Chapter 26: The Patriarch's Summon
Xiao Chen and Xiao Rongyu strolled leisurely across the Xiao Family Courtyard in silence. Xiao Rongyu kept her head lowered, her thoughts unreadable. The disciples they passed spared them only brief glances before quickly averting their eyes—especially from Xiao Chen.
Xiao Chen's gaze shifted to Xiao Rongyu, who was leading the way. Her golden hair flowed like silk, shimmering beneath the morning sun. Her back was straight, accentuating a slender waist and long, graceful legs. He hadn't noticed before—likely due to their earlier argument—but seeing her now from behind, he couldn't help but praise inwardly, "Beautiful."
She wore exquisite golden robes adorned with intricate yellow patterns. Tight-fitting pants and a yellow belt hugged her frame, perfectly complementing her figure.
"Rong…" He called softly.
"Hmm?" She tilted her head, amber eyes glancing at him curiously.
Xiao Chen casually motioned toward a group of disciples ahead. "Why are they avoiding my gaze? Just a week ago, whenever I walked these paths… they stared at me with mockery and disdain. But now… all I see in their eyes is fear."
Xiao Rongyu chuckled lightly, a faint amusement flashing across her features. "While you were busy in seclusion, your father made an agreement with the elders to keep your Martial Spirit and cultivation level a secret. After that, an announcement was made stating that your Mortal Rank Martial Spirit was a mistake… and that you had undergone a reawakening. However, no one knows the exact Martial Spirit you've awakened, but many assume it must be extraordinary."
She paused, glancing coldly at the nearby disciples. "It was done to clear your name… and preserve the family's reputation. Those who once mocked you can only lower their heads in shame now. Hmph! They're probably scared you'll take revenge for their insults."
"Ooh… Father… How considerate of him." Xiao Chen let out a faint smile, though it faded quickly. "Still… I don't care what they think of me. It doesn't change who I am," he added indifferently, his gaze no longer lingering on the disciples. To him, they were beneath his notice.
Xiao Rongyu narrowed her eyes at his detached attitude but said nothing.
"Rong… what have you been doing this past week?" Xiao Chen asked calmly, his tone as indifferent as ever.
Xiao Rongyu blinked rapidly, stunned by the question. "He's… asking how I've been? When was the last time he asked such a thing?" A playful smile curled her lips as she replied mischievously, "Since when did you start caring about me, mister?"
Xiao Chen sighed. "I don't have time for this. If you don't want to tell me, forget it," he shrugged indifferently.
"Huh?" Xiao Rongyu halted, trying to grasp his words. "W-What's wrong with you, Brother Chen? Must you always be so serious and detached all the time?"
Xiao Chen turned, meeting her gaze. "T-That's…" he stuttered briefly but ignored her question, offering another instead. "Where are we going now?"
Xiao Rongyu's eyes cooled instantly. "We're going to get permission to leave the Xiao Family estate, of course… or have you forgotten even basic logic?" she spat, her tone sharp.
"Oh… okay. Let's go," Xiao Chen replied flatly, unaffected by her cold response.
Xiao Rongyu snorted and stormed off, fists clenched tightly. Xiao Chen watched her retreating figure and sighed. "Girls… what did I even do to upset her?" Shaking his head, he followed.
---
After a quiet walk, they finally arrived at a small administrative building tucked away in the eastern section of the Xiao Family Courtyard. The structure was simple, built from grey stone bricks weathered by time. A slightly slanted tiled roof topped the building, while old paper lanterns hung lazily on either side of the entrance, swaying softly in the morning breeze. The area was quiet, distant from the estate's bustling core, and the air carried a faint scent of ink and old parchment.
Inside, a long wooden counter stretched across the room. Behind it sat a middle-aged man with a lazy expression, his attention fixed on a spinning jade ball hovering lightly above his palm. His long hair was tied into a wolf-tail, thin brows shadowed his deep black eyes that seemed capable of seeing through everything. His broad face was weathered but calm, and he wore plain blue robes without adornment.
Xiao Rongyu and Xiao Chen stopped before the counter. At first, the man didn't even lift his gaze, but the moment he recognized them, his eyes lit up.
"Miss Rongyu! Young Master Chen! What a surprise to see the two of you here!" Deacon Shu's voice carried a mixture of surprise and forced enthusiasm.
Xiao Rongyu narrowed her amber eyes slightly, her tone icy. "What? Are we not welcome, Deacon Shu?"
The man flinched before forcing a smile. "No, no! Not at all, Miss. I was just… surprised. It's rare to see either of you here, that's all."
