C5 The Sky Was Covered in Snow

Who would be most opposed to Northwind Chapter establishing a branch in Egluarsall? Clearly, it would be the City Lord, Pei Zhan.

As the ruler of the city, wielding significant authority, Pei Zhan would be reluctant to see a Northwind Chapter, teeming with formidable experts and difficult to manage, emerge within his domain. However, the situation wasn't entirely inflexible. If Qin Feng and Pei Zhan's daughter, Pei Zhiyuan, were to develop feelings for each other, or even more...

That would change the entire equation.

In that case, Pei Zhan could leverage the influence of Northwind Keep to solidify his grip on Egluarsall. Meanwhile, Qin Feng, by accomplishing a significant feat for Northwind Keep, would surely receive recognition and rewards from the influential figures there. It was a scenario where both parties could benefit.

Although Hu Nao was often unruly, he wasn't a wastrel. A quick thinker, he grasped the intricacies of the situation and exploded with rage, "Damn it, Qin Feng! My precious Zhiyuan, and you dare use her as a pawn to further your ambitions!"

Hu Bugui, as the patriarch of the Hu family, had a more profound and comprehensive perspective than Hu Nao. He immediately imposed a gag order, decreeing death for anyone who leaked information to outsiders. He then started issuing commands to prepare for the imminent upheaval in Egluarsall.

"We, the Hu family, are among the first to be privy to this development. We must capitalize on this advantage and prepare ahead of time!"

"Hu Xiong, return and inform your father to devise a meticulous plan. Covertly evacuate the children under ten from the city in stages. We must ensure the continuation of our lineage, come what may."

"Hu Yong, send a falcon with a message to the Hu family elders roaming the world, instructing them to return to the estate immediately to deliberate on this urgent matter."

"Hu Feng, with your exceptional Lightness Skill and sharp wit, head to Lunaria at once. Inform your aunt of the situation. If Northwind Keep can open a branch in Egluarsall, they can do the same in Lunaria. She must start making preparations early."

Hu Bugui had a sister who was married to the ruler of Lunaria City. With such a significant incident occurring, he certainly wouldn't overlook the well-being of his sister and brother-in-law.

Orders were issued one after another.

Eventually, Hu Bugui massaged his temples and turned to the butler, "Is there anything else we need to consider?"

The butler, a brother of Hu Bugui and the seventeenth in seniority, pondered before responding, "You've made arrangements for everything I can think of. There's nothing more. However, this is going to create quite a stir..."

Hu Bugui chuckled, having anticipated this reaction. "That's why we need to create a diversion."

He then addressed Nan Xi, "Nan Xi, I've long wanted to adopt you as my foster daughter, but you've always seen yourself as Naonao's maid and have declined, fearing it would disrupt proper etiquette. But now, with the Hu family facing a life-or-death crisis, we can't afford to be concerned with such niceties. I intend to formally adopt you and make a significant event of it. In three days, I'll invite the leading figures of Egluarsall to our estate to witness the ceremony. This will serve as a distraction for our various activities and also allow us to gauge their intentions. What do you say?"

Having heard his heartfelt plea, Nan Xi had no reason to refuse. She stole a glance at Hu Nao, who was still vehemently cursing Qin Feng, clearly despising him because of Pei Zhiyuan. Feeling a twinge of sadness, she spoke softly, "Master, the Young Master has saved my life. I only wish to serve him well, not to be known as a Miss of the Hu family. Given the extraordinary circumstances, I'm willing to accept your offer. But, may I continue as I have been within the Hu family? And... may I keep my name, Nan Xi?"

Hu Nao, preoccupied with his tirade against Qin Feng, barely registered Nan Xi's concerns.

Upon hearing her words, Hu Bugui immediately grasped Nan Xi's reservations. She was most apprehensive about adopting the Hu surname.

"This kid really has a way with the ladies."

Hu Bugui gave Hu Nao a meaningful look before turning to Nan Xi. "Alright, these are trivial matters. We'll do whatever makes you happy. Egluarsall is on the brink of chaos, so for now, don't go out for any more training. Stay and keep an eye on Naonao for me. Remember, prioritize the Hu family's interests above all else, and don't let emotions cloud your judgment. You were once his maid, which made it difficult for you to manage him, but now as his sister, you can... I assume you won't refuse the authority that comes with being the Hu family's young lady, right?"

"Of course not," Nan Xi chuckled, amused by his teasing, and promptly changed her address. "Daughter has seen her foster father and will heed his command."

At that moment, Hu Nao snapped out of his daze and stamped his foot in frustration. "Dad, what are you implying? Am I really that unreliable? And now you've got someone to watch over me!" He turned and glared at Nan Xi. "You must be thrilled, huh? Feeling like you've turned the tables and taken charge? Maybe you'd like to sing a tune to celebrate?"

Nan Xi playfully rubbed her pale hands together. "Brother, if you're not convinced, we could always have a little spar."

"Spar my foot! I'm only at the Fifth Heaven of Body Tempering, and you're at the Ninth Heaven. Wouldn't I just be asking for a beating?" Hu Nao quickly shook his head, then let out a howl of frustration to the sky, "Damn these cruel fates! I can't take this anymore!"

Hu Nao's rants against the heavens were nothing new. Hu Bugui chuckled and affectionately called him a "brat" before leading the group away.

