Serena’s meaning was clear—Victor Yun understood instantly, and so did William. As soon as Victor left, William anxiously asked, "Serena, do you really have confidence in treating Victor?"
He didn't want Serena getting tangled in troublesome matters. Back when Serena said she would treat Holden Cui, he already thought it was a bad idea.
Holden Cui's illness was just too tricky. If she succeeded, everything would be fine, but if she failed, Serena would be in trouble—the Cui clan wouldn’t blame fate or Holden’s luck; they’d only accuse Serena of lacking skill and causing his death.
"His condition is actually my strongest field. Don't worry—if I weren't confident, I wouldn't do it. I haven't forgotten that he's not just a patient, but also the Grand Heir of the Yun clan." Serena knew William was worried for her, so she gave him the most reassuring answer.
As long as she could give Victor a thorough examination and understand exactly what was going on with his brain tumor, she'd know whether she could treat him or not.
After all, without a clear diagnosis, any promises would be meaningless.
"Then I can relax." Serena's words meant she already had a plan in mind.
Worry as he might, William had never liked interfering in Serena's life—he certainly wouldn't force his own opinions on her.
"Serena, what do you plan to do about Sean Xuan?" Serena had sent Victor away, clearly wanting to discuss this matter with William alone.
You had to know—Sean Xuan was the Young Palace Lord of Skyvault Palace Sect. Their conflict with Skyvault was no secret, and as Young Palace Lord, he was bound to know. Yet he still stubbornly insisted Serena was his fiancée. That alone was enough to make them all suspicious.
Maybe this is a good opportunity.
Nothing. Either way, I’m never going to marry him. If Sean Xuan keeps pushing, I’ll just tell him directly: I’m not pure anymore, and the rumors about me losing my virginity before marriage are true—would he still want to marry me then?
She knew how much damage those words could do, but even as a modern woman, she wouldn’t say them unless absolutely forced. She hated putting her chastity out in the open for everyone to judge—it felt awful.
Then why let him stay? William was certain Serena had her own reasons for keeping Sean Xuan around.
Even if I didn’t let him stay, he wouldn’t leave. He waited eighteen years on a jade token and a joke, not even knowing if I existed. You can’t chase off someone like that with a few words. Serena realized Sean Xuan was as stubborn as she was—she’d won over Ninth Royal Uncle with her own persistence.
It’s just a pity… Sean Xuan showed up too late. If he’d arrived earlier, with that kind of devotion and seriousness, she might have agreed to marry him—even if she didn’t love him—if she hadn’t met someone who truly moved her.
She didn’t know if love would ever happen, but she knew Sean Xuan was a responsible man. Marrying someone like him would mean a peaceful, happy life.
Too bad—Sean Xuan came too late. Her heart already belonged to someone else.
So what’s your plan? If she wanted him to step in, he’d be happy to do it.
I’m never going to marry him, even if there’s an engagement. Besides, I need to observe mourning—my parents’ remains were just found. When the snow stops, I’ll pick an auspicious day to bury them, then start mourning. Double mourning means six years.
After six years, I’ll be an old maid. No one will want me.
William rolled his eyes with perfect grace. He hated doing anything so undignified, but Serena always understood what she shouldn’t and missed what she should.
Mourning?
Serena, your parents died more than ten years ago. You’ve finished mourning long ago. That excuse won’t work. Forget it—I’ll talk to Sean Xuan myself. He’s only just met you; there’s no real feeling there. Getting him to give up shouldn’t be hard.
Serena nodded. "William, I asked you here because I want you to talk to him. From what he said, he really dislikes Sienna. Plus, he and Sienna are half-siblings. I think we can use that—maybe Skyvault Palace Sect isn’t as mysterious as we thought."
Their biggest problem was knowing nothing about Skyvault Palace Sect—not even its layout. If they could persuade Sean Xuan, it would be a great idea.
Don’t blame Serena for her genius ideas—it’s simple…
Sean Xuan is Young Palace Lord, not the Palace Master. He has a half-brother, and his father is still young. Becoming Palace Master will be hard.
Forget becoming Palace Master—his half-brother might not even let him live. Power struggles always mean climbing over your own brothers.
That’s how it is in the royal family, and it’s the same in noble sects. There’s only one throne—even if you don’t fight, no one will believe you. Clear away every obstacle to reach the top, and it’s better to kill the wrong person than to let one go.
Let me think." William didn’t agree immediately; he sorted out his thoughts first.
Yesterday, he received news from Ninth Royal Uncle. Nolan said he’d persuade Prince Damien, Prince Terrence, and even drag Night City in. His only demand: all three must suffer heavy losses—go home empty-handed and ruined.
Fine, he admitted Nolan’s move was brilliant—classic “using another’s knife to kill.” He was revising his plan to attack Skyvault Palace Sect, and Sean Xuan’s arrival was a great opportunity. If Serena was right about using him, then Prince Terrence, Prince Damien, and Night City would suffer badly.
Dream on if you think you can take advantage of me and Nolan!
Anyone who schemes against Serena, or even drags her parents into it, deserves to be ruined. If he didn’t make them pay, he wouldn’t be William.
After a moment’s silence, William prepared to find Sean Xuan. He told Serena, “Don’t worry about this.”
Serena nodded in perfect agreement—this wasn’t something she could handle anyway.
Talking to smart people is easy. William found Sean Xuan, revealed his identity, and skipped all the fiancé talk—he went straight to the point.
You want me to help you attack Skyvault Palace Sect? Do I look stupid to you?" Sean Xuan hadn’t expected William to open like that—it wasn’t how noble heirs usually behaved.
What’s a noble heir? They’re wolves in gentleman’s clothing—hiding cruelty behind a mask of grace. They never show their true motives, just circle you with pretty words until you foolishly sell yourself.
A three-year-old who survived without parents and learned martial arts—no one would call you stupid. That’s why I’m sure you’ll work with me." William didn’t beat around the bush, knowing Sean Xuan wasn’t naive.
When talking to smart people, you have to speak plainly—that’s how you show you’re sincere.
Looking back, William thought their preparations had been poor. If Sean Xuan hadn’t appeared, they wouldn’t even know Skyvault Palace Sect had someone like him.
You know I’m not stupid, yet you still want me to work with you? Do you really think I’d help destroy my own home? Even if I agreed, would you dare trust me? Aren’t you afraid I’d betray you?" Sean Xuan admitted he didn’t like Sienna, but that didn’t mean he’d betray Skyvault Palace Sect.
He was Young Palace Lord of Skyvault Palace Sect—he had his own responsibilities.