Noticing their master's fury, Galie Ao's entourage instinctively stepped forward, subtly encircling the pair with predatory intent.
The commotion drew curious onlookers in the market's depths. Both Xiao Yan and Galie Ao were minor celebrities in Wutan City—the former for his "trash" reputation, the latter for his notorious womanizing.
Xiao Yan merely raised an eyebrow at their aggressive posturing, his youthful features curling into amusement. Turning slightly, he whistled sharply toward a particular direction in the marketplace.
All eyes followed—just in time to see Pei En leading a squad of Xiao family guards charging over like an angry tide. Within moments, Galie Ao's group found themselves surrounded by bristling steel.
"Young Master, any trouble?" Pei En positioned himself behind Xiao Yan, eyeing Galie Ao's party warily before bowing respectfully.
Xiao Yan smiled leisurely at Galie Ao's darkening expression. "Young Master Galie, this is Xiao family territory. Did you intend to start something here?"
Galie Ao shot a wary glance at Pei En before sneering, "Do you only know how to hide behind your family? If you were a real man—"
"—I'd fight you fair and square?" Xiao Yan interrupted with a wave, chuckling. "Is that what you were going to say?"
Galie Ao's lips curled. "Exactly. Dare you?"
Xiao Yan sighed theatrically, rubbing his forehead before looking up with exaggerated innocence. "May I ask how old you are, Young Master Galie?"
The question hung in the air as Galie Ao's face darkened further.
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"Twenty-one, isn't it? And I'm fifteen—not even undergone my Coming of Age Ceremony." Xiao Yan spread his hands helplessly. "Challenging a child? Shouldn't you feel some shame?"
Xun'er barely suppressed a giggle at his performance while nearby merchants burst into laughter. The contrast was indeed ridiculous—a grown man challenging a barely adolescent boy.
The mockery doused Galie Ao's fury with cold reality. Xiao Yan's usual composure made it easy to forget his actual age.
Gritting his teeth, Galie Ao assessed the armed guards and knew today's opportunity was lost. "Enjoy your childhood while it lasts," he spat. "After next year's ceremony, they'll probably exile you to some backwater village. You won't even qualify to enter Wutan City then—how pathetic."
Xiao Yan merely shrugged.
Something about that infuriating calm made Galie Ao's blood boil. What right does this trash have to act so superior?
As he turned to leave, Galie Ao suddenly smirked over his shoulder. "Oh, and I heard Nalan Yanran tore up your engagement? Fitting—a waste like you could never deserve her." His laughter trailed behind him as he pushed through the crowd.
Xiao Yan's eyes glinted dangerously before he caught Xun'er's wrist. "No point biting back when a mad dog barks."
"But he—!"
"Patience." The icy smile playing on Xiao Yan's lips sent an involuntary shiver down Pei En's spine. A lion that knew when to bide its time was far more terrifying than one that roared.
Turning to Pei En, Xiao Yan's demeanor instantly brightened. "Our thanks, Captain."
The abrupt shift from calculating to candid left Pei En genuinely impressed. Regardless of cultivation talent, such emotional control promised future greatness.
"Our duty, Young Master." With a knowing glance at Xiao Yan's browsing, Pei En tactfully withdrew his men.
Once alone, Xiao Yan rounded on Xun'er, ruffling her hair in mock anger. "A grade-one magic core tempted you? You know what he's after!"
Smoothing her mussed locks, Xun'er pouted. "Free gifts shouldn't be wasted."
"You're the family's genius! Must you act so stingy?"
Her nose crinkled mischievously as she dangled the cheap bracelet. "So Brother Xiao Yan has been watching me closely."
Rolling his eyes, Xiao Yan dragged her deeper into the market. After several stalls, he finally stopped before one displaying a bloodstained green crystal.
"Found it."
As his fingers neared the core, an odd sensation prickled his senses.
Casually picking up the magic core, Xiao Yan let his gaze wander—until it snagged on a peculiar black iron fragment beside it.
Rusted and mud-caked, the fragment looked freshly unearthed.
"Buy that iron piece, boy. Something interesting..."
Yao Lao's voice echoed in his mind just as Xiao Yan's own intuition tingled.
Key Terms:
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Coming of Age Ceremony (成人仪式): Rite of passage determining a cultivator's future standing in their clan.
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Magic Core (魔晶): Essential alchemy ingredient harvested from magical beasts.
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Black Iron Fragment (黑铁片): Mysterious artifact with hidden significance.
Cultural Nuance:
Xiao Yan's strategic humility—emphasizing his youth to publicly shame Galie Ao—demonstrates the importance of social face in xianxia conflicts. His restraint contrasts with typical young master tropes, showcasing unconventional wisdom.
Style Note:
The dialogue balances Xiao Yan's razor-sharp wit with subtle menace, while Xun'er's playful defiance provides levity. The discovery of the iron fragment maintains the original's treasure-hunt intrigue while streamlining descriptive passages for pacing. Yao Lao's intervention preserves the mentor-disciple dynamic central to the series.
3 / 3