Brother-in-law: C02-2

02.2: A New Start

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Fang Shixiu sighed once more, then pointed to a woman behind him and said, "He's starving, so it's only natural he would cry. This is a wet nurse given to us by Lord Ximen, so just hand the child to her. As for the others, they will temporarily serve as our attendants."}
When Fang Shixiu finally returned to his new home, the sky had long turned dark.

Fang Shixiu sighed once more, then pointed to a woman behind him and said, "He's starving, so it's only natural he would cry. This is a wet nurse given to us by Lord Ximen, so just hand the child to her. As for the others, they will temporarily serve as our attendants."

_{In stark contrast, Yan Ran's heart revelled with pride, and for a good while he was internally rejoicing.}But Fang Shixiu shook his head. "This place is quite nice. It's quiet and simple, so I like it quite a lot."

In stark contrast, Yan Ran's heart revelled with pride, and for a good while he was internally rejoicing.

_{When it came to his sword-fighting style, Yan Ran was very swift and fierce. It was no different from his personality—incomparably intense and violent.}"...Lord Ximen?" Yan Ran's eyes widened in shock.

When it came to his sword-fighting style, Yan Ran was very swift and fierce. It was no different from his personality—incomparably intense and violent.

_{Letting out an "oh," Ximen Rongruo again looked back to take another look at Yan Ran, who was still standing in the same spot as he did when Ximen had arrived.}Fang Shixiu then added, "Furthermore, apart from your swordsmanship training, as a young master of House Ximen, you also have far too many lessons you need to take care of. I can't possibly disturb you for twelve hours out of the day, so this is also for the sake of your future. You are the only son of your house and should understand the heavy weight of your responsibilities."

Letting out an "oh," Ximen Rongruo again looked back to take another look at Yan Ran, who was still standing in the same spot as he did when Ximen had arrived.

_{Since the two agreed, Yan Ran brought two swords and handed one to Fang Shixiu. "Here, you have to be careful, okay?"}
Yan Ran was walking around the courtyard, swaddling a crying He'ning, cursing with each step he took. "Man, this really is a case of an idiot father having an idiot son, isn't it? Hey, it's me. It's your little uncle who's holding you, so why are you crying, huh? Don't you know I have a really bad temper and a super short fuse? Yet, despite all that, I already spent the whole day squeezing out a smile on my face just for you. So, can you be a good boy and stop crying already? It's really annoying the hell out of me now! When my sister used to hold me like this, I used to smile like it was the best thing in the entire world! So what's wrong with you, huh? Why aren't you smiling? If you don't smile this instant, I'll pinch you right on the butt!"

Since the two agreed, Yan Ran brought two swords and handed one to Fang Shixiu. "Here, you have to be careful, okay?"

_..."That, in this life, you will only accept me as your apprentice!"

...

_{Despite Yan Ran's excitement, Fang Shixiu felt no special sense of joy.}"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"

Despite Yan Ran's excitement, Fang Shixiu felt no special sense of joy.

_{An unfazed Ximen Rongruo glanced at Yan Ran, then said to Fang Shixiu, "This guy is like a powder keg. He's really fun."}
...

An unfazed Ximen Rongruo glanced at Yan Ran, then said to Fang Shixiu, "This guy is like a powder keg. He's really fun."

_{"No, he's my younger brother, Yan Ran."}
"That old man of yours really is a ruthless bastard, you know. It's been a whole day already. Doesn't he know all you do is cry like a broken doll? Hmph! It's only because you're my sister's son, you know? If it wasn't for that, I would have ditched you by now. Ugh... Still—you're still crying? Look, I'll do another funny face for you. How does it look? You like it? I used to scare the hell out of my sister with this when we were little. Oh, shoot. Are you crying? Are you scared of it too? Shh, shh, shh—don't cry, don't cry, please..."

"No, he's my younger brother, Yan Ran."

_{"As a swordsman and a sword master, I'll be representing House Ximen when they participate in the swordsmanship competition for the five major clans, and I will also be serving as the sword master who will instruct the young master Ximen."}He let out a cough to get their attention, causing Yan Ran to finally lift his head and immediately shout upon seeing him: "Hey! You're finally back! This little mischief-maker has been trying to bawl me to death!"

"As a swordsman and a sword master, I'll be representing House Ximen when they participate in the swordsmanship competition for the five major clans, and I will also be serving as the sword master who will instruct the young master Ximen."

_{"No, it would be highly improper."}Stunned, Fang Shixiu responded, "Young master must be joking. The rules of the Ximen household are rather strict, so how could an outsider ever be invited to live there casually? Besides, I have daughters, so it would be quite inconvenient."

"No, it would be highly improper."

_{When Fang Shixiu finally returned to his new home, the sky had long turned dark.}
For a while, Fang Shixiu stood in place after realising Yan Ran had not noticed him at all and was completely preoccupied with arguing with the little mischief-maker in his arms. Witnessing the sight, Fang Shixiu couldn't help but sigh.

When Fang Shixiu finally returned to his new home, the sky had long turned dark.

_{But by this time, Fang Shixiu had already come back out again.}Hearing the name, a stunned Yan Ran hurriedly ran to open the gates and met a young man clad in blue sitting atop a horse waiting there.

But by this time, Fang Shixiu had already come back out again.

_{"Yan Ran!" Fang Shixiu shouted in a rage, "Shut your mouth this instant!"}Letting out an "oh," Ximen Rongruo again looked back to take another look at Yan Ran, who was still standing in the same spot as he did when Ximen had arrived.

"Yan Ran!" Fang Shixiu shouted in a rage, "Shut your mouth this instant!"

_{But Fang Shixiu shook his head. "This place is quite nice. It's quiet and simple, so I like it quite a lot."}As he spoke, he reached out to personally help Ximen Rongruo dismount his horse. Well, to be exact, it was more like he lifted the lad down.

But Fang Shixiu shook his head. "This place is quite nice. It's quiet and simple, so I like it quite a lot."

_{These words of his had almost made Yan Ran really turn into a powder keg that would explode into a brilliant show of fireworks, but in the end, he obediently zipped his lips at Fang Shixiu's harsh gaze.}
He let out a cough to get their attention, causing Yan Ran to finally lift his head and immediately shout upon seeing him: "Hey! You're finally back! This little mischief-maker has been trying to bawl me to death!"

These words of his had almost made Yan Ran really turn into a powder keg that would explode into a brilliant show of fireworks, but in the end, he obediently zipped his lips at Fang Shixiu's harsh gaze.

_{Even the glare he got from Fang Shixiu upon doing so was only met with a glare in return, displaying his refusal to back down.}
"Did you feed him today?"

Even the glare he got from Fang Shixiu upon doing so was only met with a glare in return, displaying his refusal to back down.

_{When it came to his sword-fighting style, Yan Ran was very swift and fierce. It was no different from his personality—incomparably intense and violent.}Fang Shixiu thought over his request once more for a moment, but, in the end, he again refused.

