Within the Yuan family compound, the residence of the Old Master Yuan was nestled in a secluded courtyard toward the west.

Though the courtyard was quiet, it was flooded with sunlight; even in the depths of winter, the light easily spilled onto the grounds, bringing a comforting warmth to the biting cold season.

Despite He Yitian’s half-hearted efforts and He Yiming’s ambivalent responses, the two of them eventually arrived at Old Master Yuan’s courtyard.

The moment He Yitian stepped into the enclosure, he clearly perceived the joyous smile spreading across the Old Master’s face.

For the elder, having delivered his granddaughter to the presence of such a young Innate Realm expert was more than enough satisfaction for both himself and the entire Yuan family.

Welcoming the two in with great warmth, Old Master Yuan made absolutely no attempt to assert his seniority. Had a stranger witnessed the scene, they would surely have assumed the three were close friends with a long, deep history.

It was just that the gulf in age between these three "friends" was perhaps a little too vast.

After sitting down in the positions of host and guest, Yuan Zeyu subtly signaled with his eyes. A perceptive servant understood the old man’s intent, and moments later, two women entered from outside the main hall.

One of these women appeared to be in her early twenties, tall of stature, her hair slicked back and coiled high into an elaborate bun, which further accentuated her full and delicate features. Above her eyes were eyebrows curved like parentheses; these refined brows, along with a slightly prominent nose, framed a pair of large, well-set eyes. These eyes were exceptionally bright, not only lending radiance to her smiling face but also making the entire room seem brighter simply by her entrance.

The instant this woman stepped into the room, He Yitian’s eyes lit up. A gentle smile naturally bloomed across his face, his eyes and the corners of his brows brimming with undisguised affection.

The woman first glanced up at Old Master Yuan, then stole a quick look around before her gaze met He Yitian’s. Her eyes stirred like a pool of autumn water. Though she quickly averted her look, a faint blush rose to her cheeks.

He Yitian glanced at Yiming, his eyes holding a distinct hint of pleading.

Seeing the ambiguous expressions exchanged between his elder brother and this woman, He Yiming immediately understood that this was the lady his brother had taken a fancy to. However, while the woman was beautiful, she wasn't quite a peerless beauty; she might not even surpass Sister-in-law Cheng Yanli. Yiming couldn’t fathom what quality had so captivated his brother to the point of such obsession.

This undisguised display of affection undoubtedly revealed his brother’s resolve without reservation.

He Yiming glanced back with a slight headache. Following closely behind the first woman, walking slowly, was a young lady close to his own age.

Compared to the woman ahead, this second lady’s countenance was by no means inferior, yet it possessed a certain innocent austerity. However, her bearing exuded a stately elegance, radiating a palpable gentleness. A small mouth hinted at a childlike innocence. Her eyes, especially, were so crystalline, so profound, and perpetually so spirited.

Yet, in He Yiming’s perception, this young maiden did not seem as purely innocent as her appearance suggested; deep within those eyes, some unrevealed thought seemed to be concealed.

Her complexion was fair and tender, certainly meeting the standard of a young lady from a distinguished family. But with eyes as keen as He Yiming’s, he clearly spotted several calluses on her hands.

Although these calluses were not obvious and few people would notice them, they could not escape He Yiming’s sight.

To be honest, the moment he first saw this woman, He Yiming could not fully reconcile his feelings. It was as if he were looking at a stranger; she hadn't truly touched his heart.

However, knowing the purpose of his visit before arriving, and understanding the identity of the woman who was his brother’s intended match, naturally created an unusual sensation within him.

Old Master Yuan observed the expressions of both He brothers. He Yitian made no secret of his attraction, but the one who truly held the elder’s focus was He Yiming.

It could be said that without He Yiming’s status, even Yuan Zewei’s own granddaughter would not be considered fit for He Yitian as a concubine.

Yet, Old Master Yuan felt a touch of disappointment, as he could discern absolutely nothing from He Yiming’s eyes.

But after a moment’s thought, he was relieved.

He Yiming might be young, but he was an Innate Realm master; how could such a person be easily seen through?

As long as he did not object and could accept his granddaughter, that would be enough.

“Yiming, let me introduce them,” the Old Master said with a beaming smile. “These are my two granddaughters, Yuan Liwen and Yuan Lixun.”

As he introduced each one, the two women dipped into slight courtesies.

When introducing Yuan Liwen, the Old Master did not specify that she was Yuan Zewei’s direct granddaughter, and similarly, when introducing Yuan Lixun, he omitted that she was Yuan Chengzhi’s paternal daughter.

Given this, He Yiming was content to remain pleasantly unaware and simply bowed in return with a smile.

Although Old Master Yuan addressed He Yiming by name, his tone was so respectful that it barely sounded like that of an elder. However, this approach perfectly conveyed intimacy, goodwill, and deference toward He Yiming. In the art of receiving guests, this man nearing eighty truly had a knack.

