The atmosphere in the courtyard was warm and lively after dinner.
The dishes had been cleared away, fragrant tea had replaced the wine, and everyone sat beneath the gentle moonlight, chatting and laughing after a long day.
Lin Xiuya, Han Yue, Bai Cheng, Jia Yun, Qing Lin, Liu Fei, Xiao Ding, Xiao Li and Zi Yan were all present.
For a while, no one spoke of cultivation, enemies, or the future.
It was a rare moment of peace.
...
Just then—
Xiao Yi Xian slowly stood up.
Her white dress fluttered gently in the evening breeze, while her snow-white hair shimmered beneath the moonlight like flowing silver.
Everyone instinctively turned to look at her.
She took a deep breath.
Her beautiful purple eyes looked directly into Xiao Feng's.
Although her cheeks had already become crimson, her gaze never wavered.
The entire courtyard gradually fell silent.
Xiao Feng looked at her with slight confusion.
"Xiao Yi Xian?"
She clenched the corner of her dress tightly.
After gathering every ounce of courage she possessed, she spoke clearly, allowing everyone present to hear.
"...Xiao Feng..."
"I want us..."
"...to hold our formal engagement ceremony within the next few days."
The words were soft...
Yet in the silent courtyard...
They landed like a bolt of lightning.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Lin Xiuya's teacup froze halfway to his lips.
Bai Cheng's eyes widened so much they nearly popped out.
Jia Yun covered her mouth in disbelief.
Qing Lin blinked repeatedly before a bright smile slowly spread across her face.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li looked at one another before grinning broadly.
No one had expected Xiao Yi Xian—
The usually gentle and reserved girl—
To be the first one to confess openly before everyone.
Xiao Feng himself stood there in complete shock.
For several breaths...
His mind went completely blank.
He stared into Xiao Yi Xian's nervous eyes.
He could even see the tiny tremble of her delicate body.
She was clearly terrified of his answer.
A moment later...
A gentle smile slowly appeared on Xiao Feng's face.
Without saying another word...
He walked toward her.
Step...
After step...
Until he stood directly before her.
He gently lifted her chin.
Their eyes met.
"Xiao Yi Xian."
"You've already become someone I can never imagine my life without."
"I was originally planning to ask for your hand myself on my seventeenth birthday..."
"...but you've beaten me to it."
A faint chuckle escaped him.
"So..."
"How could I possibly refuse?"
The moment those words left his mouth—
Xiao Yi Xian's beautiful eyes instantly became misty.
Before she could react—
Xiao Feng pulled her gently into his embrace.
She buried herself against his chest.
He wrapped both arms around her waist.
The entire courtyard erupted into applause.
"Congratulations!"
"Hahaha!"
"I knew this day would come!"
"As expected of Brother Xiao Feng!"
Qing Lin was already crying tears of happiness.
"Big Sister Xiao Yi Xian... Congratulations..."
Jia Yun smiled brightly.
"You two are finally engaged."
Bai Cheng laughed loudly.
"Looks like we'll be drinking wedding wine soon!"
Even Xiao Ding smiled warmly.
"Our Xiao Family finally has another daughter."
Xiao Li crossed his arms.
"I've been waiting for this day."
Only Han Yue and Liu Fei remained unusually quiet.
For the briefest instant—
A trace of envy flashed through both of their beautiful eyes.
It disappeared almost immediately.
They smiled sincerely.
Although there was a faint ache hidden deep within their hearts...
They truly wished the two happiness.
Han Yue softly applauded.
"Congratulations."
Liu Fei smiled gently.
"You both deserve this happiness."
After embracing Xiao Yi Xian for a long moment—
Xiao Feng slowly released her.
Then...
He suddenly waved his hand.
A delicate jade box appeared in his palm.
Everyone became curious.
Xiao Feng slowly opened it.
Inside lay two exquisite rings.
They were forged from a mysterious silver-gold metal that seemed to contain flowing starlight.
Tiny crimson and emerald runes intertwined across their surfaces.
Even without activating them, they emitted faint waves of soul resonance.
The craftsmanship was flawless.
The entire courtyard fell silent once more.
Xiao Feng looked at Xiao Yi Xian.
"I originally wanted these to become our wedding rings."
"I spent a long time forging them myself."
"I planned to give them to you on my seventeenth birthday."
"It seems..."
"They'll simply witness another important promise first."
He picked up one ring.
"This pair is called the Heartbound Twin Rings."
"They are forged from Soul Nurturing Star Metal and Eternal Heart Crystal."
