Shang Yuanlan was speaking blatantly enough that Xiang Shaoyun had to be a fool to not understand him. To the side, Shang Yafang's face became the color of an apple. She lowered her head, too embarrassed to look at either her father or Xiang Shaoyun.

From the very first time she saw Xiang Shaoyun, she had fallen for him. However, she had not expected her father to approve of Xiang Shaoyun so much that he mentioned it immediately.

She had assumed that, like her, Shang Yuanlan's attention had been caught by Xiang Shaoyun after their first meeting. Little did she know, Shang Yuanlan was only trying to make Xiang Shaoyun his son-in-law after learning about his nine-star physique. Otherwise, a person of his status wouldn't so easily offer his daughter away.

Xiang Shaoyun could see that this was Shang Yuanlan’s way of throwing him an olive branch. He also knew that Shang Jifeng must have told his father about his physique. He did not blame Shang Jifeng, but he had to think of a way to deal with this.

After all, the Shang Clan had sent a group of people out to help him. It was a favor he could not forget. It wouldn't do him any good if he handled this matter poorly and spoiled his relationship with them.

Xiang Shaoyun had always been a smart person, and his filthless soul had further boosted his intelligence. After a short thought, he replied, "Sister Yafang is indeed a lovable young lady, and my woman is definitely not comparable to her. However, my woman has been nice to me and has even helped me out in my moment of hardship. I can't abandon her just because I met a new girl. Of course, if I had met Sister Yafang earlier, I would have definitely done my best to win her heart."

It was a smart reply. He indicated that he had a woman and also made it clear that the woman had helped him before, so he wouldn't abandon her. At the same time, he praised Shang Yafang to not make them feel insulted by the rejection. In short, he was saying that it wasn't that he did not like Shang Yafang but that he couldn't.

Sure enough, not even Shang Yuanlan could feel angry from his reply. After all, it was a reasonable reply. There was nothing wrong with talking about the woman he already had. Shang Yuanlan also realized that he had been too pushy, so he quickly smiled and shifted the topic, "Haha, well said. That is how a man should be like. Ok, let's not talk about this anymore. Yafang, get the servants to prepare a feast. I'll drink with Shaoyun."

Saved from her awkwardness, Shang Yafang quickly took the opportunity to leave. Outside the hall, she thought to herself in a dispirited manner, True, it is understandable that a man as outstanding as him would already have a woman.

But I really like him. What should I do?

While chatting in the hall, Shang Yuanlan asked about the academy and Xiang Shaoyun's background. Not intending to hide anything, Xiang Shaoyun gave a simplified version of his story. His tragic past caught Shang Yuanlan by surprise. Someone capable of growing and ultimately entering the academy under such pressure was indeed an outstanding individual.

Even when facing him, Xiang Shaoyun was neither servile nor overbearing, conducting himself in a manner befitting of a young hero. Shang Yuanlan was certain that so long as Xiang Shaoyun managed to live through his youth, a bright future awaited him. He also asked Xiang Shaoyun about the rescue mission. And when he heard of its success, he was even more shocked.

After all, Shang Jifeng had already mentioned that a few Sovereigns were deployed to deal with Xiang Shaoyun, which was why he had returned for help in the first place. Yet Xiang Shaoyun was still able to rescue his target and escape safely. Shang Yuanlan gained a whole new respect for Xiang Shaoyun after learning about that.

During the feast, Shang Yuanlan was extremely friendly, while Shang Yafang had withdrawn her awkwardness and toasted Xiang Shaoyun confidently, displaying her heroic spirit. Xiang Shaoyun had an excellent impression of the two, and he also rejoiced that he had befriended Shang Jifeng.

Looks like after returning to the academy, I need to do something to strengthen the bond between fellow members of the Overlord Legion, thought Xiang Shaoyun.

After what he saw here, he was now certain that building his own network in the academy would be beneficial for his future growth. After the feast, Xiang Shaoyun became the Shang Clan's temporary guest. However, he was not given a chance to focus on cultivation. The day after the feast, Shang Yafang showed him around the city.

Xiang Shaoyun treated her like his own little sister, and he even gave her a few treasures as gifts. Among them was a rare emperor medicine that was great at maintaining a woman's looks. Shang Yafang was thrilled to receive it.

What Xiang Shaoyun had not expected was the trouble that would come from spending time with Shang Yafang. While the two were strolling near a beautiful lake at the city's outskirts, a group of youngsters mounted on Demon Kings surrounded them.

For the stroll, Shang Yafang had not brought any of her attendants, as she did not believe anyone would dare to harm her in the city. As for the group of youths, they were not here for her. Rather, their target was Xiang Shaoyun.

When Shang Yafang saw them, she berated, "Hui Yuzheng, what is the meaning of this?"

Hui Yuzheng was the group's leader. He had a handsome face and was dressed in a luxurious outfit. A sixth-stage Skysoar Realm cultivator, he also had decent talent in cultivation. The moment he arrived, he glared at Xiang Shaoyun with hostility.

Hui Yuzheng pointed at Xiang Shaoyun and questioned, "Yafang, who is he?"

Hui Yuzheng was a famous young master in the city, and he came from a clan allied with the Shang Clan. As for himself, he had long seen Shang Yafang as his woman. When he heard that Shang Yafang was strolling around with a young man and was even behaving intimately, he couldn't help but come and figure out the truth himself.

Through the question, Xiang Shaoyun finally understood why the man had appeared.

A young man shouldn't be spending all his time thinking about women, thought Xiang Shaoyun with a sigh. He suddenly felt like an old man.

"It doesn't matter who he is. Get out of my face!" said Shang Yafang without a trace of politeness.

A different youngster spoke on behalf of Hui Yuzheng. "Sister Yafang, Brother Yuzheng has always been thinking of you!"

"Who cares? Scram, or I'll beat all of you up!" berated Shang Yafang with her hands on her hips, finally showing her unruly side.

Hui Yuzheng could only point at Xiang Shaoyun gloomily. He shouted, "Get out here if you have the guts. What kind of man hides behind a woman?"