The Guardians of China, the foremost force in Huaxia's ancient martial arts, have deep roots and attract countless practitioners of ancient martial arts. The Xiahous' family, by contrast, is just a single clan. Even if they could become one of the leaders of the holy war, the difference in power is immense.

Even if the Xiahous' family has a strong foundation, Ye Xunhuan doesn't believe they have the strength to contend with the Guardians of China.

Unless the Xiahous' family has someone who could measure up to the likes of Xie Jun, they might be wary, or if the Xiahous' family has numerous allies.

These thoughts in his heart, Ye Xunhuan did not express them. If he could think of them, Xiahou Yunting certainly must know.

Then Xiahou Yunting started talking to Qiu Ruoxi about the Xiahous' family, but he didn't reveal anything important, just trivial tidbits to help Qiu Ruoxi understand the Xiahous' family's status and other matters.

By the time Xiahou Yunting finished speaking, Ye Xunhuan and Qiu Ruoxi had already finished the meal Mu Shuyi prepared for them. Mu Shuyi also had Uncle Zhong clear away the dishes.

Perhaps because the previous topics were too heavy, no one brought them up again, and somehow the conversation turned to children.

This left Ye Xunhuan and Qiu Ruoxi feeling an unprecedented sense of helplessness.

Why is everyone so obsessed with children?

"Grandma, is my room ready?" Qiu Ruoxi couldn't stand it any longer and had to interrupt. "Take me to see it!"

"Alright, alright, Grandma will take you. If there's anything missing, just tell me, and I'll have Xiaozhong handle it!" Mu Shuyi said to Qiu Ruoxi with a face full of indulgence.

It was clear that in Mu Shuyi's heart, Qiu Ruoxi was a treasure, and she would almost always fulfill Qiu Ruoxi's wishes without hesitation as long as it was within her power.

"Xunhuan, chat with Grandpa while I go check the room with Grandma!"

With that, Qiu Ruoxi pulled Mu Shuyi away.

Once Qiu Ruoxi and Mu Shuyi left, the child-related conversation came to a complete halt, allowing Ye Xunhuan to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Once Qiu Ruoxi and Mu Shuyi left, Xiahou Yunting said to Ye Xunhuan, "You had something to ask me earlier, didn't you? Now's your chance, don't hold it in, or else you'll suffer internal injuries, and I won't be responsible!"

Hearing Xiahou Yunting's humorous words, Ye Xunhuan couldn't help but let out a bitter sigh.

Is this really an old man?

Why is he acting like a child, talking about internal injuries from holding it in?

Can internal injuries even be caused by holding it in?

"Grandpa, I do have some doubts; I just don't know if I should say it!"

"If you want to say it, just say it. If not, I won't force you, but if you end up suffering internal injuries, that's on you!" Xiahou Yunting said, crossing one leg over the other, seemingly indifferent.

Faced with Xiahou Yunting's stubborn demeanor, Ye Xunhuan felt thoroughly defeated!

"Grandpa, you mentioned earlier that the Xiahous' family hasn't acted for fifty years, but as far as I know, they intervened once because of Xie Jun!" Ye Xunhuan decided to voice the thought he had earlier.

"Did that vampire tell you?"

Ye Xunhuan knew Ao Wuheng was sure to tell Xiahou Yunting about Olivia, so he didn't deny it and simply nodded.

"Indeed, the Xiahous' family did intervene once because of Xie Jun," Xiahou Yunting said flatly. "But after that, they returned to peace."

"Grandpa, was Xie Jun really that formidable?"

As Ye Xunhuan asked about Xie Jun, a complex expression suddenly appeared on Xiahou Yunting's calm face.

After a moment's silence, Xiahou Yunting let out a deep breath and said, "Yes, very formidable. He's the most terrifying person I've seen in my life. He mastered the ultimate technique of White-Headed Supreme Scripture, reaching the pinnacle, achieving the extraordinary—a single sword stroke that could light up the nine continents!"

"And he, in the end..."

Just as Ye Xunhuan began to speak, Xiahou Yunting cut him off. "That's all in the past. I don't really want to talk about it, so don't ask about him anymore. Ask about something else!"

Xiahou Yunting's words made it clear to Ye Xunhuan that he shouldn't ask about Xie Jun; even if he did, Xiahou Yunting wouldn't tell him.

This left Ye Xunhuan feeling quite helpless. He had hoped to learn something from Xiahou Yunting, but it seemed almost impossible now.

"Grandpa, can we keep talking about the Xiahous' family?"

"You can talk about whatever you want," Xiahou Yunting said casually regarding the Xiahous' family.

"The Xiahous' family is an ancient martial family, and my mother is just a businesswoman. Logically speaking, Qiu Ruoxi and I shouldn't have anything to do with each other. So, how did this marriage agreement come about? And with your insight, you wouldn't have looked up to the Qin family..."

Xiahou Yunting gave Ye Xunhuan a knowing look. This kid is smart, already trying to probe me indirectly.

"That's something your mother-in-law and father-in-law arranged. I'm not aware of it, and as a person, I don't have much of a class concept," Xiahou Yunting deflected tactfully. "As long as the children are happy and the other party has decent character, I'll support it!"

Xiahou Yunting was essentially telling Ye Xunhuan to ask Xiahou Yutong and Qiu Shuihan to find out the truth, not him, as he claimed to know nothing.

Ye Xunhuan's mouth twitched slightly; he didn't believe Xiahou Yunting at all.

He just didn't believe that Xiahou Yunting would know nothing at all.

However, this old fox's deflection is masterful, telling him to find Xiahou Yutong and Qiu Shuihan, but where could he possibly find them?

Those two are nowhere to be found!

"Where are Mom and Dad..."

"How should I know?" Xiahou Yunting replied without hesitation. "They're adults and don't have to tell me everything!"

Ye Xunhuan was utterly speechless. This old man was determined not to tell him anything.

So, what's there left to talk about?

Just talk about the Xiahous' family?

But Ye Xunhuan wasn't particularly interested in the history of the Xiahous' family or its foundations.

In Ye Xunhuan's view, strengthening his own fists and becoming tougher was the true path. Relying on others isn't a long-term strategy.

After all, the Xiahous' family couldn't always appear like a timely rain whenever he encountered trouble, right?

And Ye Xunhuan wouldn't run to the Xiahous' family every time there's trouble, right?

That completely goes against Ye Xunhuan's style.

Seeing Ye Xunhuan's frustrated expression, Xiahou Yunting looked at him and said, "Come, tell me, how many moves did you use to kill Xuan Shuangzi, and what's your current strength?"

"I didn't really count, but it took quite a while," Ye Xunhuan replied honestly. "As for my current strength, I'm not quite sure, but it should be at the Heaven-Man level, right?"

"What do you mean by should? It either is or it isn't..."

"I haven't encountered anyone at the Heaven-Man level, and no one's told me what it even is..." Ye Xunhuan said bitterly.

"Well, old man, I have time today. Let's go outside and spar a bit, and I'll find out your strength..."

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(PS: Working on the detailed outline; recent updates might not be completed in one go. The remaining two chapters should be out around 9:30 PM if there are no surprises!)

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