468 Son and Father-in-law

"Such as you, Ye Qingxuan."

In the silence, Yunlou Qingshu smiled and dropped another bomb. He patted Ye Qingxuan's shoulder with satisfaction. "You're much better than that idiotic crown prince, better than anyone else, don't you think?"

"Mr. Yunlou, you think too highly of me." Ye Qingxuan's expression was indifferent. "To be honest, I'm just a handyman for Anglo. Even if I've become more famous after becoming a musician, I still have nothing to do with true power."

"Don't look down on yourself, young man," Qingshu said lightly. "You are only nineteen-years-old, aren't you? In half a year, you went from a student who knew nothing to a powerful Disturbance level musician. You have a weapon like Jiu Xiao Huan Pei and countless inheritances from various schools. You also have something like the Philosopher's Stone.

"The greatest traitor, Ye Lanzhou, is your father, Mr. Bach's only student Wolf Flute is your good friend, Maxwell sees you as his heir, Anglo sees you as their sword bearer, and you are the future shadow minister and head of the Fifth Department. The Silent Authority is sparing no expenses in turning you into one of their one. Even the core of the Cardinals and Constantine think highly of you. That Charles, who seems out of it, sees you more important than life itself…

"To Anglo, you are the future pillar and Lancelot dreams of you returning to the family. And let's not even mention Princess Mary, who loves you. When you officially enter your position, you will become the first uncrowned king in a century to have the Sword in the Stone, the Fifth Department, and Lancelot's armor…

"To the East, you are the undisputed leader of the Ye family. So many people wish you'll go back. Once you past the test of the dragon blood, you'll become a duke, equal to me with a promising future…"

Yunlou Qingshu gazed at Ye Qingxuan as if looking at a priceless gem. "How many people on this planet do you think are equal to you in talent and connections?"

"I see." Ye Qingxuan arched an eyebrow. "If not for your reminder, I wouldn't have realized how valuable I am. Unfortunately, why do you think I'll marry Bai Xi if I have such a promising future?"

"Will you let her marry just anyone?" Qingshu asked in return.

Ye Qingxuan fell silent.

Qingshu smiled happily and poured wine for him. "Ye Qingxuan, see, you care for her," he murmured in the youth's ear like a wraith. "Instead of giving my daughter to someone who doesn't love her as a toy, why don't I find a good man who is willing to sacrifice for her?"

Ye Qingxuan sneered. "Not just sacrifice for Bai Xi, but for you too, right?"

"Ye Qingxuan, you're almost twenty. Why do you still not act like a man?" Qingshu shook his head sadly. Standing up, he looked around the luxurious yet empty restaurant as if drunk. Looking at the bustling night outside the window, he smiled mockingly.

"Why are you afraid to look your desires in the eye? Men must grasp what they love in their hands! No matter if that is beauties, power, richness, or a country. If it doesn't belong you, then what meaning does your love have? Are you really willing to watch Bai Xi get married to a fat and balding old man?"

The voice was like a demon's murmurs.

Qingshu walked behind Ye Qingxuan and gently pressed down on his shoulders. He still smiled politely but now, there was a bit of drunkenness and craziness. His voice seemed to come from hell.

"She is only nineteen this year, Ye Qingxuan. So young, so cute. She'll tremble in shyness when holding your hand, so intoxicatingly sweet. You've done so much for her. She should belong to you!

"Think about it. If you aren't there, that unmarred body would be pressed under a vile old man and played with until her tears run dry. She'll be a little doll put on display…"

Ye Qingxuan remained silent. But under his long white hair, his face was livid. Angry moonlight burned in his eyes.

"Mr. Yunlou, don't cross the line…"

"Don't cross the line?" Yunlou Qingshu laughed. "Do you know where we are? Ye Qingxuan, this is the Sacred City. Do you know what creatures these big figures become after they take off their uniforms?

"Have you seen how they play with women? When they get bored, they'll call their friends over. Three people, five, even—"

"I said enough!" Ye Qingxuan growled.

