บท 19: Chapter 19: Partners in Crime
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In the courtyard of the Xiao Family estate...
"Brother Ye Fan, finally, you're here!" Xiao Tiancheng gripped Ye Fan's hand firmly, his face bright with excitement. "Come in—let's sit down and catch up properly!"
"Alright." Ye Fan nodded, following Xiao Tiancheng into the study where they both took a seat.
"Brother Ye Fan, I heard you've suffered some... unfair treatment at the sect." Xiao Tiancheng's tone grew solemn. As the heir to the Xiao family, he was well aware of the recent events stirring in Donghua Continent and knew of Ye Fan's troubled circumstances.
Ye Fan's face darkened at the mention, and a coldness crept into his voice. "Nothing but a pack of sycophants pandering to the Su Family," he muttered, a glint of venom flashing in his eyes.
If it weren't for the protection of the residual soul within his ring, Ye Fan knew he might have lost his life in the sect's dungeon. There was no chance he'd be here, standing in the Xiao family estate today.
"I've heard as much, brother," Xiao Tiancheng spat with disgust. "Su Chen—that good-for-nothing! He has crossed the line, forcing himself upon your master. Such arrogance deserves nothing short of death!" He clenched his fists. "When the day comes that your strength rivals his, know that the Xiao Family will stand by your side."
Ye Fan shook his head. "I appreciate your support, brother, but there's more to this than it appears. I can't shake the feeling that Su Chen... isn't as simple as he seems."
"Oh?" Xiao Tiancheng's brows rose with interest. To him, Su Chen had always been a spoiled heir without the aptitude to cultivate—an idle wastrel, hardly worth fearing.
Ye Fan's expression tightened. "My master possesses the rare Heavenly Fragrance Physique, a secret that should be known only to me. Yet somehow, Su Chen suddenly appeared, demanding to take her as his concubine. Suspicious, isn't it?"
"The Heavenly Fragrance Physique?" Xiao Tiancheng's eyes widened in shock, the implications of the revelation sending a chill down his spine.
"That physique... one of the most coveted among cultivators. It's said to be a powerful conduit for cultivation. But Su Chen... what use could he possibly have for it? He can't even cultivate!" He shook his head, almost muttering to himself.
"Unless..." Ye Fan's gaze sharpened. "Unless he has a greater scheme in mind."
Xiao Tiancheng nodded slowly, absorbing the insight. "Indeed, there must be something else at play. Otherwise, why go to such lengths?"
"All the same, I will not allow Su Chen to defile my master's Heavenly Fragrance Physique," Ye Fan growled, his fists clenching. "The moment my strength surpasses his, I will rescue her from his clutches."
Xiao Tiancheng scoffed, though a hint of mockery danced in his eyes, "Rescue her? By then, who knows how many children she might have borne him."
Realizing the slip, he quickly patted Ye Fan's shoulder in reassurance. "Don't dwell on it too much. This is the harsh reality of our world. Focus on cultivating and growing stronger. When the time comes, you'll have a chance to take back what's rightfully yours."
Ye Fan gave a bitter smile, unwilling to argue the point. As powerful as Su Chen seemed, it was the mighty Su Family standing behind him that truly struck fear into hearts. For now, revenge was beyond reach.
Xiao Tiancheng noticed the flicker of despair in Ye Fan's gaze and felt a pang of guilt. "Enough of this heavy talk. Let's focus on why I invited you here in the first place. Here." Xiao Tiancheng reached into his robes and pulled out a jade slip, handing it to Ye Fan. "This contains an image of my elder sister, Xiao Ruoyu—the famed prodigy of Donghua Continent. I need you to win her heart."
Accepting the jade slip, Ye Fan's eyes flickered. He understood the implications immediately. Xiao Tiancheng was vying for the position of Xiao Family head, and his main rival was none other than his own sister—Xiao Ruoyu, the pride of the family.
Xiao Ruoyu was not only renowned for her beauty but was also a cultivator at the peak of the Great Saint Realm, a rare talent among the younger generation. She was highly valued by the family, and her presence loomed over Xiao Tiancheng's ambitions.
"I understand," Ye Fan replied, though hesitation flashed across his face.
Seeing his doubt, Xiao Tiancheng chuckled. "My sister has always maintained her purity—she's never shown interest in any suitors. Once you win her over, you won't need to worry about rivals for her affection."
As an extra nudge, Xiao Tiancheng produced a spatial ring, placing it in Ye Fan's hands. "Inside is one million top-grade spirit stones. Use it for your cultivation. If you need more, simply let me know."
Pausing, he added, "Brother Ye Fan, help me this once, and when I secure the Xiao Family's headship, the family's resources will be at your disposal. On the day you choose to take your revenge on the Su Family, know that the Xiao Family will support you."
There was a spark of ambition in Xiao Tiancheng's gaze. He had chosen Ye Fan for good reason—Ye Fan's dual-pupils marked him as a heaven-appointed child of fate. Befriending him could only bring advantages.
Besides, he was aware that Ye Fan lacked resources. The Xiao Family, as the second most influential family in Donghua Continent, had wealth to spare. For Ye Fan, this was an opportunity he could hardly refuse.
Sure enough, the moment Ye Fan saw the spatial ring, he hesitated no more. A million top-grade spirit stones—such a fortune was a godsend for a cultivator without a penny to his name.
Moreover, Xiao Tiancheng had promised that once he gained the position of family head, the Xiao Family's resources would be at Ye Fan's disposal. How could he turn that down?
"Very well, I agree." Without hesitation, Ye Fan took the ring and stashed it away.
"Hahaha! Brother Ye Fan, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me!" Xiao Tiancheng's face lit up with joy. He clapped Ye Fan on the shoulder. "Then here's to hoping you succeed and soon become my brother-in-law."
Ye Fan smiled. "I will do my best."
With that, the two men began discussing their plan in detail. Ye Fan's role was straightforward—he would approach Xiao Ruoyu slowly, allowing her to see his dual-pupils and recognize him as a heaven-appointed prodigy.
After that, he would do everything in his power to win her heart.
---
Meanwhile, in her boudoir, Xiao Ruoyu sat with her close friend, Xia Qingxue, sharing a quiet conversation, blissfully unaware that she had already become the target of two scheming men.
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