The worriers of Xiao'er

In the Main Hall of the Estate, countless people of high standing were seated, waiting for the person of honor to arrive.

Xue Feng sat at a table at the front of the Main Hall alongside Li Rou. Both of them were dressed as elegantly as Xue Bai had.

Currently, the two were conversing with Yan Zhenyu and his wife, Luo Mei.

"Brother Xue, you've already broken through to the Peak of the Domain Lord Realm. You're not even 90 yet. How are old men like us supposed to live with ourselves when you cultivate like that." Yan Zhenyu spoke as he poured himself a cup of wine.

"Big Brother Yan, it's not like I can't cultivate. I have to ensure the safety of Bai'er. I am the Redwood shielding him from the strong winds wanting to unroot him." Xue Feng spoke sincerely.

"Sigh~~ If only our FengFeng could be as talented as that Wang Yu kid." Yan Zhenyu sighed as he down a cup.

"Why are you bringing up that monster, Big Brother Yan?" Xue Feng asked.

"These past few years, the Wang Clan have been pushing for a marriage between Wang Yu and FengFeng." Yan Zhenyu responded.

Stiffening up a little from the answer, Xue Feng asked once again, "You've denied them, right?"

"I have been, yes. FengFeng has been really close with that Huo Long kid recently, and rather than forcing her to marry someone she didn't know. I let her stay with Huo Long." Yan Zhenyu said as he started to pour himself another cup.

"But then Huo Long had his accident. And after that, the Wang Clan has been pushing it even more. I can't seem to go a week without having a letter sent to me." Yan Zhenyu spoke while downing the drink he had just poured out.

"Big Brother Yan, surely you've heard of the rumors around that demon?" Xue Feng asked, trying to help out his friend.

Though in the beginning, Xue Feng only saw Yan Zhenyu as an ally and only called him a Big Brother in respect for his age. But, over the last year, Yan Zhenyu has helped his Dukedom grow exponentially with his business expertise. And now Xue Feng genuinely saw him as a Big Brother figure.

And though Xue Feng wouldn't say what Xue Bai told him about the Wang Clan, he had to make sure Yan Zhenyu didn't make a horrible decision.

"Of course I have. It is just that the Wang Clans dowry offers have been getting more and more extravagant. It's even making me think if FengFeng is worth it." Yan Zhenyu spoke.

"Are you tempted?" Xue Feng asked curiously.

"I can't say that I'm not, but I won't sacrifice my daughter for some monetary gain. I've reached the limit of my potential long ago, so anything I gain now is useless." Yan Zhenyu answered.

Xue Feng sighed in relief after hearing that. If his ally were stolen by his mortal enemies clan, he would have nowhere to cry to.historical

After taking another drink of wine, Xue Feng opened his mouth again to continue the conversation until he sensed that the person of honor had arrived.

From the entrance out the Main Hal, Xue Bai walked in. Hand in hand with Xiao'er, the two were dressed in fancy traditional Chinese Clothing.

Xiao'er was dressed in a black Cheongsam that matched perfectly with her obsidian-colored hair.

While Xue Bai was in a Hanfu, much like his Snowflaked covered one, however, this one was purple gold colored and was much longer and embroidered with various gems along the edges.

"Look at the Young Duke's outfit. Those are Deep Sea Gold pieces on the side."

"Deep Sea Gold is a Middle Yellow Grade Ore, and yet it's merely being used as an ornamental gem on his birthday outfits."

"Sigh~~ Comparing yourself with the Young Duke will only hurt you. Why bother?"

"And look at the girl in his arms. She's only 17, and she is already in the Bone Strengthening Realm. Who is she?"

"I don't know, but with that talent, she must be from one of the Three Great Sects!"

Ignoring the gossip of the people in the hall, Xue Bai and Xiao'er walked to the front where Xue Feng sat.

"Father, your child has come." Xue Bai said with a ceremonial bow.

"Hahaha, Bai'er, no need to be so stiff! Come over and sit down next to me. It's almost time for you to turn 11." Xue Feng spoke with a huge smile that spread across his face.

