Chapter 25: An Unexpected Visit to the Slum

Could the address Teacher Bai Lio provided truly be accurate? This desolate place scarcely resembled a habitable dwelling.

After confirming his parents’ temporary safety, Lan Wu Xi plunged himself wholeheartedly into preparations for the impending Xuanfeng Manor disciple selection competition. While the system had revealed that the original owner of this body had indeed attained the status of an inner disciple, with circumstances now diverging onto entirely different trajectories, there was no telling what unforeseen perils Lan Wu Xi might suddenly face.

To secure his parents’ genuine liberation, he understood the imperative of becoming an inner disciple. Only then would the Lin family harbor a true measure of caution towards him. After all, what sensible person would provoke a rising genius whose future shone so brightly? There was no inherent life-or-death enmity between them. Should Lan Wu Xi ascend to the ranks of an inner disciple, he was confident the Lin family would cease their persecution of his parents.

Yet, he could not, for a moment, allow himself to neglect a matter of even greater import, for his very life’s trajectory hung in the balance. Since the female lead, Xiao Xue, had rebuffed his proposition to accept her as his disciple, he had not encountered her since.

Thankfully, Teacher Bai Lio had managed to uncover Xiao Xue’s residential address for him. It was a common adage: to capture the thief, seize the king; to fell the rider, target the horse. Consequently, to cultivate a favorable relationship with the female lead, he reasoned, one must first approach her family. At the very least, this was a strategy Lan Wu Xi had gleaned from countless shoujo manga before his transmigration.

‘Cough, cough,’ he mused inwardly, ‘it’s certainly not that our Lan Wu Xi possesses an overly sentimental, girlish heart. It’s simply that an epic-level, eternally single old monster like himself had long since delved into every conceivable genre of manga.’

The outcome, predictably, remained lamentable: possessing a formidable arsenal of flirting techniques, yet finding himself utterly bereft of an opportunity to employ them, with no stage upon which to perform. This, indeed, was a persistent ache in Lan Wu Xi’s heart.

“Could anyone possibly inhabit this place?” he muttered aloud. “It’s almost inconceivable that our female lead could have been born into such surroundings.”

Despite having mentally braced himself, Lan Wu Xi was nonetheless profoundly shaken by the spectacle unfolding before his eyes. Although it was designated a slum, it bore no resemblance whatsoever to a place where human life could genuinely thrive.

The dilapidated houses were, remarkably, considered the most desirable dwellings. Precariously balanced structures, perpetually on the brink of collapse, paradoxically offered the most dependable refuge for the destitute souls who called this place home. Through the fractured roof tiles, numerous small apertures were visible; one could easily imagine peering through them only to be confronted by sights that would irrevocably dampen their spirits.

Even though the Yunxiao Kingdom boasted abundant resources across its vast territories, countless such impoverished slums persisted. The majority of its inhabitants had long since abandoned all hope, their days consumed by the relentless struggle for three meager meals. Comprised almost entirely of commoners, they possessed scant opportunity for advancement, seemingly condemned to drift through their brief lives in this squalid place, lost in a perpetual stupor.

Furthermore, such individuals constituted no small portion of the populace. If one’s forebears had dwelled within a slum, it proved exceedingly arduous for their descendants to ever escape such a fate. To merely eke out a living by performing menial tasks for others was considered a blessing; frequently, even such meager employment proved elusive. After all, for any nation, the most abundant commodity was invariably cheap labor.

As he trod through the murky wastewater, Lan Wu Xi felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. This slum sprawled far more extensively than he had ever conceived, and it marked his inaugural visit. Its intricate layout could easily rival that of a small urban district. It defied belief that Xiao Xue, destined to one day stand supreme among tens of thousands, second only to a single individual, could have been born into such an environment. This revelation only intensified Lan Wu Xi’s profound curiosity regarding her.

“Hahaha, come and catch me!”

He occasionally observed children darting about, seemingly oblivious to the harsh realities of their environment. For them, concepts of social standing and status remained distant, incomprehensible notions. Perhaps they were unaware that they bore the immense weight of their parents’ aspirations, representing the solitary glimmer of hope for liberation from the squalor of the slum.

