"San!" Chen Xuanqing's voice exploded like thunder beside Tang San's ears, every word steeped in boundless cold.
"Heaven cherishes all life, but the feud between your father and me cannot end here. And what you just did endangered every one of us. This hatred is as deep as the ocean and as vast as the mountains!"
Tang San's face instantly turned pale. He knew this would not end peacefully. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, soaking his collar.
Facing the threat of death, Tang San felt a terror unlike anything he had ever known, as though an invisible giant hand were clamping around his throat, leaving him unable to breathe.
A vicious glint flashed through Chen Xuanqing's eyes as he continued, "In that case, I'll repay you in your own coin and let Tang Hao taste what it means to have his bloodline cut off!"
The moment he finished speaking, Chen Xuanqing moved, his figure becoming a blur as he charged toward Tang San faster than thunder could reach the ears.
Chen Xuanqing's kick was vicious and ruthlessly precise, slamming straight into Tang San's crotch.
Tang San only had time to let out a piercing howl. His face turned white as paper, sweat and tears mingling in a wretched mess, before he lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground.
At that moment, Meng Yiran stepped forward as well, her eyes brimming with anger and contempt.
She added several vicious kicks, as though determined to vent all her resentment on Tang San.
Although Meng Yiran's movements were not as swift and fierce as Chen Xuanqing's, they were still enough to make Tang San wish he were dead.
Snake Granny watched from the side, a flicker of satisfaction passing through her eyes.
She looked at Chen Xuanqing and smiled. "Young friend Xuanqing, the Dragon Snake Family will remember what you have done for us today. Would you have time to return to our residence with us for a chat? We will certainly entertain you with the highest honors."
With a light leap, Xiao Wu sprang gracefully from Er Ming's broad palm and immediately planted herself between Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang and Chen Xuanqing.
Her eyes were clear, but her voice carried an unquestionable resolve. "No. Brother Xuanqing is coming home with me. How could he leave with you?"
Zhu Zhuqing hurried forward to reason with them as well, but her stance was every bit as firm as Xiao Wu's. "Seniors Dragon Duke and Snake Granny, the Star Dou Great Forest is an excellent place for us to cultivate. Brother Xuanqing may have a few matters tying him down at the moment, so he cannot leave for now."
Looking at the three before him, Chen Xuanqing could not help smiling wryly to himself. Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang and Dragon Duke Meng Shu meant well.
But at this moment, he truly could not leave the Star Dou Great Forest.
So Chen Xuanqing shook his head helplessly and said softly, "We plan to stay in the Star Dou Great Forest for a while. I'm afraid we can only decline your kindness, seniors."
However, their refusals did not make Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang back down.
She suddenly turned and pulled Meng Yiran out from behind her.
Meng Yiran's face was still faintly flushed, and she looked a little shy and nervous.
Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang looked at Chen Xuanqing, a sly glint flashing through her eyes. "Xuanqing, since you are going to live in the Star Dou Great Forest, there are bound to be plenty of inconveniences. These two girls may be adorable, but they are still young and might not be able to take proper care of you. Yiran, on the other hand, is already sixteen. She is sensible and capable. Why not let her attend to you?"
Before Chen Xuanqing could speak, Snake Granny had already made the decision herself. "Xuanqing, since you haven't said anything, I'll take that as agreement."
Her words carried an unquestionable forcefulness, leaving Chen Xuanqing no room to refuse.
This sudden turn of events left everyone present somewhat stunned.
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged looks. Neither had expected Snake Granny to make such a proposal so directly.
Meng Yiran lowered her head, her cheeks faintly flushed, feeling both angry and a little shy.
Chen Xuanqing could only smile wryly, knowing he probably would not be able to escape this time.
Suddenly, Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang pulled Meng Yiran aside, their figures looking especially mysterious in the shadows of the trees.
Then Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang said in a low but firm voice, "Yiran, you have always been clever. You have already seen Xuanqing's talent and character for yourself. He is undoubtedly a rare, worthy match. He may have a few too many peach blossoms blooming around him, but men are all like that."
As she spoke, Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang tilted her head slightly and glanced at Dragon Duke Meng Shu in the distance, a trace of complicated emotion passing through her eyes. "Your parents passed away early, and your grandfather and I have always raised you as the treasure of our hearts. We may have some standing in the Soul Master World, but we have no shortage of enemies either. We two old bones don't know how much longer we can protect you."
At this point, Snake Granny's voice softened considerably. "Once the two of us have passed on, what will you do? Your grandfather and I have always hoped you could find someone strong who treats you well and can keep you safe. This Xuanqing before us is a good choice. Of course, if you aren't satisfied, come back to the family. As long as your grandfather and grandmother are still here, we will keep you safe."
As Meng Yiran listened to her grandmother, warmth welled up in her heart. She understood her grandparents' painstaking intentions, as well as the responsibility she bore.
Meng Yiran raised her head and looked at Snake Granny with determined eyes. "Grandmother, don't worry! I understand everything. I will take hold of my own destiny."
Seeing that they had finished their discussion, Chen Xuanqing stepped forward and promised, "In that case, I will certainly take good care of Yiran on your behalf, seniors."
Although Chen Xuanqing's voice was calm, the resolve and confidence it conveyed reassured Snake Granny.
"Good, good, good!" Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang repeated, the wrinkles on her face smoothing out as she beamed with delight.
She pushed Meng Yiran straight into Chen Xuanqing's arms, a sly gleam flashing through her eyes. "Xuanqing, I'm leaving Yiran in your care. You must treat her well!"
Seeing that their goal had been achieved, Dragon Duke Meng Shu walked over with a smile. "Since everything here is settled, we two old folks won't disturb you any longer. Xuanqing, sorry for the trouble of looking after Yiran."
Dragon Duke Meng Shu patted Chen Xuanqing's shoulder, a gleam of approval passing through his eyes.
With that, Dragon Duke and Snake Granny turned and left without the slightest reluctance to part with their granddaughter.
Watching her grandparents leave, Meng Yiran gently tugged at Chen Xuanqing's sleeve and said quietly, "Brother Xuanqing, I'll be relying on you to take care of me from now on."
After saying this, a blush spread across Meng Yiran's face, and she shyly lowered her head.
Caught off guard by this sudden gesture of intimacy, Chen Xuanqing was somewhat at a loss. He turned to Meng Yiran, a gentle gleam passing through his eyes. "Yiran, don't worry. I'll do everything I can to take care of you."
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