The sound of music and laughter carried in a courtyard filled with young people.
Unlike the stately solemnity of the main hall, the courtyard of the younger generation was vibrant with life.
Lanterns of pale jade shimred above, spirit wines poured freely, and youths of noble blood mingled like sparrows in spring.
"Did you see her? Bai Xueqing... truly like a fairy descended. I swear, when she lifted her sword in the competition, even the clouds seed to pause!"
"Not only her beauty-her strength! Winning with such composure, such grace. That final strike-ha! If she had aid at , I'd have surrendered without question."
"I fell in love the mont I lay my eyes on her. She is truly the Most Beautiful Girl in Desolate Heaven Empire-No, in the world."
Murmurs of agreent rippled.
Bai Xueqing's na circled again and again, her victories and her beauty woven together until she seed less a person and more a legend crafted in the span of a night.
Of course, there were also girls in the courtyard who watched with thinly veiled envy, displeased that all the attention was focused on Bai Xueqing.
They considered themselves just as beautiful, deserving of admiration and praise-but such thoughts they kept firmly to themselves, never daring to voice them aloud.
"Why isn't Bai Zihan or Bai Xueqing here? Shouldn't bai Clan at least send one of them to entertain us?"
The chatter stilled for a mont, many nodding in agreent.
As honored guests, they deserved to be attended not just by servants, but by soone of high standing within the Bai Clan-leaving only Bai Xueqing and Bai Zihan as suitable hosts.
"Ah... Bai Zihan! They say his talent eclipses even Xueqing's. I wondered whether it is true?"
"He didn't even participate? Surely, he would have if those rumors were true. Moreover, he is infamous for being a waste. I don't think people change that easily, especially their talent.""
"But I heard that he beat up Azure Sun Holy Sect inclduing their elder. It seems like he is as ruthless as before."
"No matter, he is the heir of the most powerful Clan in Deoslate Heaven Empire. He must have a lot of bodyguards to help him deal with people he doesn't like."
They didn't believe Bai Zihan alone could handle the Azure Sun Holy Sect, especially Elder Wu, yet they knew that with the support of the Bai Clan behind him, accomplishing it would be effortless.
And amidst those words, Bai Zihan finally stepped into the courtyard.
!!!
"Shh... Bai Zihan is here!"
The conversations faltered, so eyes widening, others darting away in sudden guilt.
The young master's presence, casual as it was, felt like a stone thrown into a still pond-ripples of unease and curiosity spreading instantly.
The courtyard, once filled with chatter and laughter, was smothered into silence.
The music faltered, the notes hanging awkwardly in the air before the musicians lowered their hands.
Dozens of eyes fixed on him-so with awe, so with fear, others with envy.
Bai Zihan strolled in without hurry, his posture unhurried yet carrying a presence that pressed against the hearts of everyone gathered.
Whether he was truly powerful or not, one thing was certain-his presence was unmistakable, commanding attention and respect from everyone around.
He stopped in the very center of the courtyard, the silk of his robes brushing faintly against the jade tiles.
His gaze swept across the assembled heirs and prodigies, sharp as lightning yet effortless.
"I am Bai Zihan," his voice cut through the hush, smooth but unyielding. "The heir of the Bai Clan."
The words landed like a declaration, leaving no room for denial.
"Well, you had co here, you would know that at least."
A ripple of tension spread. So lowered their heads instinctively, others tried
to hold his gaze and failed.
Bai Zihan's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. He raised his chin, as though appraising goods in a market rather than dignitaries and chosen sons of great clans.
"I heard," he continued, his tone deceptively calm, "that among you, there are so who wish to marry my sister, Bai Xueqing"
The air thickened. Several throats tightened.
"Please," Bai Zihan said, his lips curling into the faintest ghost of a smile, "step to the side!"
The silence stretched. No one moved.
Bai Zihan let it hang, his gaze sweeping across the youths like a blade gliding
over their throats.
Then, his lips parted, voice curling with scorn.
"What? Not a single one of you dares to step forward?"
The words struck harder than a slap.
"You gather here, whispering like lovestruck children, yet when asked, you
shrink back like cowards. If you don't even have the courage to admit your own feelings, how do you intend to win the heart of the Champion of the Dragon
and Phoenix Ranking?"
His tone was neither loud nor harsh, but the ridicule laced within made more
than a few faces flush crimson.
A murmur rippled, uneasy and self-conscious.
Bai Zihan clicked his tongue softly.
"Pathetic! Is this the so-called pride of the younger generation of the Desolate Heaven Empire? Don't you even have courage to admit your feelings?"
Then Bai Zihan's eyes softened ever so slightly, though his smile remained
sharp.
"Listen carefully. I was sent here by my father, Bai Tianheng himself. As her brother, and as heir of this clan, I have the right to speak for Xueqing. If I am pleased, if I find even a shred of worth among you, then you will have a chance
at marriage wit Bai Xueqing."
That single line shifted everything.
"So, I repeat, those who want to marry my sister, step aside!"
Eyes that had been hesitant monts before now flickered with fire.
If this was sothing like a test then how can they miss such an opportunity?
So who didn't even propose also joined in, thinking that even they might have a shot at the marriage.
The courtyard split. Dozens of figures moved, stepping to the side, forming a
line beneath the pale jade lanterns.
Bai Zihan's smirk widened as he regarded them like prey that had taken the
bait.
"So," he said, voice leisurely but carrying to every ear, "you all are here for Bai
Xueqing?"
"Yes!"
The word rang out, not from one, but from many voices at once.
It resounded like thunder across the courtyard, filling the silence with fervor.
So shouted with pride, others with shaky resolve, but all of them echoed the sa affirmation.
Bai Zihan's eyes curved faintly, though no warmth reached them. He lifted his hands slowly, palms pressing together in a deliberate clap.
"Excellent. Everyone, applaud them," he said smoothly, his tone heavy with
mockery.
"Applaud these brave n who dare to risk their lives. I really admire their
courage."
A wave of confusion swept through the group.
"Risk... our lives?"
"What does he an?"
"Didn't we just say we admire Lady Xueqing?"
...
Confusion appeared on the faces of everyone present-how did coming to propose marriage turn into "risking their lives"?
Of course, not wanting to offend Bai Zihan, those who had not proposed and
were rely watching still clapped their hands as instructed, even though they had no idea why.
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