Waiting For The Perfect Woman?

Yiman shrugged his shoulders, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Nothing really. It's just that the other than our special guest, the arrival of Wandering Saint is also causing some stir in our kingdom."

Nadia's eyes narrowed. "The same man who roams around, claiming to cure illnesses, fatigue, and stress through his...relaxing and so-called enchanting procedures?"

Yiman chuckled, nodding. "Indeed. You shouldn't underestimate the fame of the Wandering Saint. Even your ex-father-in-law was fascinated by him after visiting his kingdom. Rumor has it he's looking to establish his business here."

Nadia's eyebrows arched up in surprise, "Really?"

Yiman nodded, adding with a playful smirk, "And did you know? He is said to be incredibly handsome, enough to make women swoon. Some of the infertile women who sought his treatment supposedly ended up pregnant and emerged looking more radiant and beautiful than before."

Nadia scoffed at his words, shaking her head. "That's nonsense. He must be hyping himself up and probably the one getting those women pregnant. I don't believe in these so-called 'saints'. A true saint would take an oath of celibacy and wouldn't touch a woman, even for their so-called enchanting procedures."

Her eyes widened as realization dawned. She turned to her husband with a worried gaze, "Wait, you don't think Olivia..."

Yiman sighed, putting her worries to rest, "I was concerned before, but I don't think there's anything to worry about now."

Nadia huffed, folding her arms across her chest, "Yiman, our daughter is more sensible than you give her credit for. I assure you she would never be interested in such shams nor is her taste for men poor. I have taught her well enough to know to look out for all the dangerous men."

Laughing, Yiman asked with a wink, "Ones like me?"

Nadia furrowed her brows with a snort, "Especially ones like you."

Yiman laughed, "Haha, you don't have to worry. I worry about her the same and taught her everything necessary as well. She is the only daughter I have and I won't let anyone hurt her," His smile was gentle yet firm, his gaze far away, a father's fondness clearly visible in his eyes.

Nadia nodded with a satisfied smile.

Her expression then grew solemn, her azure eyes reflecting a flicker of concern, "How are things progressing regarding Olivia's marriage?" she asked.

Yiman's posture stiffened, his light grey eyes held a certain hardness as he turned to his wife, "Perhaps the reason our special guest is taking the trouble to travel all the way here is to discuss Olivia's marriage."

Nadia's lips curled into a satisfied smile, the corners of her eyes crinkling slightly, "Don't look so glum, Yiman. Only someone with such power and influence could secure the best alliance for our daughter."

Yiman clicked his tongue, his brows furrowed. "I don't want to marry Olivia off so early and I am going to accept only if its a good proposal. Otherwise..." Yiman took a deep breath, his eyes glowing with a hint of nervousness rarely ever seen in such eyes, "I am willing to start a war."

Nadia reached out and gently caressed his arm and said with a teasing smile, "You don't have to get so worried. I know how much possessive you are of our daughter but don't forget we both love her and want what's best for her. And our special guest is the last person to ever start a war against you," she said, her voice soft yet firm.

Yiman nodded, though his eyes became distant as the face of that woman flashed in his mind.

****

The royal sect stood at the heart of the Starsky Kingdom, an embodiment of power and wisdom. The architectural masterpiece was designed like a mountain, each level representing a different stage of cultivation. It was majestic, the edifice shimmering under the sun, the meticulous detailing of the golden dragon motifs signifying its imperial origins.

The entrance was a grand spectacle of its own, adorned with the statues of the kingdom's greatest warriors and scholars, their stoic expressions seeming to guard the knowledge and power within. An enormous gate etched with intricate designs welcomed disciples from all walks of life into the sanctuary of learning.

The disciples, children of both nobles and commoners alike, thronged the premises. Regardless of their origin, they wore the same uniform, symbolizing equality within the walls of the royal sect with the only difference that each uniform differed in colors based on the rank of their strength and expertise.

Their faces bore the determination to climb the ladder of cultivation, to enhance their skills and become invaluable to the kingdom.

With the first light of dawn washing over the sprawling courtyards of the royal sect, a trio of young men walked through the massive entrance. The boisterous laughter of the two leading the group echoed around, adding to the early morning merriment.

These were the brothers Muxan and Luxan, the brawny twins of the High Captain's family, known throughout the kingdom for their lively demeanor and their eye for beauty. Each had the distinct red hair of their mother.

The faces of the brawny twins in the front were the same and similar to their father's while the youngest twin seemed to resemble his mother and had a lean body.

"Hey, Muxan, look at that beauty there! I swear the girls here get prettier every day," Luxan called out, nudging his brother and pointing subtly towards a group of female disciples, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Muxan chuckled, his boisterous laughter drawing the attention of passersby. "You're right, Luxan! They do seem to outshine the morning sun," he agreed, winking at a group of blushing maidens.

A few steps behind them, their younger brother Xulan moved in silent contrast. With his head slightly lowered, the young man navigated the crowd with a gentleness that was both endearing and admirable. His green eyes, a mirror of his mother's, reflected kindness and an unmistakable hint of timidity. He appeared uncomfortable with the loud antics of his brothers, his hands fidgeting as he tried to disappear into the background.

"Hey, Xulan. When are you going to man up and sleep with a girl?" Muxan mocked as he slapped Xulan's back with a loud laugh.

"Oh no no, I think our little brother is going to die a virgin waiting for the perfect woman like mother, right, brother?" Luxan asked with a snort.

Xulan's lips trembled as he brushed off their hands and walked past them silently with his head lowered. He could never get used to his brothers' mocking him about this.

Suddenly, in the bustling atmosphere of the royal sect, a silence slowly descended as an angelic figure appeared at the entrance. A soft gasp of wonder spread through the crowd like a ripple in a tranquil pond, as the princess graced them with her presence.

The ethereal glow around her was not just due to the rising sun casting an illuminating halo around her snowy-white hair; it was the awe-inspiring beauty she exuded, which seemed to silence the world around her.

Her captivating blue eyes were oceans in which countless could lose themselves, and her enchanting smile could kindle hope in the most desolate hearts.

The curve of her well-endowed bosom and the slender elegance of her long legs wrapped in a delicate silver dress were subjects of both admiration and envy, driving men to distraction and making women sigh in silent wistfulness.

She walked gracefully through the sea of salutations and respectful bows, her gaze drifting over the crowd.

The eyes of everyone around her were on her and the boisterous brothers, Muxan and Luxan, were momentarily silent, their flirtatious chatter forgotten as they too stood entranced by Olivia. The admiration in their eyes held no lewdness, only respectful awe for the woman who held their kingdom's heart. They bowed respectfully, their actions echoed by the rest of the crowd.

But the two and the men around them clicked their tongues in displeasure when Olivia approached the most boring man in the sect, Xulan.

Xulan's pair of green eyes lit up like the brightest stars in the night sky as he saw her walking towards him with a warm smile.

No matter how many times he saw this smile, his heart would never get tired of it.

She approached him, each step like a dance in its elegance. Her radiant aura seemed to engulf Xulan, casting a gentle light on his normally timid persona.

The crowd's gaze followed her, landing on Xulan who now looked as conspicuous as a lamb in the presence of a celestial swan.

"Xulan," she greeted warmly, her melodious voice echoing softly in the almost hushed surroundings, "Yesterday you were telling me about a martial art you have been researching, right? Can you tell me more details about it?"