The moment a voice echoed through the Main Hall, several people turned with expressions of curiosity, intensifying the gazes fixed upon Bai Lan and Han Yucheng.
At that instant, Feng Qi stared at the Feng Clan with eyes brimming with murderous intent.I knew it, he thought.
There was nothing left to do. The Feng Clan had discovered his whereabouts, and the one shouting his name was none other than his own grandfather—Feng Shidao.
At his side, Luo Zixuan observed the situation with the sharp eyes of a hawk and immediately grasped what was unfolding. He pushed Feng Qi aside and stepped forward, bowing toward the furious Patriarch of the Feng Clan.
"What is going on?" Bai Lan asked.
Scanning the surroundings and confirming the presence of an unfamiliar figure, Han Yucheng spoke coldly,"Who dares to interrupt us?"His gaze was piercing, as if it sought to bore into Feng Shidao's very soul. The old man swallowed hard, yet he had no choice but to deal with Feng Qi.
"My apologies, Young Master Han Yucheng," Feng Shidao said hastily, "but there is someone who committed grave atrocities against my family and fled from clan judgment. That young man is the one accompanying Miss Bai Lan."
"So?" Han Yucheng sneered. "Bai Lan, it seems this little guard of yours is a criminal… That only worsens the situation, wouldn't you agree?"He seized the narrative, hoping to strengthen his standing with her—perhaps she would be grateful later.
"What nonsense are you speaking?" Bai Lan replied sharply. "This man is my guard. His name is Zhao Long. He has nothing to do with your surname."
In truth, Bai Lan had long sensed something strange about the young man. He appeared to come from a minor rural clan, and from the days he had spent lost in the forest, she had deduced that something significant had happened to him.
Suddenly, Feng Shidao burst into laughter."My apologies, young lady, but you have been deceived by this brat. His real name is Feng Qi. He is my grandson—and a criminal who attempted to violate the granddaughter of Patriarch Li. He is currently wanted by the Li Clan to stand trial and receive his sentence, yet he escaped about a month ago."
"A month?" Bai Lan calculated silently. It made sense. She had met him roughly two weeks ago, wandering lost in the vast northern forests. She had known there was more to him, but chose not to pry. Who would have thought he might be a criminal?
"Yes," Feng Shidao continued smugly. "He fled into the forest, and we lost all traces of him. For weeks, we believed he had died to beasts or accidents. But look—he is unharmed and has even raised his cultivation to the Fourth Layer."He frequently glanced at Feng Qi, a smile spreading across his face.
Internally, Feng Qi contemplated attacking the old man, injuring him, and fleeing once more. But he knew it was impossible. Too many powerful existences were present—any one of them could reach him in a single step. If Bai Lan truly abandoned him, there would be nothing he could do but accept his fate. He let out a long sigh.
Bai Lan carefully observed Feng Qi, searching for any trace of such depravity. To her, this young man did not seem capable of such a crime. Perhaps something was being plotted behind the scenes. Feng Qi kept his head lowered, lost in thought.
"Is this true?" Bai Lan asked.Though phrased as a question, her gaze was cold and penetrating. Feng Qi felt, at that moment, that abandonment was imminent—and he feared the worst.
Finally, with a long breath, he decided to speak, fixing his eyes directly on his grandfather."He killed my mother," Feng Qi said firmly, without fear. "And I believe he also murdered my father and my sister—all for the sake of his clan."His voice carried hatred as sharp as steel."We are irreconcilable enemies. If fate allows it, your clan will fall into eternal oblivion. As for the accusation of violation? No, my lady. I was framed."
"That is a lie!" Feng Shidao shouted. "He was obsessed with Li Yuhuan—"
"Indeed, I loved her!" Feng Qi interrupted coldly. "But time changes, and so do people. It was Feng Chen Haoran who orchestrated everything, because Li Yuhuan is now his fiancée. And you—you hate me because I am the son of the woman who ruined your plans to unite with the Bai Family!"
The atmosphere grew increasingly heavy. With this revelation, many were left stunned. Feng Shidao, meanwhile, was seething with rage, veins bulging across his face.
"What?" Bai Lan murmured, startled. She pondered for a moment."I recall that my elder sister once took interest in a man when I was still a child… She said he was loyal, kind, and promising—especially in commerce, with many branches of business in the city. I do not remember his name, but I know that later, my sister was deeply hurt."
"The name of my father was Feng Hai," Feng Qi said quietly."He was killed by my grandfather's whims."
"Do you have proof?" Han Yucheng asked coldly.
Feng Qi knew this man would seize any chance to harm him. A madman blinded by obsession—almost pitiable.
"No," Feng Qi admitted. "I have no proof. The only evidence I had was an old notebook filled with strange annotations. I left it behind when I fled. They must have burned it by now."
"Without proof, there is no reason to believe you," Han Yucheng declared. "Guards!"
At that moment, he mobilized the Tian household guards to seize Feng Qi.
"Enough," Bai Lan interrupted calmly."I apologize, but the guard Zhao Long—no, this young man, Feng Qi—belongs to the Bai Household. He will be judged according to our family's laws."
"But, my lady—this man—" Feng Shidao tried to argue.
"Miss Bai," Han Yucheng interjected sharply, "harboring a criminal is an even greater crime. Why not hand him over to me? Justice must be served for the Li Clan, or the city will believe we side with bandits."