Should their spiritual energy awaken, transforming them into genuine cultivators, they might just possess the power to alter their family’s fate, to break free from this “hell” of profound suffering and perpetual darkness.

“Excuse me, could you tell me if there’s a young woman named Xiao Xue living nearby, approximately my age?”

Eventually, succumbing to his own abysmal sense of direction, Lan Wu Xi was compelled to seek assistance from passersby. Though the inhabitants of this area had long since witnessed their last vestiges of hope wither away, the ancient virtues of simple kindness, unwavering loyalty, and honest sincerity still coursed through their very veins. Notably, whenever Xiao Xue’s name was uttered, an unbidden smile, often accompanied by a flicker of pride, would invariably grace their features. It seemed Xiao Xue was, indeed, something of a minor celebrity in these parts.

Lan Wu Xi, naturally, harbored a keen understanding of the underlying reasons. For countless souls, the aspiration of escaping the squalor of the slum to cultivate within Xuanfeng Manor represented the ultimate dream. In the eyes of these downtrodden individuals, esteemed sects like Xuanfeng Manor were unequivocally the prime locations for a “carp to leap over the dragon gate,” offering a transformative path. Innumerable denizens yearned, with fervent hope, for the day they might shed the shackles of this slum and seize dominion over their own fates.

Yet, reality proved perpetually dissatisfying, or perhaps more accurately, utterly brutal. Nevertheless, Xiao Xue shone like a luminous beacon, re-illuminating the long-lost path for these despairing souls. Unbeknownst to many, this young woman had, at some point, begun to shoulder the collective expectations of an entire populace. This realization prompted Lan Wu Xi to feel a slight surge of gratitude that he did not reside in this place, for with his temperament, he surmised, he would almost certainly have found it unbearable.

In this manner, the search, which he had braced himself for as an arduous endeavor, concluded with remarkable swiftness. Virtually every resident in this district was intimately familiar with the fortunate young girl. Guided by a benevolent woman, Lan Wu Xi soon arrived at Xiao Xue’s place of residence.

In truth, Xiao Xue’s living quarters were comparatively spacious, even boasting a seemingly sizable courtyard house. However, the ubiquitous dust, the wooden gate that had clearly suffered damage for untold years, and the pillars and beams, long since consumed by the relentless erosion of time, all silently attested to the fact that this family’s situation appeared far from prosperous.

“Dong dong dong!”

Despite the wooden door being extensively damaged, capable of opening with a mere gentle push from Lan Wu Xi, he considered himself, in a manner of speaking, an uninvited senior brother. To unceremoniously enter would undoubtedly be impolite. Therefore, Lan Wu Xi offered a light tap upon the grand door, a gesture intended to convey his respect.

“Why bother knocking?” a voice snapped. “Our door isn’t even locked, truly.”

A decidedly vexed voice promptly reverberated, causing Lan Wu Xi to momentarily falter in his stance. Several ‘black lines’ — a visible sign of exasperation — instantly materialized on his forehead as he slowly lowered his hand, then pushed the door inward. Clearly, he mused, in this particular locale, it would be prudent to refrain from actions that defied conventional behavior.

“You are…?”

A woman, her head adorned with a scarf, gasped in surprise at the sight of Lan Wu Xi’s utterly unfamiliar countenance.

“Uh… hello, Auntie,” he began, a slight awkwardness in his tone. “I am the female lead’s… that is, Junior Sister Xiao Xue’s senior brother. I’ve come specifically to pay Junior Sister Xiao Xue a visit.”

“Visit Xue’er!”

Hearing Lan Wu Xi’s words, the woman’s eyes narrowed, scrutinizing him intently for an extended moment. A brief, tense silence settled between them. Lan Wu Xi, however, remained unperturbed, meeting her gaze directly. After all, his words were nothing but the truth, and he harbored no fear of her suspicions. Moreover, even if some misunderstanding were to genuinely erupt, with his current cultivation at the high-tier of the Profound Wheel, escaping from this assembly of ordinary mortals would prove utterly effortless.

“You claim to be Xue’er’s senior brother,” the woman inquired, a hint of suspicion in her voice. “Are you, then, also from Xuanfeng Manor?”

“Indeed,” Lan Wu Xi affirmed. “I had a conversation with Junior Sister Xiao Xue not long ago, and my purpose in coming here today is specifically to visit her.”

