"Nangong brother, you just said, Sister Xiaoyue, she... she is...?"
Shangguan WanâErâs stunning face was filled with shock.
Upon hearing this, Nangong Jianchen gave Shangguan WanâEr a mysterious smile and looked at Ye Xiaoyue once again, a rare flicker of emotion appearing in his eyes.
"Sister WanâEr, you may not know, but Sister Xiaoyue was the champion of the Star Moon City competition five years ago, a Celestial Tier Peak Martial Soul, once invited to join the Divine Maiden Sect. However, back then, Ye brother was a child, and Sister Xiaoyue chose not to enter the sect to take care of her young brother, staying in Star Moon City."
As Nangong Jianchen spoke, he couldnât help but express admiration: "For oneâs kin, to forsake a bright pathâhow many people in this world can do what Sister Xiaoyue did? If she had joined the Divine Maiden Sect back then, you and I would probably be respectfully calling her Senior now."
Nangong Jianchen spoke the truth; if Ye Xiaoyue hadnât declined the Divine Maiden Sectâs invitation back then, she would likely already be a formidable figure. After all, no matter how gifted a prodigy is, without the corresponding cultivation and martial techniques and resources, itâs all in vain.
Even so, at that time, the Divine Maiden Sect made a promise that as long as Ye Xiaoyue was willing, the sectâs doors would remain open to her for three years.
Ye Xiaoyue heard this and gave a bitter smile; five years have passed, and few mention this matter anymore. The refusal back then faced strong opposition from Ye Wuyuan and others, but in the end, no one could overcome her familial affection.
However, as five years have elapsed, Ye Xiaoyue has long missed the optimal cultivation period. Even those second-rate sects may not accept her now, let alone the Divine Maiden Sect of the past.
After all, cultivation is age-restricted. To achieve world-shaking accomplishments, one must condense âSpiritual Essenceâ before the age of eighteen. Now, Ye Xiaoyue is nearing twenty-eight, leaving only a year or two to reach this limit, making condensing âSpiritual Essenceâ by eighteen almost impossible.
In other words, Ye Xiaoyue is now an exceptionally talented genius who has fallen from grace.
"So Sister Xiaoyue was also an extraordinary genius, what a pity." Shangguan WanâEr, upon hearing Nangong Jianchenâs description, felt threads of admiration in her beautiful eyes, but more so, a sense of regret: "Father surely didnât miss persuading Sister Xiaoyue back then. The decline of a genius is something many would lament."
Shangguan WanâErâs father is the City Lord of Star Moon City. Given Star Moon Cityâs emergence of a peerless genius, itâs clear that the Shangguan City Lord surely advised Ye Xiaoyue at the time.
"Whatâs there to be regretful about? As long as Xiaofan is well, I, as the sister, am content." Ye Xiaoyue heard and smiled calmly, feigning relaxation.
Yet even though she masked it well, Nangong Jianchen and Shangguan WanâEr still captured a trace of regret in her eyes. Who in this world doesnât aspire to reach the pinnacle and become a favored child of heaven? Ye Xiaoyue merely chose familial affection in the end.
"Throughout history, there have been those who create miracles; Sister Xiaoyueâs talent is exceptional, and nothing is truly impossible." Seeing a hint of regret in Ye Xiaoyueâs eyes, Nangong Jianchen couldnât help but comfort her.
Ye Xiaoyueâs eyes showed slight ripples upon hearing this, but she soon regained her composure.
Looking at the two, she chose to change the topic proactively, smiling as she spoke: "Young Master Nangong, Miss Shangguan, are you here to see Xiaofan?"
Ye Xiaoyue guessed their intentions; at this moment, those who come to this desolate place are mostly drawn here for her brother, which made Ye Xiaoyue very relieved.
"Indeed, itâs just that Iâm not sure if the two of us could meet with Ye brother." Nangong Jianchen smiled wryly. The two had seen many cultivators visiting Ye Xiaofan along the way, including prominent figures from big families in Star Moon City, all of whom Ye Xiaoyue had politely declined.
"Of course, Young Master Nangong, Miss Shangguan, come with me, please." Ye Xiaoyue pondered briefly, did not decline, and after glancing around, immediately led Nangong Jianchen and Shangguan WanâEr toward the straw house.
The reason Ye Xiaoyue agreed quickly was mainly that she already guessed their intentions, so this time she chose not to decline.
Nangong Jianchen and Shangguan WanâEr were different from the sycophantic visitors before; they are future disciples of the Divine Sword Sect, fellow juniors of Ye Xiaofan.
Ye Xiaoyue didnât need to guess that the two came at this time intending to form an alliance with brother Ye Xiaofan. After all, the three chose the Divine Sword Sect and hail from the same place. If they can form an alliance, they would have mutual support in the Divine Sword Sect, which Ye Xiaoyue is pleased to see happen.
Furthermore, Ye Xiaofan mentioned venturing together with Nangong Jianchen, so Ye Xiaoyue naturally wouldnât refuse these two. Being not a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, she couldnât accompany her brother into the sect in the future; everything would rely on him. The more friends he has, the more paths he may take.
Upon entering the straw hut, Nangong Jianchen and Shangguan WanâEr exchanged glances, an unusual color in their eyes.
For a peerless genius to inhabit such a place, it leaves one sighing.
Though two desolate and dilapidated straw huts, they were scrupulously cleaned by Ye Xiaoyue, virtually spotless.