When it came to his sword-fighting style, Yan Ran was very swift and fierce. It was no different from his personality—incomparably intense and violent.

_{"What kind of work?"}But Fang Shixiu shook his head. "This place is quite nice. It's quiet and simple, so I like it quite a lot."

"What kind of work?"

_{Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.}There was pure admiration in Yan Ran's eyes as he looked at the man before him. "You're so awesome! You actually got to be Young Master Ximen's sword master!"

Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.

_{Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.}
Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.

Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.

"I do not live in the same house as my parents. I have a courtyard I live in on my own, so there is nothing for you to worry about." Ximen Rongruo then chuckled, "I wish to have you stay closer to me to make it easier for us to exchange our experiences learning the art of the sword. One day, I want to become a Sword God."

"Never in my life have I feared such things. My answer is simply based on my own reluctance." Fang Shixiu was simply Fang Shixiu after all, so the words he spoke were not on account of him being overly tactful or polite.

_{"Ruo'er." Fang Shixiu smiled as he responded.}"That, in this life, you will only accept me as your apprentice!"

"Ruo'er." Fang Shixiu smiled as he responded.

_☆☆☆
Fang Shixiu sighed once more, then pointed to a woman behind him and said, "He's starving, so it's only natural he would cry. This is a wet nurse given to us by Lord Ximen, so just hand the child to her. As for the others, they will temporarily serve as our attendants."

☆☆☆

_{"Oh, I forgot. But I did give him some water."}Seeing this, Yan Ran humphed. "Hey, don't underestimate me!"

"Oh, I forgot. But I did give him some water."

_{There was pure admiration in Yan Ran's eyes as he looked at the man before him. "You're so awesome! You actually got to be Young Master Ximen's sword master!"}
"...Lord Ximen?" Yan Ran's eyes widened in shock.

There was pure admiration in Yan Ran's eyes as he looked at the man before him. "You're so awesome! You actually got to be Young Master Ximen's sword master!"

_{"What kind of work?"}N/A

"What kind of work?"

_{"Yan Ran!" Fang Shixiu shouted in a rage, "Shut your mouth this instant!"}As he spoke, he reached out to personally help Ximen Rongruo dismount his horse. Well, to be exact, it was more like he lifted the lad down.

"Yan Ran!" Fang Shixiu shouted in a rage, "Shut your mouth this instant!"

_{As he spoke, he reached out to personally help Ximen Rongruo dismount his horse. Well, to be exact, it was more like he lifted the lad down.}
"Yes. I am now working for the Ximen household, so I won't have to worry about my livelihood for the time being."

As he spoke, he reached out to personally help Ximen Rongruo dismount his horse. Well, to be exact, it was more like he lifted the lad down.

_{"Ruo'er." Fang Shixiu smiled as he responded.}"No, it would be highly improper."

"Ruo'er." Fang Shixiu smiled as he responded.

_{"Yes. I am now working for the Ximen household, so I won't have to worry about my livelihood for the time being."}
"What kind of work?"

"Yes. I am now working for the Ximen household, so I won't have to worry about my livelihood for the time being."

_{"Young Master, why are you here at such a late hour?"}
"As a swordsman and a sword master, I'll be representing House Ximen when they participate in the swordsmanship competition for the five major clans, and I will also be serving as the sword master who will instruct the young master Ximen."

"Young Master, why are you here at such a late hour?"

_{Ximen Rongruo said nothing more about this matter, but after a while, he again raised his head to reveal a clear gaze that no longer possessed any melancholy. It was as though a fire burned within his eyes.}
There was pure admiration in Yan Ran's eyes as he looked at the man before him. "You're so awesome! You actually got to be Young Master Ximen's sword master!"

Ximen Rongruo said nothing more about this matter, but after a while, he again raised his head to reveal a clear gaze that no longer possessed any melancholy. It was as though a fire burned within his eyes.

_{Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.}02.2: A New Start

Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.

_{"Yan Ran!" Fang Shixiu shouted in a rage, "Shut your mouth this instant!"}
Despite Yan Ran's excitement, Fang Shixiu felt no special sense of joy.

"Yan Ran!" Fang Shixiu shouted in a rage, "Shut your mouth this instant!"

_{Nonetheless, his words made Ximen Rongruo cast a lowered, dejected gaze, while his teeth bit into his lips for a moment.}
Nodding vigorously, Yan Ran then beamed, "I want to be a swordsman, too! I want to be with you!"

Nonetheless, his words made Ximen Rongruo cast a lowered, dejected gaze, while his teeth bit into his lips for a moment.

_{"Yes. I am now working for the Ximen household, so I won't have to worry about my livelihood for the time being."}☆☆☆

"Yes. I am now working for the Ximen household, so I won't have to worry about my livelihood for the time being."

_{iana: The cat and mouse games begin!}
"Really?" Fang Shixiu looked at him doubtfully.

iana: The cat and mouse games begin!

It was a scene that made the bystander Yan Ran's eyes practically pop from his sockets. Fang Shixiu's gaze was gentle—so gentle as it looked at this guy that it was just like the one he had used towards his sister.

_{Even the glare he got from Fang Shixiu upon doing so was only met with a glare in return, displaying his refusal to back down.}In stark contrast, Yan Ran's heart revelled with pride, and for a good while he was internally rejoicing.

Even the glare he got from Fang Shixiu upon doing so was only met with a glare in return, displaying his refusal to back down.

_{Nodding vigorously, Yan Ran then beamed, "I want to be a swordsman, too! I want to be with you!"}
Seeing this, Yan Ran humphed. "Hey, don't underestimate me!"

Nodding vigorously, Yan Ran then beamed, "I want to be a swordsman, too! I want to be with you!"

_{Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.}Fang Shixiu had already walked into the house at this point, leaving Yan Ran alone in the courtyard while he stood steeping in his anger.

Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.

_{But all this earned him was Yan Ran's glare. "Are you some damn pushover who'll let other people play around with you like some toy just to make a living? Pathetic! You damn coward!"}But Ximen Rongruo gave zero regard to Yan Ran's outburst because, as far as he was concerned, Yan Ran was nothing in his eyes. Eyes that were only trained on Fang Shixiu to the degree that it was almost fanatical.

But all this earned him was Yan Ran's glare. "Are you some damn pushover who'll let other people play around with you like some toy just to make a living? Pathetic! You damn coward!"

_{"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"}
"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."

"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"

_{Seeing this, Yan Ran humphed. "Hey, don't underestimate me!"}"No, he's my younger brother, Yan Ran."

Seeing this, Yan Ran humphed. "Hey, don't underestimate me!"

_{"Oh, I forgot. But I did give him some water."}"As a swordsman and a sword master, I'll be representing House Ximen when they participate in the swordsmanship competition for the five major clans, and I will also be serving as the sword master who will instruct the young master Ximen."

"Oh, I forgot. But I did give him some water."

