Staring at the simple hemp robe, the young, fresh-faced man, slightly embarrassed, could not help but let his cherry-red lips part slightly. Even with Han Yue's usually composed demeanor, she found herself momentarily stunned, her mouth opening in surprise. After a long pause, she gasped, "Xiao Yan? How is it that you're here?" Xiao Yan spread his hands, knowing that this explanation would take a while. "Huh? Sister, do you know Mr. Xiao Yan?" When Han Yue called out Xiao Yan's name, Han Xue also paused, taken aback—wasn't this a bit too coincidental? Han Yue fixed her gaze steadily on Xiao Yan. After a moment, she smiled warmly, her beauty blooming like a lotus blossom, gently easing the tense atmosphere in the hall. She glanced around him with a teasing tone, "Of course I know him. In fact, I'd say I'm his senior—his academic mentor, if you will." "Ah, so this young man here is also a student from the inner courtyard of Gan Nan College?" It's said that the inner courtyard is quite rigorous in selecting students, and whoever manages to enter must surely be a true gem. The middle-aged man in a brocade robe, standing beside, smiled and said this not merely as idle talk. When Xiao Yan appeared, he had carefully examined him, only to find that even as someone with half his foot already at the Douzong level, he still couldn't quite grasp the depth of this young man's potential. "This is my father, Han Jia's head of household, Han Chi," Han Xue whispered as she introduced him to Xiao Yan. "He's not just a true gem—he's a full Doushi capable of facing off against Douhuang-level warriors. Within less than a year of joining the inner courtyard, he's already risen to among the top three on the strength rankings. Such courage and talent are unmatched within the courtyard." Han Yue smiled lightly, her grace truly captivating. Hearing this, the members of the Han family in the hall all showed some change in expression. They were well aware of Cangnan Academy, naturally knowing that its students generally possessed strong talents, and that only those truly outstanding—those with extraordinary brilliance—could rise to the top. It was therefore surprising that this seemingly ordinary young man had such a distinguished background. Han Yue smiled slightly, noticing that Xiao Yan seemed unwilling to dwell on the matter any longer. So she changed her tone and asked curiously, "How did you end up with Xue'er?" Upon hearing this, Han Xue quickly stepped in and briefly recounted the events that had unfolded in the desert and throughout their journey. "Ah, so it is. Then I must say, Xiao Yan has proven himself quite valuable. Without your timely intervention, I fear both my daughter and the Han family convoy would have been in serious trouble this time." Listening to Han Xue's account, the man in the brocade robe slightly frowned before rising and bowing deeply to Xiao Yan. "Master Han is too kind," Xiao Yan replied with a smile. "Ah, since you have a long-standing connection with Yue and saved my life, if you don't mind, just call me Uncle Han. The title 'Master Han' sounds rather formal," Han Chi waved his hand and chuckled warmly. At this, Xiao Yan found it difficult to refuse and simply nodded in agreement. "Father, has the Hong family come to cause trouble again?" Upon seeing that both sides had just begun to get acquainted, Han Xue's eyebrows suddenly furrowed as she asked. "Ah, the Hong family has always wanted to dominate Tianbei City and has never been particularly favorable toward our Han family. In the past, since our families were roughly equal in strength, things hadn't been too bad. But recently, Hong Chen has returned from Fenglei North Pavilion, and it's said he has now become a senior disciple of the North Pavilion—a position far more prestigious than before. As a result, the Hong family's reputation has greatly improved. Nowadays, many neutral factions within Tianbei City have shifted their allegiance to the Hong family because of this." Han Chi sighed and explained. "Fenglei North Pavilion? Isn't it just Fenglei Pavilion?" Hearing this, Xiao Yan expressed some confusion and quietly asked Han Xue. "Fenglei Pavilion is divided into four pavilions—east, west, north, and south—each located at one of the four corners of Zhongzhou's northern region. The Fenglei North Pavilion is specifically situated on Qifeng Mountain, thousands of miles outside Tianbei City. Hong Chen is a senior disciple of Xiao Yan only then felt a slight clarity, then was struck anew by the strength of the Fenglei Pavilion's influence—the mere existence of a branch office had already caused such apprehension among the Han family. "Hong Chen proposed that you and your sister marry into his household simultaneously. While there is certainly an appreciation for your sister's qualities, the greater intention may well be to gradually erode our Han family's power. Such a request and strategy—I will certainly not accept. Though the Hong family is powerful, if they truly intend to take action against us, they will inevitably incur significant losses," said Han Chi calmly. Han Xueyu tightened her grip, speaking coldly, "So that man proposed this arrangement, hoping to find a peer to battle him?" "Um... Among peers, your sister is the most outstanding of the Han family. But even now, she has only just reached the Battle Emperor level, and that