Chapter 1141: Chapter 716: Proper Arrangements

Feng Xianru stared blankly at her sister’s profile, her gaze unfamiliar, as if meeting her for the first time.

Inside the Xuan chamber, the silence spread like it was awaiting judgment.

From the time Feng Xianru could remember, the Great Elder treated her and her sibling as if they were his own children, teaching them to read and write, searching for suitable cultivation techniques for them, and even stooping to flatter the Shopkeeper of Tian’an in a corner of the Prefecture City just for the elixir medicine they needed to break their bottleneck.

Such a senior who labored for them for more than ten years was directly betrayed by her sister.

Feng Xianru could hardly believe it and was about to start questioning her.

But,

The penetrating gaze from the high seat made him swallow his words back down.

Xu Yuan studied this pair of siblings with great interest.

Something unexpected and amusing unfolded.

Initially, Xu Yuan didn’t think much of Feng Xianru.

This little brat, while appearing to inherit the same lineage as Bi Wang, was fundamentally different from the family’s “Prototype One” and “Prototype Two.”

Feng Jiuxuan and Xu Changge’s pride was intrinsic, enduring to the extent that even when facing certain death, they would still dare to draw their swords—a pride carved into their bones. This boy, however, displayed a more superficial and timid imitation.

Such a temperament, if not for his extraordinary innate talent, would not have even warranted a second glance from Xu Yuan. However, conversely, this very temperament made him easy to manipulate.

And it was a buy-one-get-one deal.

Feng Mingming, due to Feng Xianru’s suppression, harbored deep insecurities. As long as someone in authority extended genuine kindness and trust to her, she would become utterly devoted.

With this girl, her aspirations and affections all rooted in the Prime Minister’s Mansion, coupled with Feng Xianru’s identity as a branch member of the Feng Family, betrayal of the Prime Minister’s Mansion would become nearly impossible.

Spending millions of taels to secure the future of two potential Mortal Transcendence geniuses wasn’t necessarily a lucrative move, but it was certainly not a loss.

But now,

Xu Yuan suddenly found that compared to this boy, his sister was far more intriguing.

Yet, Xu Yuan did not immediately decide. Turning to his side, he asked Lou Ji:

“Sister, what do you think?”

Lou Ji half-closed her eyes, unaffected by Xu Yuan refusing her monetary request, and responded nonchalantly:

“A rather interesting girl.”

Xu Yuan glanced at the girl’s languid yet exquisite features beneath her hood:

“Do you think she is naturally callous or inherently rational?”

Lou Ji pondered slightly, then smiled:

“It should be the latter. I know a bit about the branch Great Elder’s thoughts—her actions stem not from natural callousness.”

Xu Yuan raised an eyebrow in mild surprise and asked curiously:

“Does that old man really aspire to restore the Feng Family?”

Lou Ji couldn’t help but chuckle, giving Xu Yuan a sidelong glance:

“Both you brothers reside in the Prime Minister’s Mansion. Who in the branch could raise the banner of restoration? That old man simply wants to break away from the Prime Minister’s Mansion. This coincides with your mother’s wishes from back then, so that’s why they’ve been left unchecked.”

After listening carefully, Xu Yuan smiled slightly and said:

“So, this girl’s scheming is not too bad.”

“Sort of.”

Lou Ji shrugged, appearing indifferent.

Rather than seeing Feng Xunhua as betraying the branch Great Elder in exchange for wealth and status for her juniors, it could be seen as her recognizing the reality and gambling on the Prime Minister’s Mansion’s attitude toward the Feng Family branch.

The bet was the Great Elder’s life.

If the Prime Minister’s Mansion was lenient, then it would mean unity and prosperity.

If the Prime Minister’s Mansion was ruthless, then it would mean utilizing every last bit of value.

After contemplating the placements of these three individuals, Xu Yuan asked:

“Sister, do you want her?”

Lou Ji did not hesitate:

“Sure, but it’ll cost extra.”

Xu Yuan’s eyes widened:

“Wait, I’m giving you talent, and now I have to chip in more money?”

“This girl’s too lazy; training her will likely be very demanding.”

Lou Ji’s bright eyes glared back, as if her logic was self-evident.

The Black Scale Guards never lacked smart individuals; in the intelligence game, the foolish ones wouldn’t have survived long.

A rare talent like Feng Xunhua who combined cultivation gifts and skills was exceptional, yet with her trained gaze, Lou Ji could see that this girl wasn’t pretending to play dumb but truly indifferent.

If not for her younger brother, Feng Xunhua might have already escaped to some remote corner to sleep her days away.

The conversation between Xu Yuan and Lou Ji was not veiled.

Their dialogues traveled clearly into the ears of everyone present.

This made people uncomfortable, but in terms of hierarchy, it was an honor for Feng Family’s three juniors.

Being taught personally by the Black Scale Leader was an extraordinary opportunity few in this world could have.

However, Feng Xunhua looked utterly unwilling, her pale forehead even starting to sweat. When the Third Young Master and the Black Scale Leader finalized her future, the girl’s pair of gorgeous phoenix eyes lost their luster, her head drooping down.

As if her spirit had died.

Ignoring this sloth-like girl, Xu Yuan rose from the high seat, his voice calm:

“As for Feng Mingming’s Yin-Yang Mysterious Pattern Body, I will find a solution. Consider this a favor from me, but know that my favors come at a price—one so high you cannot currently afford to repay.”

Feng Mingming timidly stole glances at the few individuals present.

She didn’t quite understand the contents of their discussion.

But it seemed like she might be saved.

In the silence,

The girl watched as the Third Young Master left his desk and walked toward her, her body trembling slightly as she quickly lowered her head.

The previous encounter left her feeling at ease.

Whether it was eye contact or conversation, it never felt stressful.

But meeting him again now, it was as if he had transformed into a completely different person.

As their gazes met,

His eyes held the dispassionate scrutiny akin to evaluating an object, sending chills down her spine.

Stopping before her, Xu Yuan halted his steps.

Feng Mingming tentatively asked in a trembling voice:

“Does the Young Master need Fang Ming to do something?”

Xu Yuan smiled faintly and gently placed his hand atop the girl’s head: