Chapter 41: The Fourth Brother Cleans Up the Mess

“Alright, we should head back,” Yue Feng declared, his spirits high after a delightful meal. Wang Yu, fully satiated, sprawled languidly on A-Bao, allowing the loyal companion to pull her along.

The composed young woman walked behind them, completing the picture of a loving family.

“Boss, the bill. Hmm?” As Yue Feng descended the stairs to settle their tab, he once again spotted the two guards who had accompanied Situ Yan earlier.

This time, however, they were led by a youth even younger than Situ Yan (other), yet remarkably mature for his age. He was engaged in a quiet conversation with the shopkeeper.

Inside, Situ Yi, the fourth brother everyone had been waiting for, was utterly exasperated. He had barely managed to escape the onerous curriculum of Heavenly Palace Academy, seizing the opportunity of the Myriad Flame Feast to return home.

Yet, the very first task awaiting him was to rectify the chaos his second brother had caused.

Heavenly Palace Academy, a hallowed ground, functioned less like a traditional sect and more like a university on Earth. The subjects taught were vastly different, and the age requirements were significantly more flexible.

Specialized courses were offered for younger students like Situ Yi. Only after passing a series of trials could they formally enter higher education and become official students of the academy.

Securing a spot in Heavenly Palace Academy’s preliminary education was exceptionally rare. Students were either personally recommended by professors or gained entry through extensive connections forged by powerful factions.

Adhering to the principle of a cunning rabbit having three burrows, Situ Yi’s father had paid a substantial price merely to secure him an interview slot.

Indeed, an interview. Heavenly Palace Academy’s admission process was notoriously strict. Even with a recommendation, it merely guaranteed an interview; failure meant immediate rejection, with virtually no exceptions.

Situ Yi, being exceptionally intelligent, had successfully passed the trials. He was confident in his prospects of advancing to the higher division.

However, this was not the ultimate goal for Situ Yi or the Situ family. Their true objective was to complete his studies, officially become a professor at Heavenly Palace Academy, and truly integrate into the sacred institution.

The difficulty of this path was immense, as he would contend with talented individuals from across the continent for the position. While the requirements might be slightly relaxed for an internal student, the challenge remained a hellish one. Fortunately, a professor’s strength was only one aspect of the assessment.

Situ Yi had been completely absorbed in his studies at Heavenly Palace Academy, rarely returning home. This time, it was his third brother’s predicament that forced him to set aside his academics.

‘Why am I so unlucky? Couldn’t my second brother just be a little more sensible?’ he mused.

He had just returned home, eager to inquire about family matters, when his father’s words struck him down: “Yi’er, you’re back? Perfect. Your second brother caused trouble again at that Yuanxing hotel. I’ve already confined him. Go handle it.”

‘Sigh. I sometimes wonder if my second brother is truly our sibling. Was his brain damaged at birth?’

After hearing the full story from the two guards who followed his second brother, Situ Yi was speechless. ‘Situ Yan, you’ve been in Flame City for so many years! You know that establishment belongs to Yuanxing.

It’s older than our Situ family’s presence here. Its rules are so strict that even people from the Sacred Lands wouldn’t dare to easily violate them. Who gave you the audacity to harass a respectable woman there?’

Thus, Situ Yi rushed over without delay, intending to apologize and mend relations. It was precisely then that Yue Feng and his companions descended the stairs.

The nearby attendant immediately whispered into Situ Yi’s ear. Situ Yi turned, his gaze meeting Yue Feng’s directly.

“My elder brother offended you earlier. I offer my apologies on his behalf,” Situ Yi said, bowing respectfully to Yue Feng and his group.

“To express my sincerity, the Situ family will cover the cost of your meal today. I hope you will grant me this courtesy.”

Putting aside everything else, Yue Feng and his companions were impressed by this young man’s maturity. Yue Feng had no intention of pursuing the matter further, as he hadn’t suffered any loss.

However, the Situ family’s swift response earned his admiration. They truly were a formidable family, capable of thriving in such a turbulent place.

Wang Yu, her curiosity piqued, asked, “What are Situ Yan (other) and Situ Yan to you?”