_{Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.}At first, Fang Shixiu only evaded Yan Ran's attacks without unsheathing his sword. It was only after Yan Ran used all his skills did he draw his sword from his scabbard, revealing a frosty glow, then flіcked it left, right, and lastly to the centre between Yan Ran's brows, leaving a dot with each.

Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.

_{"Ruo'er." Fang Shixiu smiled as he responded.}
"Deal. You think I'm scared of you!"

"Ruo'er." Fang Shixiu smiled as he responded.

_..."That, in this life, you will only accept me as your apprentice!"

...

_...
Since the two agreed, Yan Ran brought two swords and handed one to Fang Shixiu. "Here, you have to be careful, okay?"

...

_{But by this time, Fang Shixiu had already come back out again.}With his gaze growing distant, melancholic, he continued, "But there has always been a lack of friends or opponents close to me that were strong enough to challenge me. It is also impossible for me to go anywhere else to study swordsmanship, so your arrival here made me incredibly glad. I was so taken aback when I first saw you, but I was facing my father, so I couldn't dare make that fact too obvious and had to act like a well-behaved child."

But by this time, Fang Shixiu had already come back out again.

_{He let out a cough to get their attention, causing Yan Ran to finally lift his head and immediately shout upon seeing him: "Hey! You're finally back! This little mischief-maker has been trying to bawl me to death!"}At first, Fang Shixiu only evaded Yan Ran's attacks without unsheathing his sword. It was only after Yan Ran used all his skills did he draw his sword from his scabbard, revealing a frosty glow, then flіcked it left, right, and lastly to the centre between Yan Ran's brows, leaving a dot with each.

He let out a cough to get their attention, causing Yan Ran to finally lift his head and immediately shout upon seeing him: "Hey! You're finally back! This little mischief-maker has been trying to bawl me to death!"

_{As he spoke, he reached out to personally help Ximen Rongruo dismount his horse. Well, to be exact, it was more like he lifted the lad down.}Even the glare he got from Fang Shixiu upon doing so was only met with a glare in return, displaying his refusal to back down.

As he spoke, he reached out to personally help Ximen Rongruo dismount his horse. Well, to be exact, it was more like he lifted the lad down.

_{Seeing this, Yan Ran humphed. "Hey, don't underestimate me!"}
When it came to his sword-fighting style, Yan Ran was very swift and fierce. It was no different from his personality—incomparably intense and violent.

Seeing this, Yan Ran humphed. "Hey, don't underestimate me!"

_{"So, will you come live with me?"}
At first, Fang Shixiu only evaded Yan Ran's attacks without unsheathing his sword. It was only after Yan Ran used all his skills did he draw his sword from his scabbard, revealing a frosty glow, then flіcked it left, right, and lastly to the centre between Yan Ran's brows, leaving a dot with each.

"So, will you come live with me?"

_{02.2: A New Start}
Yan Ran was left stupefied at that moment. From the point between his brows, there was a gust of frigid air radiating an intense, murderous aura.

02.2: A New Start

_{Sitting beside them Yan Ran, who was listening the entire time, couldn't stop himself from interrupting with a blunt: "Bull-!"}An unfazed Ximen Rongruo glanced at Yan Ran, then said to Fang Shixiu, "This guy is like a powder keg. He's really fun."

Sitting beside them Yan Ran, who was listening the entire time, couldn't stop himself from interrupting with a blunt: "Bull-!"

_{"Deal. You think I'm scared of you!"}
Not long after, Fang Shixiu withdrew his sword and placed it back in its sheath. "You think you can enter the ranks of Ximen's swordsmen with that insignificant level of skill? Don't sully the honour of us citizens of Yaoguang."

"Deal. You think I'm scared of you!"

_{"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"}02.2: A New Start

"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"

_{Sitting beside them Yan Ran, who was listening the entire time, couldn't stop himself from interrupting with a blunt: "Bull-!"}
Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.

Sitting beside them Yan Ran, who was listening the entire time, couldn't stop himself from interrupting with a blunt: "Bull-!"

_{Nonetheless, his words made Ximen Rongruo cast a lowered, dejected gaze, while his teeth bit into his lips for a moment.}"That, in this life, you will only accept me as your apprentice!"

Nonetheless, his words made Ximen Rongruo cast a lowered, dejected gaze, while his teeth bit into his lips for a moment.

_{"So, will you come live with me?"}But Ximen Rongruo gave zero regard to Yan Ran's outburst because, as far as he was concerned, Yan Ran was nothing in his eyes. Eyes that were only trained on Fang Shixiu to the degree that it was almost fanatical.

"So, will you come live with me?"

_N/A
Bastard! You think you're all that? Just watch. Next time, I'll beat the crap out of you. Just you wait!

N/A

_{When it came to his sword-fighting style, Yan Ran was very swift and fierce. It was no different from his personality—incomparably intense and violent.}"I do not live in the same house as my parents. I have a courtyard I live in on my own, so there is nothing for you to worry about." Ximen Rongruo then chuckled, "I wish to have you stay closer to me to make it easier for us to exchange our experiences learning the art of the sword. One day, I want to become a Sword God."

When it came to his sword-fighting style, Yan Ran was very swift and fierce. It was no different from his personality—incomparably intense and violent.

_{"What about?"}
Fang Shixiu had already walked into the house at this point, leaving Yan Ran alone in the courtyard while he stood steeping in his anger.

"What about?"

_{"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."}Nonetheless, his words made Ximen Rongruo cast a lowered, dejected gaze, while his teeth bit into his lips for a moment.

"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."

_{Fang Shixiu sighed once more, then pointed to a woman behind him and said, "He's starving, so it's only natural he would cry. This is a wet nurse given to us by Lord Ximen, so just hand the child to her. As for the others, they will temporarily serve as our attendants."}After walking inside, Ximen Rongruo glanced around the room. "This place is a bit shabby. It's too unfair to have you live here."

_{"What kind of work?"}
Not long afterwards, Yan Ran heard a voice from outside the gates calling, "Young Master Ximen is here for a visit."

"What kind of work?"

_{To Ximen Rongruo, Fang Shixiu, however, said with a grin, "Thank you for your favour. It would be disrespectful for this subject to decline, so you have my acceptance. It would be an honour to have the young master as my apprentice—the greatest honour, in fact."}Hearing the name, a stunned Yan Ran hurriedly ran to open the gates and met a young man clad in blue sitting atop a horse waiting there.

To Ximen Rongruo, Fang Shixiu, however, said with a grin, "Thank you for your favour. It would be disrespectful for this subject to decline, so you have my acceptance. It would be an honour to have the young master as my apprentice—the greatest honour, in fact."

_{Fang Shixiu thought over his request once more for a moment, but, in the end, he again refused.}
Hearing the name, a stunned Yan Ran hurriedly ran to open the gates and met a young man clad in blue sitting atop a horse waiting there.

Fang Shixiu thought over his request once more for a moment, but, in the end, he again refused.