achievement is due to a series of fortunate circumstances. As for Hong Chen, he's at least a Seven-Star Battle Emperor level, and with the numerous high-tier Battle Techniques from the Wind-Thunder Pavilion, Yue'er simply isn't up to par against him." Han Chi chuckled. "Moreover, not only within the Han family, but even throughout Tianbei City, it's difficult to find anyone among peers who could stand a chance against Hong Chen. He's confident enough to propose such terms—clearly, he has strong grounds for his confidence. Therefore, the Han family is indeed facing some difficulties this time." "The situation is certainly challenging, but not insurmountable—provided, of course, that someone agrees to lend a hand." Han Yue smiled slightly, then suddenly added. Hearing her words, a wave of glances immediately flowed toward Xiao Yan in the hall, as if everyone had instantly understood. Han Xue nodded repeatedly beside her, saying, "Yes, Master Xiao Yan is truly strong. If he steps in, he will surely defeat Hong Chen!" Under the collective gaze, Xiao Yan felt a growing sense of helplessness. Though the two sisters appeared cold and distant on the surface, there seemed to be a subtle cunning beneath that composure. Noticing Xiao Yan's expression of discomfort, Han Yue bit her silver teeth lightly, then stepped forward with graceful strides, approaching him and speaking in a voice only the two could hear: "Xiao Yan, this matter is of great importance to my family. I hope you will consider our past relationship and lend me your support. If not, I'll simply overlook the fact that you quietly took the Earth-Core Body-Quenching Milk I sought out." Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's face instantly turned awkward. He stammered, "Han Yue, you... how did you know?" "Did you really forget that the great gorilla who guards our Earth-core body-cream can speak human?" Han Yue smiled lightly. Xiao Yan sighed, it was indeed that beast... "How about it?" Han Yue locked her gaze on Xiao Yan, her beautiful eyes flashing with a touch of pleading. Xiao Yan pondered. Seeing Xiao Yan silent, Han Yue grew slightly disappointed, gently biting her lower lip before, with a surge of courage, saying, "As long as you help my family get through this crisis, I... I..." "Are you really going to say you'd like to become my concubine?" Xiao Yan's lips trembled slightly as he took up her words. Upon hearing this, Han Yue's cheeks flushed deeply, her delicate ears turning crimson as well. "Ah, please stop with this! I'm truly beginning to dread it..." Xiao Yan sighed, and indeed, she was no ordinary sister—wasn't it just as if they shared an intuitive understanding? Knowing what he was most afraid of... "I can't guarantee anything, I can only say that I'll do my best," sighed Xiao Yan, perhaps with a touch of regret for having quietly taken away the earth-core body-nourishing milk that Han Yue had so diligently sought. After a moment's pause, he slowly nodded. Upon seeing Xiao Yan nod, Han Yue's eyes instantly sparkled with delight, her gaze bright and intense on him: "Really?" Under that steady, warm gaze, Xiao Yan nodded again. "Father, since Hong Chen has stated that among peers—regardless of whether they are from our Han family or not—his judgment will count, then Mr. Xiao Yan is absolutely the ideal choice." Han Yue smiled warmly at Xiao Yan, then turned to address her father, Han Chi. "Heh, your judgment, I naturally trust. However, this matter involves too many complexities. Though Xiao Yan has managed to capture Hong Li and Hong Mu, Hong Chen could certainly achieve the same—being a disciple of the Fenglei Pavilion's Northern Wing, he possesses several powerful advanced combat techniques. Not only would he be able to hold his own against peers of equal strength, but even if Xiao Yan were one or two stars stronger, it would still be difficult for him to defeat Hong Chen completely. This point might leave Xiao Yan feeling uneasy. But in such a contest, there's no mercy—should anything unforeseen happen to him as a result, I, of the Han family, would feel deeply regretful." Han Chi hesitated, then offered a wry smile. "Father, do you not believe Xiao Yan can defeat Hong Chen?" Han Xueyu stomped her foot. After having spent so much effort to invite this great guest, if Han Chi's words now offended him, where would she go to cry? Faced with such questioning from his two daughters, Han Chi could only smile sadly. It wasn't that he didn't believe in Xiao Yan—indeed, Hong Chen was simply too strong. If he lost this match, it would be a lifetime of hardship for Han Yue. Not only him, but probably the entire Han family, aside from these two girls, would never dare to be so casual about it. "Heard this, Han Xue and Han Yue hesitated, exchanged glances, then turned toward Xiao Yan, speaking in a slightly nervous tone, 'This is my uncle Han Tian. He's at around eight-star Duke level. Do you think you can handle it?' Xiao Yan, who had also witnessed the match against Hong Chen and understood its immense significance for the Han family and Han Yue, was touched by their trust—placing their entire life's fate in his hands. With a gentle smile, Xiao Yan stepped forward, bowed slightly to Han Tian, and said, 'If I'm struck once within ten rounds, I'll drop this matter!' The moment he spoke, the hall erupted into a wave of murmurs!"