Tales of Demons and Gods: Light Devil Fruit

Snow Wind Family - Side Branch Courtyard - Inside Ye Xiao's Study Room

*Knock knock knock*

Ye Xiao was deep into his paperwork when he heard the knock. "What's up?" he called out, his eyes still scanning the documents.

"3rd Master, Young Master Xinghan wants to meet you," Head Servant Feng's voice came through the door.

"Xinghan?" Ye Xiao looked up, his expression one of mild confusion, before he calmly instructed, "Let him in."

The door opened, and Ye Xinghan's small head peeked in. "Father," he greeted politely, though there was an underlying awkwardness. After all, considering his mental age, Ye Xinghan felt almost like Ye Xiao's peer, if not older.

"Is there any problem with your practice and learning? Or do you just want to spend time with me?" Ye Xiao asked with a slight smile. His son had changed dramatically since the accident; from a mischievous child playing with servant's kids to someone who now spent his time with books and training in the courtyard. His new calm demeanor was unusual for his age, and while Ye Xiao was pleased, he couldn't help but worry about such drastic changes.

And this afternoon, Ye Xinghan had brought two children with him. They were dirty, unkempt, looking like they came straight from the slums. Fortunately, Ye Xinghan had become somewhat of a clean freak. He had sent them to be cleaned by the maids before bringing them to his room.

When Ye Xiao overheard the maids gossiping, he learned that one was a very beautiful girl, and the other was a boy with a rather unpleasant face. He deduced that Ye Xinghan's visit might be about these children.

"Hehehe, do you know that I brought two people with me this afternoon?" Ye Xinghan asked, trying to break the ice.

"Yeah, Head Servant Feng told me. A boy and a girl, around 13 years old, I hear. The girl is really pretty. Don't tell me you're interested in her and want to make her your concubine?" Ye Xiao narrowed his eyes, teasing.

"Son, you're only 7 years old. Focus on learning instead of thinking about the opposite gender. Your little one probably can't even work yet," Ye Xiao said doubtfully. He even playfully wiggling his index finger.

"OF COURSE NOT, FATHER. WHY WOULD YOU EVEN THINK THAT WAY!!" Ye Xinghan shouted, his veins bulging from the effort of his retort.

"Son, I was just worried you'd become like those Sacred Family midgets. They visit brothels every day and ruin their futures," Ye Xiao chuckled hollowly, realizing he might have misjudged the situation.

"I have much more important things to do than waste time on that. Rest assured. Anyway, you need to check this yourself," Ye Xinghan said, then dragged Ume into the room.

Ye Xiao waited patiently for Ume to calm her excitement and nervousness. 

"So, what's your purpose in bringing her here?" Ye Xiao inquired once Ume had settled down.

"Can you employ her? Maybe as Ye Qingyu's babysitter?" Ye Xinghan suggested.

"Well, being your sister's closest aide isn't simple. We need to check her background and conduct to ensure she's trustworthy. But since you're the one who brought her here, I guess it doesn't really matter," Ye Xiao responded quickly.

Ye Xinghan knew that Ume wouldn't be considered just because of this. "Father, I need to show you something," he continued, handing Ume a used crystal. "Pour your heavenly energy and show it to my father."

Ye Xiao observed silently, expecting perhaps a yellow soul realm, which would be impressive enough. 'If it's yellow, it's worth investing in her,' he thought.

But his expression shifted as the crystal began to shine with an unexpected color.

'AZURE!' Ye Xiao gasped internally. 'SHE IS AN AZURE SOUL REALM. A HEAVEN-PROUD TALENT!'

"You guys wait here for a moment," he said abruptly, leaving without waiting for a response, his mind racing with the implications of what he'd just seen.

Ye Xinghan smiled calmly as Ye Xiao rushed past, knowing the reaction his father would have.

"What is he doing?" Ume asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"Let's wait. Prepare yourself," Ye Xinghan advised. Ume nodded, her gaze wandering around the study room.

About five minutes later, Ye Xiao returned, panting, clearly out of breath. 

"The entire high-ranking figures in the Snow Wind Family have assembled. Follow me!" he declared, his tone urgent and excited.

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