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...
The cool evening breeze rustled the leaves in the garden outside Nie Li's office. The sun had just begun to set, casting a golden hue over the tranquil space. Seated at a wooden table, Nie Li gently ran his fingers through Xiao Ning'er's smooth, silky hair, a gesture that made her lean into him with a contented sigh.
The power of the Tempestfang Dragon flowed through her veins, and the strength she had attained placed her among the strongest young generation of Glory City. Yet, at this moment, none of that mattered. Here, with Nie Li, she found something even greater than power—a bond no one could take from her.
For a long moment, they simply sat in silence, enjoying each other's presence. Then, Xiao Ning'er's voice broke the peaceful quiet.
"Nie Li... there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about," she said softly.
He glanced at her, sensing the seriousness in her tone. "Go ahead, I'm listening."
She hesitated, biting her lower lip. "It's about Ye Ziyun."
Nie Li's brows raised slightly, but he remained silent, letting her continue.
"You know... Ye Ziyun and I were once very close friends. We grew up together, played together, and shared many memories. But as we got older, something changed. I distanced myself from her."
Nie Li remained quiet, waiting for her to finish.
She exhaled, her voice tinged with guilt. "At first, I told myself that it was because we had different lives. She was the City Lord's daughter, living a carefree life without the burden of obligations. Meanwhile, I... I was shackled by my family's decisions, betrothed to that scum Shen Fei against my will."
Her hands clenched into fists as she continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But the truth is... I was jealous of her. I envied her freedom, her ability to make her own choices. I was bitter, indignant. 'Why her?' I thought. Why was she given everything while I had to struggle for every bit of happiness?"
Nie Li looked at her with understanding, reaching out to gently take her hand in his. "And what do you think now?"
Xiao Ning'er's expression softened. "Now, I see things differently. I was wrong to hold such feelings against her. Ye Ziyun never looked down on me, nor did she ever abandon our friendship. It was I who pushed her away. And now... when I see her struggling, when I see how far behind she has fallen compared to the others... I feel pity."
Nie Li frowned slightly at that. He knew Ye Ziyun's situation. While Du Ze, Lu Piao and Xiao Ning'er had soared in cultivation, Ye Ziyun was still stuck at Bronze Rank. Despite her noble background, her talent had not yet bloomed.
Du Ze is a commoner, Lu Piao from a small aristocracy, Xiao Ning'er from a falling noble family and Nie Li from a family noble in name only, even still they all outshine the daughter of City Lord who supposedly have the best talent of them all.
Xiao Ning'er continued, "I know you have helped so many people, Nie Li. Lu Piao, Du Ze, even me. I want to ask you... could you also help Ye Ziyun? I promise you, she is kind, loyal, and hardworking. She won't betray you."
Nie Li closed his eyes in thought.
"I won't refuse to help her," he said finally. "But my path isn't simple. At some point, I will clash with the City Lord's Mansion for the hegemony of this city."
Xiao Ning'er's eyes widened in shock. "You... plan to challenge Lord Ye Zong?"
Nie Li gave a small smirk. "It's not about wanting to fight him. It's about the future of Glory City. The way things are now, this city won't survive the dangers of the outside world. I need to prepare it for what's coming, and for that, I need to be at the top. There are changes that must be made, and that can only be done when I have authority over the Glory City which at least matches, or ideally surpasses City Lord."
"You know the faction I am creating internally has a different name, it's not Glory Academy... " Nie Li smiled lightly, as Xiao Ning'er looked at him with interest.
"It's real name is Overlord Mansion!"
Xiao Ning'er eyes widen as she was shocked at the name revelation but looking at the serene and calm expression of Nie Li, she he grabbed his hand tightly. "Then I will always support you, no matter what."
Nie Li smiled. "I know you would."
He sighed, leaning back. "As for Ye Ziyun… I have no doubt that she is loyal. But I don't want to put her in a position where she has to choose between her family and her friends. That's a burden I don't wish upon her."
Xiao Ning'er listened carefully as he continued.
