By his side sat Xun'er, her youthful face shedding some of its innocence, her aura like blooming blue lotus petals....pure and enchanting.
"Xiao Yan-gege, eat some food," she said softly, eyes bright with joy.
For half a year, Xiao Yan had immersed himself in relentless cultivation, rarely seen by anyone.
Though Xun'er had sought him countless times, she refrained from disturbing him upon seeing his focus. Now, she treasured this rare moment together.
"Haha, Xiao Yan, your charm is remarkable—Xun'er treats you so well," Xiao Li chuckled.
"It's a blessing most could never hope for.
Xiao Yan, you two have been childhood sweethearts....you must cherish her." Xiao Ding's grin carried rare warmth.
Xun'er's beauty was undeniable—her innocence and elegance a combination that stunned any onlooker.
If Xiao Yan claimed her as his wife, it would indeed be a matter of pride for them all.
"Xiao Ding-gege, what are you saying?" Xun'er's delicate face flushed crimson at their teasing.
"Enough talk, eat your food," Xiao Zhan interrupted gently, though a smile lingered on his face.
Seeing Xiao Yan so calm, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged curious glances.
But Xiao Yan spoke softly, yet his words carried deep weight.
"I, Xiao Yan, will marry Xun'er."
The moment those words fell from his lips, the hall fell silent. Even the air seemed to still.
Xun'er stiffened beside him, cheeks flushed, her face radiant like a ripe apple.
The young women present exchanged glances—some hearts breaking silently, others burning with envy. None dared speak the words rising in their throats.
But Xiao Yan, clad in black beside her, smiled without hesitation.
"Eat… eat. Why is everyone staring at me?" he said gently, a warmth in his smile.
For this moment, he had waited a lifetime. In his previous life, he would have declared such a thing only upon reaching Dou Saint.
This time, he proclaimed it without hesitation: the girl beside him was his future wife.
"Girl, eat. Why so nervous?" Xiao Yan reached out, gently patting her head, his voice soft as he whispered into her ear.
"Rest assured, this time, I will make every thorn bow before my feet."
"No one will be worthy of standing in our way."
After Xiao Yan's words broke the silence, the grand hall seemed to still again ....but those gathered exchanged subtle, unreadable glances. There was something unspoken, something lingering in the air.
"Hahaha! Drink! Drink!"
Xiao Zhan's hearty laughter broke the tension, and the elders followed suit, though their eyes were sharper now, glancing between one another with unease.
They were seasoned schemers; they knew when to let things rest for now.
Still, even as they drank, their thoughts wandered elsewhere.
The clan behind Xun'er was far beyond what the Xiao family could provoke without consequence.
Even with Xiao Yan's unrivaled talent, there was no certainty that such declarations would bring recognition or advantage.
Yet at the center of this undercurrent of uncertainty, Xiao Yan remained calm. Beside him, he gently reassured the frightened girl leaning close to him.
No matter her thoughts, she was only twelve.
At such an age, declarations like his could be as bewildering as they were frightening.
"Xiao Yan…"
Below Xun'er sat Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning, among other gifted younger members of the clan.
Xiao Ning watched intently, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yan comforting Xun'er.
His chest twisted with silent pain, yet he could do nothing.
"Put away those unrealistic thoughts," Xiao Yu whispered softly.
"Big Sister!" Xiao Ning's voice rose in surprise as he looked up, meeting her calm but distant gaze.
"Even without Xiao Yan… do you think you could ever be worthy of Xun'er? Better to stop such illusions before they cause you more harm." Xiao Yu's voice was quiet, careful not to draw attention.
Her eyes held a blend of pity and resolve toward her brother. When youth met something extraordinary, it became both blessing and curse.
"I…" Xiao Ning opened his mouth, but no words came.
Even without Xiao Yan, could he truly hope to claim what seemed beyond reach? The truth weighed on him heavily.
Throughout the hall, similar thoughts stirred among the young onlookers.
Toward the end of the banquet, Xiao Ning, numbed by drink but unwilling to yield, stole glances at Xiao Yan and Xun'er.
A childish frustration simmered within him.
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