"Xiaofan, Young Master Nangong and Miss Shangguan are here to see you." Ye Xiaoyue quietly called out towards Ye Xiaofanâs room upon entering the courtyard.
The room was pitch black; upon hearing the words, Ye Xiaofan woke from meditation and walked outside.
"Brother Nangong, Miss WanâEr." Ye Xiaofan cupped his hands towards the two.
Shangguan WanâEr familiarly said: "Brother Xiaofan, just call me WanâEr."
Ye Xiaofan instinctively glanced at the so-called Star Moon Cityâs number one beauty, a peerless genius, smiling towards the two: "My humble abode is simple, forgive me for showing you. Please, have a seat."
The three of them sat down around the stone table in the courtyard. Seeing this, Ye Xiaoyue smiled and said, "Xiaofan, Young Master Nangong, Miss Shangguan, you chat away, Iâll go get busy now."
After speaking, Ye Xiaoyue turned around and got busy after the two nodded.
Before long, one delicious dish after another was served by Ye Xiaoyue. As they chatted, Ye Xiaofan and the others gradually became familiar with each other, thanks to the social skills of Shangguan WanâEr.
"Brother Ye, having such a sister truly makes one envious." During their delightful conversation, Nangong Jianchen looked at Ye Xiaoyue still busy in the kitchen and couldnât help but sigh.
Upon hearing this, Ye Xiaofan also gazed at his sisterâs figure. While feeling an overwhelming warmth, a hint of sadness flashed in his eyes.
Ever since their aunt left to follow in the footsteps of their father, only the siblings relied on each other. His sister had sacrificed too much for him.
Seeing through Ye Xiaofanâs emotions, Nangong Jianchen and Shangguan WanâEr did not mention it further, instead revealing the purpose of their visit this time.
Just as Ye Xiaoyue had guessed, the purpose of their visit was to form an alliance with Ye Xiaofan.
"The Hundred Broken Mountain Range is vast and boundless, and ancient border cities like Star Moon City are no less than ten thousand, perhaps even eight thousand. Not to mention the core areas where talents arise in large numbers. Coming from the same place and the same sect, if we form an alliance, we can look out for each other in the future." Nangong Jianchen stated calmly.
As discussion turned to serious matters, Shangguan WanâEr became uncharacteristically earnest. Ye Xiaofan did not refuse, having had this idea himself. As all three were willing, forming the alliance naturally fell into place.
Having reached an agreement, the threeâs conversations became increasingly candid, even beginning to aspire towards the future.
Though the Hundred Broken Mountain Range is vastly different from Star Moon City, filled with prodigious talents, they are extraordinary prodigies themselves, full of hope for the future.
Ye Xiaoyue came over with the last dish, catching the conversation, and smiled knowingly, "You three are all outstanding individuals, destined to soar high in the future."
Hearing Ye Xiaoyueâs praise, the three exchanged embarrassed smiles.
"Sister Xiaoyue, you should stop buzzing around and join us for a meal." Shangguan WanâEr coaxed Ye Xiaoyue to sit down forcibly, linking arms, making them seem like real sisters.
Seeing this, Nangong Jianchen gave Ye Xiaofan a helpless smile and said, "WanâEr has such a personality, becoming familiar with everyone, a true sociable person. Brother Ye, please donât mind."
Clearly, the relationship between Nangong Jianchen and Shangguan WanâEr is special, more like a brother and sister.
At this, both Ye Xiaofan and Ye Xiaoyue smiled faintly, but Shangguan WanâEr retorted, "Thatâs not true, donât listen to Nangongâs nonsense. WanâEr truly likes Sister Xiaoyue."
Shangguan WanâEr shot Nangong Jianchen a sly look as she spoke.
Ye Xiaoyue, seeing this, didnât expose her, instead proposing that they celebrate their entry into the Divine Sword Sect and toast to the future.
Hearing about drinking, both Nangong Jianchen and Shangguan WanâErâs eyes lit up, "Sister Xiaoyue, can we drink?"
"Why not? Youâre no longer kids. As long as you donât overdo it, an occasional drink wonât hurt." Ye Xiaoyue laughed.
Though only about seven or eight years old, born in this world, they physically and mentally mature far sooner.
Ye Xiaoyueâs suggestion to drink also fit perfectly, as everyone knows that wine is a catalyst for emotional bonds. Now, soon after forming their alliance, itâs a crucial time for solidifying friendships.
Sure enough, after a few drinks, they all relaxed, engaging in lively chats, with the courtyard filled with laughter, momentarily feeling detached from the world.
However, after several rounds of drinks and courses, an unexpected visitor disrupted the tranquil atmosphere.
While Ye Xiaofan and the others were amidst joy and laughter,
the simple courtyard gate was lightly knocked. Everyone turned towards the sound and was momentarily surprised.
Standing outside the gate was a young figure, a cultivator from the Ye Race.
The man looked uneasy, avoiding direct eye contact with Ye Xiaofan, and spoke hesitantly, "Xiao...Xiaofan, the clan... clan leader and Grandpa are here with Xiaotian and Xiaojiang, they want... want to see you."
Nangong Jianchen and Shangguan WanâEr turned to look at the man, their expressions unchanged.
However, Ye Xiaofan and Ye Xiaoyueâs expressions stiffened, their smiles slowly fading away.