"Why is he here?" This was the only thought echoing in Xiao Hai's mind. The old man before him was none other than Jia Xing Tian—one of the strongest figures in the Jia Ma Empire.
Not only was he the guardian of the Jia Ma Royal Family, but he had also reached the peak of the 9-Star Dou Huang realm. His presence here today could only mean one thing: the Royal Family valued Xiao Hai far more than he had ever imagined.
While Xiao Hai stood there in shock, Xiao Zhan quickly rose to his feet.
"Hahaha, Xiao Hai, come and greet this elder. He is one of the most powerful people in the entire Jia Ma Empire—Elder Jia Xing Tian."
Snapping back to his senses, Xiao Hai cupped his fists respectfully.
"Junior Xiao Hai greets Senior Jia. Please forgive this junior for not greeting you earlier."
"Hm, not bad." Jia Xing Tian nodded in approval. Then, opening his eyes fully, he examined Xiao Hai with a penetrating gaze. "Oh? You truly are a Dou Zhe. When I first heard this in the Royal Palace, I thought you were merely trying to fool us." His words ended with a light chuckle.
"We would not dare," Xiao Hai replied politely.
"Good. I am here today only to verify whether the contents of that letter are true. Although you have not lied, there are still things I must personally confirm. After all, I cannot entrust my Yu'er to someone unworthy." His tone carried a faint snort.
Hearing this, both Xiao Zhan and Xiao Hai exchanged a glance. They both knew how much Jia Xing Tian cherished his granddaughter, and thus, they raised no objection.
"First, answer my questions." Jia Xing Tian's tone grew serious as his sharp eyes locked onto Xiao Hai. "What do you think of Yu'er?"
The sudden question left Xiao Hai momentarily stunned. After all, he had never even met the Second Princess. How could he speak of his feelings toward someone he had never seen? Still, he composed himself and replied respectfully.
"Senior, though I have never met the princess, I believe she must certainly be a beautiful lady with a refined character."
Jia Xing Tian gave a slight nod. He knew his granddaughter better than anyone—Yu'er would indeed grow into a beauty, but her nature was far more playful than refined. Still, he chose not to comment.
"Next," Jia Xing Tian continued, his gaze turning heavier, "what can you do for Yu'er?"
"Senior, that is a difficult question," Xiao Hai admitted honestly. "But I can say this—I will support her at every turn of life."
This time, Jia Xing Tian's brows furrowed slightly. Dissatisfaction flickered across his face, but he remained silent.
"Very well. Last question," Jia Xing Tian said, his voice stern, his tone pressing down like a weight. "What are your thoughts on second marriage? In the conditions you set, you demanded not to be restricted—so tell me, will you take another wife in the future, or perhaps have a lover?"
"I will not," Xiao Hai replied without the slightest hesitation. "Unless fate itself forces me to do so."
This time, Jia Xing Tian spoke with a faint trace of amusement, "Why are you speaking like an old man? I have never seen a child who acts like one."
"Senior, you only asked questions that I could answer as a child," Xiao Hai replied respectfully, his tone steady.
"Hahaha!" Jia Xing Tian suddenly burst into hearty laughter, his voice echoing through the room.
"Good, good! I like you, brat," he said with clear approval in his eyes.
"Uh… thank you, Senior," Xiao Hai answered, a little hesitant.
"Heh, drop that 'Senior' nonsense and call me Grandfather from now on," Jia Xing Tian said with a faint smile.
"Uh… alright. Grandfather," Xiao Hai replied.
"Good! Here, take this." With a nod, Jia Xing Tian flicked his wrist, sending a ring through the air. Xiao Hai caught it swiftly.
"Everything you requested is inside. Not only that, I've added a few suitable Dou Qi techniques and some pills. I hope you won't disappoint me," Jia Xing Tian said earnestly.
As the guardian of the Royal Family, he understood all too well the precarious state of the Jia Ma Empire. First, the Royal Family lacked truly talented individuals capable of guiding the empire forward. His eldest granddaughter was intelligent and courageous, but she was far too straightforward and lacked skill in intrigue. Second, the threat of the Misty Cloud Sect loomed ever larger—the sect's influence had risen like a blazing comet in recent years. Were it not for Jia Xing Tian's deterrence, those old fellows of the sect would likely have swallowed the Royal Family whole already.
And finally, there was himself. Age was catching up, and without external aid, his chances of breaking through to the Dou Zong realm were slim. He was well aware that time was no longer on his side.
For these reasons, he had not opposed the marriage arrangement for his second granddaughter, even though she was the one he cherished the most. Initially, the plan had been for the eldest princess to be engaged, but she had outright refused, declaring Xiao Hai far too young. In the end, the engagement was shifted to the second princess.
"Please rest assured, I will definitely work hard to cultivate," Xiao Hai replied firmly. He fully understood the truths behind Jia Xing Tian's words. When answering those earlier questions, he had not spoken as a mere child, but as the future husband of the Second Princess. Some might criticize him for thinking beyond his age, but with the mind of an adult, he had no choice but to consider such matters. It was only natural that he sometimes acted like a child outwardly, yet inwardly his resolve was anything but childish.
"Very well. My work here is finished, so I'll be taking my leave," Jia Xing Tian said, turning his gaze toward Xiao Zhan, who had been silently seated the entire time.
Before Xiao Zhan could speak, Xiao Hai suddenly called out.
"Please wait, Grandfather. I have a favor to ask."
Jia Xing Tian looked back at him with curiosity. "Speak."
"I want to train in the Magical Beast Mountain Range for a period of time. I only ask that you protect me in secret. You won't need to interfere—only step in if I face a situation I truly cannot withstand," Xiao Hai said earnestly.
Jia Xing Tian's brows knitted tightly. "Why rush into such danger? You're only ten years old. Once you reach the Dou Shi level, then it will be time to temper yourself there."
"Grandfather," Xiao Hai replied calmly, "during my recent cultivation, I realized that what I lack most is true battle experience. That is why I wish to go. And there is another reason—I intend to sit for the admission of Jia Nan Academy. From my research, I learned it lies near the Black-Corner Region, a place crawling with criminals and ruthless cultivators. If I do not gain sufficient experience beforehand, I will not be able to protect myself there. That is why I must start now."
Hearing Xiao Hai's reasoning, Jia Xing Tian pondered for a moment before giving a slow nod. In any case, this would not harm the boy—and might even temper him into something stronger.
"Very well. Be ready by tomorrow morning," he said at last. With that, he rose to his feet and strode toward the door.
Xiao Zhan and Xiao Hai quickly followed. Once outside, Jia Xing Tian unfurled his majestic Dou Qi wings, and with a single beat, his figure soared into the sky and vanished from sight.
After the elder departed, Xiao Hai excused himself as well, knowing his mother must be waiting for him at home.
Xiao Zhan remained behind, staring at the empty sky where Jia Xing Tian had disappeared. Words hovered at the edge of his lips, but the chance to speak them was gone. In the end, he could only let out a long, helpless sigh.