C8 Ye Yan

"With each breakthrough, the spirit medicine I consume increases. After five years, the pills I've persuaded myself to take are nearly exhausted. Now, having only reached Martial Cultivator Rank Seven, I'm uncertain about my next steps." Ye Xiaoyun pondered his future cultivation path while seated in contemplation.

"Logically, the spirit medicine I've ingested over these years should suffice for someone to advance to the Martial Master Stage. Could my bloodline be the cause?" Ye Xiaoyun mused aloud before closing his eyes to connect with the enigmatic bloodline within his Dantian.

Within his Dantian, a robust aura enveloped him, resembling a celestial realm with white clouds and mist. Lost in this ethereal world, Ye Xiaoyun was startled by a dragon's roar. A majestic silver dragon, with four legs and nine claws, glided through the mist, its white scales edged in silver—a true masterpiece.

"Is this the legendary Nine-clawed Silver Holy Dragon? Truly magnificent." Ye Xiaoyun had only heard tales of dragons, never expecting to encounter such a formidable presence within his Dantian.

"It's no surprise that all those resources only brought me to Martial Master Stage Rank Seven." Ye Xiaoyun realized the colossal creature within him demanded vast resources. With great power came great cost; his potent bloodline provided immense strength but required equivalent sustenance.

Rising to his feet, Ye Xiaoyun made his way outside. Opening the door, he was greeted by a familiar silhouette.

"Ms. Xiaoxuan, what brings you here?" Standing at the threshold was Ye Xiaoxuan, her tall stature and stunning features the epitome of grace and beauty.

"Still playing the fool, I see!" Ye Xiaoxuan retorted with a pout, her irritation apparent.

"What seems to be the issue?" Ye Xiaoyun inquired, puzzled by her remark.

"Do you even consider me your sister?" Ye Xiaoxuan challenged.

"Of course, you're the kindest sister anyone could ask for. Why would you question that all of a sudden?" Ye Xiaoyun responded earnestly.

"Why didn't you tell me you were training in martial arts?" Ye Xiaoxuan expressed her irritation.

"I just... didn't get the chance, hehe," Ye Xiaoyun replied with a chuckle.

"Still laughing? I won't be nice to you anymore, hmph." Ye Xiaoxuan turned her head away, feigning anger adorably.

"Come on, Ms. Xiaoxuan, don't stay mad. I admit I was wrong, okay?" Ye Xiaoyun began to soothe Ye Xiaoxuan.

"Next time I have something going on, I'll tell you first thing, promise?" Ye Xiaoyun persisted.

"That's better. Haha, you look so goofy when you're flustered." Ye Xiaoxuan giggled behind her hand, her charm undeniable.

"Hehe, as long as you're not upset, that's all that matters."

"I was just faking it earlier. Haha, I'm not that easily offended."

"Since when did you become such a prankster?" Ye Xiaoyun was at a loss for words.

"Okay, okay, I brought some tasty treats to celebrate." Ye Xiaoxuan gestured to the goodies she was holding.

"You're the best." Ye Xiaoyun embraced Ye Xiaoxuan enthusiastically.

"Cut it out, will you? It'd be embarrassing if someone saw us," Ye Xiaoxuan murmured, her cheeks blushing.

"What's there to worry about? What's wrong with a brother hugging his sister?" Ye Xiaoyun declared confidently.

Once inside, Ye Xiaoyun called over Ye Xiaoxia, and the trio sat down to enjoy a celebratory meal together.

"Xiaoyun, I heard you took down Ye Han?" Ye Xiaoxuan inquired.

"Yeah, I gave him a good thrashing," Ye Xiaoyun confirmed with a nod.

"But he's a Martial Cultivator Rank Eight. How did you manage to beat him?" Ye Xiaoxuan asked, full of curiosity.

"Well, it's simple—I'm stronger than him," Ye Xiaoyun stated matter-of-factly.

"Great, that's like saying nothing at all. If you weren't stronger, he wouldn't have lost," Ye Xiaoxuan said, resting her hand on her forehead.

"It's a secret, can't spill the beans," Ye Xiaoyun whispered.

"Hmph, keeping secrets from me? Fine, if you don't want to share, then don't," Ye Xiaoxuan conceded.

"However, if Ye Yan gets wind of this, he's bound to come looking for you to settle the score. He's been incredibly protective of Ye Han since they were kids." Ye Xiaoxuan was talking about Ye Han's brother, who is currently honing his skills at the Spirit Martial Sect as an Outer Sect disciple, with the rank of a Middle Level Martial Master.

"Let Ye Han's brother come if he wants to. It's Ye Han's own doing, after all. Am I supposed to be scared of him?" Ye Xiaoyun showed no signs of fear at the prospect of facing Ye Yan.

"When push comes to shove, I'll be there to protect you. I may only be an Elementary Level Martial Master, but he'll have to get through me to reach you," declared Ye Xiaoxuan.

"That's not going to work. What if Ye Yan goes too far and hurts you?" Ye Xiaoyun rejected Ye Xiaoxuan's offer of protection.

"So, what's our plan? We have to handle this ourselves. If the elders get involved and it sparks a family feud, that's going to be a real mess," Ye Xiaoxuan said, her brow creased with concern.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Don't fret over these things. When the time comes, we'll find a way. Rest easy, Ms. Xiaoxuan," reassured Ye Xiaoyun, urging Ye Xiaoxuan not to worry on his behalf.

"Sigh, I wish I could do more for you. Here, take these spirit medicines," Ye Xiaoxuan said, offering a few precious herbs to Ye Xiaoyun.

"I can't accept these. They're your resources for cultivation, and you'll need them for when you're chosen to join the sect. You should keep them," Ye Xiaoyun insisted, refusing the generous gift.

"Just take them. I've always seen you as my own little brother. Third Uncle has put in so much effort to enable your training, and I know how much you've wanted to pursue martial arts. Now that you have the chance, consider these a gift from your sister to support your journey," Ye Xiaoxuan urged.

"I..." Ye Xiaoyun started to protest, only to be cut off by Ye Xiaoxuan.

"Take them, or I'll have no more to do with you," she said firmly.

"Alright then, thank you, Ms. Xiaoxuan. I'll be sure to repay you in the future," Ye Xiaoyun said.

"There's no need for thanks," Ye Xiaoxuan replied with a smile, thinking to herself that repayment wasn't necessary; his well-being was all that mattered.

"Xiaoxia, please take good care of Xiaoyun. I'm heading back now," Ye Xiaoxuan said, waving to them before standing to leave.

"Don't worry, Ms. Xiaoxuan, I'll take excellent care of the Young Master," Ye Xiaoxia assured her with a smile.

"Goodbye, Ms. Xiaoxuan," Ye Xiaoyun added, waving his hand.

"Young Master, does Ms. Xiaoxuan have feelings for you?" Ye Xiaoxia asked quietly.

"You silly girl, what are you thinking? She's my Second Uncle's daughter, my sister," Ye Xiaoyun chided.

"But, but..." Ye Xiaoxia started to say something more, but Ye Xiaoyun waved his hand, signaling her to stop.

Ye Xiaoyun, of course, knew what she was implying.

After all, Ye Xiaoyun wasn't actually the biological son of Ye Shenglin...