Li Xuan and Li Family

"I'm sorry little Xue. I… I really want to help… but…."

Li Xuan kept her head down, avoiding Feng Xue's eyes as she muttered her apologies. Anyone who knew her moniker "Ice Queen" will have difficulty connecting her current gloomy expression with the usual cold and aloof persona.

Even the Li Family's guards who accompanied her today were surprised by this side of their young miss. As far as they remember, Li Xuan never showed any weakness in front of other people, even if they were her parents.

Other people always saw her as a precocious and reliable child. Even the elders felt rest assured when they gave her the responsibility to manage most of the family's affairs due to her mature trait.

Little did they know, she was just a shy and lonely girl who had a hard time building relationship with her peerage due to her status as the princess of one of the great families.

Since she was a little girl, many people had approached and befriended her only as a means to climb Li Family's prestige. She also had been set up a marriage for several times by her family, basically treating her as a tool to connect with other great families.

Those experiences hurt her deeply and left a wound in her heart. After that, she kept other people, including her parents, at arm's length as if there was a big wall that prevented other people from getting closer to her.

But then, she met Feng Xue. Her frank and blunt nature left a big impression on Li Xuan and slowly broke the wall apart. They gradually became closer, and Li Xuan gained a true friend for the first time.

When she heard the news about the battle between Feng and Yan Family, Li Xuan became very worried that Feng Xue would be harmed. Despite her position in the Li Family, she couldn't easily mobilize their force to help Feng Family. Thus, she only called her loyal retainers and rushing toward City Lord's mansion.

When she arrived, Madam Feng told her that the battle had already finished long ago, and Feng Xue with Snowy and Heaven Sword trio charged to Yan Family's mansion. Lin Xuan felt a bit relieved when she confirmed Feng Xue was safe and sound.

She excused herself to Madam Feng and went to Yan Family's mansion to catch up with Feng Xue. However, she was once again late as the battle had already concluded. When she saw Feng Xue walked in her direction, she actually felt a little bit afraid that Feng Xue blamed her for her inaction and would lose her one and only friend.

As if she could read Li Xuan's thoughts, Feng Xue's gaze soften, and a warm smile appeared on her face.

"It's okay, Big Sis Xuan. I know it was very hard on you to come here and support Feng Family. I won't blame you, nor you have to feel guilty. Besides, there's only a little casualty on my side, so you don't need to worry about it."

Feng Xue understood the power struggle in Phoenix City was unique. Usually, one city was only occupied by one of the great families. This was the case with the Xi, Wang, and Tang Family, who eventually became the overlord in the western, eastern, and northern parts of the Eastern Region. The southern part of the Eastern Region was influenced by two great powers, Murong and Xiao Family, who ruled different cities. The central part of the Eastern Region was home to four great families: Xiao, Feng, Yan, and Li and three big sects: Heaven Sword sect, Heavenly Blood sect, and War God Temple. But, only in Phoenix City, were there three power to have a root in the same city.

Among the three families inside Phoenix City, the Li Family was the weakest. The difference in power made Li Family in a delicate position. So, when they showed any sign to side with one faction, another party will immediately pressure them. This situation left the Li Family no choice but take a neutral position to maintain the power balance.

These were also why Li Xuan felt helpless and couldn't support Feng Xue even if she wanted to. The stake was so big that her family felt very reluctant to involve in this feud in the early stages. Some elders even think they would only reap the benefit if they play the role of bystander. They only need to watch the other two families tore each other neck and siding with the victor. Who knew they might be the ones who became oriole when the mantis and cicada heading toward their destruction.

Of course, not everyone felt the same. Li Xuan determined to take Feng Xue's side, whatever the result was, and tried to convince her elders to protect Feng Xue and her family at least. However, the elder dismissed the idea and told her to consider the bigger picture and not act solely on her emotions. Li Xuan felt frustrated and decided to take action alone.

"But… As a big sister, I failed to protect you… I…" Lin Xuan bit her lips as she still couldn't let go of her guilt.

"See, I am still alive and kickin'! Look at my skin is still smooth and flawless, not a bit wounded. Stop beating yourself over this, Big Sis Xuan," Feng Xue patted Li Xuan's shoulder and smiled brightly to cheer her up. Anyone who saw that smile couldn't help but smile too. Li Xuan finally felt at ease and rare smile appear on her usually cold face.

"Anyway, we will need Li Family's help for the next few days, there will be a lot of change in Phoenix City." Feng Xue said to Lin Xuan.

"Don't worry, little Xue. This time I'll make sure our family will give full support to Feng Family," replied Li Xuan.

"Okay, I believe you can do it, Big Sis!" Feng Xuan grinned and gave her a big thumb up.

Regaining her confidence and determination, Li Xuan said goodbye to Feng Xue and went back to her home. Feng Xue, Snowy, and the Heaven Sword trio once again set off to City Lord's mansion.

"After we arrive in your home, I'll take Lin Ming and Zi Ling back to the sect and discussing the matter of Phoenix City with Sect Master and the rest of the elders. We need to deploy some disciple to take over the properties you give us. I'll also look for the ingredients for your father and contact Pill Haven. I hope I can invite Grand Master Alchemist Chen Xing to help us concocting the medicine. I'll be off for at least a week before I come back." Elder Yang said.

"I understand, Master. I'll wait for your arrival. Also, when you come back, I'm going to use the Phoenix Blood and Heavenly Rebirth Pill and try to attack the Golden Core stage. I need to get stronger so I can protect what important to me." Her gaze filled with determination.

"It's good if to have that determination. But, I don't want you being reckless and hurt in the process." Elder Yang warned Feng Xue.

"I know my limit, Master. Don't worry," said Feng Xue with a serious tone.

"I'll help too. I'll make sure Xue is not hurt," Snowy said while looking at Elder Yang, which made him laughing very hard: "Hahaha. I can take it easy if you are involved. I'm sure my little disciple will be happy too."

"Yes, yes. Look at her grinning there, she must be delighted," Lin Ming teased.

"First Brother Lin!! You..!!"

"Hahaha. Stop chasing me, I'm just kidding,"

"No! Unless I punch you once in the face, I won't stop!"

"Aah, Junior Sister Zi. Help me..!!"

"You two…"

These silly scene continue until they arrive at the mansion.