Chapter Thirty-Two: The Negotiations Collapse

Xiao Chenxin smiled calmly.

“It’s all written on your face; do you still think you can hide it from me?”

“Tell me who it is. If your families are well matched and it’s suitable, I can give my approval.”

“After all, I am your great-uncle by master’s side; I still hold some say in these matters.”

Su Yao nervously placed her hands on her slender legs, her eyes fixed intently on the ground.

Is great-uncle about to discuss marriage with her?

But he is her great-uncle, so many generations senior.

She hesitated, then said timidly, “It’s not exactly a perfect match.”

Hearing this, Xiao Chenxin nodded knowingly.

Not a perfect match, just as expected!

Which sect’s sovereign doesn’t marry someone gifted and handsome?

How could the farmer you fancy be a good match?

Seizing on this topic, he continued, “If the families are not well matched, it requires more careful consideration.”

“I’m not against you seeking true love, great-uncle simply means that in such cases, more thought is needed.”

“Think about it: you and him come from different backgrounds and have vastly different educations. You might consider a single spirit stone insignificant, but for common folk, it could take decades to save even one.”

“That’s only an example.”

“Matching families is the wisdom passed down from our ancestors.”

After speaking, Xiao Chenxin looked at Su Yao with some worry.

From the moment he brought up the topic, Su Yao’s behavior seemed off. From the original memories, Su Yao, as a sovereign, always appeared extremely dignified—how could she act so girlish now?

He had carefully considered his words, speaking from Su Yao’s perspective. This way, even if the negotiation failed, it wouldn’t cause her displeasure.

Su Yao lowered her head, lost in thought for a long time, a flicker of suspicion growing in her heart.

What does great-uncle mean by these words?

He even specially mentioned spirit stones.

After some wandering thoughts, Su Yao suddenly nodded.

She understood!

The Red Dust Peak had long since fallen into ruin, and great-uncle didn’t mind — he was worried she wouldn’t endure such a meager life.

This was a sign that great-uncle wanted to elope with her!

Su Yao hurriedly stood, and with no one else in the room, she activated her spiritual energy, quickly storing her belongings into her storage ring. Then she looked at Xiao Chenxin with eager anticipation.

“Great-uncle, don’t worry. I can accept any life. When do we leave?”

Xiao Chenxin was startled and quickly pressed Su Yao back into her chair, his voice stern.

“When did I say we were leaving?”

“You’re not allowed to leave either. Without you, the Yaoguang Sacred Land can’t survive.”

Su Yao was stunned.

Not leaving?

Could it be she had misunderstood great-uncle’s intentions?

Xiao Chenxin watched Su Yao closely, afraid she might run away then and there, his heart filled with relief.

Luckily, he held her down!

It seemed impossible to convince her to give up directly; he had to think of another plan.

Words alone had limited power; she needed to experience it herself, to discover the farmer’s many shortcomings.

Only after his glorious image was shattered could persuasion succeed.

With this in mind, Xiao Chenxin forced himself to say, “Actually, I’m not against whoever you like, but as a sovereign, you must consider the sacred land.”

“Some things can’t be openly discussed. If you truly wish it, find a time to secretly spend some time together.”

“But Su Yao, you promise me: certain boundaries must never be crossed. Your lifelong matter cannot be taken lightly, or else the sects will mock us.”

At this, Su Yao suddenly opened her arms and gave Xiao Chenxin a big hug.

“I knew great-uncle was the best to me!”

“I’ll keep everything secret from now on, never openly!”

“Rest assured, great-uncle, I won’t do anything improper—only secret meetings!”

Hearing this, Xiao Chenxin finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Though Su Yao’s devotion was alarmingly high, she was still rational and didn’t cross any lines.

Her mind remained clear, not abandoning Yaoguang Sacred Land.

For now, the risk was temporarily suppressed.

“Su Yao, remember not to give away anything.”

Su Yao looked up, feeling the warmth of Xiao Chenxin’s breath, her pores opening in delight—a wonderful sensation.

“Wh-why?”

Xiao Chenxin explained immediately.

“Look at me, great-uncle, as a cautionary tale.”

“I gave so many gifts to Liu Ruyan but gained nothing and lost countless treasures.”

“If it’s true love, who cares about wealth? You see, great-uncle is right, isn’t he?”

Su Yao pondered for a moment, then nodded firmly.

“All right, I’ll listen to great-uncle.”

“Great-uncle is so good!”

She hugged Xiao Chenxin tightly, greedily inhaling his scent.

Xiao Chenxin sighed helplessly, pulling her into his arms and gently stroking her head.

“Silly child, you must believe great-uncle means well. Today’s demands may seem unfair, but experience is the only teacher. As a sovereign, you must act with caution.”

Su Yao shook her head.

“I’m not wronged.”

...

When Xiao Chenxin left the Flowing Light Heavenly Pool and returned to the foot of the mountain, his expression was grim.

A group of peak masters and elders gathered around.

“How is great-uncle?”

“Has the sovereign changed her mind?”

Xiao Chenxin sighed deeply.

“No. The sovereign loves that person deeply; she almost ran off with him just now.”

“For now, I’ve told her to observe patiently, acting cautiously and discreetly to avoid being discovered.”

“You should spend more time with the sovereign. If she wants to leave the sacred land, don’t resist too much. We must never stand against her; no matter how reasonable we are, she will simply ignore us.”

Everyone nodded repeatedly.

“All right, we’ll follow great-uncle’s plan.”

With this matter temporarily settled, Xiao Chenxin returned to Red Dust Peak and inquired about Ye Chen.

He knocked on Ling Hu’s tightly closed door.

First, Xiao Chenxin glanced at Ling Hu’s data.

[Name: Ling Hu]

[Fortune: Golden]

[Devotion Level: 10]

Hmm?

Xiao Chenxin’s heart suddenly tightened.

How did the devotion level recover again?

Had he been too harsh earlier, thus overdoing it?

He hastily explained.

“Ling Hu, don’t be angry. I didn’t handle things well before; I was acting with emotion.”

“If there’s anything I’ve done poorly, tell me.”

“By the way, Ye Chen is not dead. He was rescued by Lin’er and is now on his way to the Bright Moon Sect. I heard the Bright Moon Sect excels at healing; as long as he reaches there, he should be fine.”

Seeing Ling Hu silent, Xiao Chenxin pulled out his trump card.

“I have arranged for someone to escort him safely to the Bright Moon Sect.”

Upon hearing this, Ling Hu sniffed, eyes brimming with tears, her voice choked.

“Master, I’m sorry.”