_{"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."}Not long after, Fang Shixiu withdrew his sword and placed it back in its sheath. "You think you can enter the ranks of Ximen's swordsmen with that insignificant level of skill? Don't sully the honour of us citizens of Yaoguang."

"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."

_{When it came to his sword-fighting style, Yan Ran was very swift and fierce. It was no different from his personality—incomparably intense and violent.}
"Is Fang Shixiu here?" Ximen Rongruo asked the moment he saw Yan Ran.

When it came to his sword-fighting style, Yan Ran was very swift and fierce. It was no different from his personality—incomparably intense and violent.

_{To Ximen Rongruo, Fang Shixiu, however, said with a grin, "Thank you for your favour. It would be disrespectful for this subject to decline, so you have my acceptance. It would be an honour to have the young master as my apprentice—the greatest honour, in fact."}
But by this time, Fang Shixiu had already come back out again.

_{"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."}"That, in this life, you will only accept me as your apprentice!"

"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."

_{Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.}Since the two agreed, Yan Ran brought two swords and handed one to Fang Shixiu. "Here, you have to be careful, okay?"

Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.

_{But Fang Shixiu shook his head. "This place is quite nice. It's quiet and simple, so I like it quite a lot."}
"Young Master, why are you here at such a late hour?"

But Fang Shixiu shook his head. "This place is quite nice. It's quiet and simple, so I like it quite a lot."

_{02.2: A New Start}"If you have no will to come to my house, then let it be. However, can you grant me one promise?"

02.2: A New Start

_{"You're already my master, so there's no need for you to continue calling me young master, too. Just call me Rongruo, all right? Actually, no. There are others who also call me like this. It would be better if you called me Ruo'er. Only my mother calls me this."}"What about?"

"You're already my master, so there's no need for you to continue calling me young master, too. Just call me Rongruo, all right? Actually, no. There are others who also call me like this. It would be better if you called me Ruo'er. Only my mother calls me this."

_{But all this earned him was Yan Ran's glare. "Are you some damn pushover who'll let other people play around with you like some toy just to make a living? Pathetic! You damn coward!"}
As he spoke, he reached out to personally help Ximen Rongruo dismount his horse. Well, to be exact, it was more like he lifted the lad down.

But all this earned him was Yan Ran's glare. "Are you some damn pushover who'll let other people play around with you like some toy just to make a living? Pathetic! You damn coward!"

_{Not long after, Fang Shixiu withdrew his sword and placed it back in its sheath. "You think you can enter the ranks of Ximen's swordsmen with that insignificant level of skill? Don't sully the honour of us citizens of Yaoguang."}
It was a scene that made the bystander Yan Ran's eyes practically pop from his sockets. Fang Shixiu's gaze was gentle—so gentle as it looked at this guy that it was just like the one he had used towards his sister.

Not long after, Fang Shixiu withdrew his sword and placed it back in its sheath. "You think you can enter the ranks of Ximen's swordsmen with that insignificant level of skill? Don't sully the honour of us citizens of Yaoguang."

_{"Never in my life have I feared such things. My answer is simply based on my own reluctance." Fang Shixiu was simply Fang Shixiu after all, so the words he spoke were not on account of him being overly tactful or polite.}In stark contrast, Yan Ran's heart revelled with pride, and for a good while he was internally rejoicing.

_{"Yan Ran!" Fang Shixiu shouted in a rage, "Shut your mouth this instant!"}"Did you feed him today?"

"Yan Ran!" Fang Shixiu shouted in a rage, "Shut your mouth this instant!"

_{"I do not live in the same house as my parents. I have a courtyard I live in on my own, so there is nothing for you to worry about." Ximen Rongruo then chuckled, "I wish to have you stay closer to me to make it easier for us to exchange our experiences learning the art of the sword. One day, I want to become a Sword God."}"You're already my master, so there's no need for you to continue calling me young master, too. Just call me Rongruo, all right? Actually, no. There are others who also call me like this. It would be better if you called me Ruo'er. Only my mother calls me this."

_{"Oh, I forgot. But I did give him some water."}
It was as though, in that instant, a bucket of ice-cold water was poured over him and chilled his prior burning heart. Ximen Rongruo was a rare, precious, and delicate flower, while he was just some wild feral creature that roamed around in the wild.

"Oh, I forgot. But I did give him some water."

_{"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."}Yan Ran racked his brain for a moment.

"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."

Stunned, Fang Shixiu responded, "Young master must be joking. The rules of the Ximen household are rather strict, so how could an outsider ever be invited to live there casually? Besides, I have daughters, so it would be quite inconvenient."

_{"Really?" Fang Shixiu looked at him doubtfully.}
Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu then walked towards the house side by side, but after a few steps, Ximen Rongruo looked behind him to Yan Ran and asked, "Who is he? Is he a servant?"

"Really?" Fang Shixiu looked at him doubtfully.

_{These words of his had almost made Yan Ran really turn into a powder keg that would explode into a brilliant show of fireworks, but in the end, he obediently zipped his lips at Fang Shixiu's harsh gaze.}For a while, Fang Shixiu stood in place after realising Yan Ran had not noticed him at all and was completely preoccupied with arguing with the little mischief-maker in his arms. Witnessing the sight, Fang Shixiu couldn't help but sigh.

_{These words of his had almost made Yan Ran really turn into a powder keg that would explode into a brilliant show of fireworks, but in the end, he obediently zipped his lips at Fang Shixiu's harsh gaze.}To Ximen Rongruo, Fang Shixiu, however, said with a grin, "Thank you for your favour. It would be disrespectful for this subject to decline, so you have my acceptance. It would be an honour to have the young master as my apprentice—the greatest honour, in fact."

At first, Fang Shixiu only evaded Yan Ran's attacks without unsheathing his sword. It was only after Yan Ran used all his skills did he draw his sword from his scabbard, revealing a frosty glow, then flіcked it left, right, and lastly to the centre between Yan Ran's brows, leaving a dot with each.

_{Fang Shixiu sighed once more, then pointed to a woman behind him and said, "He's starving, so it's only natural he would cry. This is a wet nurse given to us by Lord Ximen, so just hand the child to her. As for the others, they will temporarily serve as our attendants."}"If you have no will to come to my house, then let it be. However, can you grant me one promise?"

_{To Ximen Rongruo, Fang Shixiu, however, said with a grin, "Thank you for your favour. It would be disrespectful for this subject to decline, so you have my acceptance. It would be an honour to have the young master as my apprentice—the greatest honour, in fact."}Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu then walked towards the house side by side, but after a few steps, Ximen Rongruo looked behind him to Yan Ran and asked, "Who is he? Is he a servant?"

_{Fang Shixiu then added, "Furthermore, apart from your swordsmanship training, as a young master of House Ximen, you also have far too many lessons you need to take care of. I can't possibly disturb you for twelve hours out of the day, so this is also for the sake of your future. You are the only son of your house and should understand the heavy weight of your responsibilities."}Seeing this, Yan Ran humphed. "Hey, don't underestimate me!"