Once outside the courtyard, the steward Hu Shiqi spoke up quietly, "Do you intend to match Nan Xi with Naonao?"

Hu Bugui replied, "It's too soon to discuss that, but it remains an option, a fallback plan. If the Pei family honors the engagement, then all will proceed as normal. If they renege, it's best to be prepared."

With a heavy sigh, he reflected, "Naonao and I have been close since childhood, sharing a bond forged through life and death. We once crossed the Dragon's Breath River and ventured to the Southern Land together, facing every challenge side by side. Our camaraderie was unmatched. That's why we arranged the marriage between Naonao and Zhiyuan, hoping to unite our families even further. But fate has a cruel sense of humor, and now he and I find ourselves wary and calculating against each other. What a world!"

Hu Shiqi quickly consoled, "There's no need for sorrow. It was the Pei family who shifted their affections first. Take yesterday, for instance—Qin Feng invited the Pei family's young lady to dine at Skylark Tavern. Her willingness to accept the invitation indicates Pei Zhan's approval. Given that, what fault lies in us being prepared?"

Hu Bugui murmured to himself, "I've done nothing wrong, and neither has Ah Zhan. When it comes down to it, it's all for the sake of the family's interests."

...

After several months apart, Hu Nao and Nan Xi had plenty to catch up on. As he recounted the events of the last couple of days to Nan Xi, she sat under the eaves, gazing at the heavy snowfall with a contented smile. "Thank heavens, the young master has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. With your sharp intellect and martial arts prowess, you're bound to make rapid progress, which is just what's needed to face the imminent upheaval in Egluarsall."

Hu Nao, impressed by her eloquent speech and broad perspective, returned the smile. "Indeed, it's been a while, and my, how Nan Xi has grown..." The young girl, though only fourteen, had matured significantly. While it wasn't so apparent from the front, sitting beside her now, Hu Nao noticed from the side that her figure was quite developed and alluring, prompting him to take a few extra glances. "Quite sizable, indeed."

"Young Master!" Nan Xi quickly shifted her position to sit face-to-face with Hu Nao, chiding him, "You're such a kind person, so why insist on acting like a carefree rascal deserving of a thrashing?"

She vividly remembered that winter was exceptionally harsh, with the Northlands' snow slicing like knives.

Left to wander the streets, she was both cold and starving, on the verge of passing out.

As her vision began to blur and the world grew hazy, a fluffy white bundle dropped from the sky.

It was a little boy, bundled up in a thick bear fur coat, attempting to ride a horse. The horse, with its snow-white mane, was wild and untamed. The boy, headstrong and determined to ride, had taken a tumble right off its back.

"Damn it, that fall nearly killed me!"

He was just a kid but had already picked up swearing. At first, she mistook him for a bad guy and was terrified, shaking all over.

To her surprise, the little rascal began stripping off his clothes as soon as he saw her. Once he was done, he tossed them at her, still cursing under his breath, "This damned thieving sky, always causing trouble... You're about to freeze to death, why are you just standing there? Put these on quickly. Don't think I'm trying to save you; I just refuse to play into the hands of fate. The more it wants you dead, the more I'll fight to keep you alive."

Those defiant, infuriating words ended up saving her life and altering her destiny.

From an orphan, she rose to become a young prodigy held in high esteem.

"Being happy is what matters, no need to be so formal," Hu Nao said nonchalantly. Noticing Nan Xi daydreaming, he waved his hand in front of her face and teased, "Hey, silly girl, snap out of it. Let's go eat, don't starve and stunt your growth."

Ah?

Nan Xi was at a loss for words when she caught Hu Nao sneaking a glance at her chest again.

Young master, you're beyond help.

As they were about to head out for a meal, Pei Le, clad in red, burst into the courtyard, gasping for breath.

"Brother Hu Nao, I've got great news! I have something amazing to tell you... Huh, when did it start snowing in your yard? When did Sister Nan Xi get back?" Pei Le called out as she ran up to Hu Nao. Without waiting for a response, she eagerly pulled out a jade box from her embrace, revealing a pill enveloped in a radiant glow.

Catching her breath, Pei Le explained, "This is the Nirvana Pill, exclusive to Northwind Keep! It can transform someone, enhancing their constitution as if they've been reborn. My sister went to dinner with Qin Feng yesterday just to secure this for you!"

Hmm?

Hu Nao paused, taken aback. Since learning from Nan Xi about Qin Feng's real reason for visiting Egluarsall, he had been suspicious of Pei Zhiyuan and the Keep, never anticipating this turn of events...

"What did your sister say?" Hu Nao urgently inquired, eager to understand the stance of the Pei family.

Pei Le shook her head. "My sister only instructed me to deliver the pill to you; she didn't say anything else. But as I left her room, I faintly heard her sighing, muttering something like 'Hu Nao, this is all your fault... don't blame me...' or something along those lines. I was so focused on getting the pill to you that I didn't stay to listen more."

Hu Nao's anxiety spiked. "Why didn't you listen a little longer?"

'Don't blame me?' That sentiment seemed foreboding.

Could it be that this pill is... the Severance Pill?

The snow in the Northlands continued to fall more heavily, obscuring the sky and sun, casting a haze over the vast expanse.

Hu Nao let out a long, anguished howl to the heavens, "Curse you, cruel fate! You're becoming ever more inscrutable!"