In the Baishen Plane, birthdays were celebrated from the time you were born instead of the day. So Xue Bai planned to fake his awakening a minute after his birthday.

Complying with what his father said, Xue Bai brought Xiao'er to sit at a table next to his father. Usually, as he was only the heir, Xue Bai would have to sit behind his father, but since today was a day about him, Xue Bai was allowed to sit side to side with Xue Feng.

Sitting down, Xue Bai noticed something wrong and saw that Xiao'er hadn't sat down and was standing off to the side.

"Why are you standing to the side Xiao'er? Come sit down with me." Xue Bai said.

"No, Young Master Xiao'er is your maid, and I need to act like one. Though it was nice having the guests think I was a genius from the Three Great Sects, I am still your maid and should act like it." Xiao'er said as she shook her head.

Frowning a bit, Xue Bai didn't like how Xiao'er was acting currently. Just before they walked into the hall, she was a bundle of joy, skipping every step. But after hearing the gossip, she became depressed.

"Xiao'er come sit down." Xue Bai ordered.

Hearing his tone, Xiao'er knew she had to obey. Though Xue Bai and Xiao'er were extremely close, at the end of the day, Xiao'er was still his maid and had to comply with his orders. And while unwilling, Xiao'er completed and sat down next to Xue Bai.

"Xiao'er, what's wrong? Ever since you heard those people, you seemed to be depressed. Did you hear anything vulgar from one of them?" Then, as she sat down, Xue Bai put his hand on her thigh and asked caringly.

Flinching at Xue Bai's touch Xiao'er jumped for a moment. But after hearing his caring words, she calmed down and looked at Xue Bai deeply before saying what was on her mind.

"Young Master, I remember you saying that you'll be joining the Soaring Sword Sect in two years. When you join the sect, will you bring me along with you?" Xiao'er asked.

"If they allow me, yes. I should be talented enough for them to make an exception. If not, then I'll probably have you join the sect yourself and then let you live alongside me." Xue Bai answered after thinking for a moment.

Hearing Xue Bai's answer, the anxious heart of Xiao'er calmed down a little. However, she still had one more question.

"Then what about those other sect's girls? What if you find a girl more talented than me who wants to be your maid." Xiao'er asked with anxiousness apparent in her eyes.

'I knew it! She was just jealous.' Xue Bai thought.

From her first question, Xue Bai had a feeling of where she was leading into but let her continue. But after hearing her second question, he figured out that the maid was just anxious that he would find another more beautiful and talented person to replace her role as his maid.

"I promise you, Xiao'er, that no one will ever replace you as my maid. I can even make a Dao oath if you'd like." Xue Bai answered while giving her his most reassuring smile.

"No, don't, Young Master! Xiao'er believes you. Your word is more than enough." Xiao'er hurriedly said.

'I know I told Mistress that I don't expect to have Young Master all to myself, but as long as I keep any vixens away from him, how can I not?' Xiao'er thought.

At first, she was genuinely worried she would be replaced, but after hearing that Xue Bai would swear a Dao Oath for her, the worries left her heart.

"Oh right, why were you standing off to the side? You even eat next to me most days. Why wouldn't you sit next to me at a simple party?" Xue Bai suddenly asked, bringing Xiao'er out of her thoughts.

"I thought that if I was more of an obedient maid, you wouldn't want to replace me," Xiao'er answered as a blush bloomed like a rose onto her jade-like face.

"Hahaha." In response, Xue Bai just started laughing more to the embarrassment of Xiao'er.

As the blush on the face of Xiao'er got redder and Xue Bai's laughter got louder, Xue Feng finally stood up to speak.

"Guests from throughout my Great Xuan Empire, I welcome you all to the awakening ceremony of my pride and joy, Xue Bai!" Xue Feng announced loudly.

"Now there are about 2 hours until Bai'er turns 11, so you all can take this time and feast on the cuisine I have prepared for you all!" Xue Feng spoke as he clapped his hands.

Then, with the clap as a queue, an entire group of caterers entered the Main Hal carrying various expensive dishes and began serving them to every table.

"Enjoy!" Xue Feng finished as he sat back down.