Chapter 34: Watching Over the Granddaughter
At Xiao Yan's suggestion, Yao Lao quickly led him to the Cao Family's resting quarters. Being one of the five great families of the Dan Region, the Cao Family's accommodations weren't far from those of the Dan Family.
In terms of grandeur and elegance, the Cao Family's quarters matched the Dan Family's. However, even if all the families on the continent were to compete, none could surpass the opulence of the Xiao Family.
Visiting Cao Ying
Inside one of the Cao Family's fragrant resting chambers, Cao Ying lay pale and unconscious on a bed. Surrounding her were the Cao Family Patriarch, Xuan Yi, Xiao Yan, and Yao Lao.
"What are you two doing here?" Xuan Yi asked coldly, her tone neutral but not entirely welcoming as her gaze swept over the master and disciple.
Before Yao Lao could answer, Xiao Yan stepped forward and said with a bright smile, "Aunt Xuan, I think Cao Ying might have been affected too deeply by the competition because of me. I'd like to talk to her and apologize when she wakes up. I've come here to check on her and express my concern."
For a moment, Xuan Yi's expression froze. Whether it was the "Aunt Xuan" or something else, she glanced at Xiao Yan, then at the unconscious Cao Ying, her thoughts unreadable.
After a moment of silence, her expression softened slightly, and she nodded faintly.
"Ying'er is fine now, but she still needs some time to rest and recover. Since you're so earnest, I'll leave her care to you. Once she wakes up, make sure you talk to her and help her work through her emotions. If she ends up bottling things up and hurting herself, I'll come after you," she said with a light warning.
"Don't worry, Aunt Xuan. I'll make sure to take good care of Cao Ying," Xiao Yan replied with a warm smile.
Yao Lao's Thoughts
"Ha! This rascal is really shameless. He wouldn't stay when I begged him to remain in the Northwest Continent, but the moment he heard there were beauties here, he came rushing in," Yao Lao grumbled internally as he watched Xiao Yan's smiling face.
"You're willing to do anything for the sake of chasing women, aren't you?"
While Yao Lao was lost in thought, Xuan Yi's voice suddenly reached his ears. "Come with me."
Yao Lao forced an awkward smile and said, "Hehe, I think I'll stay here to help my disciple take care of things."
"Hm?" A cold hum escaped Xuan Yi's lips. Yao Lao's expression fell, and with a bitter look, he obediently followed her out of the room.
Cao Family Patriarch's Approval
Xiao Yan glanced at the Cao Family Patriarch and asked politely, "Senior, I hope you don't mind my staying here to help out?"
"Not at all, not at all," the patriarch replied with a wave of his hand, a kindly smile spreading across his face.
"This girl has had far too smooth a life since she was young. Being defeated by a prodigy like you isn't necessarily a bad thing. It could help her grow."
"If you're willing to help guide Ying'er, I would be most grateful."
"Senior, you flatter me," Xiao Yan replied, genuinely surprised by the patriarch's accommodating attitude.
"Hehe," the patriarch chuckled, his tone lighthearted. "Xiao Yan, since you're willing to care for my granddaughter, then I'll leave her in your capable hands. When she wakes, take the time to have a proper conversation with her. You're both geniuses, and if you support each other, you can go much further in the future.
"I'll leave now so as not to disturb you. If you need anything, just let Qingcui know."
With a meaningful smile, the patriarch gestured to a maid with a Dou Spirit cultivation level and disappeared from the room.
Xiao Yan's Reaction
"Why is this old man being so cooperative?" Xiao Yan muttered to himself, stunned by the patriarch's casual attitude. Leaving his prized granddaughter in the care of someone he had only met twice seemed rather bold.
Despite his surprise, Xiao Yan made the best of the situation. His sociable nature quickly led him into an animated conversation with Qingcui, the maid.
Though her appearance wasn't stunning around a six out of ten she was pleasant enough, and chatting with her helped pass the time.
The Cao Family Patriarch's Reflection
Meanwhile, in another resting chamber, the Cao Family Patriarch sat comfortably in a chair. Flames danced in his palm, quickly boiling a pot of tea.
"It seems this Xiao Yan boy has some feelings for Ying'er," the patriarch mused as he sipped his tea, a contemplative look on his face.
Xiao Yan had just been crowned the top prodigy of the competition, and the patriarch couldn't ignore his potential.
"As things stand, this Xiao Yan is by far the most promising young talent I've encountered."