"The best thing for her is to join the Glory Academy. If she is truly determined, if she is hardworking and driven, then I guarantee she will rise above the rest. Her progress may seem slow for now, but she won't be left behind. With the right guidance, she will soar like a phoenix."
Xiao Ning'er nodded in agreement. On reflection, everyone in Nie Li's circle had matured through hardship. Du Ze had lived the hard life of a commoner, Lu Piao—despite his carefree nature—was willing to risk his life for his friends, and she herself had endured struggles that shaped her. Perhaps a bit of hardship would be beneficial for Ye Ziyun as well.
"Instead of receiving handouts, she will grow stronger on her own terms," Xiao Ning'er murmured. "That's… a much better path for her."
She gazed at Nie Li with admiration. "You really are a visionary, Nie Li."
Nie Li chuckled, reaching to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. Their eyes met, and they unconsciously leaned closer to each other. Their lips were mere inches apart, the moment growing intimate—
"Brother! Mom is calling you and Sister Ning'er for dinner!"
Nie Yu's voice cut through the air like a sword.
Nie Li stopped mid-motion, while Xiao Ning'er turned scarlet, quickly looking away. Nie Li sighed in exasperation before chuckling. "Let's go. My mother and aunts are excellent cooks. After that, we can train with Du Ze, Lu Piao, and Nie Yue."
Still blushing, Xiao Ning'er nodded. "Okay."
As they stood, Nie Li suddenly remembered something. "Oh, by the way, come early tomorrow morning."
"Why?" she asked curiously.
"We're going out with everyone," Nie Li replied.
Xiao Ning'er tilted her head. "Where are we going?"
"Somewhere near the City Lord's Mansion. There's an old, mysterious place Lu Piao's childhood friend wants to show us."
She raised an eyebrow. "An old, mysterious place?"
Nie Li smirked. "You'll see soon enough."
....
As Xiao Ning'er stepped into the dining hall, the warm glow of lanterns cast a comforting light over the room. The scent of home-cooked food filled the air, making her stomach rumble slightly. She had been to grand feasts before, ones hosted by noble families with extravagant displays of wealth, but there was something about this simple meal that made her heart feel full.
At the head of the table sat Nie Li's father, Nie Ming, a sturdy man with a gentle smile, and beside him was his wife, Xiao Yun, whose warm gaze immediately made Xiao Ning'er feel at home. Nie Kai, Nie Li's uncle, had an easygoing demeanor, while Miao Ling, his aunt, was quick to serve everyone, making sure the plates were full.
Lu Piao and Du Ze were already seated, joking about something, their laughter filling the room. A small child, Tian, the son of Nie Li's loyal bodyguard Cao Wang, sat beside them, eagerly swinging his legs under the table and also the cute princess of the house, Nie Yu.
"Ning'er, welcome!" Xiao Yun said cheerfully. "Come, sit with us."
Nie Li pulled out a chair for her, and as she sat down, she couldn't help but glance at his family. Despite being the parents of one of the most powerful people in Glory City, they lived simple, humble lives. There was no arrogance, no airs of superiority—only warmth and kindness.
She had heard how much they did for the orphanage, how they spent their time ensuring that no child felt abandoned or unloved. Xiao Ning'er greatly respected them for that. Seeing them now, their laughter and simple joy, made her heart swell with admiration.
She smiled—a beautiful, genuine smile.
"Let's eat!" Nie Ming announced.
Everyone reached for their chopsticks, and the room was soon filled with the sounds of cheerful conversation and the clinking of bowls. Xiao Ning'er took a bite of the food, savoring the homely flavors.
For the first time in a long while, she felt not like a noblewoman or a cultivator—but like a girl surrounded by family.
And that feeling was more precious than anything else.
..
That night, as Xiao Ning'er lay in bed, she found herself reflecting on her conversation with Nie Li.
She had finally confessed the jealousy she once held in her heart, releasing a burden she had carried for years. She no longer envied Ye Ziyun. She no longer resented the past.
Because now, she had something far more valuable—Nie Li's love.
And tomorrow… tomorrow, a new adventure awaited them.