The tension in the Phoenix Soul Pavilion had barely begun to cool when the sound of deliberate footsteps echoed through the entranceway.
Everyone turned.
A young man stepped into the hall, his white robes trailing slightly behind him, his long black hair tied in a careless half-knot, and a silver tassel dangling at his waist.
His features were striking.
High cheekbones, straight nose, and eyes the color of midnight reflecting starlight. He wasn't dressed in grandeur, but his very presence turned heads.
The whispers started immediately.
"Is that Fang Tian?"
"So handsome…"
"No wonder she got engaged to him…"
"A peerless beauty and a peerless face—it almost makes sense."
Elder Wu muttered under his breath, "Hmph. Shame all that beauty went to the one with no cultivation."
Indeed, the man was none other than Fang Tian—Fang Yuan's younger brother.
Fang Yuan blinked once.
Then twice.
Didn't this brat say he had something 'important' to do today? Refused to come to my banquet, said he'd be out of the city? What's he doing here now of all times? And with this timing…
His thoughts whirled as Fang Tian slowly approached the center of the pavilion.
Then, before anyone could address him, Fang Tian's gaze fell squarely on Gu Xin.
"Gu Xin," he said, calm but direct.
Gasps rippled in Fang Yuan's head.
He recognized her?
Gu Xin gave a slight nod in return.
Cool, composed, expressionless but there was no mistaking that she acknowledged him.
Even Elder Mo's brows lifted slightly.
Fang Tian turned next to Fang Yuan, eyes solemn. "Elder Brother."
Fang Yuan braced himself.
"I wish to annul my engagement with Gu Xin."
For a split second, absolute silence.
Then—
BOOM.
Not literal, but the emotional detonation was palpable.
Elder Mo's face lit up like someone had just handed him a Nascent Soul pill wrapped in flattery. The joy practically radiated off his cheeks.
Fang Yuan's calm exterior remained intact—but only barely. Internally, he was flipping banquet tables and throwing spirit melons at the walls.
What!? You little—! Didn't I just secure a beautiful potential marriage partner for you?!
He forced a smile, but his brain was already calculating 800 different reasons this might have happened.
Did someone threaten him? Is he in love with someone else? Or has he lost his mind?
Meanwhile, the four family elders were reveling in the misfortune.
Elder He, sipping tea with the serenity of a petty cultivator, thought, Serves you right, brat. Call me old again and the heavens themselves shall respond.
Elder Wu sighed dramatically. Tsk. If only the boy knew when to shut up. This is why you don't tempt fate.
Elder Zhao gave a quiet chuckle into his sleeve. And here I thought the great Clan Head of the Fang family could at least control his own house. How embarrassing. Look who came to jeopardize his own preparations.
Elder Lin turned away, pretending to cough—his shoulders shaking far too rhythmically. I can't laugh. Don't laugh. Stop smiling. Don't let him see—damn it, I'm smiling.
Fang Yuan's eye twitched, just slightly.
His inner voice roared: Tian, I swear to every ancestor in our bloodline: If you are threatened, I'll protect you. If you're in love, I'll support you. But if you're just being a clueless idiot! I will skewer you myself and offer you to our deceased parents souls as an apology gift!
Still, his face remained the same tranquil mask of elegance and control.
He slowly turned to face Fang Tian.
"Oh?" he said, voice calm, measured. "And may I ask what brought this sudden change of heart?"
Fang Tian, oblivious to the internal storm he had just unleashed, simply folded his hands respectfully and said—
"…It didn't feel right, my heart belongs elsewhere, Brother. I can't lie about it."
Fang Yuan's smile faltered for exactly one-third of a second.
Didn't feel right? Didn't feel right!? I just played political chess with a dragon and you brought a wooden spoon to the match!?
Elder Mo, sensing the shift, stepped forward once more, this time with a much more cheerful tone.
"Well," he said pleasantly, "it seems the young man understands the wisdom of the heavens. The Divine Ice Sect respects the sincerity of your brother's wishes. Perhaps… it is for the best."
Fang Yuan's smile was still in place.
Barely.
Earlier, Elder Mo had been the one forcing a cordial expression, suppressing frustration beneath layers of grace.
Now?
The roles had reversed.
Elder Mo's face was a placid winter lake, serene with satisfaction.
Fang Yuan's, meanwhile, was the carefully composed mask of a man who had just watched his own plans burst into flames and now had to smile through the smoke.
He slowly turned his head, locked eyes with Elder Mo, and nodded ever so slightly.
"…Fang Mei," he said, voice calm, almost resigned. "Go to my chambers and bring the jade scroll."
"Yes, Brother!" Fang Mei beamed, practically skipping away.
It was in that moment that Fang Yuan noticed it.
He had been too caught up in political footwork, in maneuvering through a banquet laced with landmines and frosted smiles, to pay attention to the details.
But now, standing amidst broken expectations and elegant betrayals, he saw it.
Fang Mei was glowing. Her steps light. Her cheeks flushed. And Fang Tian—he was looking at her.
With warmth.
With gentleness.
With… love.
Fang Yuan blinked.
Oh.
His irritation dulled ever so slightly.
Hmph. Fine…
He gave an inward grunt. At least he's not being a complete idiot.
A touch of relief seeped into his thoughts as he folded his arms behind his back, letting out a subtle sigh.
So that's what this is. Love makes idiots of us all… but at least it's a reason I can understand.
Still, his analytical mind didn't rest.
Fang Mei… right, the girl Uncle Fang Liu brought in from the outside. She's not our blood relation so… technically. Hm.
Biologically… should be also fine. Legally… probably depends which elder you ask. But culturally?
He thought back to his past life on Earth.
I've seen worse. Step-siblings marrying was barely taboo where I came from. In fact, the dramas made it romantic.
He nodded inwardly.
Very well. I approve… provisionally.
But just as peace began to return to his inner world—
A new voice cut through the rising calm, shrill and sudden.
"Three years!"