C41 A Rising Star

"How did Faang Yao..."

Yu Yuan caught himself mid-sentence and coughed twice to mask his hesitation before continuing, "The way the Ruby Hand treats your father is contingent upon certain factors."

Yuan Lianyao eyed him with suspicion. "Do you know him?"

Yu Yuan shook his head. "I do not."

"Then what do you mean by 'contingent upon certain factors'?" Yuan Lianyao inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"It hinges on how your father came into possession of the Flame Halberd," Yu Yuan explained gravely. "The Crimson Soul Spell and the Flame Halberd likely originated from the same individual."

"That person is dead, isn't he?"

"The circumstances of his death are crucial. They will determine your father's fate," Yu Yuan clarified.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhenghao, Zhao Dongsheng, Yu Cen, and the others immediately grasped the implication and silently nodded in agreement.

Yuan Lianyao paused, processing the information, then suddenly relaxed with a relieved smile. "Don't worry. The deceased was not a victim of my father. Both the Flame Halberd and the Crimson Soul Spell were his legacy. My father's acquisition was with his blessing, so there's no cause for concern."

"If that's the case, then the likelihood of your father being welcomed by the Ruby Hand significantly increases," Yu Yuan stated.

Yuan Lianyao's eyes sparkled with hope. "Earning the Ruby Hand's endorsement and becoming a disciple of the sect has always been my father's aspiration. Should we succeed, it would be akin to Asvetaesi gaining an additional ally."

In contrast to the Colddeath, the Ruby Hand, situated in the northern reaches of the Land of Quiescence, enjoyed a favorable reputation.

The various empires of Aetherius maintained deep connections with the sects of both Euwrea and the Land of Quiescence.

The Ruby Hand was an influential force, ranking just below the Devil Palace and Shadow's Keep, and even surpassing Winter's Bite in strength.

Moreover, the Ruby Hand's cultivators were well-regarded.

Securing an alliance with the Ruby Hand and their endorsement would be immensely beneficial for the Yuan family's future prospects.

With a whoosh, the Flame Halberd, carrying Yuan Qiufang, streaked across the sky, trailing a brilliant ribbon of fire, and swiftly returned to the Yuan family's abode.

Yuan Qiufang's vitality was nearly depleted, his spiritual energy almost entirely spent, and his spirit was notably languid. Despite this, he appeared to be radiating with joy.

"Yao'er, I need to speak with you before I head to the Ruby Hand," Yuan Qiufang said with a smile, descending from the Flame Halberd to face Zhao Zhenghao and Yu Cen. "Old friends, it's been too long."

"Congratulations!"

"Congratulations to you!"

Zhao Zhenghao and Yu Cen offered their felicitations.

"Excuse me, I'd like to have a word with my daughter in private," Yuan Qiufang interjected.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhenghao, Zhao Dongsheng, and Yu Cen, who had been called over by Yuan Lianyao to discuss various matters, discreetly made their exit.

Yu Yuan, about to push Yu Cen's wheelchair away, paused.

"Yu Yuan, you stay put," Yuan Qiufang commanded with a stern glance, pointing at Zhao Dongsheng from the Zhao family. "You, take Old Mr. Yu and leave."

"Understood." Zhao Dongsheng, resembling a snowy mountain of flesh, dared not defy the command. He promptly took over from Yu Yuan, pushing the wheelchair and accompanying his father away.

"Congratulations, you've completely purged the fire toxin that was corrupting your body. Now that the Ruby Hand has welcomed you, you're off to the sect for cultivation," Yu Yuan said, his demeanor composed. "The realm you've fallen from will be swiftly reclaimed, as you've traversed it before. The Flame Halberd's recognition signifies that the Ruby Hand will hold you in high esteem."

"I'm confident that it won't take long for you to return to the peak of Subtlety and, with the Ruby Hand's assistance, to refine the Lunar Spirit once again!"

"This attempt is bound to be a success."

"When we next meet, if fate allows, you'll be a cultivator at the Lunar Spirit level or perhaps even higher."

"It's truly a cause for celebration!"

Yu Yuan's congratulations were heartfelt.

Yuan Qiufang, however, looked perplexed and after a long stare, he finally remarked, "I nearly lost my soul."