His thoughts churned as he considered the possibilities, weighing the benefits of fostering a closer bond between Xiao Yan and his family.
Being a disciple of Yao Zun wasn't necessarily extraordinary. After all, Han Feng, another disciple of Yao Chen, was over a century old and remained a mid level seventh grade alchemist. However, being the Young Pavilion Master of the Falling Star Pavilion was another matter entirely. That title signified that Xiao Yan was destined to become a dominant figure in the Central Plains.
For the Cao Family, this only warranted treating him as an equal, given that without Yao Chen, the Falling Star Pavilion might not even match the Cao Family's strength.
But what truly astonished everyone was Xiao Yan's revealed potential.
At just 15 years old, he was already a two star Dou Emperor and a high tier sixth grade alchemist. Such achievements were nearly unheard of in the past several centuries within the Dan Region.
With such talent, stepping into the realm of a ninth grade alchemist seemed highly achievable. Becoming a Dou Saint also appeared well within reach.
These accomplishments would place him among the peak powers of the Dou Qi Continent. In this light, Xiao Yan's potential was downright terrifying.
The Connection to the Xiao Clan
What intrigued the Cao Family Patriarch even more was what Xuan Yi had revealed earlier: Xiao Yan hailed from the Xiao Clan, one of the Ancient Seven Clans.
The Xiao Clan, the leader of the Seven, rarely appeared in public. Yet, even a slight show of its power could send shockwaves across the continent.
Moreover, rumors hinted that this clan harbored the only Dou Emperor in existence, the enigmatic Xiao Xuan.
Though Xiao Xuan hadn't been seen for nearly a millennium, with some speculating he had passed away, his name alone still commanded awe. The Dou Emperor Realm was the supreme pinnacle of existence in this world.
The Cao Family Patriarch's Scheming
"If Ying'er could form a bond with Xiao Yan, it would elevate the Cao Family's power beyond that of the Dan Family, perhaps paving the way for an even brighter future," the patriarch thought, sipping his tea.
"Still, I wonder if these two will have the fate to be together."
His old eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he reclined in his chair.
The Dan Family's Thoughts
Meanwhile, in the Dan Family's grand hall, Dan Yangzi was grinning from ear to ear, his wrinkled face blooming like a chrysanthemum as he looked at his granddaughter, Dan Chen.
"Chen'er, you're close friends with that Cao Family girl, aren't you? She's like your sister. Since she's unwell, shouldn't you go visit her?"
"Grandfather, Xiao Yan is with Sister Cao Ying right now. I… I'm scared of him," Dan Chen replied timidly, her pale, delicate face showing unease.
"Silly child," Dan Yangzi thought inwardly. "This is exactly why I want you to go meet Xiao Yan!"
Although Dan Yangzi had his own connections with Xuan Kongzi, he had become envious of Xiao Yan's unparalleled talent.
After hearing Xuan Kongzi accidentally reveal that Xiao Yan was one of the Xiao Clan's Saint Sons, Dan Yangzi's ambitions grew.
A Matchmaking Plan
"The boy already seems fond of my granddaughter. Why not give him a little nudge? Better to act now than let the Cao Family get ahead!"
Outwardly, Dan Yangzi maintained his calm demeanor. "Chen'er," he said gently, "that boy may act a bit frivolously, but he doesn't seem like a bad person. With his talent, your paths are bound to cross in the future.
"It'll be good for you to interact with outstanding young people like him it'll benefit you in the long run."
Dan Chen's Hesitation
"But… I'm really scared of him," Dan Chen said softly, her big eyes brimming with worry. Her delicate and timid demeanor made her seem even more pitiable.
"Ah, this child. She's good in every way, but she's far too timid and introverted," Dan Yangzi thought with a sigh.
Dan Chen was blessed with an Ancient Spirit Body, destined to become an eighth grade alchemist. Yet, her shy personality made her vulnerable to being taken advantage of.
"Chen'er," Dan Yangzi said with a more serious tone, "you are the future of the Dan Family. You must overcome your fears and face challenges head on!"
A New Chapter Unfolds
Meanwhile, back in the Cao Family's resting chamber, a weak voice murmured, breaking the silence.
"I… I won't lose…"
Cao Ying slowly opened her long, narrow eyes. The first thing she saw was a familiar face a face she had dreamed of countless times.
A clear, handsome face, belonging to none other than Xiao Yan.
(End of Chapter)
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