Ye Father: No! You went out and brought back a son-in-law?!

Inside the carriage.

Ye Lingling could not help but catch the subtext in her mother's words, her pretty face flushing slightly.

In those beautiful eyes, hidden behind long, deep-blue bangs, a flicker of astonishment flashed, followed immediately by a surge of bashful annoyance.

Although... this Tang Yin is quite handsome, he looks even younger than I am.

Besides, we've only just met!

How could Mother... how could she be so eager to pair me up with him!

Though Ye Lingling did not feel any resistance toward Tang Yin.

As a young girl, she still held onto innocent fantasies, hoping for a romance that would blossom naturally over time.

But because her mother had only spoken in hints and had not made it explicit.

Ye Lingling could only lower her head, remaining silent.

The carriage traveled for nearly seven days.

Finally, it arrived at the Heaven Dou Imperial City.

As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, the grandeur of Heaven Dou City far surpassed that of a border town like Nuoding City.

Towering walls, wide streets, an endless stream of people, and spirit masters visible everywhere—all served to highlight the prosperity and power of this city.

The carriage passed through the bustling streets and finally stopped in front of a sprawling, tranquil residence.

Hanging above the gate was a plaque, upon which the two ancient, gilded characters for "Ye Mansion" were carved with dragon-like flourishes.

The calligraphy was elegant, yet carried a resilient sense of vitality.

Beside it was the Begonia flower emblem of the Nine-Heart Begonia Family.

At this moment, upon discovering that the family head and the young miss had returned, the gatekeepers immediately bowed respectfully, and one hurried inside to announce their arrival.

Before long, a tall, middle-aged man with a scholarly yet heroic air appeared, welcoming them with a joyful expression.

He was Ye Lingling's father and Ye Zhilan's husband—Ling Zhantian.

"Zhilan, Lingling, you've returned! Was the trip smooth? Did Lingling obtain her second spirit ring?"

Ling Zhantian stepped forward quickly, looking at his wife and daughter with concern.

He was a Spirit Douluo-level powerhouse and one of the vital pillars of the Nine-Heart Begonia Family, primarily responsible for the family's external affairs and martial security.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, his gaze fell upon the two unfamiliar youths behind Ye Zhilan and Ye Lingling.

Ling Zhantian paused, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes.

Who were these two youths?

Seeing this, Ye Zhilan wore a gentle smile, stepped forward gracefully, and naturally took her husband's arm, saying softly.

"Zhantian, let me introduce you!"

"These two are young talents, the brothers Tang Yin and Tang San, whom Lingling and I unexpectedly encountered in the Star Dou Great Forest."

"The two brothers went to the forest alone to hunt for spirit rings; their talent and courage are truly outstanding."

"Seeing that they have achieved so much at such a young age, I grew fond of them. Upon learning they wished to develop their prospects in Heaven Dou Imperial City, I invited them to stay at our home so we could look after them."

After speaking, Ye Zhilan smiled and introduced them to Tang Yin and Tang San.

"Xiao Yin, Xiao San, this is my husband, Lingling's father, Ling Zhantian."

"You may simply call him Uncle Ling."

Hearing this, Tang Yin led Tang San forward, cupping his hands in a salute.

"Juniors Tang Yin and Tang San, greetings to Uncle Ling!"

Ling Zhantian suppressed the confusion in his heart, wearing a warm smile as he returned the salute.

"No need for such formalities, young brothers!"

"Since you are guests invited by Zhilan, you are honored guests of the Ye Mansion."

"You must be exhausted from the long journey; please, come inside and rest."

As he spoke, Ling Zhantian secretly sized up Tang Yin and Tang San.

Though the two youths were young, their eyes were clear and firm, and their auras were steady.

Especially the blue-haired youth named Tang Yin; there was a faint sharpness about him, clearly marking him as someone extraordinary.

His wife's judgment had always been sharp; to be so highly regarded by her and brought home personally.

These two youths likely possessed truly exceptional qualities.

The group entered the mansion.

Inside the Ye Mansion were pavilions, small bridges, and flowing water, arranged with an elegance that did not lack grandeur, revealing the heritage of a century-old family at every turn.