"They are more than ordinary rings."
"When worn together, each can faintly sense the other's life aura."
"They resonate with one another."
"If one of us is injured..."
"The other will immediately know."
"They symbolize two lives walking one path."
"Two hearts beating as one."
"And a promise..."
"...to remain together until the very end."
Xiao Yi Xian's eyes had already become moist.
Her voice trembled.
"I love them..."
Xiao Feng gently held her left hand.
"In many ancient traditions..."
"The ring finger is said to carry the meridian closest to the heart."
"When this ring rests here..."
"It symbolizes that from this day onward..."
"...our hearts are forever connected."
He slowly slid the engagement ring onto her left ring finger.
The ring emitted a soft crimson glow.
At the same time—
The second ring floated gently into Xiao Yi Xian's hand.
She smiled through her tears.
With trembling fingers...
She took Xiao Feng's left hand.
Very carefully...
She placed the matching ring onto his ring finger.
The instant both rings settled into place—
A gentle resonance spread between them.
The crimson and emerald runes lit up simultaneously.
A soft halo enveloped the two of them.
Everyone watched quietly.
They all understood.
This was no longer merely an exchange of jewelry.
It was a solemn promise witnessed by everyone present.
Xiao Feng gently held both of Xiao Yi Xian's hands.
Looking into her eyes, he said softly,
"From this day onward..."
"You are my fiancée."
"And one day..."
"I will make you my wife."
Xiao Yi Xian smiled radiantly.
"And I..."
"Will always be yours."
As everyone applauded once more—
Xiao Feng gently leaned forward.
He cupped Xiao Yi Xian's face with both hands.
Then, before all their family and friends...
He placed a tender kiss upon her lips.
It was not a kiss of impulse.
Nor of passion alone.
It was the kiss of a formal engagement—
A promise made before their loved ones.
Under the silver moonlight...
Surrounded by the blessings of family and friends...
The two young hearts became bound together,
Beginning a journey that they hoped would one day end as husband and wife.
Since the matter of the engagement had been settled, everyone gradually relaxed once more.
Xiao Feng had just taken his seat again when he noticed Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanging subtle glances with each other.
A mischievous smile slowly spread across his face.
He rested his chin on one hand before looking at the two of them with amusement.
"So..."
"When are the two of you planning to bring me a sister-in-law?"
The moment those words left his mouth, the courtyard fell silent for an instant.
"Pfft!"
Jia Yun was the first to burst into laughter.
Even Qing Lin covered her mouth, trying hard not to laugh, while Zi Yan looked between the two brothers with sparkling eyes, clearly interested in the answer.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li both froze.
Their faces instantly turned slightly red.
"Ahem..."
Xiao Li awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
Xiao Feng folded his arms and leaned back lazily.
"Nonsense?"
"I've already gotten engaged."
"Our eldest brother is already well into adulthood."
"Our second brother isn't young anymore either."
"So naturally I'm curious."
"When exactly are you planning to let the Xiao Family welcome two sisters-in-law?"
The teasing tone made everyone grin.
Even Xiao Yi Xian couldn't help covering her lips as she laughed softly.
Xiao Ding shook his head helplessly before speaking with a calm smile.
"We've already discussed this."
"Romance can wait."
"Our priority is cultivation."
"We've only just reached the Dou King realm, and our lives are still limited by the effects of the Devouring Life Pill."
"Until we successfully break through to the Dou Huang realm..."
"...we don't intend to think about marriage."
Xiao Li immediately nodded in agreement.
"Exactly."
"For the next three years..."
"We're monks."
The entire courtyard erupted into laughter.
Even Lin Xiuya, who had been quietly drinking tea nearby, nearly choked.
Zi Yan laughed so hard that she almost rolled off her chair.
"Monks?"
"You two?"
"I don't believe it!"
Xiao Feng couldn't help laughing before deliberately sighing.
"If you're worried about your lifespan..."
"I've already prepared the Deep Green Longevity Pill."
"If time becomes tight..."
"I can always extend your lifespan."
"So don't use that as an excuse."
"Otherwise you'll end up becoming old bachelors."
Everyone laughed even harder.
However, Xiao Ding simply smiled and slowly shook his head.
"It's not about the lifespan."
"We want to experience it naturally."
"We want to meet the person destined for us ourselves."
"Not because Father, you, or anyone else arranged it."
Xiao Li crossed his arms with a confident grin.
"Besides..."
"Having a burden on our backs isn't always a bad thing."
