Eleven months.
That was how long Xiao Ranyu had spent tempering himself within the ruthless expanse of the Monster Mountain Range.
From a sealed 1-Star Dou Fighter to a 2-Star Dou King with terrifying control and a legendary Heavenly Flame — he had forged his foundation through blood, sweat, and ridiculous near-death encounters.
Now, it was time to leave.
On the dawn of the twelfth month, he stood atop the cliff where it all began. Wind rustled his crimson cloak, his sharp eyes gazing toward the horizon.
> "Next stop... Great Mountain City."
A small snow-white fox with five elegant tails sat beside him, pretending not to look at him. Her ears twitched when he suddenly crouched.
"Let's go," he said simply.
Before Huolian could react, he scooped her into his arms like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Her eyes widened.
Her ears burned crimson.
Her tails flailed in protest.
> "Wh-What do you think you're doing?!"
But she could only struggle weakly, unable to speak or resist. Her heart fluttered in strange rhythms.
Xiao Ranyu just smirked.
> "You've been my training partner and tail-pillow for months. You don't get to act shy now."
Then, ignoring her flustered thrashing, he leapt off the cliff and descended the mountain with light steps, vanishing into the mists below.
---
Meanwhile, far away...
In Wu Tan City—
Though nearly a full year had passed since Xiao Ranyu vanished into the wilderness, the city had not forgotten him.
In fact, he had become something of a local myth.
At the teahouse:
> "You heard? The fourth young master of the Xiao Clan was last seen punching a magical beast into stew!"
In the marketplace:
> "They say he grew so handsome, even the miteer auction house's fairy-like Ya Fei tried to propose to him!"
In the Xiao Clan, Within a Tranquil Courtyard...
The soft rustling of bamboo leaves filled the courtyard with a gentle breeze as Gu Wenxin poured tea with practiced elegance. Her eyes, however, sparkled.
Across from her sat Ya Fei, poised and graceful, and Xiao Xun'er, quiet but radiant, both sipping tea… nervously.
> "You two," Gu Wenxin said with a knowing smile, "shouldn't delay matters of the heart."
She set the teapot down gently and leaned forward, speaking with the calm voice.
> "As Ranyu's mother, I've seen enough. You both clearly like him. And more importantly—you don't seem to dislike each other."
Both girls stiffened.
> "We're being interrogated, huh?" Ya Fei coughed lightly thinking.
> "Mother-in-law mode… activated," Xiao Xun'er thought, her expression frozen.
Gu Wenxin, not noticing their mental breakdown, continued seriously.
> "When Ranyu returns, don't hesitate. Men are slow-witted when it comes to love. You need to guide them! Give subtle signals, or—if needed—ambush kisses!"
Ya Fei choked on her tea.
Xun'er almost dropped her cup.
> "Don't be so shy," Gu Wenxin waved her hand cheerfully. "Anyone with eyes can see your feelings for him. Why not just be open about it?"
There was a moment of awkward silence… then, the two girls glanced at each other.
A silent agreement.
They lowered their heads at the same time and softly admitted:
> "Aunt Wenxin… we already… confessed. We're… already together."
Gu Wenxin blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then her eyes widened, and she practically exploded from her seat.
> "WHAT?! You already—?! I mean—yes! Yes, that's wonderful!!"
Her voice rang like temple bells.
She clapped her hands, completely abandoning all elegance as she laughed joyfully.
> "Then from today onward, you two are my future daughters-in-law! No take-backs!"
Both girls flushed furiously, but Gu Wenxin wasn't done.
> "So? What's the progress?"
Ya Fei's face still bright red.
Xun'er lowered her gaze until her face was almost hidden in her breast.
> "We… kissed," Ya Fei admitted quietly.
> "Me… too," Xun'er followed, nearly whispering.
Gu Wenxin gasped like she'd just found the rarest treasure.
> "My goodness! Already? Hahaha! You two are truly worthy of being my future daughters-in-law! So brave!"
Then her gaze sparkled wickedly.
> "Don't stop there. Hurry up! I'm waiting to hold my grandchildren!"
Steam could have risen from the girls' faces.
Ya Fei also almost buried her face in her breast, thinking, "I-I am okey with it as long as Ranyu wants…"
Xun'er, meanwhile, sat stiffly, her thoughts whirling.
> "I have to wait… Until I reach Dou Saint. Only then can I take that step. But…sister Ya Fei… she…"
She glanced at the older girl with a hint of envy.
> "She's can already take that step without restraint…"
Still blushing, Xun'er clenched her fists under the table.
---
Gu Wenxin's Courtyard – A Moment Later
After the laughter had died down and the tea had cooled, Gu Wenxin finally leaned back with a soft sigh, her fingers gently drumming against the teacup.
> "By the way," she said with a half-smile, "how far have you two reached in your cultivation?"
Ya Fei and Xiao Xun'er paused, exchanging glances.
> "I've reached the peak of 9-Star Dou Master," Ya Fei answered calmly, her voice dignified, though her eyes sparkled with pride.
> "I'm currently a 1-Star Dou Master," Xun'er said softly, hands folded over her lap.
Gu Wenxin's brows twitched slightly.
> Peak of Dou Master… at just nineteen? That's practically unheard of in the Jia Ma Empire...
Though her expression remained composed, Gu Wenxin's heart was full of shock.
She glanced at Xun'er with thoughtful eyes.
> And Xun'er… just turned fifteen this year, didn't she? To already be in the Dou Master realm... Understandable since she comes from a mysterious background...
She smiled warmly, concealing her thoughts.
> "Excellent. Truly daughters-in-law worthy of my son."
Then her eyes sharpened.
> "So, what are your plans next? Don't tell me you're just going to sit around waiting for that stinky brat to come back from his mountain trip?"
Ya Fei chuckled. "We plan to enter Jia Nan Academy."
Xun'er nodded beside her. "When Brother Ranyu returns to Wu Tan City, he'll head there as well."
Gu Wenxin raised an eyebrow.
> "Jia Nan Academy, huh? Good choice. As luck would have it, they'll be sending recruitment envoys to Wu Tan City in a few days."
She sipped her tea with poise.
> "You two better prepare. I expect both of you to shock the recruiters. And If they dare to snub my future daughters-in-law, I'll break their flags myself."
The girls giggled.
Then Gu Wenxin turned her gaze to Ya Fei, eyes narrowing slightly with concern.
> "Will the Miteer family allow you to go? After all, you're their business face in Wu Tan—"
Before she could finish, Ya Fei smiled confidently.
> "The Miteer family already knows about my relationship with Ranyu. Since then… they've let me do as I please."
Gu Wenxin's eyes sparkled.
> "Good. They have eyes."
She stood and adjusted her robes, her mood light as a breeze.
> "Then it's settled. When Jia Nan Academy arrives, you two will be the stars."
After some more idle chatting, a few teasing remarks about grandchildren, and one more blush-fueled silence, Ya Fei and Xun'er finally stood to leave.
As the two girls stepped out of the cou
rtyard, the sunlight fell on their backs—one charming and confident, the other quiet and noble.
Behind them, Gu Wenxin watched with a satisfied expression.
> "Ranyu... my son. When you return, don't be too shocked. Your backyard... has already become lively."