“Oh,” the woman drawled, a subtle inflection in her tone. “Merely a visit, you say?”

Perceiving the slight shift in her vocal inflection, Lan Wu Xi, anxious lest she harbor any misapprehensions, hastened to elaborate.

“Um, I was wondering if Junior Sister Xiao Xue is presently here,” he stammered slightly. “If she isn’t, I happen to have some spirit stones which I thought…”

“What are you doing here!”

Before Lan Wu Xi could complete his sentence, a voice, laced with sheer disbelief, abruptly interrupted him. At some point, Xiao Xue had appeared, her gaze fixed upon Lan Wu Xi with an expression akin to one who had witnessed a specter. Had she not simply declined his invitation? Yet, he persisted like a malevolent spirit, relentlessly hounding her, and now he had even intruded upon her home to harass her family. Such a display of character was nothing short of utterly contemptible.

“Junior Sister Xiao Xue!”

Upon catching sight of Xiao Xue, a flicker of hope ignited within Lan Wu Xi’s eyes. She was, after all, the crucial figure in his future scheme to elude the male lead’s clutches. Perhaps his previous overture had been overly impetuous; any individual would naturally exercise caution when faced with such an abrupt invitation. He vowed not to repeat that error. He would, without fail, deploy every stratagem at his disposal to ‘capture’ this female lead and forge a truly beneficial relationship with her.

“W-what precisely is it you desire?!” Xiao Xue demanded, her voice trembling with indignation. “Are you still fixated on my rejection, now intent on exacting revenge upon my family? I will absolutely not allow you to succeed! If you so much as lay a hand on my loved ones, I, Xiao Xue, swear to become your mortal enemy!”

The moment Xiao Xue’s words reached his ears, Lan Wu Xi’s carefully maintained smile instantly faltered, his heart plummeting by more than a mere fraction. Surely, he had been grievously misunderstood. Did he inherently possess the visage of a villain? How could he possibly resemble the person Xiao Xue so vehemently depicted? The notion was utterly ludicrous.

“It’s all a misunderstanding, truly, a misunderstanding!” Lan Wu Xi hastily interjected. “I, your Senior Brother, came here with absolutely no ulterior motives.”

“I wouldn’t believe a single word from you!” Xiao Xue retorted sharply. “People like you are undoubtedly arrogant, self-important individuals. I, Xiao Xue, am destined to surpass all of you in the future and become the continent’s undisputed empress!”

‘Funny you should say that,’ he mused inwardly, ‘your dream actually does come true in the future.’

After that internal remark, Lan Wu Xi was about to speak when the woman clapped her hands together, a warm smile gracing her lips.

“Now, now, Xiao Xue,” the woman chided gently, “I don’t believe your Senior Brother is quite as spoiled as you make him out to be. Since he has gone to such lengths to visit you, don’t just stand there idly. Invite him in at once! I’ll go butcher the chicken we have at home and prepare a proper feast to welcome your Senior Brother.”

“Mom, how could you?” Xiao Xue protested, her voice laced with dismay. “That chicken was meant to be sold for Grandpa’s sake…”

“Xue’er!”

“Mom… I get it.”

Thus, Lan Wu Xi was ushered into the main hall by a visibly seething Xiao Xue, her phoenix-like eyes burning with repressed anger, her teeth audibly grinding.

What was optimistically termed the ‘main hall’ was, in reality, little more than a slightly oversized table accompanied by a few chairs. Xiao Xue’s parents, with an air of solicitousness, even meticulously brushed dust from the stools with their sleeves before inviting Lan Wu Xi to be seated, a gesture that only served to heighten his discomfort. All the while, Xiao Xue’s gaze, as frigid as hoarfrost and snow, continued to prickle unpleasantly against Lan Wu Xi’s back.

“Speaking of the disciples from Xuanfeng Manor,” Xiao Xue’s father remarked, “we have long heard the rumors. It is said that every one of them possesses extraordinary talent. May I inquire, young master, as to your current cultivation level?”

“Me?” Lan Wu Xi responded. “Currently, I believe I’m at the high-tier of the Profound Wheel.”

