As Wang Tian stepped out from his quiet courtyard, his figure flickered like a passing breeze, appearing before Wang Jian’s door in an instant—swifter than the eyes could follow. Just as he raised his hand to enter, he heard Feng Mei’s laughter ring out, light and joyful.

  Not wanting to waste another moment, Wang Tian entered. Inside, he saw a heartwarming scene—his younger brother, Wang Jian, being hugged tightly by Feng Mei, her tears streaming as she clung to him in relief and happiness. Wang Jian, gentle in his own way, comforted Feng Mei, his hands stroking her back. Both were so wrapped in their affection, so caught in the joy and release of the moment, they did not even notice Wang Tian.

  Embarrassed to interrupt, Wang Tian regretted not knocking first. Yet his concern for Wang Jian’s health left him no choice. He coughed softly, breaking the spell in the room.

  At once, the young couple separated, taking hurried steps to opposite corners. Both cheeks reddened with bashful embarrassment, neither daring to look up. Wang Tian, seeing this, could not help but smile, his teasing voice filling the room. “Sorry for disturbing you. You can continue after I leave, alright?”

  Feng Mei’s cheeks flushed even deeper, red as ripe apples. Wang Jian wore a foolish grin—the look of a young man hopelessly in love. “Sorry, Brother, we didn’t notice you were here,” Wang Jian said sheepishly.

  Wang Tian waved a hand, still grinning. “No harm done. I should have knocked, so don’t be alarmed. I’ll just check on Jian first, and then I’ll leave you two alone.”

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  Feng Mei’s voice, sweet yet flustered, piped up. “Big Brother Tian, please don’t tease us. We… we weren’t doing anything improper.”

  Wang Tian saw they felt shy and decided not to tease them further. He walked over and carefully inspected Wang Jian, laying a hand on his shoulder—a wave of spiritual energy flowed out, and with his unique Attribute Eyes, Wang Tian read his brother’s cultivation.

  **Name:** Wang Jian

  **Age:** 18

  **Lifespan:** 120 years

  **Clan:** Wang Clan

  **Cultivation:** Peak Qi-Gathering Realm

  **Constitution:** Chaos Sword Divine Body

  **Techniques:** Light Sword Technique (High-level Mortal), Swift Steps (Mid-level Mortal)

  Relief washed over Wang Tian—his brother was completely healed, stronger and more handsome, his once thin and frail body now filled out with the beginnings of real strength.

  Wang Tian asked gently, “Any discomfort? Do you feel well, Jian?”

  Wang Jian smiled, pure and firm. “Brother, I feel wonderful. I’m finally healthy.”

  Wang Tian’s heart blossomed with joy. Then, in a calm tone, he told Wang Jian of the bet with the Radiant Cloud Sect and the canceled engagement.

  Hearing of the insult, Wang Jian’s eyes burned with anger. “How dare they treat us so disrespectfully! Neither the Radiant Cloud Sect nor Wu family shall ever earn my forgiveness.”

  Beside him, Feng Mei also grew indignant, her spirit strong for Wang Jian’s sake.

  Wang Tian laid a steady hand on his brother’s shoulder and advised, “Xiao Jian, don’t worry about those matters for now. Focus on your cultivation and your training. Let your sword be your answer.”

  Wang Jian said firmly, “Brother, I’ll work harder than ever. I’ll win the Dragon Phoenix Competition and bring honor to our clan.”

  Wang Tian nodded, proud and encouraging. “Tomorrow morning, come to the grand hall. Mei’er, you too. Don’t be late.”

  Both answered at once, “Yes, Brother!”

  Wang Tian made for the door. As he left, he turned and teased, “You two can go back to your gentle moments now. Just remember—don’t be late tomorrow.”

  With his departure, Wang Jian and Feng Mei’s faces turned crimson. They locked eyes shyly, and quiet laughter lingered in the soft dusk of the room.