C12 ​

"That's Sima Wan'er!"

Shen Xuan whispered under his breath as he gazed at the young girl. True to expectation, she had been a beauty since childhood, and now she had blossomed into a figure of grace and poise.

"Yes, indeed! It's been eight years since I last saw her. Rumor has it that Wan'er has advanced to the rank of Martial General!"

Shen Wansi couldn't contain his excitement. Sima Wan'er was his cousin, and her accomplishments filled him with pride.

"A Martial General! And only fifteen, it seems."

Shen Xuan was taken aback by Shen Wansi's words. On the Spirit Beast Continent, innate talent was crucial. To achieve the status of Martial General at fifteen, while Han Feng only reached Intermediate Rank at twenty, clearly showed that Sima Wan'er's talent outshone Han Feng's.

"The Sima family is esteemed in the capital. This time, Wan'er's visit is said to include an offer of academy placements from the capital. It's a shame I won't be able to take advantage of that."

Shen Wansi spoke with a smile, his tone laced with optimism. He had come to terms with his inability to cultivate, a minor regret in the grand tapestry of the Spirit Beast Continent, where the path of cultivation was not the only one to tread.

"Academy placements, now that's intriguing."

"Look, the boat's arrived," Shen Wansi announced, pointing to the approaching vessel of the Sima family.

"Wan'er, we're here, right here!"

He waved and called out to Sima Wan'er with enthusiasm.

Upon hearing Shen Wansi's call, Sima Wan'er's brows knit together slightly. She looked toward the dock where two familiar figures stood, a wave of disappointment washing over her.

In the capital, she had been the object of admiration for many a noble's son, and had grown accustomed to a certain level of prestige. Moreover, having become a Martial General at fifteen and being accepted as an inner disciple by the Profound Sky Sect only added to her stature. Now, arriving in Emergence City to find only two people to greet her was less than pleasing.

Sima Wan'er did not respond to Shen Wansi's shouts from the dock, maintaining her cool demeanor, sword in hand.

To her, such thoughts were inconsequential. Eight years had passed, and the childhood friends had long since grown up. Given their vastly different prospects, it was hardly surprising that she would look down on Shen Xuan and Shen Wansi.

Observing this, Shen Xuan chuckled and shook his head, easily seeing through the young girl's attitude. He gave Shen Wansi's shoulder a reassuring pat and cautioned, "Don't get ahead of yourself. She's changed."

"Changed?" Shen Wansi turned, a puzzled look crossing his face as he murmured to himself.

As the boat docked and the gangway was lowered, Shen Wansi hurried forward, with Shen Xuan trailing behind.

"Wan'er, you've arrived. Do you remember me?" Shen Wansi asked, his voice tinged with excitement.

"Cousin."

Sima Wan'er disembarked, offering a courteous reply.

"Ah."

Shen Wansi responded promptly. Unlike Shen Xuan, Sima Wan'er was his blood relative. Though both from a side branch of the Shen family, Shen Xuan was somewhat more distant.

"This is our Young Patriarch. Remember him?" Shen Wansi quickly introduced Shen Xuan to Sima Wan'er.

"Shen Xuan?"

Sima Wan'er's gaze flickered uncertainly over Shen Xuan, her eyes betraying a mix of emotions, a blend of estrangement and, deep within, a trace of aversion.

"Long time no see."

Shen Xuan returned the greeting, noticing the other's disdain yet found himself perplexed by it.

Was there more to their story?

"Just the two of you?" Sima Wan'er asked, scanning the area.

"Yes, my father believes it's best not to draw too much attention to our family affairs," Shen Wansi responded.

...

"Who says making a splash is a bad thing?"

Suddenly, a voice rang out from a distance, followed by the clamor of drums and gongs that swiftly drew the dock's attention.

A procession approached, with three horse riders at the lead and two groups trailing behind, their drums and gongs in full swing. A carriage adorned with colorful lanterns and decorations brought up the rear, adding to the festivities.

Shen Xuan couldn't help but feel a laugh bubbling up at the sight. The man at the forefront was none other than Han Feng, with whom they'd previously clashed.

"The Han family returns in style—why would we settle for less?"

Han Feng dismounted with grace and bowed to Sima Wan'er, the picture of a gentleman.

Clad in a white robe and a tall crown, with strands of hair elegantly framing his face, his natural presence made him appear cultured and refined, leaving Shen Xuan and the others far behind.

The contrast was stark; even a fool knew which side to choose.

"Little sister, forgive me for my tardiness," Han Feng apologized to Sima Wan'er.

"Cousin, there's no need for apologies. I'm grateful you could come for me," Sima Wan'er replied with a smile.

Shen Xuan finally pieced together their connection. Sima Wan'er's father had been taken in as an adopted son by the Han family and had lived here for many years. The marriage alliance had long been the glue binding the Shen and Han families.

"The wind is strong here. Father has prepared a family feast to welcome you. Shall we?" Han Feng said, casting a meaningful glance at Shen Xuan, a flicker of malice in his eyes.

"Yes, let's," agreed Sima Wan'er, after a brief look at Shen Wansi and Shen Xuan.

"Wan'er, my father too has prepared a feast in your honor," Shen Wansi interjected, dismayed by her swift rejection.

"Cousin, please extend my regards to Uncle. As you know, it's hard for me to choose. Perhaps you could join us at the Han estate?"

With a smirk, Han Feng addressed Shen Xuan and Shen Wansi, "Indeed, Young Patriarch, why not come along to the Han residence? We can certainly host you."

"But! This—"

Shen Wansi struggled to reconcile the present Sima Wan'er with the girl he remembered from their childhood.

"Fourth Brother, we should head back. I recall your dog hasn't been fed yet," Shen Xuan interjected.

"Hmm?"

Sima Wan'er's brow furrowed at Shen Xuan's comment.

"Impudent! Are you seeking death? To insinuate such a thing about Wan'er," Han Feng snapped, his aura of Battle Energy enveloping Shen Xuan. Yet, Shen Xuan seemed unaffected by the display, taking Shen Wansi's arm and walking away.

"You're the one who's been eyeing Wan'er, aren't you? Looks like there's a dog that's gone unfed! Actually, make that two dogs. Hahaha."

Shen Xuan tugged at Shen Wansi, turning back the way they had come.

"You!" Han Feng seethed with anger.

"Let it go, cousin. We should head back."

Sima Wan'er cast a disdainful glance at Shen Xuan before climbing into the carriage.

"Let's head back."

Han Feng was seething, his teeth practically grinding together. The grudge against Han Dao was a constant thorn in his side.

"Hmph, tomorrow, I'll make sure you meet your end in broad daylight, for all to see."

Han Feng shot one last look at Shen Xuan, his lips twisting into a chilling smirk.