Thus, he found himself conversing casually with Xiao Xue’s parents, while Xiao Xue herself listened nearby, cradling a delicate young girl in her arms.

“Oh, this is Xiao Xue’s younger sister,” Xiao Xue’s mother explained, noticing Lan Wu Xi’s curious glance. “Don’t mind her; she’s even closer to her sister than she is to us.”

Xiao Xue, with an affectionate gesture, gently stroked her little sister’s head. The tenderness in her eyes, reminiscent of a gentle breeze, made it utterly impossible to reconcile her with the cold, distant figure she presented at Xuanfeng Manor.

Lan Wu Xi felt a bead of sweat trickle down his back. The younger sister and the older sister bore absolutely no resemblance to each other. The younger sister possessed a porcelain doll-like beauty, her exquisite features appearing as if meticulously carved, inspiring an irresistible urge to embrace and cherish her.

Xiao Xue, however, exuded not a single trace of the charm typically associated with her age. Her entire being lacked vitality and animation; when silent, she was no different from a walking corpse.

“Lan Wu Xi, you are so young yet possess such formidable strength,” Xiao Xue’s father observed. “I imagine many young women must pursue you, no?”

“Hahaha, Uncle, you jest,” Lan Wu Xi chuckled, shaking his head. “How could someone like me attract any girls? Besides, I’ve resolved not to pursue romance until I become the chief disciple.”

“The chief disciple!” Xiao Xue’s mother exclaimed, her eyes widening. “That’s an incredibly ambitious goal. For our Xue’er, we would be perfectly content if she could simply graduate safely.”

“Hmph! He’s nothing but a privileged scion relying on family power!” Xiao Xue interjected coldly, her brows furrowed slightly, clearly revealing her disdain for Lan Wu Xi’s apparent arrogance. “The position of chief disciple isn’t something people like you can simply claim!”

“Xue’er!” her mother admonished sharply. “Is that how you speak to a guest? He came all this way specifically to see you. Is this how I taught you hospitality? Apologize at once!”

“It’s quite alright, really,” Lan Wu Xi interjected smoothly. “My parents are merely ordinary merchants, and I’ve simply worked a little harder than others.”

“As expected of Young Master Lan!” Xiao Xue’s father praised. “While our Xue’er does possess some talent, she pales in comparison to you.”

After a brief exchange of flattery, Lan Wu Xi subtly steered the conversation toward his true purpose.

“Uncle and Auntie,” he began, “I heard from my teacher that your family faces some difficulties. Therefore, I’ve specially prepared some spirit stones and healing medicine for you. Please don’t despise them; consider them a small token of my regard.”

Lan Wu Xi touched the ring on his finger, and a pouch filled with spirit stones materialized, which he then placed on the otherwise empty table. Following this, he produced several exquisitely crafted bottles from the ring. A faint, pleasant medicinal aroma wafted from them, indicating their high quality—a truly generous offering.

“This… this won’t do!” Xiao Xue’s mother exclaimed, rising to wave her hands in refusal. “You’ve been far too extravagant. Our Xue’er cannot possibly accept such a profound kindness.”

Although their family was indeed in dire need of such items, their innate kindness prevented them from accepting such precious gifts for free. The mere amount Lan Wu Xi had casually produced amounted to their entire annual income.

Moreover, healing medicines were exceptionally rare and valuable, often surpassing even the most expensive herbal remedies found in pharmacies. They were typically rewards offered by influential families to entice and recruit cultivators. For ordinary people, their effects were even more remarkable, underscoring their immense worth.

“Please take them back,” Xiao Xue’s mother insisted, her tone firm. “Our family cannot bear such a debt of gratitude. If you have something to say, please state it directly, without beating around the bush.”

“Yes,” Xiao Xue’s father agreed, “these items are far too valuable; we absolutely dare not accept them.”

Witnessing Xiao Xue’s mother’s unyielding stance, Lan Wu Xi realized that pushing further would only be counterproductive. He nodded gently, then turned to Xiao Xue, contemplating for a moment before speaking softly.

“Junior Sister Xiao Xue, could you come over for a moment? There’s something I wish to discuss with you!”

“Hmm? Are you…”

Xiao Xue eyed Lan Wu Xi warily, taking a slight step backward.

“You pervert, are you finally going to make your move on me?”