Fang Shixiu then added, "Furthermore, apart from your swordsmanship training, as a young master of House Ximen, you also have far too many lessons you need to take care of. I can't possibly disturb you for twelve hours out of the day, so this is also for the sake of your future. You are the only son of your house and should understand the heavy weight of your responsibilities."

_{He let out a cough to get their attention, causing Yan Ran to finally lift his head and immediately shout upon seeing him: "Hey! You're finally back! This little mischief-maker has been trying to bawl me to death!"}
Letting out an "oh," Ximen Rongruo again looked back to take another look at Yan Ran, who was still standing in the same spot as he did when Ximen had arrived.

_{In stark contrast, Yan Ran's heart revelled with pride, and for a good while he was internally rejoicing.}There was pure admiration in Yan Ran's eyes as he looked at the man before him. "You're so awesome! You actually got to be Young Master Ximen's sword master!"

In stark contrast, Yan Ran's heart revelled with pride, and for a good while he was internally rejoicing.

_{It was as though, in that instant, a bucket of ice-cold water was poured over him and chilled his prior burning heart. Ximen Rongruo was a rare, precious, and delicate flower, while he was just some wild feral creature that roamed around in the wild.}
With that gaze on him, Yan Ran could feel the chill it carried, forcing him to again spew curses in his heart.

It was as though, in that instant, a bucket of ice-cold water was poured over him and chilled his prior burning heart. Ximen Rongruo was a rare, precious, and delicate flower, while he was just some wild feral creature that roamed around in the wild.

☆☆☆

_{Despite Yan Ran's excitement, Fang Shixiu felt no special sense of joy.}
After walking inside, Ximen Rongruo glanced around the room. "This place is a bit shabby. It's too unfair to have you live here."

Despite Yan Ran's excitement, Fang Shixiu felt no special sense of joy.

_{"Is Fang Shixiu here?" Ximen Rongruo asked the moment he saw Yan Ran.}"I do not live in the same house as my parents. I have a courtyard I live in on my own, so there is nothing for you to worry about." Ximen Rongruo then chuckled, "I wish to have you stay closer to me to make it easier for us to exchange our experiences learning the art of the sword. One day, I want to become a Sword God."

"Is Fang Shixiu here?" Ximen Rongruo asked the moment he saw Yan Ran.

_{"What kind of work?"}It was a scene that made the bystander Yan Ran's eyes practically pop from his sockets. Fang Shixiu's gaze was gentle—so gentle as it looked at this guy that it was just like the one he had used towards his sister.

"What kind of work?"

_{As for Yan Ran, a shiver went down his spine at the moniker as he cursed in his heart: Idiots! Goddamn idiots! Acting all close and shіt... tsk! Gross. So freaking gross! Yuck!}
But Fang Shixiu shook his head. "This place is quite nice. It's quiet and simple, so I like it quite a lot."

As for Yan Ran, a shiver went down his spine at the moniker as he cursed in his heart: Idiots! Goddamn idiots! Acting all close and shіt... tsk! Gross. So freaking gross! Yuck!

_{"So, will you come live with me?"}"I want you to come live with me, will you?" Ximen Rongruo's cold gaze focused on Fang Shixiu as he asked.

"So, will you come live with me?"

Yan Ran, no longer able to hold himself back after hearing such a proposition, jumped up and started spitting curses. "Can you just quit it already? What are you trying to do? Is Fang Shixiu some piece of meat only you're allowed to feed on? Are you trying to keep him as some secret mistress in a gilded cage, only beholden to you? Don't you see how wrong that is? Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! What the hell does who he wants to take on as an apprentice or where he likes to live have to do with you? Why the hell does he have to listen to you? Do you think you're some kind of divine young master? You think you're all that? And don't look at me with those uppity eyes of yours—they give me the goddamn creeps!"

_{"No, he's my younger brother, Yan Ran."}"That old man of yours really is a ruthless bastard, you know. It's been a whole day already. Doesn't he know all you do is cry like a broken doll? Hmph! It's only because you're my sister's son, you know? If it wasn't for that, I would have ditched you by now. Ugh... Still—you're still crying? Look, I'll do another funny face for you. How does it look? You like it? I used to scare the hell out of my sister with this when we were little. Oh, shoot. Are you crying? Are you scared of it too? Shh, shh, shh—don't cry, don't cry, please..."

"No, he's my younger brother, Yan Ran."

_{Yan Ran was left stupefied at that moment. From the point between his brows, there was a gust of frigid air radiating an intense, murderous aura.}"I do not live in the same house as my parents. I have a courtyard I live in on my own, so there is nothing for you to worry about." Ximen Rongruo then chuckled, "I wish to have you stay closer to me to make it easier for us to exchange our experiences learning the art of the sword. One day, I want to become a Sword God."

Yan Ran was left stupefied at that moment. From the point between his brows, there was a gust of frigid air radiating an intense, murderous aura.

_{Yan Ran was left stupefied at that moment. From the point between his brows, there was a gust of frigid air radiating an intense, murderous aura.}
Stunned, Fang Shixiu responded, "Young master must be joking. The rules of the Ximen household are rather strict, so how could an outsider ever be invited to live there casually? Besides, I have daughters, so it would be quite inconvenient."

Yan Ran was left stupefied at that moment. From the point between his brows, there was a gust of frigid air radiating an intense, murderous aura.

_{Not long afterwards, Yan Ran heard a voice from outside the gates calling, "Young Master Ximen is here for a visit."}
"I do not live in the same house as my parents. I have a courtyard I live in on my own, so there is nothing for you to worry about." Ximen Rongruo then chuckled, "I wish to have you stay closer to me to make it easier for us to exchange our experiences learning the art of the sword. One day, I want to become a Sword God."

Not long afterwards, Yan Ran heard a voice from outside the gates calling, "Young Master Ximen is here for a visit."

_N/A"As a swordsman and a sword master, I'll be representing House Ximen when they participate in the swordsmanship competition for the five major clans, and I will also be serving as the sword master who will instruct the young master Ximen."

N/A

_{Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.}Seeing this, Yan Ran humphed. "Hey, don't underestimate me!"

Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.

_{Yan Ran was left stupefied at that moment. From the point between his brows, there was a gust of frigid air radiating an intense, murderous aura.}Yan Ran, no longer able to hold himself back after hearing such a proposition, jumped up and started spitting curses. "Can you just quit it already? What are you trying to do? Is Fang Shixiu some piece of meat only you're allowed to feed on? Are you trying to keep him as some secret mistress in a gilded cage, only beholden to you? Don't you see how wrong that is? Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! What the hell does who he wants to take on as an apprentice or where he likes to live have to do with you? Why the hell does he have to listen to you? Do you think you're some kind of divine young master? You think you're all that? And don't look at me with those uppity eyes of yours—they give me the goddamn creeps!"

