109 Meeting the Mother-in-Law
The Yu family residence wasn’t located within the Sacred Ground Academy or the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground itself, but on Tian Shui Lake, the largest lake in the central region of Jiā Lán Continent.
Tian Shui Lake spanned a thousand miles, dotted with islands of various sizes. The Yu family resided on the central island, Yu Tian Island.
The “Yu Heaven Pavilion” where the Outer Academy Dean resided was named after this island.
A massive rain cloud perpetually hovered above the island, showering the surrounding ten miles with a gentle rain.
This was the Yu family’s protective formation. Its core was a Tier 8 Mystic Tool, capable of blocking even Mystic Venerables when fully activated. Normally, it created illusions, sufficient to trap and kill anyone below the Mystic King realm.
Grand Elder Yu Yan piloted the small airship at low altitude over the water’s surface, the wake behind it creating a thrilling sensation, like a speedboat race.
It was evident that Grand Elder Yu Yan was enjoying herself, a constant smile on her lips.
Entering the rain-covered area, the airship slowed down, a Mystic Power barrier automatically forming around it, shielding them from the rain as they slowly approached Yu Tian Island.
Yan Zhen looked out the window, watching the countless raindrops fall onto the lake’s surface, creating ripples, reminding him of the misty rains of Jiangnan.
“This rain… it’s so poetic, like a painting.”
“Cousin-in-law has good taste. Our Yu family’s ‘Rain Flower Formation’ was personally created by the Supreme Elder.”
Yan Zhen nodded slightly. He naturally knew it was arranged by Supreme Elder Yu.
In the script, commissioned by Instructor Yu Xuan, Yan Zhen went to the Yu family residence to participate in the husband selection ceremony. The first trial was to pass through this rain screen using his own strength and reach the official venue on Yu Tian Island.
He wondered if he would also have to undergo a trial this time. That mother-in-law Clan Head seemed to enjoy such things…
Yu Tian Island itself was sunny, bright sunlight bathing the land.
Grand Elder Yu Yan landed the airship smoothly on the island’s landing plaza. As they disembarked, a welcoming delegation from the Yu family approached.
Leading the group was an elderly woman with graying hair. Judging by her attire, Yan Zhen guessed she was the Yu family’s head housekeeper, a member of a collateral branch, a generation older than the Grand Elder and the Dean.
After exchanging greetings, the head housekeeper’s gaze fell upon Yan Zhen.
“Is this Young Miss Xuan’er’s intended? Surprisingly young.”
Yan Zhen replied shyly, “My name is Yan Zhen, ‘Yan’ of fire, ‘Zhen’ of innocence. Greetings, Head Housekeeper.”
“Young Master is too polite… The Clan Head has arranged a welcome banquet at Ting Chao Pavilion. Please follow me.”
Hearing the words “Ting Chao Pavilion,” Dean Yu Qing frowned slightly.
Since this wasn’t a formal meeting, it was normal not to meet in the main hall.
However, Ting Chao Pavilion was usually where the three sisters gathered for tea, enjoyed the scenery, and relaxed. It was a private space, never used to entertain guests.
—Could it be that Second Sister already considers this boy one of their own? Is it because of the Supreme Elder? Mmm…
She had thought Second Sister was on her side, but now she felt betrayed.
Clown.JPG Grand Elder Yu Yan, however, smiled faintly, thinking it was rare for her second sister’s attitude to be so lenient. It seemed everyone was quite satisfied with Little Yan Zhen.
“Then let’s go. Xiao Die, keep an eye on Little Yan Zhen, don’t let him get lost.”
Cousin Yu Die replied cheerfully, “Roger that.”
Yan Zhen was speechless, thinking the Grand Elder really loved treating others like children.
Led by the head housekeeper, the group followed a winding path to a pavilion perched beside a pond.
Ting Chao Pavilion had three floors, all open on four sides, supported only by pillars and railings, offering an expansive view of the surrounding scenery and the sound of the nearby tides.
Ascending the stairs to the top floor, Yan Zhen finally saw his future mother-in-law, the Clan Head, Yu Lu.
She stood by the railing, gazing at the distant tide. Hearing the head housekeeper’s announcement, she turned around abruptly.
Just as described in the script, she was a stunningly beautiful woman with a cold and serious demeanor, dressed in a deep blue gown, her figure graceful and alluring. Unlike her unmarried older and younger sisters, her hair was styled in a bun characteristic of married women, making her appear more mature.
Yan Zhen didn’t dare to look too closely, as her gaze was too sharp, like daggers, making him slightly apprehensive.
The gentle Grand Elder Great Aunt, the cold Clan Head Mother-in-Law, and the short-tempered Dean Younger Aunt.
The three Yu sisters had vastly different personalities.
“Elder Sister, Yu Qing, Bailan, Xiao Die… you’re back.”
Clan Head Yu Lu spoke calmly, her voice devoid of emotion.
The four women approached, leaving Yan Zhen standing alone.
“Greetings, Clan Head.”
Cousin Yu Die’s tone was respectful. As a member of a collateral branch, she didn’t dare show any disrespect towards the Clan Head.
Shui Bailan also smiled slightly. “Greetings, Sister-in-law.”
Clan Head Yu Lu hummed in acknowledgment, then turned her gaze towards her younger sister.
Dean Yu Qing, like a mouse seeing a cat, said weakly, “Second Sister, long time no see.”
Clan Head Yu Lu said indifferently, “Two-star already? Not bad. I thought you were just playing around outside, neglecting your cultivation, and afraid to come home.”
Dean Yu Qing quickly explained, “Th-that’s because the duties of the Outer Academy Dean are demanding, so I rarely came back. Right, Bailan?”
Shui Bailan looked straight ahead, indicating it had nothing to do with her.
Grand Elder Yu Yan chuckled, affectionately took her second sister’s hand, and introduced Yan Zhen. “Xiao Lu, look, that child is Xuan’er’s intended, and also my newly accepted disciple, Yan Zhen. What do you think? Isn’t he cute?”
Yan Zhen felt awkward, thinking the Grand Elder was being a bit inappropriate, but he saw his future mother-in-law nod slightly in agreement.
Yan Zhen: “…”
He understood now. Younger Aunt Dean was afraid of Clan Head Mother-in-Law, Clan Head Mother-in-Law respected Grand Elder Great Aunt, and Grand Elder Great Aunt couldn’t do anything about her third sister. It was a cycle of dominance.
As he was thinking this, he heard Grand Elder Yu Yan call him, “Little Yan Zhen, hurry over and greet your future mother-in-law~”
Yan Zhen braced himself, took a step forward, and bowed respectfully. “Junior Yan Zhen greets Clan Head Yu.”
Clan Head Yu Lu stared intently at Yan Zhen, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. “Six-star Mystic Master…”
Her older sister had told her earlier that Yan Zhen was only a four-star Mystic Master. He had advanced two stars in less than a month.
Such cultivation speed was top-tier even in the Inner Academy.
Seeing her staring at him without responding, Yan Zhen felt immense pressure.
“This child, addressing me so formally. He usually calls me Great Aunt and Xiao Qing Younger Aunt.” Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled. “He must be shy meeting his beautiful mother-in-law, huhu~”
Clan Head Yu Lu remained impassive. “Sit down. Let’s eat first.”
It was almost noon, lunchtime. Yan Zhen was also feeling hungry. Guided by the head housekeeper, he took a seat.
It was a round table, but Yan Zhen was seated alone on the lower half, while the five Yu women sat on the upper half, like an interrogation, making him feel considerable pressure.
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