"Oh? Mansion Master Xiao is still injured?" Han Chi and the others were visibly startled. Their opinion of him rose even higher—he had acted to protect them despite being injured himself. Clearly, he would not hesitate to move for the sake of those he called friend or family.
"Xue'er, Yue'er, take Mansion Master Xiao and find a quiet room for him to rest. And if there is anything you need to aid your recovery, please do not hesitate to tell us. We will do our utmost to help you." Han Chi smiled warmly as he gave the order.
Han Yue and Han Xue exchanged a glance before nodding in unison. They turned and smiled sweetly at Xiao Hua before Han Xue spoke in a quiet, gentle tone, "Big Brother Xiao Hua, please follow me."
Unknowingly, the way she addressed him had become far more familiar than before.
Xiao Hua merely smiled faintly, shaking his head in quiet helplessness. He clasped his hands toward Han Chi and the others in a courteous salute before turning to follow the two Han sisters.
Once the three of them were out of sight, Han Chi and Han Fei exchanged glances, a weary yet relieved smile tugging at their lips. The matter of the engagement forced by the Hong Clan had long weighed heavily upon them, but fortune had favored them this day.
They understood well why Fei Tian had involved himself in this affair. He had sought to prevent Han Yue from seeking aid from the Moonlit Chaos Mansion and to smother the news before it could reach their ears.
Had he succeeded, even if the Moonlit Chaos Mansion were willing to intervene, they would never have arrived in time.
No doubt, Hong Chen would have forced the wedding at once—and consummated it within the night, sealing the matter beyond reversal. Even if help had come later, by then Han Yue and Han Xue would have suffered a humiliation that could never be erased.
This too had been Fei Tian's intent—he wished to make the Han Clan suffer for their ties with the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. Yet he never expected to encounter calamity itself… meeting Xiao Hua face to face—and being slain by his hand.
"Mansion Master Xiao is truly a deity to our Han Clan… Xue'er also rendered great merit this time, rescuing this great deity," Han Fei murmured, then spoke in a deep, commanding voice, "Everyone, listen well. The matter concerning Mansion Master Xiao must remain secret. Not a single word of his condition is to be spoken. Provide him with the best treatment. Do not slight him in the slightest. Any clan member who dares offend him will be punished under the clan's strictest rules!"
All the clan members responded at once, their voices firm. They understood well why such secrecy was necessary. Since he had moved to protect them despite his injuries, it was only natural they safeguard his condition—even without Han Fei's order.
…
As Han Xue and Han Yue led him toward the guest room reserved for honored guests, Han Yue began asking question after question, most of them revolving around the Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
Xiao Hua, unbothered by her curiosity, patiently answered—explaining the roles of the five halls, the Treasure Tower, the Technique Hall, and other divisions within the mansion.
"Older Brother Xiao Hua, how did you know that Fei Tian had actually absorbed the life force of infants… and not just one, but countless of them?" Han Xue finally asked, her tone hesitant yet brimming with curiosity.
She had realized that Xiao Hua had seen through Fei Tian's sin instantly, recognizing that he had used such a vile method to raise his strength.
Even if one examined his aura, all they could discern was that Fei Tian's foundation was unstable and shallow—like someone who had recklessly force-fed his cultivation through external means, incomparable to the steady might of a true Dou Zun.
Xiao Hua's expression remained composed. "His aura isn't just unstable. Though extremely faint, it carries the residue of stolen vitality. Such a trace doesn't come from pills or common shortcuts. Only by draining life itself could he have forced his strength up so unnaturally."
His eyes grew cold, though his tone remained calm. "Infants are often targeted because their life force is the purest—untainted, unguarded, and easy to seize. Fei Tian used a method where he first bound their vitality with his Spiritual Strength, refined it, and then drew it back into himself to bolster his own strength. It is a cruel technique… but effective for someone desperate to climb higher."
Though his tone stayed calm, a faint killing intent laced his words. As a father, this was a method he would never allow to spread. The mere thought of newborn children being treated as nothing more than fuel ignited a cold fury within him—a line he would never permit anyone to cross.
"To think such a frightening method could exist…" murmured Han Yue. She rubbed her chin lightly, her graceful frame shivering as though cold water had run down her spine. Such a method was so vile and cruel that it made one question the sanity of the person who had created it.
After a few more curious questions, the sisters finally led Xiao Hua to the guest room prepared for him. They bade him a soft farewell, their gazes lingering briefly before they turned to attend their other duties.
As their footsteps faded down the corridor, Xiao Hua quietly closed the door. The moment the latch clicked, his brows furrowed, and a deep frown settled across his face.
"What troubles you, little brother?"
