"Don't worry, their family and ours are ultimately friendly clans. No matter how much fuss she makes, it won't go too far. As for my friend, what can she really do?" Tanner Xiao dismissed it directly, then instructed the butler to leave.
After the butler left for a while, someone came up to clear away the chairs, then served dishes. At the colorful table, Evan Yang and Tanner Xiao started chatting.
Evan grew curious and asked, "Who was that woman just now?"
"Her? Someone with a few screws loose," Tanner Xiao laughed.
"Oh? Why do you say that?" Evan only felt the woman was a bit hot-tempered, nothing else.
But what Tanner said next nearly made Evan burst out laughing; he had to force himself not to.
It turned out the woman was Lexi Lynn, the only daughter of the Lynn Family. Since there was no direct heir, the Lynns wanted to recruit a talented son-in-law to become their successor, which naturally attracted many suitors.
But one day, Cyril Xiao—Tanner's father—sent him to the Lynn estate. Tanner had no idea why, so he went, only to find out he'd been tricked by his own dad: he was there to propose marriage.
He even brought some generous gifts that day. But more importantly, Lexi Lynn took a liking to him right away. From then on, Tanner felt like he'd lost half his freedom, with Lexi constantly tailing him.
In the end, he had no choice but to hide from her every day. Whenever she came to the Xiao manor, Tanner would have the butler notify him, then he'd sneak away and have the butler make up excuses to brush her off.
After hearing Tanner's explanation, Evan laughed, "She seems pretty decent to me. Why don't you want her?"
"Decent? She is in some ways, but her voice... If she could tone it down, maybe I'd consider it. But every time she gets loud, I just can't stay calm," Tanner said, frustrated.
"That's something you can fix—just talk to her about it," Evan said with a helpless smile.
"Fix it? That's easier said than done," Tanner replied, making a bitter face.
"For your sake, I've basically offended her. But honestly, I'm not afraid of her—wherever I go, she can't keep up," Evan laughed.
Tanner looked at Evan and said, frustrated, "Are you mocking me? Your strength is greater than hers, so of course you can outrun her. Me? I can only hide and take detours."
"That's not something I can get involved in. It's your own business," Evan said with a smile. After all, it was a private matter, and even if he wanted to help, he couldn't.
"Not necessarily. How about I go out with you for a bit to avoid her?" Tanner, seeing Evan's strength, wanted to tag along for a walk.
"Forget it. If something happens to you, I can't take responsibility," Evan said, shaking his head at the thought of possibly running into some powerful figures.
"Don't worry so much. If anything happens, I'll handle it myself. I promise it won't involve you," Tanner assured him.
Evan still didn't believe him, but Tanner really didn't want to keep hiding from Lexi. He just wanted to get away and find some peace, so he kept talking until Evan's ears were almost numb. Finally, Evan sighed, "Alright, let's just wander around the city. After we leave, you head back on your own."
"That's perfect. I haven't strolled around the city in ages, but I've always been afraid of running into that woman. Now with your help, as soon as we spot her, we'll leave. With your speed, you can easily take me away," Tanner said excitedly.
"Alright then," Evan agreed reluctantly, preparing to stroll around with Tanner and learn more about the outside world.
Soon, the two finished their meal, and Tanner led Evan out of the Xiao manor through a secret tunnel.
"Seriously? You have to use a secret passage in your own home," Evan said helplessly.
"Of course. My dad really has no mercy, doing this to me," Tanner said, frustrated.
"If you're so unwilling, why not just tell your dad? Would he really force you?" Evan sighed.
"Isn't it all because of that Star Lord business?" Tanner sighed.
"Star Lord? What's going on?" Evan asked, surprised and curious.
"Here's how it is: The Old Man of Northridge wants to retire and focus on cultivation, so he's stepping down. He plans to pick a Star Lord candidate from the planet's Ten Great Families, then recommend that person to the higher-ups," Tanner explained to Evan.
"Is that really happening?" Evan was genuinely shocked—after all, that was the ruler of the entire planet.
"Exactly. That's why all the other families are scrambling to win that spot. Lately, the Ten Great Families have been on edge, and even my dad sold me out—literally," Tanner said helplessly.
"So what does that woman have to do with all this?" Evan asked curiously.
"Her Lynn Family is also one of the Ten Great Families, and they're actually the strongest among them. According to my dad, her father doesn't want the Star Lord position, so he can help my dad. So you know what that makes me?" Tanner looked at Evan with frustration in his eyes.
Evan looked like he finally understood, and expressed sympathy to Tanner, "Didn't expect it to be so complicated. Well, I'm not getting involved in your business. Let's go."
