Li Xue was not from the Western Region, nor even from the Four Regions at all.
She came from the Elysia beyond the Four Regions. Her true surname was not even Li, but Luo. She was the daughter of the Luo family's patriarch in Elysia.
Her stay in the Li Clan had merely been an arrangement. Long ago, the Luo family had a shallow connection with the Li Clan, and the Luo patriarch had wished for Li Xue to enjoy a peaceful, ordinary childhood. That was why she had been fostered with the Li Clan.
The Luo family's power was terrifying.
In the Elysia, they were an absolute giant, with an unfathomable foundation and countless experts. No family or sect within the Four Regions could be compared to them. Even a behemoth like the Heaven's Sect would be insignificant before the Luo family.
To put it bluntly, a single elder from the Luo family could crush any sect in the Four Regions alone.
And such elders were far from rare within the Luo family.
Ryan was stunned by the revelation. He had never imagined that Li Xue's background was so noble, that she was the daughter of a supreme clan outside the domains. Compared to such a family, his current status was indeed insignificant.
Still, Ryan did not feel discouraged.
He possessed the God of War System. As long as he was given time, he could rise to heights no one could imagine.
They talked and held each other until sunset before finally parting with reluctance.
The following day, Li Xue formally bid farewell to Ryan.
Accompanied by a mysterious expert from the Luo family, she left the Western Region. Though unwilling, this separation became a powerful motivation for Ryan.
If he wanted to see Li Xue again, if he wanted to marry her while she was still in her prime, then he would have to grow stronger—far stronger.
Li Xue was the woman he had chosen. No one could take her away, and no one could stop them from being together.
Ryan firmly believed that this separation would not last long. With his current rate of growth, their reunion might come sooner than expected.
Thus, though there was loss, there was no despair.
They turned back step by step, each looking over their shoulder, their gazes lingering until distance finally pulled them apart.
Outside the Li Clan grounds, Li Xue continued to look back, her eyes filled with reluctance. Beside her, a middle-aged woman finally spoke gently.
"Young Miss, Li Wei may be talented, but his background and strength are still lacking. If you truly wish to be together, the patriarch will never agree. You should try to let go early."
The woman was Yun Yun, Li Xue's personal guardian. Her strength was unfathomable.
It was precisely because of Yun Yun's protection that the Luo family had dared to leave Li Xue in the Li Clan. Otherwise, how could they risk the safety of the Luo family's young mistress?
Yun Yun had always remained hidden in the shadows. As long as Li Xue was unharmed, she would never reveal herself.
When Li Yujing once pressured Ryan, Yun Yun had nearly stepped in. Li Xue had been right there, and the danger was real. Had Li Yujing made a move, Li Xue would not have been spared.
Only because Ryan suddenly displayed overwhelming strength and killed Li Yujing did Yun Yun suppress herself and remain unseen.
Because of this, Yun Yun understood Ryan quite well, as well as the feelings between Ryan and Li Xue. That was why she now spoke to comfort her.
"Miss," Yun Yun continued gently, "I know you're unwilling. But the gap between you is too great. Forcing this will only hurt you… and him."
Li Xue's voice trembled. "Aunt Yun, I know. But I truly can't let go of Wei-ge. This is my first love. If it ends just like this, I'm afraid I'll be heartbroken."
Yun Yun hesitated for a moment. "Unless…"
"Unless what?" Li Xue lifted her head quickly, hope flickering in her eyes.
"Unless the family agrees." Yun Yun replied.
Li Xue's expression dimmed. "Aunt Yun, isn't that the same as saying nothing? How could the family ever agree to Brother Li?"
"No," Yun Yun said firmly. "They will agree, as long as one of two conditions is met."
"Which two?" Li Xue asked eagerly.
"First," Yun Yun said, "Li Wei's strength must reach a level that earns the Luo family's recognition."
Li Xue nodded. "I know. Brother Li is already working hard. What's the second?"
"There is another." Yun Yun looked at her seriously. "From today onward, you must cultivate diligently. When your strength reaches a height where you have real authority within the Luo family, then who you choose as your partner will be your own decision."
Li Xue's eyes lit up instantly. The gloom vanished from her face, replaced by radiant determination.
On the Holy Mystic Continent, strength was everything. As long as one was strong enough, there was nothing they could not obtain.
"Thank you, Aunt Yun." Li Xue said earnestly. "I will work hard from now on."
Seeing this, Yun Yun shook her head helplessly. That boy was truly troublesome to have captivated Li Xue so completely.
If Yun Yun had not watched Li Xue grow up and regarded her like her own daughter, she would never have offered such encouragement.
After Li Xue was gone, for a while, Ryan felt as though something inside him had been hollowed out.
The courtyard felt quieter, the sky seemed wider, and even the air carried a faint sense of loss.
Yet he did not allow that emptiness to consume him.
He gathered every trace of longing and reluctance in his heart and turned them into fuel, pushing himself harder than before.
For the next two days, Ryan deliberately chose to rest.
He did not rush into the mountains to hunt monsters again.
His body had been pushed to the limit in recent days, and his mind needed time to settle. Only by adjusting his state and mindset could he prepare for longer, more intense battles in the future. Reckless grinding without rest would only shorten his road.
During this time, Ryan carefully made preparations. Food, water, medicines, and various supplies were all stocked in advance. The next time he entered the wilderness, it would not be for a short skirmish, but for sustained combat.
What surprised Ryan slightly was the Li Clan's reaction.
After he defeated Li Mingtian and killed the Seventh Elder, no one came to trouble him.
No accusations, no interrogations, or any responsibility demanded.
The Li Clan seemed to have collectively chosen silence. This left Ryan enjoying two unusually peaceful days.
On the third day, a clansman finally came to his courtyard and informed him that the patriarch was waiting for him in the main hall.
Ryan was not surprised.
He had always known that this meeting would come sooner or later. No matter what, he had shaken the foundations of the Li Clan, and an explanation was inevitable. Without hesitation, he followed the messenger to the main hall.
When Ryan arrived, he realized that the situation was more formal than expected.
Not only was his father, Li Gengxin, present, but all the elders were seated as well.
"Wei'er, you're here." Li Gengxin smiled when he saw Ryan enter.
"Father," Ryan replied respectfully.