Chapter 429 Feng Mother's Shock
"Father, this was your request. When I finish, don't accuse me of being devious."
Feng Qingyan replied sarcastically, her attitude showing no respect for her father.
"Speak."
The Feng family head was never satisfied with this daughter. After all, in the path of cultivation strength was everything, yet Feng Qingyan preferred schemes and plots, showing little of the Feng family's character.
Feng Qingyan smiled. "As far as I know, though our Feng family sent invitations far and wide, we never specified the contest's details.
Since a Wendao Academy elder wants to join this marriage competition, we can adjust the rules slightly, allowing contestants to invite others as helpers."
At these words, the Feng family elders, unusually, did not rebuke Feng Qingyan.
They were no fools and immediately understood her meaning.
The Feng family head said, "Indeed, this is feasible. First, it shows the world our Feng family seeks alliance with the strong. Second, it prevents mockery if an old man appears on the marriage contest stage."
Feng Qingyan's lips curved. "Father, Qiongyu is still my most beloved niece. You don't think I'd harm her, do you?"
The Feng family head quickly shifted the topic. "Anything else?"
Feng Qingyan said, "Second, forbid Qiongyu from leaving that courtyard in the coming days, and do not allow her to appear publicly with that Wendao Academy elder. As for others, when the time comes, we can use her fellow disciples as substitutes to cover it up."
"Good, we'll proceed as you suggest."
The Feng family head then turned his gaze toward his eldest son.
"Huangli, Qiongyu is your daughter. This matter falls to you."
"Yes."
Feng Father responded and let out a quiet sigh of relief.
In the courtyard.
Ye Beixuan and Feng Qiongyu were about to leave when a fire phoenix landed before them.
Seeing it, Feng Qiongyu paused, then picked it up. The fire phoenix spoke in human words.
"Madam wishes to meet you. Wait in the courtyard."
"All right, I understand."
Feng Qiongyu turned to Ye Beixuan.
"Junior Sister, don't worry. When aunt arrives, I will take the blame. That will certainly appease her."
Ye Beixuan spoke with indulgence.
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
Feng Qiongyu knew how proud Ye Senior Brother was. At Wendao Academy, aside from a few senior brothers and sisters, he was second to none among the geniuses.
For such a peerless figure to willingly admit fault to her mother, instead of relying on power, filled her heart with deep emotion.
Before long, a luxurious carriage stopped outside Feng Qiongyu's residence.
She had already opened the gate in advance and stood waiting at the entrance.
The carriage door opened, and a graceful, noble woman descended slowly with the help of two maids.
"Mother!"
Feng Qiongyu cried out and hurried forward, with Ye Beixuan following close behind.
Hearing her daughter's familiar voice, the woman forgot her original purpose in coming. A smile lit her face. "Little Feather, my Little Feather has finally returned. Let mother see if you've grown thin."
"Mother, I'm not a child anymore."
Feng Qiongyu's face reddened at these words. With Senior Brother Ye beside her, her mother's behavior embarrassed her.
After a brief exchange between mother and daughter, Feng Mother's eyes fell upon Ye Beixuan.
Having lived for centuries, she had seen much. With a glance, she recognized the young man's extraordinary nature, his cultivation seemingly surpassing her own.
"And this is?"
Feng Qiongyu quickly answered, "Mother, this is Senior Brother Ye."
Ye Beixuan stepped forward respectfully. "Nephew Ye Beixuan greets aunt."
Feng Mother, as someone experienced, could naturally see that her youngest daughter's relationship with this young man was far from ordinary.
But had her husband not said earlier that Qiongyu was with a Wendao Academy elder? What was going on here?
"Was it you who struck my son just now?"
"Yes."
Ye Beixuan replied calmly, "This nephew is willing to accept punishment."
At these words, Feng Mother's mind buzzed in confusion. What her husband and third son had told her did not match what she was seeing.
Since when did Wendao Academy have elders so young?
Still, for the sake of dignity and propriety, she kept a stern face. "This is not the place to speak. Let us go inside."
"Yes."
Feng Qiongyu and Ye Beixuan answered, then followed Feng Mother into the residence.
After the maids served tea, Feng Mother dismissed those around them and said coolly, "Nephew Ye, should you not properly introduce yourself to me?"
Having lived two lifetimes, Ye Beixuan understood well—his future mother-in-law was probing his background.
He rose, bowed, and said, "Aunt, I am Ye Beixuan, disciple of the Great Sage Qiankun. At present, my cultivation is the third level of Path Union Realm, and I hold the position of elder at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute."
Crash!
At his words, Feng Mother's hand shook, and the teacup fell to the floor.
Even as a secluded woman, she had heard the name of the Great Sage Qiankun.
Just days ago, news of the Great Sage defeating two Saints in battle had reached Fire Phoenix Valley.
The Feng family had lamented that Qiongyu had not entered the Great Sage's tutelage.
Now, her son-in-law was revealing that he was in fact the Great Sage's disciple. Feng Mother could hardly contain her joy.
"Mother, are you all right?"
Seeing the fallen teacup, Qiongyu quickly asked with concern.
"I am fine. As long as you two are fine, that is what matters. Was it your third brother who disrespected Nephew Ye earlier?" Feng Mother asked.
"No, third brother scolded me a bit, then Senior Brother Ye disciplined him." Qiongyu said with some embarrassment.
Ye Beixuan also spoke in time. "Aunt, what happened just now was my fault. I beg your pardon."
Feng Mother now looked at her son-in-law with growing fondness, smiling brightly. "You only sought to protect Qiongyu from grievance. You did nothing wrong. We need not dwell on it. Let us chat instead."
"Yes."
Ye Beixuan sat down again, while Qiongyu brewed a fresh cup of tea for her mother.
Their conversation was relaxed and pleasant. When Feng Mother learned that Ye Beixuan was only just past forty years of age, she marveled inwardly that her daughter's vision was remarkable to have found such a peerless genius.
Had she known earlier, she would never have arranged this martial marriage contest. Fortunately, she had come personally; otherwise, she would not know how to settle matters.
Two hours later.
Qiongyu and Ye Beixuan escorted Feng Mother to the gate.
Before leaving, Feng Mother said, "Qiongyu, the marriage contest is already set in motion. The Feng family cannot go back on its word. For now, you two must stay here in the residence. As for your fellow disciples, they may go out as they please."
Qiongyu nodded obediently. "Mother, I understand the rules. Please, speak a few words to Father on my behalf."
"Hmph!"
Feng Mother snorted. "I will not tell that old man. I was against this marriage contest from the start. Let Beixuan amaze the world at the contest, so those people will know my precious daughter's judgment is sound."
Qiongyu blushed at this, thinking privately, I also do not know why Senior Brother Ye would like me.
Ye Beixuan smiled and cupped his hands. "Aunt, rest assured. This nephew will not let you down."
As if remembering something, Feng Mother quickly added, "I almost forgot—the marriage contest allows contestants to invite helpers. Do you…"
Ye Beixuan smiled. "To tell the truth, my senior brother and second senior brother have also come."
Feng Mother's expression changed drastically. "Do you mean the two Holy Sons of Wendao Academy?"
"Indeed."
Ye Beixuan did not conceal it.
"Good, very good. Then this old woman has nothing to worry about."
With that, Feng Mother boarded her carriage and departed.
Hey readers! If you're eager to dive into advanced chapters, consider joining our Patreon. By joining, you'll get access to 20 chapters ahead and enjoy 8 new chapters per week. Plus, we have 2 more exciting fics with the same chapter release rate, giving you a total of 32 chapters per week! Join now and keep the adventure going!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/Alex_Cruise