The illusion of cold moonlight rose in thin air. Instantly, it sliced like a sword. Six ripples appeared in the aether sea. However, the brewing moonlight was forcefully extinguished. In the silence, there was a string of crackles between them. Two powerful strengths burst out, freezing the world and distorting the reality.

In an instant, two vastly different music theories clashed in a short yet intense fight. After distorting the material world, they went into the aether sea, creating giant waves. Before alerting the Sacred City enchantment, they quickly moved into a dark corner.

Deep under the aether sea, they created wild aftershocks. The moonlight sword swung and hacked, breaking through sixteen barriers in quick succession until the other was forced into a passive defensive position. However, the other was obviously a Scepter level. Even using Yunlou Qingshu as a source and fighting with Ye Qingxuan from thousands of meters away, he could still move at ease and ensure Qingshu's safety.

The fight in the aether sea was reflected in reality. With a string of sharp sounds, the terrifying aftershocks shattered the bricks, walls, and chandeliers. The table melted into dirt but the tablecloth turned into steel. The glasses vaporized but the wine inside solidified into vile rubber…

The short yet shrill wine suddenly stopped. Ye Qingxuan's finger was pressed against Qingshu's neck. The aether waves on Qingshu's body were furious but did not burst out due to Qingshu's calmness.

The other man did not expect that the renowned Ye Qingxuan would have such a high starting point… In that instant, Ye Qingxuan used pure power to force him back. His sub-originator had stirred the aether sea, forcefully destroying the protections around Qingshu.

He had thrown the Philosopher's Stone as if it was a steel ball!

Now, he only needed to think and activate his heart of sound to turn this duke into a pile of mangled flesh. The other man did not dare to take the risk.

"Calm down, young man." As if he did not understand his danger, Yunlou Qingshu did not show any fear. "Do you think I'm a despicable man? Don't worry, I'm still her father. I won't let that happen. You won't either, right?"

"You did say something right." Ye Qingxuan let go and looked at him expressionlessly. "I did so much for her, so she does not belong to you. No matter what cards you have hidden or plans you have, I hope that you won't appear before Bai Xi again before you leave this city… Otherwise, I promise I will make it painful for you."

"You learn quickly, Ye Qingxuan." Qingshu patted his shoulder with praise. "You did not disappoint me. You're even more valuable than I thought. If possible, I even want Chaoyue to marry you…but I'm sure you won't listen to anything I say now."

Reaching out, he took off his torn jacket. The servant in the darkness walked over and submissively helped him put on a new and clean robe. He still looked majestic and glamorous.

"It's getting late and I should go. A cardinal representing the Sacred City wishes to meet me tonight." Glancing at his watch, he sighed. "I can't believe the first unfortunate meeting between a father and son-in-law would end like this. Take care, Ye Qingxuan."

With one last glance, he turned and left. The door slammed shut behind him.

-

Outside the door, the servants waited beside the elegant carriage in the night wind. They knelt on the ground to welcome Yunlou Qingshu back. However, he stayed by the door and looked beside him. At the side of the road, Abraham sat on the fire hydrant, smoking with his head low. His clothes were ugly and his hat was old. He looked more like a homeless guy than a musician.

Yunlou Qingshu went over with a cigarette. "Can I borrow some fire?"

"Of course." Abraham reached up. His metal fingers snapped, creating a spark that lit the cigarette. Using the firelight, Qingshu studied Abraham's features.

"I heard of you twenty years ago. I have looked up to the name 'Abraham' for a long while."

"Thank you." Abraham shook his head. "That is all in the past. Now, I only want to be a teacher but you tried to take my student away, so don't say things like looking up to me."

"I can't help it." Qingshu shook his head sadly. "As a father, I must be strict."

"Coincidentally, I'm like that too," Abraham said calmly. "Bai Xi is a good girl. She's obedient and cute. So, if she doesn't like you, it must be because you treat her badly instead of strictly."

Yunlou Qingshu remained silent. He could always explain himself before the others but faced with Abraham's straightforward logic, he was powerless.

He sighed. "You misunderstand me."

