This time, the Xiao Family’s move was swift, precise—and, as expected, remarkably smooth.

With the Sun Family’s ancestor dead, the entire clan collapsed like a tree felled in a storm. What resistance remained was little more than second-rate scraps.

Xiao Zhantian and the Grand Elder sat firmly at the center of operations, keeping a tight watch on the Sun Family’s two remaining early Golden Core elders.

Through a mix of thunderous suppression and softer tactics to divide and win over factions, they devoured and absorbed the Sun Family’s holdings bit by bit, stabilizing the situation with veteran calm.

Xiao Che paused mid-wipe of his sword, suddenly recalling something.

“Wait. What about the Water Moon Sect and the Rockridge Shi Family? What’s their stance?”

Xiao An immediately replied,

“Young Master, rest assured. Water Moon Sect has always been on good terms with our Xiao Family.”

“As for the Rockridge Shi Family, they’ve already sent generous gifts. Patriarch Shi personally came to offer congratulations and made quite the show of goodwill.”

Xiao Che nodded, understanding.

One was an old ally worth cultivating further. The other was a local powerhouse worth keeping an eye on.

When he met Mu Xinlan and Shi Chongshan at the Academy, his attitude toward each could naturally differ.

These past few days, things between him and Xiao He had returned to their old rhythm.

She delivered meals and fresh clothes on time every day, managing everything in neat order.

Only now, when helping him change, her fingers no longer lingered. When handing him tea, her gaze stayed properly lowered to the table.

Occasionally, when Xiao Che lifted his eyes, he would catch her looking at him—clear and soft—before she quickly lowered her gaze, her lashes trembling ever so slightly.

The conversation in the bath chamber that night, and the warm, ambiguous steam that had once risen between them, seemed as if they had never existed.

But Xiao Che knew something had changed.

That layer of paper had been pierced. Even if it had been patched over, it was thinner now. More fragile. Light passed through it.

Sometimes he thought he should say something.

But when the words reached his lips, and he saw her obedient, downcast appearance, they always dissolved into a quiet sigh.

Forget it. There would be time later.

Some things might have to wait until his fists were strong enough—strong enough to “reason” with a certain Empress—before the timing could truly be called appropriate.

…

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

The next morning—

Xiao Che and his sister bade farewell to their parents.

Xiao He stood beneath the corridor, holding a small bundle containing five hundred spirit stones prepared by the family.

When she handed it over, her fingertips curled slightly, but in the end, she only said softly,

“Young Master, Miss, have a safe journey.”

Xiao Che took it and couldn’t resist patting her head.

At that moment, Su Wan’s voice came from nearby, tinged with apology.

“Che’er, Qing’er, the family is still focused on the Sun Family. Funds are tight everywhere. Take these five hundred spirit stones for now. Once things settle here, your father will make up the difference.”

Xiao Che smiled, understanding immediately.

“I know, Mother. The family’s affairs come first. This is more than enough.”

Under Xiao He’s lingering, hesitant gaze, he set off with Xiao Qing.

Ahead lay White Deer Academy—and the starting point of his path toward “reason.”

“Tsk. Freshman registration.”

Walking into the morning light, he casually weighed the Flowing Flame sword on his back. “Wonder if there’s anyone in this batch who can actually fight?”

He muttered to himself, then glanced at his sister beside him.

Xiao Qing was hopping along, kicking pebbles on the road. The hem of her pale pink skirt swayed with each step. In the morning light, her slightly rounded cheeks still held a trace of childish innocence.

“Brother, what are you mumbling about?”

“Nothing,” Xiao Che smiled. “Just thinking about the Academy.”

He took out the small bundle, pulled out two hundred spirit stones, and handed them to her.

“Take these. It’ll be convenient to have some spending money at the Academy.”

Xiao Qing stopped and blinked.

“No need, Brother.”

She untied a small storage pouch from her waist and waved it in front of him.

“Mother secretly gave me some this morning. Five hundred! She said girls need to have a little extra on hand when they’re away from home.”

Xiao Che was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter.

“Look at you, little rich lady.”

He put the stones away and casually ruffled her hair.

Xiao Qing ducked away, pouting.

“You messed it up!”

They continued walking.

“Brother, is White Deer Academy… really big?” Xiao Qing asked softly.

“It has to be.” Xiao Che recalled Bai Yuntian’s bearing. “After all, it’s the number one holy land in the Eastern Continent!”

“Then… what if I can’t keep up?” Xiao Qing’s voice dropped even lower. “I’m only at Qi Refining Third Layer…”

Xiao Che stopped and raised an eyebrow at her.

“Qing’er.”

“Mm?”

“You have twin fire and wood attributes—a top-grade mutated spirit root.”

His tone was relaxed. “That kind of talent is top-tier anywhere. Before, we just didn’t have the right cultivation technique for you. You were held back. Once you enter the Academy and get a suitable technique, your cultivation speed will skyrocket.”

Xiao Qing’s eyes lit up instantly.

“Really?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

Xiao Che resumed walking. “Your brother here is the number one genius of Cangyun Prefecture. When have I ever misjudged?”

“And besides,”

He added lightly, “You’ve got me. If anyone dares bully you, I’ll beat them so badly even their mother won’t recognize them.”

Xiao Qing burst out laughing.

“Brother, why do you sound like some street thug now?”

“That’s called being down to earth,” Xiao Che replied solemnly.

She looked at him thoughtfully.

“Brother… ever since your cultivation recovered, I feel like you’ve changed.”

Xiao Che’s heart skipped a beat. His expression stiffened.

“H-How have I changed?”

“Before, all you cared about was cultivating. You barely talked. Now…”

She pursed her lips, smiling with crescent-shaped eyes.

“You’ve even learned to brag.”

She quickened her steps to walk beside him, her voice soft.

“I like the way you are now better.”

Xiao Che paused for a moment, the tension in his chest melting into warmth.

Right. Why overthink it?

From the moment his soul transmigrated, Xiao Che was him—and he was Xiao Che.

Since fate had arranged for him to live this second life, the parents and sister of this life were the family he was meant to protect.

He reached out and, this time, deliberately messed up her hair again.

“Silly girl. Your brother has always been like this.”

“Brother!”

Xiao Qing squeaked and hurriedly tried to fix her hair, cheeks slightly flushed as she glared at him.

“Speaking of serious matters,”

Xiao Che dropped the teasing tone and grew more serious. “After thinking all these days, have you decided? When we get to the Academy, are you choosing Tianshu Court or the Alchemy Court?”

Xiao Qing took a deep breath, her eyes clearing.

“I’m choosing the Alchemy Court.”

Xiao Che was slightly surprised. “You’ve thought it through? Tianshu Court has better resources.”

“I’ve thought it through.”

She nodded firmly. “Brother, I know my limits. At Qi Refining Third Layer, I’d just be at the bottom in Tianshu Court—and embarrass you. The Alchemy Court suits me best.”

She paused, her voice softer but more resolute.

“When I become stronger, I’ll go to Tianshu Court to find you. When the two of us are both strong—that’s what real strength is.”

Looking at her earnest face, Xiao Che felt his last trace of concern dissipate.

“Alright.”

He smiled and, instead of ruffling her hair this time, gently patted her shoulder.

“My sister knows her own mind. If you choose the Alchemy Court, your brother supports you.”

Laughing and chatting along the way, after several hours, the outline of Cangyun City gradually came into view.