After chatting amiably in the main hall for a few minutes, the Old Master stood up. “This old man is getting on in years and lacks energy; I will retire for a short rest. You two will entertain them well on my behalf.”

After the Old Master departed, He Yitian cleared his throat lightly. “Sixth Brother, Miss Liwen and I have some matters to discuss, so we will leave you for a moment.”

Yuan Liwen’s face immediately flushed bright red, and she appeared somewhat constrained and uneasy, yet the red at the corners of her eyes held a captivating allure.

He Yiming was slightly taken aback. His elder brother had always acted with restraint, but his behavior today gave Yiming a strange feeling.

He coughed lightly. “Brother, I have a few things I’d like to ask you. Is that alright?”

He Yitian hesitated briefly. “Very well.” He turned. “Ladies, please wait here for a moment; we brothers will return shortly.”

The two walked out side-by-side and began to converse near the Old Master’s courtyard entrance.

Although this was not their home, the numerous servants of the Yuan family were aware of their status. Seeing them, the servants kept their distance and offered distant bows, never daring to question or drive them away.

“Brother, you seem to have changed,” He Yiming said seriously. “You are not acting like yourself.”

He Yitian’s expression shifted slightly. “Sixth Brother, I know I acted rashly, and I have caused you trouble.”

He Yiming shook his head with a headache. “Brother, what is there to say between us? Besides, this might not even be trouble for me. It’s your mindset that seems off, and that isn’t good.”

He Yitian mused for a long time before giving a bitter smile. “Sixth Brother, you are still young; there are some things you don’t understand.”

“What don’t I understand?” He Yiming asked, dissatisfied.

He Yitian’s smile grew more sorrowful. “Sixth Brother, if one day you see a woman and find that all your gaze is irresistibly drawn to her, that your mind thinks only of her beautiful shadow, and your heart aches only for her name—then you will understand how I feel.”

He Yiming stared at his brother, speechless. He knew his brother had taken a strong liking to that woman, but to be obsessed to this degree was a significant matter.

He involuntarily looked back towards the main hall, where the two young ladies were seated, seemingly whispering something to each other.

With his eyesight, he could clearly observe everything they did. Yet, no matter how closely he looked, Yuan Liwen was merely a woman above average. For her to have captivated his brother to this extent in just a few brief encounters was almost unimaginable.

He smiled wryly; perhaps only by attributing it to a fated entanglement could this emotion be explained.

However, he deeply doubted whether he would ever encounter such a woman himself...

Perhaps, never. Because what he truly pursued was the supreme, endless path of Martial Arts.

But even though he didn't comprehend this feeling, since his brother had poured out his heart, Yiming knew what decision he had to make.

“Brother, even if you marry Yuan Liwen, do not neglect Sister-in-law,” He Yiming sighed lightly. “Yitao told me that Sister-in-law has been extremely virtuous since marrying in, and Yitao and the sisters Yiling and Yiling are very fond of her.”

He Yitian’s eyes brightened immediately. He knew that since Sixth Brother had agreed, the matter was settled.

Although He Quanxin was strict, Yiming held such status now; unless he proposed something outrageous like burning down He Family Manor, his elder would certainly not object.

He bowed deeply to He Yiming and quietly spoke two words: “Thank you.”

Though these words were soft, they conveyed the depth of his gratitude.

He Yiming shivered inwardly. He understood that the deeper his brother’s gratitude, the more highly he valued Yuan Liwen. Bringing such a woman into the family—was it a blessing or a curse for his brother and the He family?

But things had come to this; if he opposed it now, he feared the brothers would immediately turn against each other.

With a soft sigh, He Yiming wished he were back fighting Lu Xinwen for three hundred more rounds than being entangled in this affair.

When their talk concluded, they naturally re-entered the main hall.

He Yitian’s face was wreathed in smiles. Without reservation in front of the ladies, he took Yuan Liwen’s hand. Though Yuan Liwen was crimson-faced, she did not pull away, allowing him to lead her out of the hall.

He Yitian and Yuan Liwen left the hall and came to the rear courtyard.

Many plum blossoms were planted here, the Old Master’s spot for admiring them in winter. At the center stood a pavilion and some rockeries, lending the area an almost fairy-like atmosphere.

“Liwen, our matter is settled,” He Yitian murmured softly.

Yuan Liwen was silent for a long moment before her soft voice finally rose. “Young Master He, yesterday you said it would be very difficult to pass your father’s scrutiny. Why are you so certain today?”

He Yitian laughed heartily. “If I had begged alone, of course, I couldn’t pass Father’s test. But with Sixth Brother speaking on my behalf, even if Father was unwilling, he would never refuse to grant Sixth Brother face.”

Yuan Liwen’s eyes brightened slightly. “Young Master Sixth is that He family Innate expert who defeated the Blood Butcher Lu Xinwen?”

“That’s right, Sixth Brother indeed,” He Yitian asked, filled with pride.

