Yang Shifei felt slightly awkward, while Luo Xian'er cast a meaningful glance between the two of them.
But just as the atmosphere tensed, Tanxiang quickly averted her gaze, resuming her usual indifference.
"Miss, distinguished guests have arrived to pay a visit."
"…Who is it?"
"A party from the Guardian Stream Sect, newly arrived in East City, and the Little Commandery Princess, who insisted on coming along."
"Show them to the guest hall first, brew tea, and prepare some pastries to entertain them."
"Yes." Tanxiang nodded slightly and turned to leave with graceful steps.
Seeing her react as if nothing was amiss, Yang Shifei felt a slight sense of relief, yet he couldn't help but wonder, unable to guess what the servant girl was thinking.
Luo Xian'er looked thoughtful and glanced sideways at Yang Shifei.
"Would you like to meet the guests with me?"
"Me?" Yang Shifei reined in his thoughts and couldn't help frowning. "From what Tanxiang said, there's a… Commandery Princess among the guests?"
Miss Luo's social circle is becoming increasingly extravagant.
"She is the daughter of Prince Dingjiang, Shang Wutao. His princely manor is in the North City district."
Luo Xian'er's expression was calm. "Although she is a Commandery Princess, her temperament is quite amiable, and she's not difficult to get along with."
Yang Shifei pondered for a moment, then quickly nodded in agreement.
After all, Luo Xian'er had already publicly declared his identity as her 'fiancé'; he naturally had to support her in these situations.
"However, doesn't that sect's name sound a bit strange?"
"It means 'Guardian' and 'Mountain Stream'."
Luo Xian'er cast a reproachful look at him. "Although this sect isn't considered the foremost in the Liang Kingdom, it is one of the considerably large and flourishing major sects, with close ties to the imperial family. Its founding patriarch, along with several disciples, defended Sky Water Gorge two hundred years ago, repelling three hundred elite soldiers and protecting the then-Emperor who had been ambushed. Only then was it bestowed the name 'Guardian Stream'."
Yang Shifei scratched his head and gave a sheepish smile. Good thing I didn't say anything foolish.
Seeing his comical reaction, Luo Xian'er's gaze softened slightly. "Let's go."
Not long after, the two arrived at the Luo Residence's guest hall.
The several young men already seated quickly stood up and cupped their fists in greeting. Dressed in white and azure robes, their hair tied up, swords at their backs, each of them possessed an extraordinary demeanor.
The white-bearded old man leading them was dressed like an accomplished Daoist master, his face wreathed in a benevolent smile. "Eldest Miss Luo. We haven't met in a year, and you've grown taller."
Luo Xian'er walked at an unhurried pace, her voice calm as she replied, "Elder Yan, you also look to be in good spirits. But may I ask where the Little Commandery Princess has gone?"
"Hehe, the Little Commandery Princess is a bit mischievous. She followed your servant girl to the rear kitchen to cause some playful trouble."
"…Never mind. The Commandery Princess knows her limits."
Luo Xian'er looked at the few people behind the old man. "These gentlemen are…"
"They are disciples under my tutelage, around eighteen or nineteen years of age, all considered young and promising talents."
The white-bearded old man, addressed as Elder Yan, said with a chuckle, "This time, I don't expect them to be of much use; it's mainly for them to gain more worldly experience. If there's any dirty or tiring work, they can also run some errands."
The several youths from the Guardian Stream Sect were currently holding their breath, momentarily stunned, captivated by the dream-like beauty before them. They felt that even celestial fairies couldn't compare.
But as their gazes shifted, they soon noticed Yang Shifei accompanying her and all frowned.
Elder Yan also let out a soft sound of surprise. "Eldest Miss Luo, and who might this little brother be?"
"He is my fiancé." Luo Xian'er parted her lips calmly. "Because the engagement was only recently decided, not many people are aware of it yet."
Yang Shifei timely cupped his fists, a polite, neither servile nor overbearing smile on his face.
The eyes of the several Guardian Stream Sect disciples were filled with regret. They hadn't expected such a world-toppling beauty to have already given her heart to someone, and could only sigh with a sense of loss.
They usually supplemented their diligent martial arts practice with extensive reading, so they naturally disdained to commit the base act of stealing another's beloved. They merely felt immense envy towards this Young Master Yang.
But Elder Yan's reaction seemed somewhat excessive.
His eyes suddenly widened, his wrinkled old face filled with shock as he exclaimed, "Eldest Miss, you… when did you find a fiancé?!"
"Not long ago." Luo Xian'er extended a jade-like hand, gesturing for everyone to be seated first. "My maternal family has been urging me for a long time, so I decided to find a fiancé myself to give them some peace. My wish has recently been fulfilled."
Saying this, she gently tugged at Yang Shifei's sleeve, and the two walked shoulder-to-shoulder to the host's seats and sat down.
"It-it was actually Eldest Miss herself who found him?"
Elder Yan's tone was filled with astonishment, his expression shifting indeterminately.
This strange reaction wasn't just odd to Yang Shifei; even the few disciples behind the old man wore peculiar expressions.
Strange.
They weren't anxious, so why was the Elder so agitated?
Looking at the Great Elder's expression, could it be that his purpose on this trip was to propose a marriage for his grandson… Wait, the Great Elder doesn't have a grandson, does he?
The Guardian Stream Sect disciples were completely baffled.