"The pressure of having only three years to reach Dou Huang pushes us forward."
"If we remove all that pressure..."
"Our determination might weaken."
"Cultivation isn't only about talent."
"It's also about resolve."
The courtyard gradually became quiet.
Even Xiao Feng nodded inwardly.
There was truth in those words.
After a brief silence, he smiled warmly.
"Fair enough."
"I won't interfere."
"But..."
His smile suddenly became rather mischievous again.
"You two will have to figure out how to explain all of this to Father."
"I'm absolutely not covering for either of you."
The expressions on Xiao Ding and Xiao Li immediately stiffened.
"..."
"..."
The two brothers looked at one another before simultaneously rubbing their foreheads.
Xiao Li muttered helplessly,
"I'd rather fight Han Feng again."
Xiao Ding let out a long sigh.
"Convincing Father..."
"...might actually be the harder battle."
Everyone burst into laughter once more.
Xiao Feng raised his teacup with a grin.
"Good luck."
"I'm looking forward to seeing how the two great heroes of the Xiao Family explain to Uncle Xiao Zhan why they intend to postpone marriage for another three years."
Xiao Li groaned dramatically.
"Third Brother..."
"You really enjoy watching us suffer."
Xiao Feng innocently spread his hands.
"I've already solved your cultivation problem."
"I've prepared pills for your lifespan."
"I've even found solutions for your future cultivation."
"If I have to help you find wives too..."
"Then what exactly are you two going to do?"
Even Xiao Yi Xian laughed so hard that tears appeared in the corners of her eyes.
Qing Lin hugged Xiao Li's arm while giggling.
"Elder Brother Xiao Li..."
"I'll pray for you."
Zi Yan raised her little fist confidently.
"If Uncle Xiao Zhan gets angry..."
"I'll run first."
That sentence caused another wave of laughter to echo throughout the courtyard.
For the first time since the attack in the Black-Corner Region, the heavy atmosphere had completely disappeared.
The Xiao brothers sat together beneath the evening sky, surrounded by their companions, enjoying a rare moment of peace before the storms that awaited them in the future.
After another round of discussion, everyone unanimously agreed on the date.
Three days later...
The day of Xiao Feng's seventeenth birthday.
It would also become the day of his formal engagement with Xiao Yi Xian.
Since the situation in the Black-Corner Region was still unstable, they decided against holding a grand celebration.
Only the people currently staying within Canaan Academy would attend.
The Xiao brothers, Qing Lin, Zi Yan, Lin Xiuya, Han Yue, Bai Cheng, Jia Yun, Liu Fei, Fire Elder Huo, Elder Su Qian, the two Guardian Elders, and a few trusted elders of the Fire Faction.
No outsiders would be invited.
The Xiao Family in Wu Tan City would be informed later, and another ceremony could be held there once circumstances allowed.
Everyone readily agreed.
Thus, the preparations quietly began.
Three days later...
The entire Fire Faction headquarters had been decorated with red silk ribbons and lanterns.
Although the ceremony was small, every decoration had been personally arranged by Qing Lin, Jia Yun, and Liu Fei.
Zi Yan had originally volunteered to help...
Unfortunately...
She secretly ate nearly half the desserts prepared for the banquet.
After being caught red-handed by Qing Lin...
She was immediately banned from entering the kitchen.
"I'm innocent!"
"I was only checking whether they tasted good!"
Zi Yan protested loudly.
Everyone burst into laughter.
...
As the sun slowly reached its highest point...
The guests gradually gathered.
Su Qian stroked his beard with satisfaction.
"It has been many years since this old man attended such a joyful occasion."
Fire Elder Huo smiled.
"My disciple has finally grown up."
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li stood proudly at the entrance.
Today...
They were representing the Xiao Family.
Before long...
Xiao Feng slowly walked into the courtyard.
He wore a black robe embroidered with golden flames.
His long black hair was neatly tied behind him.
His calm yet elegant bearing immediately attracted everyone's attention.
Lin Xiuya smiled.
"Brother Xiao, today you're finally dressed like a young master."
Bai Cheng laughed loudly.
"Normally he only wears cultivation robes."
Jia Yun nodded repeatedly.
"I almost didn't recognize him."
Xiao Feng could only smile helplessly.
"You people..."
Before he could finish...
The entire courtyard suddenly became quiet.
Everyone instinctively looked toward the entrance.
Xiao Yi Xian slowly walked inside.
She wore a flowing white ceremonial dress embroidered with silver lotuses.