Sensing the heaviness in his heart, Yu Ru Meng emerged from his spiritual sea, her voice gentle with concern.
"It is nothing… but it seems I must reach the Dou Di realm as quickly as possible," Xiao Hua replied, shaking his head with a grave expression.
"Why? Did you discover something that made you decide this?" Yu Ru Meng's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
She knew well that Xiao Hua had intended to wander the Dou Qi Continent a while longer before advance to Dou Di. What had changed his mind so abruptly?
Xiao Hua drew in a long, steady breath, then spoke with quiet solemnity. "The more I circulate my Dou Qi, the more I feel as though my body is… beginning to reject it."
"Your body… rejecting it?" Yu Ru Meng echoed softly, her eyes widening in surprise at his unexpected words. Then realization flickered in her gaze. "It's because of the Heavenly Genesis Flame, Primordial Heaven Lightning, and Celestial Ancient Frost… isn't it?"
"That's correct." Xiao Hua let out a weary sigh, rubbing his brow. "They are rejecting Dou Qi itself… as though it were beneath them. What they demand is something purer—Spiritual Energy."
He had first noticed this anomaly when he was trying to heal the severe injuries hidden deep within his body. At the time, the sensation was so faint he assumed it was merely due to the lingering damage and the traces of Saint Lightning still buried in his flesh.
But when he unleashed his strength to kill Fei Tian, the truth became unmistakable—it had nothing to do with his injuries. It was the three supreme forces within him—the Heavenly Genesis Flame, Primordial Heaven Lightning, and Celestial Ancient Frost—that were rejecting the Dou Qi coursing through his veins.
He could not deny that the Heavenly Chaos Spiritual Art had hinted at such a thing… yet he had not expected it to be this absolute, as though these powers found Dou Qi repulsive—disdainful even.
Still, he understood the reason for the natural transition even without stepping into the Great Thousand World. Those three heavenly forces would never accept an impure form of energy. They were forcing his body to undergo transformation… reshaping it to become a vessel capable of harboring Spiritual Energy.
"That is… troublesome." Yu Ru Meng let out a dry chuckle, though concern lingered beneath her voice. She understood well—if Xiao Hua delayed resolving this matter, his strength would inevitably plummet.
"Truthfully, you could have advanced long ago… yet you chose not to, simply because you wished to wander and play around a little…" she added softly, her words a gentle reprimand.
"Haha… even I didn't expect the backlash to be this severe," Xiao Hua admitted, a faint wryness tugging at his lips.
"Regardless, I still have two more Origin Qi within the Mysterious Heaven Ring, so it should be fine for now. The real problem… is weaving a story about where I obtained them."
As he spoke, two clusters of emerald light appeared in his palm, glowing with a profound vitality.
They were sealed Origin Qi—given to him by the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree from the immemorial era. He had originally received eight of them: one had been consumed to construct the mysterious bridge leading to the second level of the Chaos Mantra, while five had been entrusted to his sworn brothers and sisters to strengthen their foundations.
Only these two remained in his hands.
Yet therein lay the dilemma—Origin Qi was something that should have vanished from the world long ago. For him or his sworn siblings to suddenly possess it… would stir waves far greater than they could allow.
Thus, it was better to craft a proper explanation—one that could hold under scrutiny. But how could he ensure it made sense?
"Just say that an expert from beyond secretly entered this plane, encountered you by chance, offered some insights into the Dou Di realm, and passed you the Origin Qi," Yu Ru Meng suggested calmly.
Xiao Hua frowned, voicing his concern. "But the Dou Qi Continent is sealed, cut off from the outside world… that is why I found it difficult to use such an explanation. Otherwise, I would have already woven this story without hesitation."
"Have you forgotten something?" Yu Ru Meng arched her brow, her tone carrying a hint of disbelief. "There have been countless times when the barrier of the Dou Qi Continent quietly opened and closed as if nothing happened—unnoticed by both the natives of this world and those outside it."
Xiao Hua paused, then realization dawned on him. "That's right… To bring the Primordial Heavenly Flames, Heavenly Lightning, and Celestial Ancient Frost from outside into this world, the barrier must have been opened!"
Another memory surfaced—how Lady Azure and Xue Yue, his two elder sisters, had personally opened the barrier and brought him outside so he could fully absorb the remaining powers of the Primordial Heavenly Flames and Heavenly Lightning.
How could he have forgotten something so crucial?
With this reasoning, his doubts finally eased. He would share this story with his sworn brothers and sisters so they could match their words with his.
Moreover, this explanation allowed him to gradually unveil the existence of Lady Azure, Xue Yue, and Yu Ru Meng. That way, when the day came for them to possess physical bodies of their own, he would no longer need to conjure excuses.
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