Free Web NovelChapter 50: Chapter 49: The Xia Family
「Three days later.」 Wen Qingye and Xiaxia passed through several surrounding villages and towns, arriving directly inside Feiyun City.
Xiaxia pointed to a grand, ancient estate ahead. "Master, that’s my home."
Wen Qingye gazed at the two magnificent, gilded gates, then at the golden plaque hanging above them. He nodded to himself. ’Looks like the Xia Mansion holds some sway in Feiyun City.’
KNOCK KNOCK!
Xiaxia marched right up to the door and began to knock forcefully.
After a moment, a steward walked out. He was pleasantly surprised to see Xiaxia. "Young Miss, you’ve returned! The Patriarch has been waiting for a long time. Please, come in."
Xiaxia pursed her lips. "Yes, I’m sure he has."
The steward, who seemed to know Xiaxia’s temperament well, said nothing more. He simply gave Wen Qingye a puzzled glance. ’The Young Miss has never brought anyone home before,’ he thought, ’and with her betrothal coming up, why would she bring back a young man?’
Xiaxia then led Wen Qingye straight toward the main hall. Inside a quaint, antique-styled room, several middle-aged men were sitting together.
Seated at the head of the room was the Xia Family Patriarch and Xiaxia’s father, Xia Heng. Below him sat her second uncle, Xia Yuan, and her third uncle, Xia Dong.
Xiaxia’s third uncle, Xia Dong, looked at Xia Heng. "Eldest Brother, do you really intend to have Xiaxia marry into the Yue Family?"
Xia Heng sighed. "I have no choice. If I don’t agree to the Yue Family’s terms, our Xia Family’s century-old foundation will be destroyed because of me. The three of us would go down in history as the ones who ruined our family."
After a long silence, Xiaxia’s second uncle, Xia Yuan, spoke up. "I don’t agree with this. Eldest Brother, you know I’ve never married. I’ve doted on Xiaxia since she was little."
Third Uncle Xia Dong said, "Eldest Brother, how about we send one of my daughters instead? I have two, after all. And besides, your wife... she passed away so young..."
Xia Heng shook his head. "Impossible. Yue Peng of the Yue Family insists he will only have Xiaxia."
Xia Dong said helplessly, "Alas... But it’s not as if we don’t know what kind of person Yue Peng is. Xiaxia would never like someone with his temperament."
"I won’t marry him, no matter what!"
At that moment, Xiaxia stormed into the room.
Xia Heng’s brow furrowed. "Xiaxia, when did you return?"
"Just now," Xiaxia said, chin held high.
Her second uncle, Xia Yuan, said, "Xiaxia, if you truly don’t want to marry him, then don’t."
"Second Brother!" Xia Heng roared. "Are you going to humor her nonsense too? If we fail to satisfy the Yue Family, what will become of our family’s legacy?"
At Xia Heng’s roar, Xia Yuan sat stunned, unable to utter another word.
Xiaxia said defiantly, "I don’t care! I’m not marrying him! I’d rather die!"
Xia Heng snorted. "Since you’ve returned, the matter is no longer up to you. Xiaxia, don’t blame your father. Our family’s century-old legacy cannot be ruined by my hand. I would never be able to live with myself."
As he spoke, Xia Heng stepped forward to grab Xiaxia’s hand.
But just then, a strong hand intercepted his.
Only then did Xia Heng notice the young man standing behind Xiaxia. He sneered, "A mere boy at the Qi Cultivation stage... You think you can stop me?"
Wen Qingye shook his head. "I’m not here to stop you. I simply believe some matters can be discussed and resolved calmly. Wouldn’t you agree?"
Xia Heng’s brow twitched. "Discuss? Resolve? That would have nothing to do with you. Just what is your relationship with Xiaxia?"
"He’s my master!" Xiaxia declared loudly.
