"Why? Is Xiao Yaoye also interested in the genius from the Xiao family?"
Jia Xingtian was stunned for a moment, then joked.
"Yes. I'm the one who wants to become the queen, Grandpa. Don't underestimate me."
In response to Jia Xingtian's teasing, Xiao Yaoye chuckled. As a member of the royal family, she was far more mature than her peers.
Moreover, the royal family was highly suspicious by nature. Without sufficient strength, she wouldn't be able to sit firmly on the throne.
"It seems our little Yaoye has her own plans. Then Grandpa will accompany you to the Xiao family."
Jia Xingtian stood up and gently touched Yaoye's head. As an elder, he naturally had to protect the younger generation's growth.
"It's just that one of the two geniuses from the Xiao family already has a marriage contract," Jia Xingtian said, frowning as if recalling something.
"Marriage contract?"
Hearing this, Xiao Yaoye raised her eyebrows. Jia Xingtian smiled and replied:
"Yes. You even know the girl in the contract—Nalan Yanran from the Nalan family."
"What? So the Xiao family and the Nalan family have a strong relationship. And Nalan Yanran has already joined the Misty Cloud Sect..." Yaoye was shocked. Even with her usual calm, she felt a bit unsettled.
"If, in another fifty years, the Xiao family produces two Douhuang-level experts, and they're allied with the Misty Cloud Sect and the Nalan family, our royal family might lose its standing."
Jia Xingtian laughed at Yaoye's speculation, then flicked his sleeves. His voice grew firm.
"As long as your great-grandfather is here, the royal family will remain the royal family. There are many geniuses, but not every genius grows up smoothly!"
"Grandpa, I understand. But this time, I want to meet this Xiao family genius in person."
Yaoye's long eyelashes fluttered slightly. She had made her decision. For some reason, she had a hunch that this visit might bring unexpected rewards.
"Alright. The one with the marriage contract is Xiao Yan. The other is Xiao Shuang. You can choose to meet him instead."
Jia Xingtian nodded. He wasn't a rigid man. Juniors should have their own ideas, and his role was to support the future empress of the Jia Ma Empire.
In the marketplace...
"Boss, how much for this?"
Xiao Yan casually picked up a finely crafted dagger. It seemed that men of any age couldn't resist the allure of weapons.
Behind him stood Xiao Shuang and Xun'er. Their expressions were a study in contrast—Xun'er looked at Xiao Yan tenderly, while Xiao Shuang stood with a tense face, expressionless.
"Young master, this dagger is excellent. It's inlaid with a first-order magic core. In battle, it can greatly enhance your fighting spirit..."
The mercenary noticed their extraordinary attire and began to flatter them, secretly guessing which noble family they belonged to.
Most of the markets in Wutan City were controlled by the Xiao family. Buying a dagger with a magic core without hesitation meant the buyer's status in the family was likely high.
"Just tell me the price," Xiao Yan interrupted, waving off the mercenary's flattery.
The mercenary smiled and held up four fingers.
"Four hundred gold coins, young master. If you need it, it's yours."
Xiao Yan frowned. The price wasn't right—it was too cheap.
"You know who I am?"
"Young master, you're joking. This is the Xiao family's market. As the young master, you naturally get a special discount."
The mercenary scratched the back of his head, looking simple and honest, as if he hadn't just been flattering them moments ago.
"I see. Well, I won't refuse your kindness."
Xiao Yan nodded. He wasn't bothered by the flattery—he was used to it.
"Let's go. I'm already hungry," Xiao Shuang said, stepping forward and tossing a bag of gold coins.
"Hey, I told you I'm treating you to dinner. You don't need to pay!"
Xiao Yan reached out to stop him, but Xiao Shuang quickly grabbed his wrist, his expression helpless.
"Xiao Yanzi, how long have you been shopping? I'm afraid you'll run out of money before we even eat."
Xiao Yan smiled and didn't argue. He had indeed bought a lot of things he didn't need right now, but it wasn't so bad that he couldn't afford food.
"How could I possibly—"
Listening to their banter, Xun'er covered her mouth and giggled.
"If Brother Xiao Yan doesn't have enough money, Xun'er has some too."
Xiao Yan rubbed Xun'er's head playfully, messing up her hair.
"Really, I don't want to use your money. Remember, Brother Xiao Yan is the one who protects you."
Xiao Shuang knocked on Xiao Yan's forehead. Technically, he was a few months older, so calling him "Xiao Yanzi" wasn't too much.
"Hey, why are you so cool? Let's go eat already!"
The three left the marketplace together. Guards followed at a distance, scattered among the crowd—close enough to act if needed, but far enough not to disturb them.
"Tsk, Father really worries about us," Xiao Yan said, walking ahead. He could sense the guards, and he knew Xiao Shuang could too.
Sure enough, Xiao Shuang nodded.
"There's no choice. We're the future of the Xiao family. Naturally, they need to be cautious."
"Of course I know. But seriously, aren't you tired of looking so cold all the time? And your white hair is really strange."
"I don't know. I have a natural affinity for ice-based fighting spirit. Maybe that's why."
Xiao Shuang shook his head. He also found his white hair strange.
It had been fine when he was younger, but ever since he began Qi training, his appearance had changed drastically. The most obvious change was his frosty white hair.
He didn't mind the hair much. What mattered more were his light blue eyes—almost magical. The sense of alienation on his face was largely due to those eyes.
"What? You like me? I'm sorry, you're a good person, but I can't accept your feelings."
Xiao Shuang spoke quickly, finishing in two seconds, leaving Xiao Yan and Xun'er shaking their heads helplessly.
"You really are something..." Xiao Yan shrugged, not taking the joke seriously. Then he asked more seriously:
"How do you feel about your life now? Besides me and Xun'er, no one else in the clan wants to talk to you. Doesn't that bother you?"