The Phoenix embraced the Sun

They are so different... but so lovely

"Mama is gonna kill me," Wei Ying's voice had notes of both despair and amusement in it.

"Maybe. You made us all worried, and Fuqin almost blew up the Winter Palace," Wei Changze laughed softly, remembering how the clan leader first burned the letter he had received in his hand and then began hurling fire talismans, furious that the damned Hellhounds had dared to harm his beloved granddaughter. As for his beloved Madam Wei, she was ready to mount her sword and go to wreak genocide on those creatures because of her pent up feelings.

"Really?" the girl's eyes lit up with delight.

"Really."

Sure, Wei Ying was timid whenever her family cared so much for their little ones and was willing to go up against everyone, just for her and her little brother to be happy. Sometimes, it frightened her. And when it frightened her, she preferred to hide in her father's arms out of all the older ones. Wei Changze, surprisingly, was the calmest and coldest of them all, and ostentatious violence was not his style. When her mother was screaming and tearing and thrashing, her father was silently tormenting the perpetrator.

Both her parents were intimidating in their own way in people's eyes, but in her eyes, they were her guardians.

She knew that many people were squinting at them with envious glances. Some silently cursed them. But was it her family's fault that they were so fiercely protective and loving? Was it their fault for discarding the long-standing traditions of the all clans, and building their own paradise on their land? Wei Ying felt pity for these people, who were whispering behind their backs that they were allowing themselves too much. She couldn't be angry with them. Because their family problems were their own concern.

The unburdened townsfolk who weren't drawn to excessive bragging, like the Jins, were another matter. The peaceful bustle of the marketplace was more entertaining than the tedious meetings of sects. And in its own way lovely to her heart. No one would whisper or snigger that her parents were spoiling her and A-Sheng in every way, carrying them in their arms and buying whatever their hearts desired. The residents only prayed for the happy family and rejoiced for such moments.

Even now, the girl was catching fleeting adoring glances from the traders and townsfolk of Caiyi as she and her father, holding hands, searched for a vacant inn. Behind them, the older disciples were chatting happily with the local beauties and bickering with the shop assistants, as if they were in a good mood. Wei Ying even noticed that one of her shishiongs was attracted to a young fruit seller who was eager to have a light conversation with him. Shishiong was very attentive to the girl and carefully chose phrases so as not to offend her. Their gushing laughter attracted the attention of Wei Changze. He was slightly confused at first and then smiled approvingly. It seems that the first wedding will be played by Liu Ran.

"Oh... I'm going to get married too when I grow up," Wei Ying thought unhappily, slowing her step.

In fact, she didn't want to get married that much. Wei Ying was more comfortable around her teachers, shidis and shimeis. Instead of lessons in embroidery and etiquette, she fenced, created talismans, and hunted. Once she was given to another family, she was more than certain she would be deprived of all these joys.

"You're sad."

"I don't want to get married," the girl pouted, as she looked into her father's eyes.

"If you don't want, we won't force you," said Changze, stroking his daughter's head, "It's not easy to find someone we can trust now. But if someone falls into your heart, know that we will be on your side."

"You'd be judged for saying that," smiled Wei Ying.

Sensing that the conversation was not going to be easy, Changze booked a seat in the tea house and ordered spicy buns for his daughter. The disciples, having received orders from him, dispersed all over the town.