Chapter 30 Xia Family
Northern Part of Shanxi County, Red Maple City.
In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.
With the help of the concealment array, Shangguan Yi and Shuang'er didn't face any problems on the way. They arrived in Red Maple City in a month.
The cost of continuously activating a level 3 array for the entire month was 100,000 essence stones. Of course, Shangguan Yi thought it was worth the amount and didn't hesitate to use them.
Red Maple City is one of the 36 cities under Shanxi County, situated in the northern part of Shanxi, three cities away from the border city. It is ranked as a mid-sized city, with a population of 20 million, including around 2 million cultivators.
The power structure of the city consists of the City Lord Manor, three great families, two great sects, and one Azure Cloud Pavilion.
Recently, a branch of the Azure Cloud Pavilion had retreated to Xi'An, causing quite a change in the power structure.
The three great families and two great sects are not on the same level as those in Xi'An City; at most, they are comparable to the high-grade families in Xi'An.
The City Lord Manor here is ruled by the Fu Family, a family of a great general.
Shuang'er's full name is Xia Wushuang, and she is from the Xia Family, a mid-grade family in Red Maple. When chaos happened in the city, there was a high chance of them being drawn into the storm of conflicts between the high-grade families. Despite leaving the family for years, Shuang'er, as the Young Lady of the Xia Family, still worried about her family, so she wished to come back here all along. Shangguan Yi was looking for a new place to cultivate, and Shuang'er's family was not a bad choice for him.
After cultivating the Everlasting Firmament Flame Technique, Shangguan Yi found that chaotic times were the most perfect for cultivation, though it required courage to accomplish it.
As of now, Shangguan Yi and Shuang'er were standing in front of the gate of Red Maple City.
Red Maple City deserved its name as he could see red maples everywhere his eyes swept. There was even a giant maple tree in front of the city gate, taller than the city wall in some way.
Shangguan Yi observed it for a while before entering the city with Shuang'er without being noticed by anyone. His concealment array was of a higher grade than the city's protective array, so it couldn't detect him. They passed into the city smoothly. Shuang'er knew her duty; she switched to the front and guided him to her family.
The Xia Family occupied a small mountain in the northwest corner of Red Maple City. It was a family with a hundred years of foundation. The current patriarch is Xia Feng, a level 7 Foundation Establishment cultivator, who is Shuang'er's father.
Shangguan Yi and Shuang'er arrived at the Xia Family 30 minutes later. There were two guards protecting the gate. These two guards were not cultivators but level 10 Body Refining Practitioners.
Shangguan Yi didn't alert them as he directly entered the Xia Family without canceling the concealment array. Upon entering the family, what greeted him were red buildings shaped like maple leaves, placed orderly like a maple tree. He felt as if he were standing in the trunk of the tree.
Shangguan Yi wasn't in a hurry to inform the Xia family members of their arrival. Instead, he signaled Shuang'er to guide him on a tour around the family.
Shuang'er nodded and began with the west part of the family, which housed the martial ground where the younger generation practiced their martial arts. This area was bustling with activity.
"Did you know that Young Master Xia Xiu broke through to the Foundation Establishment Realm just a day ago?"
"I heard about it this morning. Young Master Xia Xiu is the patriarch's son, and breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm at the age of 23 is impressive. However, he still pales in comparison to Young Master Xia Kong, the great elder's son, who achieved the Foundation Establishment Realm two years ago."
When Xia Kong's name was mentioned, everyone's expressions turned solemn.
"That's right, Young Master Xia Kong's talent is second only to Young Lady Wushuang's. But it's a pity she left the family seven years ago."
"I heard that Young Master Xia Kong is in love with Young Lady Wushuang and wanted to look for her after his breakthrough, but many elders and the patriarch stopped him."
As their conversation began, the martial grounds buzzed with chatter and sparring.
Young disciples could be seen sparring with each other, their movements varied and dynamic. Some moved with swift precision, executing techniques with a practiced ease that spoke of years of training. Others were slower, their motions more deliberate as they focused on mastering the basics. Among them, a few stood out with their proficiency, their strikes and parries executed flawlessly. Meanwhile, the newer disciples, still learning the ropes, moved with a certain tentativeness, their eyes filled with determination as they watched and mimicked the more experienced martial artists. The air was filled with the sound of clashing weapons and the grunts of exertion.
To one side of the martial ground stood the weapon hall, where the weapon refiners were hard at work, refining and forging weapons for the family. The heat from the forges mixed with the scent of molten metal, and the rhythmic hammering created a constant background noise.
Moving on to the east part of the family, they arrived at the library, a serene and quiet place compared to the lively martial ground. The library was a grand building filled with shelves upon shelves of scrolls and books, meticulously organized. This was where the family kept their collection of cultivation techniques and combat techniques. The air was filled with the faint scent of aged parchment, and the atmosphere was one of quiet reverence.
