Chapter Twenty-Nine: Matters of the Heart

Xiao Yan did not notice the subtle shift in Xiao Xun'er’s emotions, remaining lost in his own thoughts as he scratched his head and said, "Sigh, I really hope she realizes my feelings soon. I’m worried that if she never understands, I might miss my chance."

Xiao Xun'er took a deep breath, struggling to keep her tone sounding calm and normal. "Brother Xiao Yan, if you truly like Sister Jiuyou, why not find a suitable moment to confess your feelings to her? Perhaps she harbors the same affection for you."

Xiao Yan frowned slightly, looking troubled. "But I’m afraid a sudden confession might scare her off, and there are so many things I need to do right now. For instance, going to the Jia Nan Academy to study, and the promise I made to Nalan Yanran... I don't want to put any pressure on her because of these things."

Xiao Xun'er looked at Xiao Yan, her heart a whirlwind of complex emotions. She loved him, a secret she had kept buried deep within for a long time, yet seeing him so deeply preoccupied with another woman still left a bitter sting in her heart.

Suppressing her inner turmoil, she murmured, "Brother Xiao Yan, you have your own pursuits and responsibilities. I believe you will handle these matters well." After a moment of hesitation, she added, "Brother Xiao Yan, actually... actually, if you come with me, I have a way to help you defeat Nalan Yanran within the agreed time." Her voice was soft, laced with a hint of anticipation and nervousness.

Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then gently shook his head, a warm smile appearing on his face. "We grew up together; do I not know you well? I know you just can't bear for me to leave, but I promise you, I will make it to the Jia Nan Academy soon."

Hearing this, Xiao Xun'er looked up at him, her lips slightly parted, wanting to explain but not knowing how. After all, Brother Xiao Yan did not know her background, so it was only natural that he would not believe her.

Watching her hesitation, Xiao Yan said tenderly, "Don't worry, Xun'er. I have the confidence that a year from now, I will ascend the Misty Cloud Sect and defeat Nalan Yanran. This is not just for myself, but for the Xiao family and for those who once looked down on me."

Xiao Xun'er nodded gently. "Brother Xiao Yan, I believe in you. No matter what decision you make, I will always support you from behind. Just promise me you will take care of yourself and not get hurt."

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. "I will. Once I defeat Nalan Yanran and return from the Misty Cloud Sect, I will come to the Jia Nan Academy to find you. And who knows... by then, you might even have a sister-in-law!"

Xiao Xun'er forced a smile. "Alright, Brother Xiao Yan, I will wait for your return."

After a while, Xiao Yan regained his focus. "Xun'er, I still need to prepare some things for my journey. You should go back and get some rest early as well."

Xiao Xun'er nodded and turned toward her quarters. After a few steps, she looked back at Xiao Yan once more before quickening her pace to leave.

Once her figure had completely vanished from sight, Yao Lao slowly emerged from the storage ring, his gaze fixed on the direction she had departed. He spoke up, "Xiao Yan, this Xiao Xun'er’s background is not simple. The forces behind her must be quite formidable; she might even be among the most prominent figures on the Dou Qi Continent."

Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback. Though he knew she was special, he had never delved into her origins. Hearing this from his teacher, a trace of doubt stirred within him, though he did not dwell on it, merely nodding slightly.

After a moment, Yao Lao’s gaze fell back on Xiao Yan, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Xiao Yan, the way I see it, her feelings for you are far from ordinary. The look in her eyes when she watches you is filled with concern and reluctance to part; that is not the look of a sibling."

Xiao Yan looked in the direction Xiao Xun'er had left, letting out a soft sigh with a complex expression on his face. He frowned slightly and said, "Teacher, how could I not see that? But my heart is set on Jiuyou. She is the one I have chosen, and I do not wish to let her down."

Yao Lao nodded in understanding. "Matters of the heart are difficult to force. It is good that you have your own thoughts and convictions. However, Xiao Xun'er’s feelings for you run deep; if this is not handled well in the future, I fear you will break her heart."

Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, his eyes revealing a sense of helplessness. "I know, Teacher. I will find the right time to speak with her clearly. I don't want her to be hurt because of this, nor do I want to affect the relationship between us."

Yao Lao patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder. "It is good that you understand. Emotional matters are tricky, but given your character, you should be able to resolve this properly. For now, the priority is to prepare for your departure and improve your strength."

Xiao Yan nodded, his gaze turning firm once more. "You are right, Teacher. Only by becoming stronger can I fulfill my promise to Nalan Yanran and be worthy of Jiuyou."

...

Xiao Xun'er returned to her room, heavy-hearted. She had barely stepped inside and sat down to ease her sorrow when Ling Ying appeared as if by magic.

Ling Ying bowed slightly, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes as he whispered, "Young Mistress, do you need me to deal with Ning Jiuyou? She has occupied the young master’s heart, and if this continues..."

Before Ling Ying could finish, Xiao Xun'er interrupted him sharply. She furrowed her brow, her eyes filled with displeasure. "Old Ling, you were already warned by Sister Jiuyou last time. How can you still be so impulsive?"

"You must not act rashly. Besides, if Brother Xiao Yan were to find out, he would surely be heartbroken."

Ling Ying paused, then slowly straightened his back. A trace of unwillingness crossed his face, but he replied respectfully, "The young mistress is right to reprimand me. I simply cannot bear to see you so distressed."

Xiao Xun'er sighed softly, her eyes filled with desolation. "This cannot be blamed on Sister Jiuyou. Matters of the heart cannot be forced; it is Brother Xiao Yan’s own choice. Even though I am heartbroken, I cannot vent my anger on her."

She turned slightly to look out the window. The scenery outside remained as beautiful as ever, but in her eyes, it seemed to have lost all its color. Her heart was a jumble of emotions: deep attachment to Xiao Yan, envy of Ning Jiuyou, and helplessness regarding her own feelings.

Recalling the moments she had shared growing up with Xiao Yan, those once-precious memories now felt like blades piercing her heart. She knew that there was already a place in Xiao Yan's heart for Ning Jiuyou, and for her to enter it now seemed as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

Ling Ying stood silently behind her, watching her desolate figure with a sense of pity. The young mistress had been strong and independent since childhood, rarely showing such vulnerability. Yet, when faced with affairs of the heart, she was unable to let go.

"Young Mistress, no matter what happens, I will always be by your side to protect you," Ling Ying said softly, his voice firm.

Xiao Xun'er nodded slightly without turning around, saying faintly, "Old Ling, I am fine. You may leave; let me be alone for a while."