Translator: Myriea_ActiasLuna Editor: Nou
After throwing Hentian Qing back into her courtyard to let her think whatever she wanted, Fang Xing flew back to his own courtyard in high spirits. The only reason anyone had found out about the venerated youth was because of him!
The venerated youthâs reputation had been very established within the Hentian clan. Anyone who mentioned him would raise their thumb in approval, and it could even be said almost nobody was optimistic about Fang Xingâs chances with the female young master. Everyone believed that when the venerated youth returned, the person whoâd become a high-tier Exalt purely because of his red dragon would be forced to reveal his true self, yet it was unexpectedly the venerated youth who wound up revealed.
Of course, Fang Xing couldnât help but to think the venerated youth was fortunate to be a bird-man; things might have been even worse for him if he hadnât managed to fly awayâŠ.
As for Hentian Qing, Fang Xing had seen through her well in advance. Not only was she spoiled and stubborn, she was also insufferably arrogant and cowardly, all while posing as though she was intelligent despite being incredibly stupid. She was clearly a woman yet preferred to dress like a man, and her temperament was full of contradictions. Fang Xing had never attached much importance to her, and if she didnât have the status of the eldest young mistress of the Hentian clan, he would not bother with her much at all! Now that the big picture seemed to be set in stone, all he needed to do was sit and wait for the results.
Fang Xing carefully thought it through. Heâd gifted the Spirit Essence and Shanbao Mountain when he first arrived, and this great âaccidentâ had exposed the venerated youth, whoâd been hiding within the Hentian clan for some reason. Within the Hentian clan at least, heâd be seen as someone with great merit, and heâd also used his money to win over the hearts of others and make a great number of âfriendsâ that further solidified his position. The rest was only a matter of time; once the Hentian clan trusted him completely, the marriage would be announced.
However, a very faint trace of discomfort lingered in Fang Xingâs mind. He remembered the look the venerated youth sent him when he was escaping, and he also remembered the strange aura the group of old men from the Hentian clan had given off which caused a lot of questions to form in his mind. He was a person whoâd been around danger since a young age and had a special sensitivity towards it, and right now he was feeling an indescribable sense of danger.
âDid that red bird do something before it fled?â Fang Xing wondered, but he felt there wasnât anything the bird could truly do to him. Not only did he appear extremely genuine on the surface, even if he did leave some kind of clue behind, it shouldnât be enough to cause anything particularly bad. Besides, heâd already given away all his valuables and those old guys of the Hentian clan certainly wouldnât be interested in the remaining Spirit Stones and pellets. As for the little treasure vault heâd hidden, who would know about it aside from him?
Thinking through it left him reassured, but he still wondered; should he prepare a plan in advance?
A few more months passed and Fang Xingâs future with the Hentian clan seemed incredibly bright. Now that his competition was gone, everyone believed it was only a matter of time before he became the clan masterâs son-in-law. No matter age or cultivation level, no matter whether it was an Exalt or someone who grew up within the clan, no one was strong enough to compete against him right nowâto say nothing of the fact he had a dragon at his side.
Put simply, the Hentian clansmen already saw him as Hentian Qingâs fiance.
Of course, that was only what it seemed like on the surface, and the uneasiness in Fang Xingâs heart only increased. He could faintly feel that the clan was watching him much closer now, and although it seemed he was able to wander about freely to make friends all over the placeâto call this elder his brother today and drink with that Exalt tomorrowâthe truth was there were a few auras guarding against or monitoring him, and someone would always come up to stop him whenever he wanted to leave the gathering spot.
After joining the beast-hunting team, Fang Xing would occasionally leave with some other clansmen to kill low-tier pieril beasts. He wasnât permitted to go very far at first, and someone later told him the red dragonâs aura was too vicious and it might startle some powerful peril beasts if he brought it out to hunt, so he should leave it at the clan to avoid causing problems.
Fang Xing came to a realization after this and felt much more assured, and from that point on, the red dragon would remain within the clan whenever he went out with the beast-hunting team. Each time he left, he would return early and always on the same day. Sometimes he would leave on his own without anyone knowing what he intended, but the Hentian clan didnât seem to mind and their surveillance over him actually decreased, their efforts instead focusing on the red dragon to keep it from leaving the clan.
After three more months passed like this, the Head Exalt personally arrived at Fang Xingâs courtyard.
âLittle Friend Xing, how has it been within the clan during this period of time?â The Head Exalt asked while behaving extremely pleasantly.
