Chapter 7, Li Xinyu

With a swift motion, a punch was thrown, and the sharp sound of air being pierced immediately resonated in the air, followed by a loud crash. To Li Xinyu's astonishment, the tree, which was as thick as a person could embrace, was actually broken by Li Yan's punch. The part of the tree that was struck by Li Yan's fist was completely shattered into wood chips

The eldest elder's grandson, Li Yan, is well aware of Li Wei, who is nineteen years old this year. He possesses exceptional talent for cultivation, having begun his training at the age of ten. By the age of fifteen, he had reached the seventh level of the Body Refinement Realm and developed a sense of Qi. Now, he has already attained the peak of the Body Refinement Realm, and it is said that he has undergone the baptism of the world's vital energy. He is only one step away from breaking through the gate of his Dantian and condensing a seed of vital energy that belongs to him within it, which would allow him to step into the Postnatal Realm. He is widely recognized as the foremost individual among the younger generation of the Li family.

"You haven't been home for half a month, and just when you finally returned, you ran out again. Both your father and mother are very worried about you, so I came to see you. I had a feeling you would be here." Li Xinyu set down the food box in her hand, then sat down on the ground beside Li Yan, speaking gently: "Here, I brought your favorite side dishes. Eat them while they're hot."

Looking at the beautiful person before him, Li Yan felt a wave of happiness. Seventeen-year-old Li Xinyu had a delicate face like a bright moon, with large eyes, long eyelashes, and thin lips. At this moment, her white floral long dress accentuated her exquisite figure, making her appear exceptionally graceful, captivating Li Yan.

However, the current Li Yan no longer bears any trace of illness. Moreover, Li Xinyu feels that Li Yan now seems to emanate a warm aura. This sensation makes her feel that simply gazing at Li Yan's smiling face, even at night, is akin to basking in the warmth of the sun.

The father originally intended to refuse, but over the years, the influence of the elder's faction within the family has grown increasingly powerful, and the younger generation has produced many talents, while our branch only has you and me. I lack the talent for cultivation... Therefore, the father feared that a direct refusal would bring trouble to the family, so he proposed a condition to him

Sighing softly upon hearing Li Yan's words, Li Xinyu revealed a hint of sorrow on her face and slowly said: "Today, the Grand Elder proposed to my father on behalf of his son, Li Wei..."

At that moment, a melodious voice came from afar. Li Yan turned around and saw a graceful young girl approaching him with a smile on her face, holding a food box in her hand

Since the moment Li Yan was born, his parents were never by his side, so he has never experienced the warmth of parental love. Although his grandfather cared for him deeply, he was often busy with family matters and sometimes they would not meet for an entire month. His uncle loved him, but he was more strict than affectionate. His aunt also cared for him, though she never expressed it in front of Li Yan. However, as he grew older, Li Yan could sense the subtle estrangement his aunt felt towards him. It was only through Li Xinyu that Li Yan could feel that unconditional affection. He did not understand the nature of this feeling, but at this moment, he clearly knew that in his heart, Li Xinyu was the most important person to him.

"By the way, sister, haven't you been managing the family business in Luoyang City all along? Why have you suddenly returned?" Li Yan suddenly raised his head and asked. Li Xinyu did not possess the talent for cultivation, but she had a high aptitude for business, which is why she began assisting the family with business matters at a young age. In recent years, due to the portion of the family industry managed by Li Xinyu, they have achieved considerable profits annually. Consequently, the family head, Li Tianhong, entrusted the most important family industry to Li Xinyu. That industry is located in Luoyang City, so Li Xinyu spent most of her time there.

This young girl is named Li Xinyu, the daughter of Uncle Li Yan and Auntie. Since Li Yan was raised by Li Ling and Yin Yulan from a young age, he grew up alongside Li Xinyu, and their relationship is very close, akin to that of siblings, or rather, one could say it is even more intimate than that of biological siblings

"Don't worry, sister, I have grown up. When I was bullied as a child, you always stood in front of me. I have never forgotten that. Now, let me protect you. " Li Yan looked at Li Xinyu and said firmly, "Sister, with me here, no one will be able to force you to do things you don't like in the future"

Hehe, it might be due to the practice. I can feel it myself; ever since I started practicing, my body has gradually begun to improve, so I appear more spirited overall," Li Yan said while eating vegetables.