Her snow-white hair cascaded down to her waist like silk.
Her purple eyes sparkled beneath the sunlight.
Combined with her graceful temperament...
She looked like a fairy descending into the mortal world.
Even Han Yue couldn't help whispering,
"Beautiful..."
Liu Fei smiled gently.
"No wonder Brother Xiao is so devoted to her."
Xiao Feng himself stood frozen for several seconds.
Xiao Yi Xian lowered her head shyly.
"Does... does it look strange?"
Xiao Feng slowly walked toward her.
He gently took her hand.
"No."
"You look..."
"...perfect."
A blush instantly spread across Xiao Yi Xian's face.
Qing Lin covered her mouth and giggled.
"Elder Brother is already mesmerized."
Everyone laughed.
Su Qian slowly stepped forward.
His expression became solemn.
"As witnesses today..."
"We gather to celebrate two young people who have chosen to walk the path of life together."
"Although today's ceremony is simple..."
"The sincerity within it is no less than any grand wedding."
"Xiao Feng."
"Xiao Yi Xian."
"Step forward."
The two stood side by side before everyone.
Su Qian smiled warmly.
"Xiao Feng."
"Do you willingly accept Xiao Yi Xian as your fiancée?"
"Will you protect her..."
"Respect her..."
"Trust her..."
"And remain by her side regardless of hardship?"
Without hesitation...
Xiao Feng answered clearly.
"I do."
Su Qian nodded before turning toward Xiao Yi Xian.
"Xiao Yi Xian."
"Do you willingly accept Xiao Feng as your fiancé?"
"Will you stand beside him..."
"Support him..."
"Trust him..."
"And accompany him throughout his journey?"
Xiao Yi Xian looked directly into Xiao Feng's eyes.
A gentle smile bloomed on her face.
"I do."
Su Qian smiled.
"Very well."
"Witnessed by everyone present..."
"I hereby announce the two of you formally engaged."
Applause immediately echoed throughout the courtyard.
Zi Yan was the first to shout.
"Congratulations!"
Qing Lin rushed over and hugged Xiao Yi Xian.
"Big Sister Yi Xian!"
"I'm so happy!"
Jia Yun smiled brightly.
"Congratulations, you two."
Bai Cheng folded his arms.
"So when's the wedding banquet?"
Lin Xiuya laughed.
"You're only interested in eating."
Fire Elder Huo stepped forward.
"My disciple."
"You have done your teacher proud."
Xiao Feng respectfully bowed.
"Thank you, Master."
Then Xiao Ding stepped forward carrying a small jade tray.
On it rested two cups filled with fragrant spiritual wine.
He smiled warmly.
"According to the Xiao Family tradition..."
"The engaged couple should drink from the Cup of Promise."
He handed one cup to Xiao Feng.
The other to Xiao Yi Xian.
The two looked at one another.
Smiling softly...
They crossed their arms.
Then...
They drank the wine together.
The moment the cups were emptied...
Thunderous applause filled the courtyard once more.
Xiao Li laughed loudly.
"Perfect!"
"Our Xiao Family finally has a daughter-in-law!"
Everyone cheered.
Unable to contain herself any longer...
Zi Yan suddenly shouted,
"Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
Qing Lin immediately joined in.
"Kiss!"
Soon...
Even Lin Xiuya and Bai Cheng started clapping rhythmically.
"Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
Xiao Yi Xian's face instantly turned crimson.
She hid behind Xiao Feng in embarrassment.
"You... you all..."
Xiao Feng laughed helplessly.
"You really won't let us go, will you?"
Fire Elder Huo coughed into his fist.
"I didn't hear anything."
Su Qian looked toward the sky.
"This old man suddenly finds the clouds quite interesting."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Xiao Feng gently lifted Xiao Yi Xian's chin.
Looking into her beautiful purple eyes...
He softly said,
"Happy seventeenth birthday to me..."
"...for receiving the greatest gift of my life."
Tears shimmered in Xiao Yi Xian's eyes.
She whispered,
"And thank you..."
"...for becoming my home."
Xiao Feng slowly leaned forward.
Before all their family and closest friends...
He gently kissed her forehead.
It was a kiss filled with respect, affection, and promise.
Not one of passion—
But one symbolizing the beginning of their journey together.
The entire courtyard erupted into cheers once more.
As flower petals drifted through the air...
Laughter echoed throughout the Fire Faction headquarters.
On that warm afternoon...
The engagement of Xiao Feng and Xiao Yi Xian became a memory that every person present would cherish for the rest of their lives.