Yan Ran was left stupefied at that moment. From the point between his brows, there was a gust of frigid air radiating an intense, murderous aura.

_{"As a swordsman and a sword master, I'll be representing House Ximen when they participate in the swordsmanship competition for the five major clans, and I will also be serving as the sword master who will instruct the young master Ximen."}
With his gaze growing distant, melancholic, he continued, "But there has always been a lack of friends or opponents close to me that were strong enough to challenge me. It is also impossible for me to go anywhere else to study swordsmanship, so your arrival here made me incredibly glad. I was so taken aback when I first saw you, but I was facing my father, so I couldn't dare make that fact too obvious and had to act like a well-behaved child."

_{It was a scene that made the bystander Yan Ran's eyes practically pop from his sockets. Fang Shixiu's gaze was gentle—so gentle as it looked at this guy that it was just like the one he had used towards his sister.}It was as though, in that instant, a bucket of ice-cold water was poured over him and chilled his prior burning heart. Ximen Rongruo was a rare, precious, and delicate flower, while he was just some wild feral creature that roamed around in the wild.

_{At first, Fang Shixiu only evaded Yan Ran's attacks without unsheathing his sword. It was only after Yan Ran used all his skills did he draw his sword from his scabbard, revealing a frosty glow, then flіcked it left, right, and lastly to the centre between Yan Ran's brows, leaving a dot with each.}Yan Ran was walking around the courtyard, swaddling a crying He'ning, cursing with each step he took. "Man, this really is a case of an idiot father having an idiot son, isn't it? Hey, it's me. It's your little uncle who's holding you, so why are you crying, huh? Don't you know I have a really bad temper and a super short fuse? Yet, despite all that, I already spent the whole day squeezing out a smile on my face just for you. So, can you be a good boy and stop crying already? It's really annoying the hell out of me now! When my sister used to hold me like this, I used to smile like it was the best thing in the entire world! So what's wrong with you, huh? Why aren't you smiling? If you don't smile this instant, I'll pinch you right on the butt!"

_{"...Lord Ximen?" Yan Ran's eyes widened in shock.}He let out a cough to get their attention, causing Yan Ran to finally lift his head and immediately shout upon seeing him: "Hey! You're finally back! This little mischief-maker has been trying to bawl me to death!"

"...Lord Ximen?" Yan Ran's eyes widened in shock.

_{But by this time, Fang Shixiu had already come back out again.}
Sitting beside them Yan Ran, who was listening the entire time, couldn't stop himself from interrupting with a blunt: "Bull-!"

But by this time, Fang Shixiu had already come back out again.

_{"Oh, I forgot. But I did give him some water."}Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.

"Oh, I forgot. But I did give him some water."

_{When Fang Shixiu finally returned to his new home, the sky had long turned dark.}Letting out an "oh," Ximen Rongruo again looked back to take another look at Yan Ran, who was still standing in the same spot as he did when Ximen had arrived.

When Fang Shixiu finally returned to his new home, the sky had long turned dark.

_{"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."}Not long afterwards, Yan Ran heard a voice from outside the gates calling, "Young Master Ximen is here for a visit."

"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."

_{"If you have no will to come to my house, then let it be. However, can you grant me one promise?"}
Even the glare he got from Fang Shixiu upon doing so was only met with a glare in return, displaying his refusal to back down.

"If you have no will to come to my house, then let it be. However, can you grant me one promise?"

_{With his gaze growing distant, melancholic, he continued, "But there has always been a lack of friends or opponents close to me that were strong enough to challenge me. It is also impossible for me to go anywhere else to study swordsmanship, so your arrival here made me incredibly glad.}
But Ximen Rongruo gave zero regard to Yan Ran's outburst because, as far as he was concerned, Yan Ran was nothing in his eyes. Eyes that were only trained on Fang Shixiu to the degree that it was almost fanatical.

With his gaze growing distant, melancholic, he continued, "But there has always been a lack of friends or opponents close to me that were strong enough to challenge me. It is also impossible for me to go anywhere else to study swordsmanship, so your arrival here made me incredibly glad. I was so taken aback when I first saw you, but I was facing my father, so I couldn't dare make that fact too obvious and had to act like a well-behaved child."

_{With that gaze on him, Yan Ran could feel the chill it carried, forcing him to again spew curses in his heart.}Even the glare he got from Fang Shixiu upon doing so was only met with a glare in return, displaying his refusal to back down.

With that gaze on him, Yan Ran could feel the chill it carried, forcing him to again spew curses in his heart.

_{With that gaze on him, Yan Ran could feel the chill it carried, forcing him to again spew curses in his heart.}
"So, will you come live with me?"

With that gaze on him, Yan Ran could feel the chill it carried, forcing him to again spew curses in his heart.

_{Not long after, Fang Shixiu withdrew his sword and placed it back in its sheath. "You think you can enter the ranks of Ximen's swordsmen with that insignificant level of skill? Don't sully the honour of us citizens of Yaoguang."}As for Yan Ran, a shiver went down his spine at the moniker as he cursed in his heart: Idiots! Goddamn idiots! Acting all close and shіt... tsk! Gross. So freaking gross! Yuck!

_{Bastard! You think you're all that? Just watch. Next time, I'll beat the crap out of you. Just you wait!}
Fang Shixiu thought over his request once more for a moment, but, in the end, he again refused.

Bastard! You think you're all that? Just watch. Next time, I'll beat the crap out of you. Just you wait!

_{"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."}
"No, it would be highly improper."

"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."

_{After walking inside, Ximen Rongruo glanced around the room. "This place is a bit shabby. It's too unfair to have you live here."}
"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"

After walking inside, Ximen Rongruo glanced around the room. "This place is a bit shabby. It's too unfair to have you live here."

_{Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.}Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu then walked towards the house side by side, but after a few steps, Ximen Rongruo looked behind him to Yan Ran and asked, "Who is he? Is he a servant?"

Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.

_{It was a scene that made the bystander Yan Ran's eyes practically pop from his sockets. Fang Shixiu's gaze was gentle—so gentle as it looked at this guy that it was just like the one he had used towards his sister.}
"Never in my life have I feared such things. My answer is simply based on my own reluctance." Fang Shixiu was simply Fang Shixiu after all, so the words he spoke were not on account of him being overly tactful or polite.

_{In stark contrast, Yan Ran's heart revelled with pride, and for a good while he was internally rejoicing.}
Nonetheless, his words made Ximen Rongruo cast a lowered, dejected gaze, while his teeth bit into his lips for a moment.

In stark contrast, Yan Ran's heart revelled with pride, and for a good while he was internally rejoicing.

_{iana: The cat and mouse games begin!}Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.

iana: The cat and mouse games begin!

_{Letting out an "oh," Ximen Rongruo again looked back to take another look at Yan Ran, who was still standing in the same spot as he did when Ximen had arrived.}"No, it would be highly improper."