But seeing the uneasy atmosphere, they were all worriedly wondering if they should try to restrain their Elder, lest his excessive reaction frighten the Eldest Miss.
If he caused a scene in someone else's home later, they wouldn't be able to explain themselves—moreover, they wouldn't even be in the right!
"Er—"
Elder Yan belatedly came to his senses, smiled somewhat awkwardly, and stroked his beard as he took a seat.
"This matter was truly unexpected. I never thought Eldest Miss would find such an ideal husband. But I wonder if this matter should be reported to…"
"No need." Luo Xian'er took a delicate sip of her tea, her tone as serene as usual. "This is my own marriage; it has nothing to do with others."
Elder Yan looked as if he wanted to say more but, in the end, it only turned into a sigh. "Then Eldest Miss must take good care of herself in the future. If there's any trouble, our Guardian Stream Sect will also do our best to assist."
"Many thanks for Elder Yan's concern. I will be more careful."
Their conversation was somewhat cryptic, and Yang Shifei listened in a bit of a daze, only understanding that there might be some unknown secrets hidden behind Miss Luo.
Could it be related to her family background?
But fortunately, Elder Yan didn't press further. He chatted with Luo Xian'er about the situation in various parts of the Liang Kingdom and then discussed the recent state of affairs in East City.
Yang Shifei sat quietly, listening quite intently.
Information transmission in ancient times was very difficult and limited. To hear any news from beyond East City was naturally a rare opportunity.
Unfortunately, their conversation was merely superficial, and Elder Yan soon changed the subject.
"It's good that Eldest Miss's life has been stable recently. As for this little brother…"
Elder Yan's gaze shifted, sizing up Yang Shifei with considerable interest. "With such a fair, handsome face, he indeed has the appearance of a refined scholar. I wonder if he has ever achieved any scholarly honors?"
"Elder Yan jests."
Yang Shifei calmly cupped his fists. "This humble one is from Niu Family Village and possesses no scholarly honors. I have only learned a little arithmetic and currently serve as an accountant at Clear Moon Pavilion."
"Ah, then this old man guessed wrongly."
Elder Yan patted his forehead, yet his eyes showed even greater surprise.
Luo Xian'er put down her teacup and spoke faintly, "Not only is he an accountant, but he has also studied martial arts for a few days and possesses considerable strength."
"Oh?" Elder Yan's eyebrow rose, and he chuckled merrily. "Now that is this old man's specialty."
The several disciples from the Guardian Stream Sect also cast curious gazes, secretly appraising Yang Shifei.
His physique was quite good; indeed, he didn't look as frail as ordinary scholars. His eyes were bright, his posture upright—he did have the makings of a good martial artist.
Unfortunately, his age seemed a bit advanced. If he were to start practicing martial arts now, he could probably only achieve physical fitness; it would be quite difficult to even cultivate internal breath.
"Little brother's innate constitution is good, it's just a pity his age is slightly advanced." Elder Yan gently stroked his white beard, his tone mild. "How about I teach you a life-nourishing martial art? It can also strengthen your physique, so you can better care for Eldest Miss Luo in the future?"
Yang Shifei smiled and was just about to politely decline when his sleeve was gently tugged.
Glancing sideways, he saw Luo Xian'er blinking her beautiful eyes, murmuring, "It's alright. Elder Yan has a good relationship with my Luo family. Him teaching you martial arts can be considered a greeting gift from an elder."
"Eldest Miss Luo is right." Elder Yan smiled and waved his hand. "Little brother, please don't stand on ceremony."
"…Many thanks, Senior."
"Why don't you accompany this old man to the central courtyard? I'll demonstrate a few rounds for little brother to see first." Elder Yan patted the armrest and stood up. "In a few days, this old man will redraw a manual and then pass it on to little brother."
Not long after, the group walked out of the guest hall and arrived in a spacious courtyard.
Elder Yan was the first to descend the steps. He rolled up his sleeves and, looking back, laughed heartily. "Little brother, if there's anything you don't understand, this old man will demonstrate it a few more times for you."
Yang Shifei nodded seriously. "I will do my best to remember."
"Hehe, then this old man shall begin."
With that, Elder Yan quickly circulated his qi and regulated his breath. He extended his hands flatly, and his entire aura abruptly changed.
Seeing this, Yang Shifei's eyes flickered.
Although he appeared old and frail, this naturally accomplished aura was truly not to be underestimated; he was indeed worthy of being a sect elder.
Just as he was watching intently, the Guardian Stream Sect disciples beside him were sweating profusely.
What's wrong with Elder Yan today?
They had clearly come to pay a visit, yet the technique he was demonstrating was the most difficult body tempering martial art within their sect.
Even those young geniuses had to endure considerable hardship, toiling for days on end, just to get started. To teach it on the spot now—who could possibly remember it? It was clearly intended to make someone look foolish.
This Brother Yang also looked honest and simple. How could he bully someone who was kindly hosting them?
The Guardian Stream Sect disciples swallowed hard, their palms sweating. They secretly exchanged glances, a plan already forming in their minds.
If this Brother Yang doesn't remember a single move later, they would step up and say a few good words to ease the situation, then seriously teach him a few simple sword techniques, offer him a sword as a gift, and resolve the awkwardness.
If he could actually manage to imitate a move or two, they would praise him generously.
This wasn't an intentional slight; after all, not a single disciple in their entire sect could learn it at first sight. If this person could genuinely learn something from it, they would be filled with admiration.