"But all's well now, isn't it?" Yu Yuan replied calmly. "Consider the outcome; isn't it the best possible? The process doesn't matter as much. You're alive, and you're set to live even better. Being taken in by the Ruby Hand, the Yuan family, the mayor, and her sister will all reap the benefits."

"Forget it, you're right." After careful consideration, Yuan Qiufang conceded that there couldn't be a better outcome. Turning to Yuan Lianyao, he said, "I'll be meeting with Lord Faang's real body shortly. Then..."

"Lord Faang?" Yuan Lianyao interjected, cutting off her father's next words, "What's the name of this Lord Faang from the Ruby Hand?"

"He calls himself Faang Yao," Yuan Qiufang replied, visibly surprised. "Why do you ask?"

"Faang Yao!" Yuan Lianyao inhaled sharply, her eyes widening as she turned to Yu Yuan. "You've known him all along! You slipped up just now. You know his name is Faang Yao. Have you met him? Who are you, really? And have you been acquainted with Faang Yao all this time, feigning ignorance to orchestrate some scheme in Asvetaesi?"

"He knows Lord Faang Yao?" Yuan Qiufang was equally astonished.

"He just mentioned Faang Yao's name!" Yuan Lianyao exclaimed.

Both father and daughter fixed their gaze on him, clearly expecting an explanation.

"Sister Mayor, would you mind stepping out for a moment?" Yu Yuan requested firmly.

"Do you dare to command me?" Yuan Lianyao retorted with a cold huff.

"Please, step aside," Yuan Qiufang gestured, "I need to speak with him privately."

Yuan Lianyao shot Yu Yuan a warning look. "We'll settle this later!" she promised, storming off.

"Senior, do you know Lord Faang Yao?" Yuan Qiufang asked after a moment of hesitation, his tone uncertain. "Is your real body an old acquaintance of Lord Faang?"

"I need you to keep this matter confidential, especially from Faang Yao," Yu Yuan said gravely. "Our paths will cross again. But by then, you may be dealing with a very different version of me. I've already shown considerable respect to both you and your daughter."

"I understand," Yuan Qiufang replied, taking a deep breath and adopting a serious demeanor. "The fact that a mere soul fragment of yours can wield such influence in Asvetaesi speaks volumes about the might of your true form."

He speculated that Yu Yuan, from his distant extraterrestrial realm, must possess a cultivation level that was terrifyingly advanced, perhaps even at the Unbound or Solar Spirit Stage!

The other Yu Yuan that was mentioned could very well be his true self in the future.

Yuan Qiufang wouldn't dare to take such an enigmatic individual lightly.

Due to his initial impression, Yu Yuan was always regarded as an influential figure from beyond this world, merely inhabiting the body of the Yu family's young master temporarily for a specific purpose.

"Let's leave it at that. Prepare a convincing argument to persuade your daughter. You and I will meet again. When that time comes, you'll understand exactly who I am," Yu Yuan declared with a haughty expression and a presumptuous tone.

Yuan Qiufang saw this as only natural, nodding and bowing deeply, "Elder, your great kindness will forever be etched in my memory!"

Yu Yuan nodded in approval and turned to leave.

It wasn't until he was quite a distance away and had encountered Yuan Lianyao that he allowed a smile to cross his face. "Sister Mayor, your father has a message for you. I'm heading back to Asvetaesi City now. We can discuss any other matters later."

"The Empire is soon to host a grand event," Yuan Lianyao said, gazing intently at him. "The cities of the Empire have limited spots, but I will recommend you for participation as a token of my gratitude. The spell I practice, the Nine Lotuses, was acquired at this very event."

Yu Yuan was taken aback. "I see. I'll give it some thought."

Without waiting for Yuan Lianyao to respond, he moved past her and continued on his way out of the valley.

Shortly thereafter.

He reunited with the Zhao family members and Yu Cen, taking over for Zhao Dongsheng to push Yu Cen's wheelchair. "Grandfather, let's return to Asvetaesi City."

After giving a nod to Zhao Dongsheng and Zhao Zhenghao, he wheeled the chair away.

Zhao Zhenghao and his son remained, silently watching his retreating figure for a long time.

"The Yu family has a rising star that will likely shine over all of Asvetaesi, perhaps even the entire Silvermoon Empire!"

"It might even illuminate the whole of Aetherius."

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