Letting out an "oh," Ximen Rongruo again looked back to take another look at Yan Ran, who was still standing in the same spot as he did when Ximen had arrived.

_{"No, it would be highly improper."}
In stark contrast, Yan Ran's heart revelled with pride, and for a good while he was internally rejoicing.

"No, it would be highly improper."

_{"Did you feed him today?"}
Fang Shixiu then added, "Furthermore, apart from your swordsmanship training, as a young master of House Ximen, you also have far too many lessons you need to take care of. I can't possibly disturb you for twelve hours out of the day, so this is also for the sake of your future. You are the only son of your house and should understand the heavy weight of your responsibilities."

"Did you feed him today?"

_{It was as though, in that instant, a bucket of ice-cold water was poured over him and chilled his prior burning heart. Ximen Rongruo was a rare, precious, and delicate flower, while he was just some wild feral creature that roamed around in the wild.}"That old man of yours really is a ruthless bastard, you know. It's been a whole day already. Doesn't he know all you do is cry like a broken doll? Hmph! It's only because you're my sister's son, you know? If it wasn't for that, I would have ditched you by now. Ugh... Still—you're still crying? Look, I'll do another funny face for you. How does it look? You like it? I used to scare the hell out of my sister with this when we were little. Oh, shoot. Are you crying? Are you scared of it too? Shh, shh, shh—don't cry, don't cry, please..."

_{Yan Ran, no longer able to hold himself back after hearing such a proposition, jumped up and started spitting curses. "Can you just quit it already? What are you trying to do? Is Fang Shixiu some piece of meat only you're allowed to feed on? Are you trying to keep him as some secret mistress in a gilded cage, only beholden to you? Don't you see how wrong that is? Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! What the hell does who he wants to take on as an apprentice or where he likes to live have to do with you? Why the hell does he have to listen to you? Do you think you're some kind of divine young master? You think you're all that? And don't look at me with those uppity eyes of yours—they give me the goddamn creeps!".}Yan Ran, no longer able to hold himself back after hearing such a proposition, jumped up and started spitting curses. "Can you just quit it already? What are you trying to do? Is Fang Shixiu some piece of meat only you're allowed to feed on? Are you trying to keep him as some secret mistress in a gilded cage, only beholden to you? Don't you see how wrong that is? Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! What the hell does who he wants to take on as an apprentice or where he likes to live have to do with you? Why the hell does he have to listen to you? Do you think you're some kind of divine young master? You think you're all that? And don't look at me with those uppity eyes of yours—they give me the goddamn creeps!"

_{Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu then walked towards the house side by side, but after a few steps, Ximen Rongruo looked behind him to Yan Ran and asked, "Who is he? Is he a servant?"}
Ximen Rongruo said nothing more about this matter, but after a while, he again raised his head to reveal a clear gaze that no longer possessed any melancholy. It was as though a fire burned within his eyes.

Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu then walked towards the house side by side, but after a few steps, Ximen Rongruo looked behind him to Yan Ran and asked, "Who is he? Is he a servant?"

_{After walking inside, Ximen Rongruo glanced around the room. "This place is a bit shabby. It's too unfair to have you live here."}"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."

After walking inside, Ximen Rongruo glanced around the room. "This place is a bit shabby. It's too unfair to have you live here."

_{"No, it would be highly improper."}He let out a cough to get their attention, causing Yan Ran to finally lift his head and immediately shout upon seeing him: "Hey! You're finally back! This little mischief-maker has been trying to bawl me to death!"

"No, it would be highly improper."

_{Fang Shixiu then added, "Furthermore, apart from your swordsmanship training, as a young master of House Ximen, you also have far too many lessons you need to take care of. I can't possibly disturb you for twelve hours out of the day, so this is also for the sake of your future. You are the only son of your house and should understand the heavy weight of your responsibilities."}
"If you have no will to come to my house, then let it be. However, can you grant me one promise?"

_{For a while, Fang Shixiu stood in place after realising Yan Ran had not noticed him at all and was completely preoccupied with arguing with the little mischief-maker in his arms. Witnessing the sight, Fang Shixiu couldn't help but sigh.}
"What about?"

For a while, Fang Shixiu stood in place after realising Yan Ran had not noticed him at all and was completely preoccupied with arguing with the little mischief-maker in his arms. Witnessing the sight, Fang Shixiu couldn't help but sigh.

_{But Fang Shixiu shook his head. "This place is quite nice. It's quiet and simple, so I like it quite a lot."}Fang Shixiu had already walked into the house at this point, leaving Yan Ran alone in the courtyard while he stood steeping in his anger.

But Fang Shixiu shook his head. "This place is quite nice. It's quiet and simple, so I like it quite a lot."

_{"Is Fang Shixiu here?" Ximen Rongruo asked the moment he saw Yan Ran.}
"That, in this life, you will only accept me as your apprentice!"

"Is Fang Shixiu here?" Ximen Rongruo asked the moment he saw Yan Ran.

_{But Ximen Rongruo gave zero regard to Yan Ran's outburst because, as far as he was concerned, Yan Ran was nothing in his eyes. Eyes that were only trained on Fang Shixiu to the degree that it was almost fanatical.}
Yan Ran, no longer able to hold himself back after hearing such a proposition, jumped up and started spitting curses. "Can you just quit it already? What are you trying to do? Is Fang Shixiu some piece of meat only you're allowed to feed on? Are you trying to keep him as some secret mistress in a gilded cage, only beholden to you? Don't you see how wrong that is? Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! What the hell does who he wants to take on as an apprentice or where he likes to live have to do with you? Why the hell does he have to listen to you? Do you think you're some kind of divine young master? You think you're all that? And don't look at me with those uppity eyes of yours—they give me the goddamn creeps!"

But Ximen Rongruo gave zero regard to Yan Ran's outburst because, as far as he was concerned, Yan Ran was nothing in his eyes. Eyes that were only trained on Fang Shixiu to the degree that it was almost fanatical.

_{iana: The cat and mouse games begin!}"No, it would be highly improper."

iana: The cat and mouse games begin!

_{Letting out an "oh," Ximen Rongruo again looked back to take another look at Yan Ran, who was still standing in the same spot as he did when Ximen had arrived.}
"Yan Ran!" Fang Shixiu shouted in a rage, "Shut your mouth this instant!"

Letting out an "oh," Ximen Rongruo again looked back to take another look at Yan Ran, who was still standing in the same spot as he did when Ximen had arrived.

_{Fang Shixiu then added, "Furthermore, apart from your swordsmanship training, as a young master of House Ximen, you also have far too many lessons you need to take care of. I can't possibly disturb you for twelve hours out of the day, so this is also for the sake of your future. You are the only son of your house and should understand the heavy weight of your responsibilities."}Bastard! You think you're all that? Just watch. Next time, I'll beat the crap out of you. Just you wait!