"You're really heartless," Tanner, now familiar with Evan, pointed at him, frustrated.
"Let's go. If your friend shows up again, I'm not helping," Evan laughed, then started walking ahead.
Helpless, Tanner could only follow behind Evan, introducing the city as they walked.
Purple Sky City—the biggest families here are the Lynns and the Xiaos. Besides them, there are several smaller clans, but many family branches and merchants gather here, making the city extremely prosperous.
Tanner picked an inn and dragged Evan inside.
There, Tanner ordered fine wine and dishes, and started drinking freely with Evan. "It's so much better outside—I can finally have good wine."
"Your family doesn't let you drink?" Evan was puzzled—he hadn't seen any wine at the Xiao manor.
"Yeah, ever since that whole marriage thing, my dad banned alcohol. He said if I want to drink, I have to propose to the Lynn Family first. So there's no wine at home at all. Tell me, isn't my dad just rushing me into a pit?" Tanner complained.
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"You're something else. No one else would ever find themselves in this situation," Evan laughed.
"Alright, enough with the teasing," Tanner cut him off.
Evan drank leisurely, feeling at ease. Tanner watched, feeling frustrated—when would he ever get to be so carefree?
Just then, a familiar loud voice rang out.
"Oh come on, we just got out and already got spotted? No way it's this fast," Tanner said, frustrated. Sure enough, he turned and saw a group entering at the door.
Leading them was Lexi Lynn, and behind her was another young woman wearing a veil, her face hidden. Four men followed, standing respectfully on either side of the veiled woman.
"There he is!" Lexi Lynn pointed at Tanner Xiao.
Tanner quickly sent Evan a sound transmission, "Hurry, get me out of here."
"Where do you want to go? The only exit's blocked by them," Evan said helplessly. Worse yet, the four men had released their aura—all four were Spirit-Wandering Great Perfection stage.
Hearing Evan's words, Tanner's excitement from the wine vanished. He awkwardly stood up and greeted, "Miss Ling, what a coincidence."
"Brother Tanner, our business can wait. I want to teach this brat a lesson first," Lexi Lynn smiled at Tanner, then shot a sharp look at Evan.
Evan just sat there, sizing up the group. As for the bystanders, once they realized these were Lynn Family members, they quickly cleared out. Judging by the formation, it was obvious Miss Lynn brought trouble wherever she went—everyone was afraid of her.
After addressing Tanner, Lexi turned to the woman behind her. "Sister Xiang, that's him—the one who injured me."
"Injured you?" Evan was pretty sure he hadn't laid a hand on her. He glanced at Lexi, then at Tanner. Tanner sent a helpless sound transmission: "She loves making up stories like this in front of the elders."
"Well, I thought she was kind of cute before, but now? Her image is totally ruined," Evan said helplessly.
Though Evan spoke quietly, Lexi heard him and exploded. "Cute? Ruined image? What do you know, brat!"
"Lexi, you don't seem hurt. What's really going on?" the woman behind her asked softly.
Her voice was clear and melodious—just hearing it felt intoxicating.
"I wonder what the person herself is like," Evan thought, drawn in by the voice. But he quickly snapped out of it and looked at the group with a smile.
"Sister Xiang, I'm serious. He blocked me earlier, so you have to stand up for me," Lexi said anxiously.
The woman looked at Lexi, then at Evan and Tanner, and finally spoke, "Young man, my sister and your friend have something to discuss. Would you mind stepping aside?"
"Still pretty polite," Evan thought with a smile. Tanner, however, was frustrated. "Don't leave! If you go, I'm doomed."
Anyone who didn't know might think Lexi was here for revenge. But Evan had promised Tanner he'd help him in the city, so he said helplessly, "Sorry, miss. I promised my friend I'd stick with him, so I'm afraid I can't agree to your request."
Lexi fumed, "Sister Xiang, see? He thinks he's so great, not letting me be with him."
"So, friend, are you really going to stop them from being together?" the woman asked, a bit puzzled.
Stop them from being together? Evan found it odd, but quickly composed himself and said, "You're misunderstanding me. I'm just helping my friend. If he's willing to go with her, I won't interfere."
Tanner stood by Evan and said, "I'm not going with her."
"You—Brother Tanner, what did I do to offend you? Why are you avoiding me?" Lexi stomped her foot in frustration.
"It's not about offending you—I just want freedom, to travel the world," Tanner said awkwardly.
"You're obviously just avoiding me! And you, brat—Sister Xiang, look!" Lexi said anxiously.
The woman finally sighed. "Well, since that's how it is, forgive us for any offense."