A light cough suddenly broke the stillness of the spacious attic.
The sound came from Han Chi.
He had originally intended to sit back and enjoy a lively spectacle, yet who could have foreseen that he would end up swallowing an entire bowl of dog food instead? His two daughters—especially the younger one—had been effortlessly swayed by Xiao Jietian's few casual words. Han Xue in particular remained utterly dazed, her spirit still adrift in some sweet dream from which she had yet to fully awaken.
Gazing upon the two "tender cabbages" he had painstakingly raised with his own hands, Han Chi could only shake his head in helpless resignation.
Other men worried about wild boars rooting up their carefully tended fields.
In his family, the cabbages themselves were chasing after the boar.
Truly, the life of an old father was not easy.
Seeing that his youngest daughter still showed no sign of returning to her senses, Han Chi inwardly cried out in despair: Little Xue'er, how can you remain lost in your own little world like this? Seize the moment! Make your move while the iron is hot!
"Cough, cough, cough!!!"
He coughed again—louder, more deliberately.
Only then did Han Xue finally startle back to reality.
She turned toward her father in confusion. "Father, what is wrong? Are you unwell? You should quickly take a healing pill."
Upon hearing those innocent words, Han Chi nearly spat blood.
When had his daughter—who once managed the household affairs with shrewd intelligence and decisive grace—become so adorably foolish?
Did love truly rob a person of all reason?
"It is nothing," Han Chi waved a hand wearily. "Perhaps the air in here was poor just now; my throat felt a little uncomfortable. I am fine now."
Xiao Jietian and Han Yue exchanged a glance, both struggling to suppress the laughter that tugged at the corners of their mouths.
Han Chi decided it was wiser to retreat and grant them ample space.
"My son-in-law, I shall go make arrangements for the clan's relocation first. Let Xue'er and Yue'er keep you company."
Seeing Xiao Jietian nod, Han Chi turned and departed without further delay.
Though in his heart he earnestly hoped Xiao Jietian would take both his "cabbages" under his wing, actually witnessing the scene unfold still left a complex, bittersweet ache in his chest.
The moment Han Chi's figure disappeared beyond the doorway, Han Xue acted without the slightest hesitation.
She stepped forward and wrapped both arms tightly around Xiao Jietian's, pressing her entire body against him in an embrace that was bold yet unmistakably shy.
Xiao Jietian could clearly feel the frantic drumming of her heart against his chest—rapid, unsteady, betraying that this was the very first time she had ever dared to hold a man so intimately.
The corners of his lips lifted in a soft, contented arc.
Han Xue, meanwhile, stole furtive glances at his expression. Seeing the gentle smile that curved his mouth, her own lips quietly bloomed into a delighted curve.
Truly, the ancient texts had not deceived her: men liked this sort of thing. One must make full use of one's natural advantages.
Han Yue watched the scene unfold without the slightest trace of jealousy.
She had long since prepared her heart for this day.
Playfully, she sent a soul transmission to Xiao Jietian:
"Junior Brother Xiao Tian, are you not supposed to be a paragon of righteousness and propriety? What is this unseemly behavior?"
Xiao Jietian responded with an air of perfect rectitude:
"Ahem, I merely do not wish to go against a lady's sincere wishes. I am simply cooperating with her heartfelt intentions."
Then, after a brief pause, he added shamelessly:
"Besides… yours is a little larger, a little more comfortable to hold. Shall I let you take the other side instead?"
Han Yue nearly stumbled at those words.
How could there exist such a thick-skinned man in all the world?
She shot him an annoyed glare, then turned away and tugged Han Xue gently out of his embrace.
"Xue'er, did you not say you wished to see the Eternal Heaven World? You may enter now."
A flicker of reluctance passed through Han Xue's eyes. She had wanted to cling to him just a little longer.
Pouting, she cast Han Yue a resentful glance before turning back to Xiao Jietian with the sweetest of smiles.
"Xiao Jietian~ Can we go through the teleportation gate now?"
Her voice carried a deliberately soft, clipped lilt—exactly as the ancient romantic manuals prescribed.
There must be contrast: cold and aloof toward outsiders, yet occasionally revealing a trace of feminine softness before the one she admired. Such a display would ignite a man's sense of conquest.
Although Xiao Jietian could have transported them instantly with a mere thought, he chose to indulge Han Xue's curiosity about the grand gate.
He extended his divine sense into the portal and nodded.
"The spatial channel is stable. You may enter."
With those words, he stepped forward first and positioned himself before the towering archway.
Han Yue and Han Xue followed close behind, walking so near to one another that they could converse freely via soul transmission—though it was mostly Han Yue speaking, with Han Xue occasionally flashing looks of dawning comprehension.
"Enter."
Xiao Jietian enveloped both sisters in a protective shroud of Dou Technique before leading them into the swirling vortex.
As the three stepped through, the massive gate began to rotate slowly.
In the blink of an eye, their figures vanished completely.
Within the spatial tunnel, shielded by the Dou Technique barrier, the trio advanced at a gentle pace, as though riding an invisible ascending stair.
Han Xue's eyes sparkled with unrestrained wonder as she gazed at the scenery beyond the translucent veil.
"Although it resembles a spatial wormhole, wormholes are never this beautiful! Look—there are so many stars drifting past… it is truly gorgeous!"
She pressed herself against the barrier, constantly shifting her angle to take in every shimmering vista.
Xiao Jietian and Han Yue exchanged a knowing smile at her childlike delight.
Xiao Jietian slipped an arm around Han Yue's slender waist and sent her a soft soul transmission:
"Do you truly have no regrets?"
"None at all," Han Yue replied, leaning comfortably against him as she watched her lively younger sister. "I do not wish to be parted from Xue'er either. You are the one gaining the greatest fortune here."
"Indeed, indeed. Truly a blessing accumulated over several lifetimes," Xiao Jietian agreed with a light chuckle.
"Good that you understand. As long as you never abandon us in the future, that is enough."
"Of course not. Though I may be fond of beautiful company, my heart toward each of you is utterly sincere. I will never forsake any of you, and I will love you all forever."
Han Yue nestled closer, happiness glowing softly on her face.
"When our sisters stand united in the days to come, our combined strength will sweep aside all obstacles."
She paused, then added with a teasing lilt:
"So… when do you plan to…?"
"No hurry," Xiao Jietian replied calmly. "She is still in the innocent flush of first love. I am no lustful fiend who would rush such a thing."
Han Yue cast him a look of pure disdain, her eyes brimming with skepticism.
She knew exactly what manner of man he truly was.
Whenever he had a spare moment, he would drag them off under the pretext of "tempering the physique and strengthening the foundation," practicing one "Dou Technique" after another.
At present, some of the sisters were in secluded cultivation to raise their realms, while others simply desired a brief respite from his boundless vigor.
Meanwhile, Han Xue—who had been busily admiring the starry scenery—secretly stole a glance backward.
When she discovered Xiao Jietian smiling gently in her direction, her heart lurched like a startled fawn.
Thump—thump—thump—
She hurriedly turned her face away, pretending to study the drifting starlight while desperately trying to calm the wild pounding in her chest.
Han Yue, catching the motion, secretly sent her an encouraging glance—as though to say: Show me your best performance later, little sister.
Less than forty breaths later, the spatial vortex gradually slowed.
The three emerged smoothly and set foot upon solid ground once more.
The moment her feet touched earth, Han Xue's gaze swept the surroundings in a single wide arc.
Then, unable to contain herself, she let out a soft, astonished cry:
"Oh my~"