"Master?" Xia Dong stepped forward, looking Wen Qingye up and down. "Xiaxia, you mustn’t be deceived. The world is full of swindlers these days." freēwēbnovel.com
"He’s not a swindler," Xiaxia said, biting her lip.
Xia Heng’s voice was sharp. "You’ve taken him as your master? Fine. Then let me ask you, what can he possibly teach you?"
Xiaxia glanced at Wen Qingye. "He can teach me the Alchemy Dao."
Xia Dong couldn’t help but laugh. "Xiaxia, look how young he is. Even if he’s not a swindler, he’s at best a mere Alchemist Apprentice, not even worthy of being called a Pill Master. If you want to learn Alchemy, Master Yuh in our own household is a Third-Grade Alchemist. He can teach you."
Xiaxia scoffed. "I refuse. My master is far more skilled than that Yuh Houjiang you all treat like an honored guest. A Third-Grade Alchemist like Yuh Houjiang isn’t even fit to carry my master’s shoes!"
Xia Heng turned to Wen Qingye. "Boy, what kind of nonsense have you been feeding my daughter? Let me tell you something. You’re standing in the Xia Mansion of Feiyun City. If you don’t understand what that means, feel free to step outside and ask about the Xia Family’s standing in this city."
Wen Qingye smiled. "I haven’t fed her any ’nonsense.’ I simply wish to discuss Xiaxia’s situation with you calmly."
Xia Heng said slowly, "Discuss? There is nothing to discuss. Xiaxia is destined to marry into the Yue Family. The matter is not negotiable."
"I won’t! I absolutely will not marry him!" Xiaxia’s eyes welled with tears. "You’ve barely paid me any mind since I was a child, caring only for family business. I feel like I grew up completely alone! Now the family is in crisis, and suddenly you remember you have a daughter you can sacrifice. Am I really your daughter at all?"
Hearing this, Xia Heng’s brow furrowed deeply. He sighed. "What other choice do I have? I promise, I will shower you with twice the care and affection from now on."
Tears streamed down Xiaxia’s face as she sobbed, "Can’t you think of any other way? Must you sacrifice me?"
Xia Heng gave a bitter smile. "The Yue Family’s Fourth-Grade Alchemist... the pills he refines are simply too effective. Our family’s business has been completely crushed. I’ve tried every method at my disposal. What other choice do I have?"
Hearing this, Xiaxia quickly wiped away her tears, grabbed Wen Qingye’s arm, and said, "My master can perform Alchemy! I know he can!"
"Him?" Xia Dong shook his head. "The Yue Family’s Pill Master is a Fourth-Grade Alchemist. The Jade Pill he created is a superior healing pill. Can your master refine something like that?" fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
Wen Qingye smiled faintly. "I can refine the Jade Pill. I can also refine pills far superior to it."
His expression was nonchalant, but his eyes radiated an unshakable confidence.
Xia Heng said impatiently, "Stop your boasting, boy. If it weren’t for Xiaxia, I’d have thrown you out already."
Wen Qingye’s brow twitched. He swept his gaze over the Xia Family members, then turned to Xiaxia. "It seems your family doesn’t trust me. Perhaps it’s best if I leave."
As he spoke, Wen Qingye turned to leave. Xiaxia immediately grabbed his arm. "Master, don’t go! Please!"
She turned to Xia Heng. "What my master said is absolutely true! His Alchemy Skill is far beyond the Fourth Grade! If you don’t believe him, let him prove it!"
Xia Yuan, who had been silent for a long time, spoke up. "Eldest Brother, I think we should let Xiaxia’s master try."
Xia Heng glanced at Wen Qingye and nodded. "Fine. Third Brother, go and summon Master Yuh. I’d like to see if this boy’s words hold any truth."
Wen Qingye glanced at Xiaxia. Seeing the pleading in her eyes, he stopped. He then shot Xia Heng a frigid look, and the Patriarch felt a sudden lurch in his chest as the temperature in the room seemed to plummet.