_{An unfazed Ximen Rongruo glanced at Yan Ran, then said to Fang Shixiu, "This guy is like a powder keg. He's really fun."}With his gaze growing distant, melancholic, he continued, "But there has always been a lack of friends or opponents close to me that were strong enough to challenge me. It is also impossible for me to go anywhere else to study swordsmanship, so your arrival here made me incredibly glad. I was so taken aback when I first saw you, but I was facing my father, so I couldn't dare make that fact too obvious and had to act like a well-behaved child."

An unfazed Ximen Rongruo glanced at Yan Ran, then said to Fang Shixiu, "This guy is like a powder keg. He's really fun."

_{Stunned, Fang Shixiu responded, "Young master must be joking. The rules of the Ximen household are rather strict, so how could an outsider ever be invited to live there casually? Besides, I have daughters, so it would be quite inconvenient."}
But all this earned him was Yan Ran's glare. "Are you some damn pushover who'll let other people play around with you like some toy just to make a living? Pathetic! You damn coward!"

_{"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"}Seeing this, Yan Ran humphed. "Hey, don't underestimate me!"

"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"

_{Despite Yan Ran's excitement, Fang Shixiu felt no special sense of joy.}"Did you feed him today?"

Despite Yan Ran's excitement, Fang Shixiu felt no special sense of joy.

_{Fang Shixiu had already walked into the house at this point, leaving Yan Ran alone in the courtyard while he stood steeping in his anger.}
An unfazed Ximen Rongruo glanced at Yan Ran, then said to Fang Shixiu, "This guy is like a powder keg. He's really fun."

Fang Shixiu had already walked into the house at this point, leaving Yan Ran alone in the courtyard while he stood steeping in his anger.

_N/AYan Ran was walking around the courtyard, swaddling a crying He'ning, cursing with each step he took. "Man, this really is a case of an idiot father having an idiot son, isn't it? Hey, it's me. It's your little uncle who's holding you, so why are you crying, huh? Don't you know I have a really bad temper and a super short fuse? Yet, despite all that, I already spent the whole day squeezing out a smile on my face just for you. So, can you be a good boy and stop crying already? It's really annoying the hell out of me now! When my sister used to hold me like this, I used to smile like it was the best thing in the entire world! So what's wrong with you, huh? Why aren't you smiling? If you don't smile this instant, I'll pinch you right on the butt!"

N/A

_{"...Lord Ximen?" Yan Ran's eyes widened in shock.}
These words of his had almost made Yan Ran really turn into a powder keg that would explode into a brilliant show of fireworks, but in the end, he obediently zipped his lips at Fang Shixiu's harsh gaze.

"...Lord Ximen?" Yan Ran's eyes widened in shock.

_{"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"}Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu then walked towards the house side by side, but after a few steps, Ximen Rongruo looked behind him to Yan Ran and asked, "Who is he? Is he a servant?"

"Are you afraid it would become common gossip?"

_{Nodding vigorously, Yan Ran then beamed, "I want to be a swordsman, too! I want to be with you!"}Sitting beside them Yan Ran, who was listening the entire time, couldn't stop himself from interrupting with a blunt: "Bull-!"

Nodding vigorously, Yan Ran then beamed, "I want to be a swordsman, too! I want to be with you!"

_{Nodding vigorously, Yan Ran then beamed, "I want to be a swordsman, too! I want to be with you!"}"Oh, I forgot. But I did give him some water."

Nodding vigorously, Yan Ran then beamed, "I want to be a swordsman, too! I want to be with you!"

_{"Never in my life have I feared such things. My answer is simply based on my own reluctance." Fang Shixiu was simply Fang Shixiu after all, so the words he spoke were not on account of him being overly tactful or polite.}
To Ximen Rongruo, Fang Shixiu, however, said with a grin, "Thank you for your favour. It would be disrespectful for this subject to decline, so you have my acceptance. It would be an honour to have the young master as my apprentice—the greatest honour, in fact."

_{Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.}As he spoke, he reached out to personally help Ximen Rongruo dismount his horse. Well, to be exact, it was more like he lifted the lad down.

Hearing these blunt words, Yan Ran bit his lip while his heart burned with rage.

_{"Deal. You think I'm scared of you!"}Not long after, Fang Shixiu withdrew his sword and placed it back in its sheath. "You think you can enter the ranks of Ximen's swordsmen with that insignificant level of skill? Don't sully the honour of us citizens of Yaoguang."

"Deal. You think I'm scared of you!"

_N/AAfter walking inside, Ximen Rongruo glanced around the room. "This place is a bit shabby. It's too unfair to have you live here."

N/A

_{"That, in this life, you will only accept me as your apprentice!"}
"You're already my master, so there's no need for you to continue calling me young master, too. Just call me Rongruo, all right? Actually, no. There are others who also call me like this. It would be better if you called me Ruo'er. Only my mother calls me this."

"That, in this life, you will only accept me as your apprentice!"

_{"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."}As for Yan Ran, a shiver went down his spine at the moniker as he cursed in his heart: Idiots! Goddamn idiots! Acting all close and shіt... tsk! Gross. So freaking gross! Yuck!

"Fine then. If you avoid three strikes from my sword, I'll recommend you."

_{"That old man of yours really is a ruthless bastard, you know. It's been a whole day already.}
As for Yan Ran, a shiver went down his spine at the moniker as he cursed in his heart: Idiots! Goddamn idiots! Acting all close and shіt... tsk! Gross. So freaking gross! Yuck!

"That old man of yours really is a ruthless bastard, you know. It's been a whole day already. Doesn't he know all you do is cry like a broken doll? Hmph! It's only because you're my sister's son, you know? If it wasn't for that, I would have ditched you by now. Ugh... Still—you're still crying? Look, I'll do another funny face for you. How does it look? You like it? I used to scare the hell out of my sister with this when we were little. Oh, shoot. Are you crying? Are you scared of it too? Shh, shh, shh—don't cry, don't cry, please..."

_{There was pure admiration in Yan Ran's eyes as he looked at the man before him. "You're so awesome! You actually got to be Young Master Ximen's sword master!"}As he spoke, he reached out to personally help Ximen Rongruo dismount his horse. Well, to be exact, it was more like he lifted the lad down.

There was pure admiration in Yan Ran's eyes as he looked at the man before him. "You're so awesome! You actually got to be Young Master Ximen's sword master!"

_{Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu then walked towards the house side by side, but after a few steps, Ximen Rongruo looked behind him to Yan Ran and asked, "Who is he? Is he a servant?"}Fang Shixiu sighed once more, then pointed to a woman behind him and said, "He's starving, so it's only natural he would cry. This is a wet nurse given to us by Lord Ximen, so just hand the child to her. As for the others, they will temporarily serve as our attendants."

Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu then walked towards the house side by side, but after a few steps, Ximen Rongruo looked behind him to Yan Ran and asked, "Who is he? Is he a servant?"

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: The cat and mouse games begin!

Updated every Friday. Raws: Kobo

Advanced chapters on ko-fi

Brother-in-law: C02-2

02.2: A New Start

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