Nan Xunran still wore that seemingly harmless smile. He said softly, "Second Attendant, you should know what the consequences will be for him."
The Second Attendant gritted his teeth, a flicker of struggle and helplessness passing through his eyes. But he dared not disobey in the slightest and could only reply, "I'll send Yang'er to the Discipline Hall."
His voice was somewhat hoarse, as though saying those words had taken all his strength.
He knew full well that he had no room to bargain before the Divine Son.
Nan Xunran smiled and nodded, then said, "In that case, I'll take my leave."
With that, he turned to go.
But after taking a few steps, he stopped and turned to the members of Shadow Night behind him. "Alioth, stay here and determine whether the rumors about the main family are true. Report to me tomorrow."
Within Shadow Night, Alioth was the most adept at investigation.
His innate divine ability, Shadow Trace, allowed him to see everything that had happened within the past three months, but it could only be used within a limited area.
"Yes," Alioth replied, accepting the order.
The words reached the ears of everyone present, clear as the toll of a great bell, deafening and thought-shaking.
Everyone knew that tomorrow would be the moment their fates were decided.
The Second Attendant stared blankly after the departing Nan Xunran. Only after a long while did he let out a heavy sigh.
His face was full of helplessness and sorrow, as though he had aged greatly in an instant.
His mind was filled with a thousand thoughts, and he could not help wondering to himself: had he been wrong? Nanyang's parents had died in an accident when he was young, so the Second Attendant had indulged him from childhood.
Whatever Nanyang wanted, he would do everything he could to give him, showering Nanyang with endless affection.
Even when Nanyang caused great trouble, he would only indulge him, letting him grow into someone so arrogant and domineering. Had his indulgence led to the present situation?
Family Head Hall
After dealing with everything, Nan Xunran did not return directly to the Divine Son Hall as he usually did. Instead, he made his way to the Family Head Hall with measured steps.
Stepping inside, he calmly fixed his gaze on the man in the high seat, then bowed and said, "Father."
At the sight of Nan Xunran, Nan Xiao's face lit up with delight. He hurried to his feet and strode forward to help him up, his eyes full of joy. Unable to conceal his happiness, he asked, "Ran'er, what brings you here?"
Nan Xunran's expression remained unruffled. He simply said, "I have some matters to report to you."
He continued, "On my trip to the branch family, I discovered quite a few geniuses there who are no less talented than those of the main family."
"Oh?" Nan Xiao looked surprised and raised an eyebrow slightly.
"I would like to establish a training ground in the main family for disciples of both the branch and main families to use, so they can compete fairly and the true geniuses can be selected," Nan Xunran said slowly.
Nan Xiao was briefly taken aback, and a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes. A moment later, he smiled with gratification and nodded. "Ran'er, your idea is both novel and bold."
His gaze was full of approval and expectation for Nan Xunran. He then stepped forward and gently patted Nan Xunran on the shoulder, saying in a steady, forceful voice, "In that case, go ahead and do it! I'm here to support you."
Nan Xunran bowed. "I will do my utmost."
Nan Xiao nodded slightly, a gratified look appearing on his face. Then, as though remembering something, he said, "Oh, right, Ran'er, you've come at just the right time. The Crimson Plume Sacred Land's secret realm trial for this year is in two days.
"Old Man Wan sent a flying message today to ask whether you'll take part. If you do, you'll be the sequence disciple leading the group this year. After all, Ran'er, you are the Crimson Plume Sacred Land's undisputed Holy Son."
The little ball of light in his sea of consciousness also spoke up. "Host, Host, a new child of destiny is very likely to appear in the secret realm!"
Nan Xunran's expression did not change when he heard this.
After a brief pause, he said steadily, "All right. I'll set out for the Sacred Land tomorrow."
The corners of Nan Xiao's mouth rose. He was not worried in the slightest. After all, even the strongest geniuses of the various sacred lands were only at the King-Sealing Realm. With Ran'er's cultivation, he could easily crush them to death with his pressure alone.
That was also why everyone called Nan Xunran a "monster." He had reached the True God Realm at eighteen, something that had never happened before. What was more, Nan Xunran was the youngest of all the geniuses of his generation.
At that thought, Nan Xiao's smile grew wider.
But the next moment, as though he had suddenly noticed something, his expression changed drastically. Shocked, he blurted out, "Ran'er, when did you reach the True God Realm?! Didn't you only break through to the Void God Realm a short while ago?!"
Nan Xunran smiled faintly and said in a steady voice, "Yesterday, I suddenly gained some insight and broke through the shackles of the Void God Realm in one stroke."
The shock had yet to fade from Nan Xiao's face. He stared at Nan Xunran in disbelief and murmured, "Th-this... how could it be so fast? This simply defies all reason..."
Then Nan Xiao seemed to come to his senses. A look of gratification and pride appeared in his eyes as he continued, "Ran'er, you never cease to amaze me! Such talent, such ability—you truly are outstanding."
Hearing his father's praise, Nan Xunran merely chuckled and replied modestly, "It was only a fortunate coincidence."
He then said evenly, "Father, I still have many matters concerning the training ground to arrange, so I'll take my leave."
Nan Xiao nodded slightly, his gaze full of affection. He said earnestly, "Ran'er, don't push yourself too hard. Take some time to relax."
The corners of Nan Xunran's mouth lifted in a faint smile, and he replied, "I understand."
Meeting Hall
The Divine Son Token at Nan Xunran's waist was slightly warm. He had just sent an order through it: asking the elders to come to the Meeting Hall to discuss matters.
Suddenly, strange ripples spread through the void before him like waves on water. Then Nan Yao's graceful figure slowly stepped out of them.
She stretched lazily, covered her mouth with one hand, and yawned. Her eyes turned to Nan Xunran, and she winked playfully. "Little Ran, why did you call me?"
Nan Xunran's expression was calm. "We'll talk once everyone is here."
Just then, an extremely faint disturbance suddenly passed through the air. Nan Xunran turned sharply and saw that the Fifth Elder had quietly taken his seat.
Several more disturbances followed in succession, and the First Elder and Second Elder appeared at their seats one after another.
Flower petals drifted leisurely down as Nan Yue appeared, stepping lightly upon them. Her brilliant, flame-red hair flew freely, dazzling as the burning sunset clouds.
She wore an exquisitely tailored qipao, its fine embroidery shimmering delicately in the light.