As Xiao Hai left, Xiao Zhan also began writing the letter. He didn't want to delay even a moment longer.
Meanwhile, Xiao Hai, walking back toward his courtyard, was deep in thought about the day's events and the unexpected marriage proposal.
"Hah… so Mother must have already known. That's why she told me to attend the meeting. The marriage proposal was unexpected, but not unreasonable. The second princess is a genius in her own right. In the story, she became the youngest third-tier alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire. That alone proves her talent. With proper guidance, she might even reach the Dou Zun realm—though going beyond that would be difficult. Still, there's no need to worry. Xiao Yan himself will become an alchemist in the future. When the time comes, we can simply rely on his help."
That was why he accepted the marriage proposal so readily. In his previous life, arranged marriages were common—seen as tradition rather than burden. To him, it was neither uncomfortable nor strange. Seeking a so-called 'true love' had never crossed his mind. His only pursuit was strength. Love, he believed, would only serve as a distraction. Besides, who said love couldn't blossom after marriage? As long as both partners respected and understood one another, affection would come naturally in time.
Soon, Xiao Hai reached the front of his courtyard. Just as he was about to step inside, his gaze fell on the fence. Perched there was the little snake he had left in the garden yesterday, resting lazily under the sun.
The moment the snake heard his footsteps, its small head turned toward him. Recognizing Xiao Hai, it eagerly slithered down the fence and crawled toward him.
Xiao Hai extended his arm, allowing the little creature to coil onto it. The snake nestled comfortably against him; its bright eyes filled with excitement. Seeing that look, Xiao Hai couldn't help but smile faintly.
"Were you waiting for me, little one? How cute," he said, gently rubbing its chin with his finger.
The little snake gave a tiny nod, closing its eyes in bliss as it enjoyed his touch.
"Heh, truly an unusual snake," Xiao Hai chuckled, amused by its human-like reaction. "Alright, let's go inside."
Cradling the little snake in his arms, he stepped into the courtyard. But no sooner had he entered than his mother—who was tending to the plants—paused and gave him a questioning look.
"Ok, ok. Stop looking at me like that, Mother. I'll tell you everything that happened in the clan meeting. But first, please, let's sit inside the house." Xiao Hai spoke in a flat tone. Deep down, he was irritated—if his mother had told him about the marriage proposal beforehand, he could have prepared better conditions.
"Hehe." With a small smile, Xiao Qing set aside the watering pot and walked toward the house. Xiao Hai followed close behind.
Once inside, both of them sat down. Neither spoke at first. Xiao Qing still had a teasing smile on her lips, while Xiao Hai grew increasingly annoyed seeing it. Still, he forced himself to remain silent.
Noticing his mood, Xiao Qing easily guessed the reason, yet her smile only deepened.
"Alright then," Xiao Hai finally broke the silence. "So you knew about it, but didn't inform me?"
Instead of answering, Xiao Qing countered with a question of her own. "So… did you agree?"
"Of course. If I hadn't, do you think the Royal Family would tolerate such an insult? They would've found a way to force me anyway."
"Yay!" Hearing his reply, Xiao Qing's face lit up as she practically bounced with joy. She was truly happy for her son. Watching him bury himself in cultivation every day had always worried her. So, when Xiao Zhan mentioned the Royal Family's proposal, she had agreed without hesitation. Whether Xiao Hai liked it or not didn't matter—she knew he would never go against her wishes.
Seeing his mother so delighted, Xiao Hai let out a long sigh. He was glad she was happy, but an unease gnawed at his heart. He feared the day might come when he would lose her. He didn't want to be separated from his mother. Yet he also knew that if he truly wished to become strong, he would have to endure countless trials between life and death.
Once Xiao Qing calmed down, she asked about the details of the clan meeting.
Xiao Hai patiently recounted everything that had taken place in the hall. As his words unfolded, his mother's frown deepened. By the time he finished, her face was twisted with anger.
"How absurd! Does she think she's the only beautiful and talented person in the world? Clearly her master failed to teach her properly—only spoiled her rotten. Hmph! From the way she acts… she must still be a virgin. An old virgin at that!" Xiao Qing snapped, her voice rising in disdain.
"Pfft—!" Xiao Hai nearly choked, spraying out the water he had just sipped. His mother's sharp tongue never failed to catch him off guard. Still, he had to admit… what she said wasn't exactly wrong.
Seems like we'll need Xiao Yan's help to handle this problem in the future, he thought, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Ok, what are you smirking at?" his mother asked sharply.
"Nothing, nothing." Xiao Hai waved his hand quickly, choosing not to share his thoughts. He knew all too well—if his mother heard what was on his mind, his ears would end up swollen for sure.
Xiao Qing let out a soft sigh, her expression turning somber. "Hah… it's truly a pity for Xiao Yan. That little boy used to be so lively, but after his fall, I haven't seen him smile sincerely even once. And now this happens to him." Her tone carried both sadness and frustration.
Then her eyes hardened, a cold glint flashing in them. "But remember this, Xiao Hai. You must avenge him. This matter doesn't just concern Xiao Yan—it concerns the honor of our entire Xiao Family."
Xiao Hai nodded repeatedly, but then a thought struck him. Before the clan meeting, he had promised Xiao Yan they would eat lunch together. Yet, after everything that happened, he had left the hall ahead of him and never got the chance to remind him. He quickly mentioned this to his mother.
"Then what are you waiting for?" Xiao Qing said at once. "Go and find him. If he refuses, tell him that I ordered him to come. And if he still refuses—" her eyes narrowed, "—tell him to prepare for a beating."
That was his mother's final word on the matter. So, without hesitation, Xiao Hai hurriedly left the courtyard, the little snake still nestled in his arms.
He broke into a run, heading straight for the back mountain—the place Xiao Yan usually went. According to the original story, today was the day Yao Lao would finally reveal himself. Xiao Hai's heart stirred with curiosity and anticipation. If I'm lucky, I might just 'accidentally' stumble upon them.