"I appreciate your concern," Bai Lan replied coolly, "but I prefer to handle this matter myself."She turned to Feng Shidao, a faint smile curving her lips."You say his name is Feng Shidao? How ironic. There is no proof that you killed Feng Qi's family—but likewise, there is no proof of this alleged crime. Who is to say the truth is not as Feng Qi claims?"
Her voice was firm, unwavering.
Feng Qi did not seem threatening. In the past weeks, Bai Lan had secretly instructed Luo Zixuan to investigate him. According to his findings, Feng Qi harbored no malice toward the Bai Family. In truth, he was not someone capable of committing atrocities of any kind.
The young man had not even known how to wield a sword two weeks prior. Clearly, he had undergone some form of tribulation—one that cast him into the depths of the forest, allowing him to obtain rare spiritual herbs and forge a sturdier foundation.
"My lady," Feng Shidao said tremulously, "are you truly trading the judgment of the Feng Clan for a mere child? We have proof—Li Yuhuan is the victim!"
Bai Lan detected the nervousness immediately. She was now certain this man was plotting against Feng Qi.
"This Li Yuhuan," Bai Lan said suddenly, as someone handed her a stack of documents. Her eyes gleamed as she read."Body Refinement, Third Layer… a month ago, she was only at the Second Layer. And you expect me to believe that Feng Qi—a servant who only recently awakened his cultivation—dared assault a young lady proficient in combat techniques?"
"Th-That is—My lady, I—" Feng Shidao stammered, sweat pouring down his face.
"Bai Lan, do you truly intend to protect this criminal?" Han Yucheng asked darkly.
"He is not a criminal until proven so," she replied calmly."Feng Hai, his wife, and daughter did indeed die under suspicious circumstances. Care to add anything, Elder Shidao?"
Feng Shidao dared not speak further. He felt trapped by her words. This woman was cunning—like a fox. If she pressed deeper, the Feng Clan would surely sink.
"That will be all," Bai Lan concluded."Especially considering that the young woman who once had a relationship with Feng Qi is now engaged to Feng Chen Haoran."
She glanced at Feng Qi.
Joy surged within his chest, and a smile finally spread across his face. He was grateful—his lady had not abandoned him and had even exposed, if only partially, the filth of that wretched clan.
She is always attentive, Feng Qi thought.
"One last thing," Bai Lan added."Feng Qi now belongs to the Bai Family. He has nothing to do with the Feng Clan. Unless concrete proof emerges, there will be no trial. That is all."
Straightening her posture, she departed with firm steps, accompanied by her guards.
"You seem fond of that boy," Han Yucheng said darkly.
"Why are you so concerned with my personal affairs?" Bai Lan shot back coldly and continued walking.
Han Yucheng's expression twisted with murderous intent—directed at a certain young man.
Feng Qi remained tense. Not only was Feng Shidao still a threat, but now Han Yucheng as well. Things were worsening by the day. He sensed he might have to leave the city sooner than expected—just as he had fled his village.
Inside the noble carriage, Bai Lan sat facing Feng Qi, with Luo Zixuan beside her. Only the three of them were present.
Feng Qi knew the time had come. If he wished to retain the Bai Family's protection, he had to reveal everything.
"I apologize, Miss Bai Lan," he said softly. "Due to certain circumstances, I changed my name to avoid being discovered by the Feng Clan."
He lifted his head and met her gaze, expression solemn."My true name is Feng Qi. I am the grandson of Feng Shidao. I was once nothing more than a farm servant. After my father died, all our wealth was seized by the clan, and we were reduced to servitude. My mother passed away soon after, and I was left alone in this world…"
He recounted everything—the notebook, the conspiracy, Li Yuhuan, Feng Chen Haoran, the duel, the escape, the forest, and their meeting in Qingyao.
It was a long tale. Bai Lan did not interrupt.
"It is a turbulent story," she said at last."Now I understand what you meant by 'living in chains.' I believe you. Your eyes, your expression—they do not lie."
Though doubt still lingered faintly, Feng Qi could feel it.
Luo Zixuan continued to observe him critically. His words might not be false—but some matters still required verification.
Meanwhile, Feng Qi felt restless. In recent days, he had focused solely on refining his combat techniques. His heart urged him forward—it was time to advance again.
Even with Bai Lan's promise of protection, nothing was certain. Perhaps one day, he would still be thrown into a cell for life. Trust was fragile.
Yet the fire in his chest burned fiercely. He longed to venture into the wider world. Perhaps fleeing now would not be such a bad idea.
"I understand your position," Bai Lan said gently."Continue your duties. The Bai Family will handle the rest. Avoid going out alone—Han Yucheng will not stop until he harms you."
"I understand," Feng Qi replied. "Then I must train even harder."
And thus, they returned to the Bai Manor.
Elsewhere…
"Your name is Feng Shidao, correct?"A cold voice echoed."From this day on, your clan will serve me. Any objections?"
"None at all, my lord. That was our purpose in coming here—to seek the support of a great family."
"Good," the man said, eyes gleaming with killing intent."That hateful guard of Bai Lan—your grandson. Do you object if I kill him?"
"N-No, my lord," Feng Shidao replied hastily. "He was sentenced to execution. He merely found a way to escape."
"Excellent," the man said with satisfaction."He will pay for this."
Justice? Law? No.
This was nothing more than extreme jealousy.
One of the reasons the Han and Tian Families did not get along was precisely because their favored heirs despised one another—for a reason buried deep in blood and obsession.