Though his expression was relaxed, a sharp glint flickered deep within his gaze. Deacon Shu was no ordinary man. Despite how well he restrained his aura, Xiao Chen could sense it immediately—this man stood at the Late Stage of the Martial Master Realm, far stronger than Deacon Mo. Yet, despite that strength, he lowered his head before them. In this world, talent and status reigned supreme—even above cultivation.
Xiao Rongyu didn't waste words. "We're here to apply for leave."
Deacon Shu blinked and slowly set the spinning jade ball aside. "Oh? I see… For how long?"
"Three weeks," Xiao Rongyu replied curtly, her tone betraying that she was still upset—whether at something or someone.
Xiao Chen stood silently behind her, hands clasped behind his back, eyes indifferent as though this matter concerned him not at all.
Deacon Shu noticed but wisely chose silence. He picked up a thick, worn ledger from the counter and flipped it open, dipping his brush in ink.
"Three weeks…" he muttered as he scribbled down their names. "Destination?"
"The outer regions of Lingshui Country," Xiao Rongyu answered vaguely.
Deacon Shu nodded. "Understood… Normally, Young Masters and Misses of the main branch don't require approval for short trips. But… formalities must be observed."
He finished writing and pushed a wooden token across the counter. "Here, your travel permit. Show this at the gates. If anyone troubles you… show them this, and mention my name."
Xiao Rongyu took the token without another word.
Deacon Shu smiled faintly, then leaned back lazily. "Ah… youth. Enjoy the trip while you can. The outside world is vast, but remember—it's dangerous too."
Xiao Chen gave him a fleeting glance but remained silent.
Xiao Rongyu, however, snorted. "Thanks for the reminder, Deacon Shu. We'll be careful."
With that, she turned on her heel and strode out. Xiao Chen followed silently, leaving Deacon Shu spinning the jade ball once more with a sigh.
"They'll cause a storm out there… I just know it," Deacon Shu muttered, shaking his head.
---
The morning sun cast long shadows as Xiao Chen and Xiao Rongyu made their way toward the grand eastern gate of the Xiao Family Estate. The path ahead was quiet, lined with aged maple trees, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze. A few passing servants lowered their heads as the pair walked by, quickening their steps, their gazes firmly avoiding Xiao Chen altogether.
Just as they approached the final courtyard leading to the gates, the silence was abruptly broken.
"Young Master! Young Miss!"
A servant, clad in the Xiao Family's standard grey robes, came sprinting from the opposite side of the courtyard. His face was flushed, beads of sweat trailing down his temples. In his rush, he barely noticed the pair standing in his path.
Xiao Chen's sharp eyes caught the figure charging toward them. Without moving a step, his body shifted subtly—an effortless sway that allowed the panicked servant to brush past him. The servant, unable to stop in time, stumbled forward, crashing awkwardly to the ground with a muffled thud.
Xiao Rongyu's eyes narrowed in irritation. "Hmph… Careless."
The servant scrambled up quickly, dusting himself off before bowing deeply, his voice trembling.
"Y-Young Master… The Patriarch… requests your presence… at the Patriarch's Quarters… immediately."
Xiao Chen's eyes flickered faintly, though his expression remained calm and unreadable. "Father?" he mumbled under his breath, barely audible.
Xiao Rongyu furrowed her brows, glancing sideways at him. "Your father? Why now?"
The servant, still bowing low, hurriedly added, "The Patriarch said… it's urgent."
A heavy silence settled over them, the weight of those words sinking in. Xiao Rongyu crossed her arms, staring at Xiao Chen. "What now? Should we delay the trip?"
Xiao Chen shook his head lightly. "No need. I'll see what he wants first. This won't take long."
Xiao Rongyu looked ready to protest, but seeing the calm determination in Xiao Chen's eyes, she merely scoffed and turned away.
"I will wait for you at the gate. Don't keep me waiting, Brother Chen."
A moment of silence passed. Then, Xiao Chen looked up, his deep black eyes steady. He turned toward Xiao Rongyu and spoke calmly, "No, you can come with me."
Xiao Rongyu blinked in surprise, halting mid-step, but quickly masked it. "Hmph. Fine," she replied, trying to hide the slight lift at the corner of her lips.
The servant dared not raise his head, only waiting silently.
"Lead the way," Xiao Chen ordered.
"Y-Yes, Young Master!" The servant straightened swiftly, turning to lead them toward the heart of the Xiao Family Estate—toward the Patriarch's Quarters.
Xiao Chen and Xiao Rongyu followed side by side, their figures bathed in the morning light as an unspoken tension settled over them.
Something was waiting.