Next to the library was the mission hall, a busy place where family members gathered to receive and report on various missions. The walls were adorned with charts and maps, and a steady stream of people moved in and out, discussing assignments and sharing news.
After an hour of wandering through the different parts of the family, Shuang'er led Shangguan Yi to the main hall, specifically to the patriarch's room where Xia Feng was dealing with family matters. The room was spacious and adorned with various artifacts and ancestral portraits, lending it an air of authority and tradition. Xia Feng, a middle-aged man with a solemn face, was engrossed in his work and did not notice their arrival. He meticulously sorted through documents and occasionally paused to make notes, his expression one of deep concentration.
Shangguan Yi observed quietly for a moment before canceling the concealment array. Xia Feng immediately sensed the presence of outsiders in the room and stood up in alarm, his aura flaring as he prepared to defend against the intruders.
"Who?"
However, his expression quickly shifted from aggression to surprise and then to joy as he recognized Shuang'er. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of his daughter, whom he had not expected to see.
"Shuang'er?" he exclaimed, stepping forward with a mix of surprise, excitement, and happiness. The father and daughter exchanged words and expressions, their reunion filled with emotion.
"Father," Shuang'er said softly, tears welling in her eyes. "I've come back."
Xia Feng embraced her warmly, his stern demeanor melting away. "You've finally come back, my daughter. It's been too long."
After their heartfelt reunion, Xia Feng's attention shifted to Shangguan Yi, who had found a seat for himself and was sitting calmly, observing the interaction. Shuang'er quickly introduced Shangguan Yi to her father. "Father, this is Young Master Shangguan, a high-grade pill refiner."
Xia Feng's eyes widened in respect and curiosity upon hearing this. He greeted Shangguan Yi politely, bowing slightly. "Young Master Shangguan, it is an honor to have you in our home. Your reputation precedes you."
Shangguan Yi nodded graciously, acknowledging the patriarch's respect. "The honor is mine, Patriarch Xia."
Xia Feng couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The fact that Shangguan Yi had been able to enter the room without alerting him indicated this young man had a formidable level of cultivation. Moreover, he noticed the aura of a sixth-level Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator emanating from Shuang'er, which added to the mysterious and powerful presence of Shangguan Yi.
"Please, make yourself at home," Xia Feng said, gesturing to the room. "We owe you a great debt for taking care of Shuang'er."
Shangguan Yi replied calmly, "It's just a small matter. By the way, I will be staying with the Xia Family for my cultivation."
Hearing this, how could Xia Feng dare to reject, he nodded politely, his eyes filled with gratitude and curiosity. "Of course, we are honored to have you here. You will be given the best room in our family."
Shuang'er smiled and gestured for Shangguan Yi to follow her. "Come, Young Master, I'll show you to your room."
As they walked through the Xia Family estate, Shuang'er pointed out various features and landmarks, her voice soft and warm. "This is the meditation garden, where our elders often cultivate. And over there is the dining hall, where we have our meals together."
Shangguan Yi listened attentively, his eyes scanning the surroundings with interest. "Your family has a peaceful and well-organized estate."
Shuang'er nodded, feeling a sense of pride. "Yes, it has been maintained this way for generations."
They reached a well-appointed room with large windows overlooking a serene garden. "This will be your room," Shuang'er said, opening the door and letting him in.
Shangguan Yi stepped inside, noting the elegant furnishings and the sense of tranquility that pervaded the space. "Not bad," he said, turning to Shuang'er. "You can leave and come again in the evening."
Shuang'er blushed slightly. "If you need anything, please let me know."
After ensuring Shangguan Yi was settled, Shuang'er made her way back to her father's study. She found him deep in thought, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the wooden desk.
"Father," she said softly, drawing his attention. "What do you want to know? Just ask me."
Xia Feng looked up, his eyes searching hers. "Shuang'er, tell me everything about Young Master Shangguan. Who is he, really? And how did he come to take you under his wing?"
Shuang'er took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Father, Young Master Shangguan is a powerful cultivator and a high-grade pill refiner of the Azure Cloud Pavilion. He just faced a trouble in cultivation and wanted to go outside."
Xia Feng leaned back in his chair, absorbing her words. "And what are his intentions towards our family? Towards you?"
Shuang'er paused, choosing her words carefully. "He has no ill intentions, Father. He seeks a place to cultivate and, in return, he offers us his protection and expertise. As for me... he has always treated me with kindness and respect."
Xia Feng sighed, a mixture of relief and concern on his face. "I see. I trust your judgment, Shuang'er. But remember, our family's safety and honor are paramount."
Shuang'er nodded, her expression determined. "I understand, Father. You have my word."
Xia Feng reached out and took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "Alright, my daughter. I know you will do what is best for our family."