C3 He Was Actually a Cannon Fodder Villain!

Palace Master Yeh has a worthy successor! Hahaha, truly a case of 'like father, like son'!"

This was a warm greeting from fellow elders in the palace.

"Senior Brother Yeh's presence is becoming more commanding by the day, despite his gentle appearance..."

"Ah? So it's not just me who feels that way?"

"But the stronger he seems, the more I find myself drawn to him!"

"Absolutely, I totally agree!"

"What are you talking about, you silly girl? Senior Brother Yeh isn't interested in us..."

"Hehe, are you blushing, Senior Sister? How will you know if you don't give it a shot?"

These were the young junior sisters, their hearts just beginning to flutter with affection.

"Stay composed, stay grounded," Yeh Hongchen reminded himself, offering a warm smile to his endearing junior sisters.

"Oh no, Senior Sister, I think I'm going to swoon..."

...

Upon returning to his residence at Red Dust Palace, a middle-aged woman dressed in a blue robe greeted him.

She wore the attire of a palace elder, and Yeh Hongchen recognized her as Elder Daffodil.

"Hongchen, you've returned," Elder Daffodil approached Yeh Hongchen and spoke softly.

Yeh Hongchen offered a slight smile, "Elder Daffodil, what brings you to seek me out?"

"Well, you see, I accepted a disciple three months ago. Yesterday, she came to me with a small issue." Elder Daffodil paused briefly, "It would be inappropriate for me to intervene directly, so..."

Yeh Hongchen's smile dimmed a touch. He had little patience for nuisances, especially with so many underlings at his beck and call.

"Mm... Please, Elder Daffodil, speak freely. If it's within my power, I won't shy away from helping," Yeh Hongchen said, his smile still radiant despite his reservations.

Elder Daffodil's face lit up with relief, "My disciple was betrothed as a child, and she's quite unhappy about it, so..."

"So she's asked you to help her call off the engagement, but your status as an elder makes it awkward, hence you've turned to me, correct?"

Yeh Hongchen's grin grew broader upon understanding. It was just a minor issue after all.

"Exactly, Hongchen, you're so clever!" Elder Daffodil beamed with joy upon hearing Yeh Hongchen articulate her thoughts. "So, can I count on you to help me with this?"

"Of course. When do we set out?"

"We'll leave at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Don't worry, Hongchen. The family we're dealing with is minor; they won't give you any trouble. I'll take my leave now."

"Understood, I won't see you out, Elder Daffodil." Yeh Hongchen maintained his smile until Elder Daffodil had departed, then it slowly faded from his face.

Walking towards his room, he pondered, "I knew something was amiss, and now it all makes sense!"

Born into distinction, blessed with good looks, exceptional talent, and a father of towering prowess.

Aren't these the quintessential traits of a pawn? And now, a broken engagement surfaces.

"Is it possible? Am I truly the antagonist? No, I must investigate this myself before jumping to any conclusions."

Yeh Hongchen shelved his musings and retreated to his room for a night of quiet cultivation.

Night fell.

Seated in meditation, Yeh Hongchen gently opened his eyes, revealing a pair as deep and lustrous as the night sky.

"The night has deepened; time to see if the Meteor Tear truly exists." He left his room and made his way back to Red Dust Peak, not to the riverside, but to the summit's pinnacle.

As he gazed at the glittering stars above, Yeh Hongchen's spirits soared.

Buzz!

Just then, a celestial body streaked across the sky like a shooting star!