Chapter 14: Princess Xueke—Too Remarkable, Inviting Envy and Resentment!
Chapter 14: Princess Xueke—Too Outstanding, Inviting Envy!
As Xu Yan reached the most thrilling part of his song, Tang Yuehua was so moved that she wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes.
Xu Yan’s singing was deeply emotional, his voice piercing through the heart.
Perhaps it was the release of his spiritual energy that left Tang Yuehua profoundly shaken and touched.
The lyrics themselves resonated with the reality of Douluo Continent, and if any soul masters were present, they too would be swept away by the song’s power.
“Lift your head, through endless chaos and war.”
“Look back, and you’re right by my side.”
“Shatter the curse of fate.”
“Let the story be immortal.”
At the climax, Xu Yan pressed the pedal, and the music soared from low to high, breaking through all restraints as his voice poured out freely.
“When reality offers no escape.”
“Despair entwines with hope.”
“Still, I smile indifferently.”
As the song drew to a close, Xu Yan calmed his emotions and slowly rose. Approaching Tang Yuehua, he saw she was tear-streaked and deeply moved.
The song had stirred her soul, infecting her with a surge of positive energy, imbuing her with a fierce resolve to battle life’s hardships.
Though not a powerful soul master, Tang Yuehua found herself transformed by the song’s influence.
Xu Yan reached out gently to wipe her tears and softly said, “Auntie, I’m sorry for making you sad.”
“It’s alright, little Yan. It’s not your fault,” Tang Yuehua steadied her breath, then looked up at Xu Yan and said, “You sing beautifully.”
“Thank you, Auntie. If you like, I can teach you this song. It might sound even better when you sing it,” Xu Yan offered.
“Hmm, what’s the name of the song?” Tang Yuehua asked softly.
“‘Breaking the Cocoon,’” Xu Yan replied as he helped her back to the sofa.
In fact, his singing had drawn the attention of many of Yuexuan’s servants, who admired the young master’s voice immensely.
“Breaking the Cocoon. That’s a good name,” Tang Yuehua said, sitting down and pulling Xu Yan close. She was growing fond of this bold, somewhat impudent boy who had suddenly entered her world.
Why had such a brash little fellow appeared out of nowhere? Yet, Tang Yuehua’s feelings toward Xu Yan seemed to be shifting subtly.
“Little Yan, you’ve had a long day. It’s time to rest,” she said after some light conversation, promising to teach him everything when the time was right.
That night, lying in bed tossing and turning, Tang Yuehua wore a delicate, alluring nightgown. Her mind was a whirl of images—Xu Yan playing the piano and singing.
Whenever she closed her eyes, it was Xu Yan’s face she saw.
Unable to sleep, she rose and gazed out the window. A gentle breeze stirred her soft hair, the thin fabric of her nightgown clinging to her flawless, slender figure.
She poured a glass of red wine, took a sip, and murmured, “Xu Yan, you truly are heaven’s torment sent to me.”
Meanwhile, Xu Yan continued his training.
After sensing his spiritual energy so keenly today, he realized his mastery of the spiritual realm was remarkably advanced.
Within Yuexuan, he could cultivate his spiritual domain, and during free moments, he could also train his soul power.
So, he ate another Soul Core fruit.
The next day, in the chapel, Xu Yan practiced the piano alone.
A short-haired girl approached and asked, “Xu Yan, I didn’t expect you to learn so quickly. Did your aunt give you special lessons?”
Xu Yan looked up and smiled, “Not at all. I’m slow to learn. If you don’t mind, could you teach me?”
The girl covered her mouth and laughed prettily, her voice soft, “Sure.”
“I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Xueke, Xu Yan. Can we be friends?” she asked gently.
“Of course, nothing would please me more,” Xu Yan nodded, thinking that since Xueke was Xue Qinghe’s sister, befriending her might lead to meeting Qian Renxue.
Xueke and Xu Yan chatted happily, which stirred jealousy among many female students nearby.
Even Tang Yuehua, watching from the podium, didn’t look pleased. She sensed a sourness in her heart.
In recent days, Xu Yan had grown close to Xueke, and Tang Yuehua found herself distracted and uneasy. Had her emotional control been weaker, she might have confronted Xu Yan already.
Among the noble students, the girls admired Xu Yan, but the boys felt differently.
They believed Xu Yan was too exceptional, stealing all their spotlight.
Some of these boys were pursuing Xueke, but intimidated by her royal status, dared not approach her. Their resentment thus turned toward Xu Yan.
In a secluded area, a few male students called Xu Yan over.
“Xu Yan, I warn you, stay away from Princess Xueke, or you’ll regret it!” one spoiled-looking youth snarled.
Xu Yan only knew this boy might have ties to the Tian Dou Empire’s royal family but hadn’t bothered to remember his name.
With so many handsome young ladies around, why waste time on a spoiled brat?
“Xu Yan is the young master of Yuexuan. Better not mess with him,” someone advised.
They all knew Xu Yan was brought in by the Yuexuan Lord and was said to be his nephew—now the young master of Yuexuan.
His rapid progress in etiquette and learning was well-known.
In truth, their envy was not just because Xu Yan was close to Princess Xueke, but because his exceptional talent and popularity with female students irked them.
“I don’t care. I just don’t like him. Let’s beat him up!” one declared.
They closed in on Xu Yan.
Observing them, Xu Yan noted their lack of cultivation talent and low soul power levels.
“A bunch of trash, daring to lay hands on me?” Xu Yan raised his hand, grabbed one boy’s wrist, and effortlessly hurled him aside.
Seeing them sprawled on the ground, bruised and battered, Xu Yan clapped once and walked away with effortless grace.
That evening, Tang Yuehua stood before Xu Yan, somewhat angry. “Little Yan, how could you resort to fighting?”
“Auntie, they were bullying me. I couldn’t hold back and had to defend myself. It was self-protection,” Xu Yan said, looking wronged.
Seeing his pitiful expression, Tang Yuehua’s anger melted. She sat down, took his hand, and said, “Alright, I was wrong to blame you. Don’t worry—I will personally handle this. You focus on your studies here. I promise no one will bother you again.”
Xu Yan felt deeply touched and hugged Tang Yuehua. “Thank you, Auntie.”
Feeling his broad yet gentle arms, Tang Yuehua was startled, then smiled softly as she patted his back, comforting him.
(End of chapter)