Ye Zhilan led them personally, first taking Tang Yin and Tang San to enjoy a sumptuous lunch.

During the meal, she enthusiastically served dishes to the brothers, asking about their preferences and showing great care, appearing every bit the elder doting on the younger generation.

Ling Zhantian accompanied the conversation with a gentle demeanor.

However, he spoke little, preferring to spend his time observing.

After the luncheon concluded.

Ye Zhilan personally led the way, settling Tang Yin and Tang San into a quiet, elegant small courtyard on the east side of the estate.

Though the courtyard was not large, it was fully equipped and beautifully landscaped, showing that great care had been taken.

"Little Yin, Little San, please make yourselves at home here."

"Treat this place as your own; if you need anything, just tell the servants, or feel free to come find me directly."

Ye Zhilan instructed with a smile.

"Since you are new to Heaven Dou City, take a few days to rest and get familiar with your surroundings."

"If you have any plans later—such as which academy you wish to enter or anything you want to learn about—you can discuss it with me."

"Thank you, Aunt Ye!"

Tang Yin and Tang San expressed their gratitude once more.

After settling the brothers in and leaving the courtyard, Ye Zhilan spoke to Ling Zhantian and Ye Lingling with unconcealed urgency.

"Zhantian, Lingling, come with me to the study. There are some matters I need to discuss with you both."

The sinking feeling in Ling Zhantian's heart grew even stronger.

He glanced at his wife, then at his daughter, who was looking down with flushed cheeks, and vaguely guessed what this was about.

The three arrived at the study, where Ye Zhilan closed the door and released her soul power to shroud the room, isolating it from sound.

"Zhilan, what exactly is going on?"

Ling Zhantian spoke first, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Those two youths... Tang Yin and Tang San, what is their background?"

"Why are you so enthusiastic about them, even bringing them home to stay?"

Ye Zhilan smiled faintly, sat down behind the desk, and took a sip of tea before speaking slowly.

"Zhantian, don't be impatient; let me explain it to you slowly."

Following that, Ye Zhilan recounted how she had encountered the brothers in the Star Dou Great Forest.

She described witnessing them work together to slay a thousand-year Vajra Overlord Tiger.

She told of how Tang Yin had absorbed a thousand-year soul ring as his second, and how he had enabled his younger brother, Tang San, to successfully absorb one as well.

She also detailed Tang Yin's self-created "Thunder Body Tempering" secret technique, among other things.

Naturally, she also mentioned her intention to recruit them, as well as her attempt to tentatively play matchmaker between Tang Yin and Lingling along the way.

The more Ling Zhantian heard, the more shocked he became.

Only seven or eight years old, a Soul Grand Master, absorbing a thousand-year soul ring beyond his level, a self-created body-tempering secret technique...

Any one of these traits alone would be enough to call someone a genius, yet Tang Yin possessed them all!

And that Tang San, while slightly inferior, was certainly no mediocrity to be able to absorb a thousand-year second soul ring under his brother's guidance.

"Such talent... it is truly astonishing."

After suppressing his shock, Ling Zhantian pondered aloud.

"If what you say is true, Tang Yin's future is limitless."

"Recruiting him would indeed be a great boon for our Nine-Heart Begonia Family."

"However..."

Ling Zhantian changed his tone, looking at his daughter, who was still standing to the side with her head down, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, still feeling somewhat worried.

"Zhilan, your matchmaking between him and Lingling... isn't it a bit too rushed?"

"Lingling is still young, and they have only just met."

"How can matters of the heart be handled so rashly?"

"What if that Tang Yin has poor character, or ulterior motives..."

"Impossible!"

Ye Zhilan's delicate brows furrowed as she flatly denied it.

"I tested them many times along the way; these two children may be very clever, but they are absolutely the type to repay kindness!"

"Besides, what do you mean they just met!"

"When my father arranged for you and me, had we known each other for a long time?"

"Look at us now; aren't we living quite happily?"

Hearing this, Ling Zhantian scratched his head, feeling rather awkward.

As someone who had gone down the same path, using those words as an excuse was indeed inappropriate.

But as a doting father.

Seeing his little girl potentially being promised away so soon.

Ling Zhantian still felt a sense of reluctance and bitterness in his heart.