Grandfather's recent visit to Luoyang City has brought a quota for the family to participate in the recruitment of outer disciples by the Luoyun Sect, which will take place in six months. This quota is open for competition among all the young members of the Li family. The condition set by my father is that as long as Li Wei can secure this quota, he will agree to the proposal from the Grand Elder.

Thank you, sister. I just happen to feel hungry now said Li Yan with a light smile as he took the chopsticks that Li Xinyu handed over

What conditions?" Li Yan asked, lowering his head

"Xiao Yan, you seem much more confident now, and it looks like you've grown taller. You appear much more spirited overall!" Li Xinyu carefully examined Li Yan, her face radiating a charming smile. In the past, Li Yan's health was poor, and he was shorter than his peers, often displaying a sickly pallor on his face, which gave him an overall impression of being lethargic.

"I don't want to!" Li Xinyu looked into Li Yan's eyes and replied with certainty

"Sister, what brings you here!" Li Yan said with a smile as he approached Li Xinyu.

Li Xinyu turned her face and happened to see Li Yan's pale complexion and lost gaze, which made her heart ache. However, what followed was an inexplicable feeling of joy, and then she spoke: "I have not agreed for the time being"

Li Yan did not speak, but silently walked in front of a tree that was as thick as a person could embrace. He then slowly raised his right hand, first the shoulder, then the arm, the elbow, and finally the wrist. Each part of his arm made a crisp sound of bones colliding as it moved, and then he struck the large tree with a punch

Proposal! Upon hearing Li Xinyu's words, Li Yan felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer on his heart, and his inner self was also stirred by intense tremors

"Sister, do you want to marry that Li Wei?" Li Yan suddenly raised his head, looking intently at Li Xinyu, and asked in a low voice

Due to the relationship between Li Yan's parents, although Yin Yulan cared for Li Yan deeply during his childhood, there always existed a sense of estrangement in her heart. However, Li Xinyu was different; she treated Li Yan like a biological brother from a young age. She knew what Li Yan liked to eat, what he disliked, what he enjoyed, and what he hated. When Li Yan was in poor health as a child, Li Xinyu always stayed close by his side. She did not practice cultivation, but whenever anyone bullied Li Yan, she would bravely stand in front of him. Most importantly, no matter what Li Yan wanted to do, Li Xinyu would unconditionally support him.

"Little Yan!" Li Xinyu looked at Li Yan, a strange feeling flashing through her mind. Her younger brother in front of her seemed somehow different, as if he had gained something extra. "Sister, why do you feel like I look a bit different?"

"That will do." Upon hearing Li Xinyu's response, Li Yan suddenly stood up and resolutely stated, "As long as you, sister, are unwilling, I will not consider any reasons, nor will I care whether Uncle and Aunt agree or not. I absolutely will not allow such a thing to happen, because to me, you, sister, are the most important person!"

Uh! Upon hearing this, Li Yan couldn't help but be taken aback, and then his old face turned red. He scratched the back of his head and forced a smile as he said, "What is different about me? How would I know!"

Little Yan! Upon hearing Li Yan's words, Li Xinyu felt a wave of emotion in her heart, her beautiful big eyes glistening with a hint of mist. "Hearing you say this is the happiest thing for me in these years, I am very happy to be the most important person in your heart. Likewise, you are also very important to me. I do not wish to see you get hurt, do you understand?"

"Did Uncle agree?" Li Yan put down the chopsticks in his hand, looked at Li Xinyu, and asked with a pale face. At that moment, he felt as if something important was about to leave him, a pain in his heart like being cut by a knife

Sister! Upon witnessing this scene, Li Yan felt a warmth in her heart and quickly got up from the ground, running towards that direction