Fang Xing rose to his feet as well and smiled. âFor the Head Exalt to come here personally, what a rare sight it isâŠ.â He understood the thing heâd been concerned about was finally going to occur.
The Head Exalt didnât rush to say anything, and after making some small talk asking how Fang Xing was doing within the clan and chatting about some trivial matters in the Guixu Ruins, he smiled and said, âAfter that ill-intentioned venerated youth turned into the Vermillion Bird and fled, Little Friend Xing is now the most prominent Exalt within the entire clan. I have great optimism for your future, and I foresee your name will be known within the entire Guixu Ruins!â
âWhat is this group of people trying to do that even this old thing here is sucking up to me?â Fang Xing cursed to himself while still wearing a smile. âFor the old senior to praise me like this, Iâm even a bit embarrassed!â
âI naturally would not say such things if you were not capable,â the Head Exalt replied. âLooking over the entire Hentian clan and over several dozen Exalts, arenât those with higher cultivation than you all nearly a hundred years older? Arenât those around the same age a million miles away in terms of cultivation? Heh, even if you did not have the red dragon, your talent and battle prowess would be more than enough for you to have your own standing within the Hentian clan!â
Fang Xing laughed. âThe head Exalt is being too generous. It was only because I had a few opportunities outside the Guixu Ruins, leading to how I am today.â
After a long exchange of fake and empty words, the Head Exalt finally began, âLittle Friend Xing, to tell you the truth, I am here today to congratulate you. The thoughts you have towards Qingâer are not a secret within the clan, and I will go straight to the point. The clan master and I along with the grand elders have discussed this and believe with your talent, you are the perfect match for Qingâer. We wish to marry her to you. What are your thoughts on this?â
Fang Xing stood up with fake surprise. âHead Exalt, do you speak the truth?â
The Head Exalt gave a light smile. âI have lived for nearly a thousand years; why would I come to joke about this with you?â
Fang Xing appeared full of joy, yet also hesitant. âBut the eldest young miss, sheâŠ.â
âWith the order of the parents and the words of me, the matchmaker, there is no need for you to worry about Qingâerâs little temper. Besides, Iâve been observing and it seems as though ever since that Vermillion bird left, sheâs not as unwilling as she used to be; I feel sheâs perhaps beginning to feel the same way as you. She would not refuse this marriage proposal. As long as you are willing, I shall report back to the clan master to have this matter settled!â
The Head Exalt paused for a moment before he continued, âI believe Little Friend Xing wanted to view what is inside the secret pavilion? No one who came from outside the Guixu Ruins is disinterested in the secret pavilion. I was the same back then as well, and truthfully, you will be considered as having officially joined the Hentian clan once youâre engaged to Qingâer. I will personally take you inside the secret pavilion to fulfil your desire!â
Fang Xing put on the appearance of great surprise. He excitedly rubbed his hands and repeated, âGreat, thatâs so greatâŠâ all while thinking to himself, âSh*t, Iâm really done forâŠ.â
The Head Exalt saw Fang Xingâs response and showed a face full of smiles, as though his purpose had been fulfilled. Afterwards, he suddenly brought up another topic and casually added, âHowever, since youâll be getting engaged to Qingâer, etiquette cannot be ignored. Iâd like to speak to you about the betrothal gift. The clanâs traditions require the man to enter the forest alone to hunt a peril beast and prove their courage and strength, but there is no need for you to do this!â
âI do, I do. If everyone else does it, how can I be the exception? Head Exalt, please relax, I shall bring my big doggie out to hunt the most powerful peril beast and bring it back for you. Wait for me here; I will be back within an hour!â Fang Xing didnât waste any more time and stood up to head to the door.
The Head Exalt bitterly smiled; how could he not know what Fang Xing was thinking? His hand lightly patted Fang Xingâs shoulder before he said, âLittle Friend Xing, from what Iâm seeing, it seems youâve guessed at something. I wonât go in circles anymore; right now, Iâm acting as the middleman. The engagement between you and Qingâer can be settled at any time, but this betrothal gift, how about using your red dragon in its place?â
Slightly startled, Fang Xing put on a surprised expression and asked, âWhat do you mean, Respectable Old Senior? Ever since the day I became an Exalt of the Hentian clan, isnât the red dragon already a part of the clan? If for hunting, I will naturally take it out with me since it is able to hunt more than me, and if there are powerful enemies that come to attack, this big doggie would naturally dash out in front without any fearââ
âLittle Friend does not agree, then?â The Head Exalt lightly interrupted.
Fang Xing was left speechless. He was unsure how to answer, and his gaze became complicated.