Situ Yi paused, turning to Wang Yu. He noticed the exquisite beauty hidden beneath her black robe, and the young woman beside her carried herself with remarkable grace.

It was no wonder his second brother had been overcome with lust. However, Situ Yi was not one to be swayed by such things and quickly replied, “So, you know my third brother.”

“Situ Yan (other), you mean?” Yue Feng clarified. “We had a pleasant encounter on the Flying Cloud Ship. He even helped us find our lodgings.”

“That truly is fate,” Situ Yi replied with a smile. “My third brother has always had discerning taste. For him to assist you in such a way speaks volumes of your extraordinary qualities. If you ever have the time, I hope we can engage in a lengthy conversation.”

Observe his demeanor and way of handling things; this was the art of conversation. With just a few sentences, Situ Yi skillfully glossed over the previous incident, even inspiring a desire for friendship.

At this thought, Wang Yu could no longer hold back and blurted, “If you don’t mind me asking, are Situ Yan and you truly blood brothers?”

Situ Yi gazed at the loli speechlessly. She actually asked! Yet, her bright, intelligent black eyes looked at him with such anticipation that Situ Yi couldn’t bring himself to be angry.

“Yu’er, how can you say such a thing? Look how awkward Situ brother is,” Yue Feng admonished Wang Yu sternly. Then, turning to Situ Yi, he added, “My girlfriend can be a bit blunt, but she means no harm. Please don’t take offense. However, um, are you truly brothers?”

Hearing that she was taken, Situ Yi felt a pang of disappointment. Then, Yue Feng’s words left him at a loss for words. He knew it was offensive, yet he still asked?

The shopkeeper discreetly pricked up his ears, as did the other guests and attendants nearby, all feigning indifference as they quietly awaited Situ Yi’s reply. ‘We’re curious too!’

Situ Yi felt a little flustered. To be honest, he himself had just been wondering if his second brother was adopted.

After a moment of silence, he stammered, “By blood, we are indeed brothers.” ‘But not by intelligence!’ Situ Yi silently added in his heart.

‘They really are brothers. Should I say that dragons have nine sons, each different?’ Yue Feng mused. “Then, many thanks to Brother Situ for treating us today. We shall take our leave.”

“You’re too kind,” Situ Yi replied with a smile, watching Yue Feng and his companions depart. He then bid farewell to the shopkeeper and returned to the Situ family home.

The attendant beside him asked, a little puzzled, “Young Master, you just let them go?”

Situ Yi shot him a glance.

“Otherwise? Beat them up? We were clearly in the wrong to begin with. In Yuanxing’s restaurant, my brother harassed another family’s woman in front of everyone, and then tried to kill someone after being stopped. Is he not satisfied with how much the Situ family has already lost face?!”

The attendant immediately became timid and submissive. “But he still offended the Situ family’s prestige in Flame City. If we do nothing, isn’t that…?”

Situ Yi sneered. “Isn’t what? Since when has my Situ family defended its dignity by bullying the innocent and forcing respectable women into prostitution?!”

Situ Yi stared coldly at the attendant.

“Listen well. My Situ family is respected in Flame City because for 400 years, we have consistently upheld rules and disciplined ourselves.

If that person had provoked us first, I would never have let them off so easily. But, my second brother was foolish, driven by lust. They merely taught him a small lesson. There’s nothing more to say.”

Situ Yi paused before continuing, “My father sent you to follow my second brother not to abet his misdeeds! It was to keep a close eye on him and prevent him from acting foolishly. But it seems you’ve been influenced by him and forgotten the Situ family’s rules. Go to the Enforcement Hall for punishment after we return!”

“Yes!” the two attendants responded in unison.

“Hmph!” Situ Yi ignored the two of them, for he had truly important matters to attend to.

Only after their young master departed did the two attendants relax.

Despite their strength far surpassing Situ Yi’s, his imposing authority had completely suppressed them, making the two, who were accustomed to Situ Yan’s ways, deeply uncomfortable.

‘So, they really are blood brothers?’ With bitter expressions, they headed to the Enforcement Hall to receive their punishment.