Yi Yuxuan wished he could burrow into the ground. How could this wretched woman call him "Little Xuanxuan" again and again? His face darkened, "Can you please call me Alliance Leader Yi?"
"Got it," Yun Xiao nodded. Ye Yu Yi let out a sigh of relief and turned to leave, her departure so hasty it could be described as fleeing. Yet, a voice from behind her sounded at the opportune moment, "Little Xuanxuan, why are you running so fast? Are you being chased?"
With a booming sound, Yi Yuxuan had already darted ten zhang away, stomping his feet and beating his fists in anger. However, he was powerless against that woman. He even had to worry if she might suddenly decide to compete with others on stage tomorrow. She absolutely could not make any mistakes.
However, according to past patterns, the unlucky one was usually the other person, which was why he was afraid. What if she ruined this martial arts convention?
Yun Xiao couldn't be bothered with the great hero Yi's predicament. She and Yu Fan descended into the exquisite private courtyard, ate and drank contentedly, and strolled out of the courtyard when they had nothing else to do.
The manor was quite lively. There was even a banquet in the evening. From afar, it sounded noisy, with people drinking heartily and eating meat generously, truly embodying the spirit of martial artists.
Yun Xiao chuckled and led Yu Fan around the manor. Wherever they went, the maids were astonished by their beauty. Even after they had walked far away, their discussions could still be heard.
"Oh my god, this little one is so beautiful."
"If he grows up, he'll definitely be a stunningly handsome man."
Stunningly handsome? Indeed, they already had two stunningly handsome individuals in their household, so it wasn't particularly surprising. However, being with them put her under considerable pressure. Why did no one pity her?
Yun Xiao felt a pang of gloom but soon heard Yu Fan's excited voice.
"Mother, look at the meteor, close your eyes and make a wish."
Yun Xiao immediately closed her eyes and made a wish. Yu Fan beside her emulated her with a solemn expression, also making a wish.
Mother and son, their expressions extremely sincere. After making their wishes, Yun Xiao playfully coaxed her son.
"What did Yu'er wish for?"
"What about Mother?"
A clever counter-question. Yun Xiao frowned and protested with displeasure, "Mother asked first."
"Isn't it about respecting the old and cherishing the young? Mother should let me go first, so you should tell Yu'er your wish first."
"But I am the old one, you should respect me. Yu'er, you tell me first."
Yun Xiao bargained. The four subordinates not far away watched with smiles.
Since their mistress gave birth to the Crown Prince, she seemed to have become dumber. Although she was still formidable when dealing with others, she was utterly helpless against the young Crown Prince. Was the Crown Prince too clever, or was their mistress too foolish?
The four of them exchanged smiles, looking up at the clear blue sky.
They silently thought that perhaps the Emperor would arrive tomorrow. No, they had already received news from Zi Jun and Zi Yang that the Emperor had abdicated the throne to Prince Lin. Now that he was free of worries, he was no longer the Emperor.
Liu Xing and Jing Yun shifted their gaze to the Empress beside them. For several years, the Empress would sneak out of the palace. Every time she left, the Emperor would worry. Now it was finally good; from now on, the Emperor would personally watch over her. The few of them finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, the mother and son, unaware of the situation, were still bargaining and enjoying themselves to their hearts' content…
The next day, the martial arts convention officially began. On the open grassy area within the mountain manor, a high platform was temporarily erected, surrounded by white jade railings.
A long row of chairs was placed at the innermost part of the platform. The central seat was for the Alliance Leader of the Martial World, Ye Yuxuan, and next to him were the seats for the major righteous sects.
Yun Xiao and Yu Fan, along with Liu Xing, Jing Yun, and their other four attendants, sat below to watch the fun.
The initial contestants on stage were all second and third-rate performers, making the matches dull. But with nothing else to do, they watched listlessly for half the day.
They took a nap at noon. The matches in the afternoon became more interesting, featuring individuals with excellent skills, swords clashing against blades.
They were uncompromising. The Alliance Leader of the Martial World was like an emperor in the martial world, coveted by many. Therefore, most of the participants were skilled individuals.
Ye Yuxuan, standing at the center of the high platform, had not cast a single glance at the contestants on stage from beginning to end. His eyes were fixed on the person seated below.
After watching her for half the day without any unusual activity, he finally felt somewhat relieved. In the afternoon, although she seemed to be watching with great interest, she showed no intention of vying for the position of Alliance Leader. Thinking this, he realized he had been overthinking.
However, trouble still arose in the final match.
Because an old man had been defeated, the victor had kicked the old man off the high platform. As the old man fell, he spat out a mouthful of blood. Yun Xiao leaped forward. She had intended to save him, but found that he was beyond saving.
This angered Yun Xiao. She lifted her long gown and gracefully leaped onto the high platform.
Ye Yuxuan, standing at the center of the high platform, had already turned pale. He stood up, nervously wanting to stop her.
The Shaolin Grandmaster seated beside him quickly reached out and pressed him down.
"Alliance Leader Yi need not be anxious. Deaths and injuries are not counted in martial arts contests. Why be in such a hurry?"
He thought Ye Yuxuan was concerned for the old man, but in reality, he was afraid of the formidable woman on stage. If she were to fly into a rage, it would be no laughing matter. Moreover, if she were even slightly harmed, this Jade Xuan Manor would not be enough to compensate.
But the fight on the high platform had already begun. On the seats below, Yu Fan stood on his seat, clapping his small hands. Seeing that he couldn't achieve the desired effect, he simply sat on Liu Xing's shoulders and clapped his hands in approval, cheering for his mother.
"Go, go."
Everyone's gaze shifted over. On and off the high platform, all the women present stared at the little Yu Fan, unable to look away. Whose child was this? What a handsome boy! His parents must be extraordinary people. Seeing him cheering so enthusiastically, they couldn't help but look towards the high platform.
Could that slender man, whose appearance could only be described as delicate, be his father?
Yun Xiao, clad in white, was fighting the other man on the high platform. Her movements were swift and fierce, and it seemed she was about to subdue him.
Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept down from the sky, fluttering gently and diffusely. Countless golden osmanthus flowers fell, resembling a shower of golden rain.
And within this flower rain, a white figure, as fast as a dragon, flashed onto the high platform like lightning. With a sweep of his long sleeves, powerful internal energy surged forth like a tidal wave, striking the person opposite him and sending him flying off the high platform. Unable to withstand the force, he vomited blood with a cry.
Yun Xiao stared blankly at the man descending from the sky. His white robes fluttered, and osmanthus flowers bloomed, drifting in the air and blanketing the high platform. Behind him followed three or four figures, including Zi Jun, Zi Yang, and even Wan Wan was brought along.
As the group landed on the high platform, gasps erupted from the surroundings, followed by women's screams. Yun Xiao slowly came to her senses.
This man was not disguised and wore no mask. The proud aura emanating from him, brilliant and dazzling, made him stand on the high platform like a radiant gleam.
His deep, fathomless eyes gazed intently at her. The corners of his lips curved into an enchanting, soul-stirring smile, but that smile was only for her.
"Xiao'er."