C27 Conflict

As Hanyu Xiaotian surveyed the crowd, his presence didn't go unnoticed.

"Hey, isn't that the good-for-nothing Hanyu Xiaotian who can't practice martial arts?" A teen, standing near the center of the square and clearly the center of attention among a group of kids, stepped forward. This young man, Hanyu Huamao, looked to be around twelve or thirteen, living up to his name with a dapper appearance and a certain noble air, though tinged with arrogance.

"What brings you here? You do realize that only those who have cultivated their internal energy are allowed inside the Scripture Pavilion?" he asked with a sneer.

"Oh, I get it. You're here to bask in the glory of us prodigies, aren't you?" he chuckled mockingly.

"Don't be so harsh. Even if Xiaotian can't practice martial arts, he can still support the family in other ways. He can educate and nurture the next generation, contributing to our clan!" chimed in another teen of similar age, emerging from a different group. His defense of Hanyu Xiaotian was laced with thinly veiled ridicule that didn't escape anyone's notice.

Han Yulie! The sight of this newcomer caused the previously arrogant teen to huff in disdain, but he held his tongue, a hint of wariness in his eyes as his pride seemed to deflate.

The influence of these two within the Hanyu Family was on par with Hanyu Xiaotian's own lineage, perhaps even surpassing it. Given the rivalry among the upper echelons of these branches in certain domains, it was no surprise they felt emboldened to stir up trouble.

Observing the scene, Hanyu Xiaotian couldn't help but be amused. Though only ten, he felt a world apart from his peers, seeing them as nothing more than 'children' whose antics appeared utterly juvenile.

A mischievous impulse took hold of Hanyu Xiaotian.

"Indeed, Brother Lie is correct. I may not be able to practice martial arts, but I can still ensure our family's logistics and educate our youth. What right do you have to look down on me, Hanyu Huamao?" he retorted with a feigned earnestness.

The surrounding onlookers, previously buzzing with anticipation for drama, fell into an awkward silence. Han Yulie and Hanyu Huamao's faces tensed, their mouths twitching in disbelief. "What kind of response is that? Is his comprehension really that bizarre? Can't he see that Han Yulie is being sarcastic?" Han Yulie felt as if he had swallowed a fly. Was this not the proverbial act of lifting a stone only to drop it on one's own foot?

In the midst of this peculiar standoff, a burst of laughter erupted from behind Hanyu Xiaotian. A delicate figure sauntered into view—none other than Hanyu Shengxi.

She seemed utterly indifferent to those around her, poking Hanyu Xiaotian in the chest with her slender finger. "How come I never noticed this level of awareness in you before?"

Her voice was soft yet resonated with an enchanting melody that was inexplicably pleasing to the ear, evoking the beauty of being one with nature. Such was the innate grace of Hanyu Shengxi, whose every gesture and word flowed like a harmonious tune.

"I'm speaking the truth," Hanyu Xiaotian said with a look of feigned hurt.

Hanyu Shengxi shot Hanyu Xiaotian a sharp glance from her beautiful eyes. With a swift roll of her eyes and a turn of her head, she addressed Hanyu Huamao, "Xiaotian is absolutely right. Who are you to look down on people?"

The young lady was clearly enjoying herself. By now, Han Yulie and Hanyu Huamao realized they were being toyed with by the pair before them. Yet, they were well aware of their limits—whom they could provoke and whom they couldn't. Hanyu Shengxi's parental lineage might be modest, but the influential figure supporting her was not someone they dared to cross.