We Are Family

Old Master Wang frowned slightly at the sight, acutely aware of the delicate situation at hand. The Super Martial Alliance wielded immense influence, while Ye Chuan's strength and background were equally formidable—not to mention he had helped their Wang family.

Old Master Wang had no desire to be dragged into unnecessary conflict, so he quickly cleared his throat and interjected with a perfectly measured smile.

"Ahem, as you can see, our brother Haotian has already expended considerable energy to secure victory in today's Super Martial Assembly."

"Winning first place was no easy feat, and he truly doesn’t have the energy left to meet with the division head. Perhaps we could reschedule for another time, when everyone can properly engage in discussion?"

Whether it was the overwhelming power of the Super Martial Alliance or the sheer might Ye Chuan had displayed, neither was something Wang Ba wished to provoke lightly.

Old Master Wang knew all too well the trouble that could arise if forced to take sides in such a complex situation.

Sometimes, being a small family caught in the middle was quite the predicament.

It certainly wasn’t as straightforward as being a mere bystander.

The bespectacled man narrowed his eyes slightly at Old Master Wang’s words, giving Ye Chuan a long, penetrating look.

Of course, he recognized the diplomatic evasion.

Exhausted?

Ye Chuan’s opponents had either been instantly defeated or surrendered outright—he hadn’t even moved more than a couple of steps the entire time. There was no way he could be tired. Absolutely no way.

After a brief pause, the man nodded lightly and replied in an even tone, "Understood. I’ll relay your message to the division head."

With a slight bow, he turned and strode away, soon vanishing from sight.

As the bespectacled man departed, Old Master Wang exhaled quietly in relief before turning to Ye Chuan to explain.

"The division head of the Super Martial Alliance is the strongest figure in our region—already at the peak of eighth-level strength. In the world of super martial artists, he’s someone who can make the earth tremble with a single stomp."

If Ye Chuan were willing to meet him, that would be ideal. But Old Master Wang dared not force the issue if he refused.

He much preferred to maintain good relations with Ye Chuan.

He didn’t even dare hope to establish ties with the figures behind him.

Ye Chuan chuckled softly at this. "Just peak eighth-level? Not a big deal."

In his eyes, super martial artists ranked one through nine were merely equivalent to the late-stage Qi Condensation realm. Whether they could withstand even a casual strike from his Supreme-level power was still up for debate.

If he wanted to go all out, he would.

Old Master Wang was momentarily taken aback by Ye Chuan’s dismissive attitude toward a peak eighth-level expert. Rumors flashed through his mind—

Legends spoke of hidden clans and ancient sects where super martial artists of ninth-level and beyond truly existed. But for someone like him, such figures were beyond reach.

"Yanran, escort Ye Chuan and his companions back to rest. Everyone must be tired after today—they should get some proper rest," Old Master Wang instructed, turning to Wang Yanran with a gentle tone.

"Of course, Grandfather." Wang Yanran responded brightly, offering Ye Chuan a warm smile. "Ye Chuan, let me take you all back."

Ye Chuan gave a casual hum of acknowledgment.

...

Night fell, the city lights scattering like stars across the darkness. Wang Yanran drove a sleek black sedan, its soft headlights parting the tide of shadows.

The car was quiet. Ye Chuan tapped away at his phone, replying to Luo Xi’s messages. Bai Qianshuang gazed curiously at the nightscape outside the window.

As for Lan Xiaoke, she had curled into a fluffy white ball in the corner of the seat, fast asleep. Given her ability to alter her appearance at will, she had simply transformed into a snoozing little puff without hesitation.

When the car stopped at a red light, Wang Yanran spoke up.

"Ye Chuan, if not for you, we would’ve been eliminated by the Lei family in the first round of the Super Martial Assembly. If you ever need anything from us in the future, just say the word—we won’t refuse."

Her voice was light as she drove, but the gratitude in her eyes remained unwavering.

For a girl who prioritized family above all else, Ye Chuan’s actions had struck a deep chord.

Ye Chuan didn’t bother with false modesty. "Actually, I could use a car right now."

Wang Yanran didn’t hesitate. "Just tell me the model you want, and I’ll have it delivered to you."

Ye Chuan thought for a few seconds, then shrugged. "I’m not really a car expert. Just pick something practical—an SUV, maybe? Bigger space for daily use."

If flying on a sword weren’t so inconvenient in the city, he wouldn’t even bother with a car.

The Tianxuan Continent was far more freeing—soar wherever you pleased, go wherever you wanted.

Hmm…

Blow up whatever you pleased.

Happy Green Cloud Sect, explosions every day.

Wang Yanran nodded. "Consider it done."

Ye Chuan trusted her efficiency. Handing the task over to her meant one less thing to worry about.

"What’s on your mind? You’ve been staring out the window this whole time." Ye Chuan glanced at Bai Qianshuang, who had been silently absorbed in the passing nightscape.

Outside, skyscrapers pierced the sky like the city’s backbone.

Pale streaks of light flickered across Bai Qianshuang’s face, lending her delicate features a fragile air.

"......" The girl turned at his voice—her neat bangs swayed slightly as she tucked a strand behind her ear, revealing the faint teardrop mole beneath her lashes.

"The view is beautiful."

She missed home.

Ye Chuan understood her mood perfectly.

"I’ll make sure our home is built high enough that the view outside is always this beautiful," he said with a grin.

Our home…

What made a home?

Wherever the people were, that was home.

"Ye Chuan… will we really be family in the future?" Bai Qianshuang’s voice wavered slightly with uncertainty, but she asked anyway.

"Of course," Ye Chuan replied, then smacked the fluffy ball beside him.

"And this thing too."

Lan Xiaoke jolted awake, blinking drowsily. "Huh? Wha—?"

At the sight of her, Bai Qianshuang’s usually expressionless face softened into a rare smile.

Once they arrived home, Wang Yanran bid Ye Chuan farewell and left.

After a shower, Ye Chuan retreated to his room.

"Forty million."

"Time to splurge." He flopped onto his bed, pulling out his phone and opening an app.

He seemed to have forgotten this was originally a rent-paying system—now, his mind was wholly occupied with spending to boost his cultivation.

Ye Chuan had changed his perspective: money could always be earned back, but cultivation progress was his own.

If only there were a way to speed up his advancement…

[Recommended for You: Home Essential—Large Spirit Gathering Array, Limited-Time Offer: 999,999]

[Upgrade?]

"......" Ye Chuan silently eyed the small spirit gathering array in his room.

Might as well.

Money wasn’t an issue.

The moment he upgraded, he immediately sensed the difference—the surrounding spiritual energy density seemed to multiply five or six times over in an instant.