Yuan Liwen seemed relieved. “Since Young Master Sixth is willing to vouch for me, then Liwen has no complaints. From now on, Liwen will serve you wholeheartedly, only asking that you, for my sake, ensure my branch of the main family suffers no humiliation.”

He Yitian stopped walking and declared loudly, “Rest assured, as long as I, He Yitian, live one day, I will honor the promise I made today.”

Yuan Liwen lowered her head, and a trace of sorrow and helplessness flickered across her beautiful face, mixed with a hint of resentment.

However, in her mind, the scene from five days ago instantly resurfaced: her parents cautiously bringing her before her Second Grand-uncle.

And the words the old man spoke to her then were chilling to the bone.

“Liwen, although your elder brother conspired with outsiders and failed to seize the position of family head, he is still one of us in the Yuan family. I and your elder brother shared the same mother and grew up together; we used to steal bird nests on the mountain and have water fights in the river, hiding each other’s mischief from our parents. We once shared days of inseparable closeness,” the old man sighed, the wrinkles on his face seemingly deepening. “But after growing up, the contest for the family headship created a rift, leading eventually to a clash between kin. Now that Elder Brother has passed away, I naturally must ensure his bloodline continues. While I live, no one will dare humiliate your main branch. But after I am gone, with Chengzhi’s nature, he will surely find ways to make things difficult, and that will be the end for your main branch…”

“If you want your parents, brothers, and sisters to live as they did before, then you must find a way to remain by He Yitian’s side. As long as you can stay near him, as long as you can win his favor—I can guarantee you that once Chengzhi is in charge, given his nature, he certainly won’t touch your main branch. While he won’t delegate any more authority, he will at least ensure your branch is not lacking in provisions; you can live as wealthy commoners. Actually, not being involved in family trivialities isn't necessarily a misfortune…”

“I see He Yitian. Though he lacks He Yiming’s extraordinary talent, he is a steady man. If you can gain his approval, it counts as a good destination…”

“This old man’s years are advanced; no matter how I persist, I won’t last many more years. Consider this carefully…”

Recalling the heart-numbing chill beneath her Second Grand-uncle’s pleasant words was enough to make Yuan Liwen remember that night's conversation forever.

She could even see the pleading in the helpless gazes of her parents and siblings. What saddened her was that amidst these looks, she found no indignation, nor any sign of strength. Only a constant, fluctuating anxiety as they agonized over what to do.

It seemed that the moment Yuan Zewei died, the spirit of the main branch had already collapsed, utterly extinguished.

Her head lowered further, the trace of sorrow gradually faded, deeply concealed within her eyes. Perhaps, for the rest of her life, no one would ever truly read this emotion of hers.

“Liwen, what’s wrong? Are you unhappy?”

“No, I am very happy, truly, I am, very, happy…”

In the main hall, He Yiming frowned deeply, as if burdened by some unsolvable thought.

After He Yitian led the beautiful lady away, the atmosphere in the hall became somewhat heavy. Before He Yiming could speak, Yuan Lixun dared not say anything.

She certainly knew that the status of the man opposite her was far beyond that of an ordinary young master from a noble family. On their first meeting, she certainly couldn't afford to leave him with a bad impression.

After a long silence, He Yiming still found no topic of conversation. He casually picked up a teacup from the table and drank it down in one gulp.

He was indeed an Innate Realm master, but his experience interacting with women was practically zero.

In his sixteen years of life, from the age of five he had been immersed in internal energy cultivation. To this day, apart from his mother and the two sisters Yiling and Yilong, he had never before been alone in a room with another woman.

Yuan Lixun stood up, picked up the teapot from the table, and quietly refilled his teacup.

He Yiming looked at her in surprise; this was the first time he had ever received such service.

In He Family Manor, if he wanted tea, he had to prepare it himself; no one else would do it for him. As for He Wude and the others when they visited his residence, they were always served tea steeped in cold water.

Hesitating slightly, He Yiming picked up the cup and drank it all down in one gulp again.

He didn't know what kind of tea it was, and it gave him no distinct sensation upon tasting it. Good tea or bad tea was all the same to him; he never cared about such details. But this current sensation... was not unpleasant.

A seemingly innocent smile appeared fixed on Yuan Lixun's face; this first impression of the seemingly naive girl was not entirely disagreeable.

Yuan Lixun once again poured water from the pot into the teacup, causing He Yiming to pause in thought. Was he expected to keep drinking?

Just then, a faint commotion drifted in from outside.

This sound was actually quite distant, seemingly coming from the manor gates.

Even under normal circumstances, He Yiming would not have paid attention. But in this focused environment, his senses were naturally sharpened, and his ears began to gather outside sounds.

His ears twitched slightly, and amidst the clamor, he clearly heard shouts like, “Elder Master is back! Old Master He is back!” along with the sound of many people rushing forward to offer greetings.

He immediately knew that Yuan Chengzhi and He Quanxin, who had gone to handle the aftermath, had finally returned.