Abraham put out his pipe and emptied the ashes on the fire hydrant. He put it back and looked at Qingshu. "You know, for a moment…" he said, "I really wanted to kill you."

-

When Ye Qingxuan found Bai Xi, she was on the swing set in the embassy's backyard. Ye Qingxuan looked at her back quietly. After a long while, she lowered her head. She wiped her face forcefully and turned around. Her eyes were slightly red but they weren't sad.

"Did you beat him up?" Bai Xi asked.

Ye Qingxuan nodded. "Yeah."

"Did you win?"

Thinking for a bit, he shook his head. "Didn't lose."

"Oh." Bai Xi was a little sad but she quickly got onto her tiptoes and patted his shoulder. "It's okay. Work harder and you'll win next time."

"Yeah." Nodding, Ye Qingxuan smiled. "Let's go back. Professor and Charles are worried."

Bai Xi nodded obediently. Tugging his sleeve, she followed him. However, Ye Qingxuan paused and grasped her hand. Her hand was cold, delicate, and small. Holding it, he didn't dare to apply pressure, scared that it would melt like a snowflake.

Bai Xi stiffened.

"Cousin?" She looked up but Ye Qingxuan was walking before her against the light. She could not see his expression clearly.

"Bai Xi…"

"Yeah?"

"Will you go back with your dad?"

Bai Xi laughed and shook his head. "No."

"Really?"

She nodded forcefully. "Really."

"Okay." Ye Qingxuan lowered his head. He tightened his grip and seemed to smile. "That's good."

-

A few days later, it was still snowing endlessly. Tomorrow was the Winter Festival. Most stores were closed and the crowds had thinned. The falling snow muffled all sound, making this steel city peaceful and serene.

Ye Qingxuan allowed the snow to fall onto him. He walked on the soft carpet, listening to the snow crumbling under his feet. Finally, he pushed open a vintage door. The heat from the fireplace welcomed him.

The antiques store was decorated subtly and comfortably. The fireplace burned and emanated with the smell of pine wood. There might be some spices as well. It was faintly fragrant and calming.

Among the precious antiques, someone sat on the sofa. Covered with a blanket, he had his head buried while writing something.

"Boss, your crappy place is so hard to find." Ye Qingxuan stomped his feet by the door and shook off the snow before entering.

Hermes waved. "You're finally here. I thought you'd come earlier. I'm still busy. Take a seat and get some wine from the cabinet."

Ye Qingxuan stood by the sofa and stared before confirming that this really was the horrible boss he knew. A few days ago, he was still an ugly fatty but now, he was extremely thin. Or rather, he had recovered his previous frail beauty.

Now, he looked like a thirty-something-year-old noble. His features were handsome and his skin was pale. There was the eerie and androgynous beauty. It was as if the golden haired youth from their first meeting had suddenly grown up. He was a totally different man from the fat guy before.

"Boss, did you take drugs?" Ye Qingxuan frowned. "You've lost at least twenty-five pounds, right?"

"Sh!" Hermes waved in annoyance. He scribbled in his notebook with a pen. Ye Qingxuan glanced over and his eyes hurt. Using his basic knowledge of engineering and alchemy, he could make out that Hermes was drawing the design of something big. The part he could see was already extremely complicated.

He could understand a bit about the alchemy. Some of the music theory seemed to be similar to his enlightenment. There were traces of the Heaven Ladder in there too but he did understand its use or nature.

He tried to interpret it but before he started, all the changes and music theories made him practically black out. In that moment, he saw a huge yet blurry structure hidden in the mist…

"What is this?" he yelped.

"A secret." Hermes smiled mysteriously. He scribbled down the last equation and closed the book. "When I show you after I finish two days later, you'll be shocked. I can't believe I got this crazy idea just as I decided to retire from alchemy. This will change the world, Ye Qingxuan."

"…Everyone wants to change the world. This isn't anything shocking." Ye Qingxuan shook his head. He did not understand what Hermes was planning and did not care either. "How did you lose so much weight?"

"Of course by being healthy and exercising. Did you think I was dieting?" Hermes whistled. "Good exercising habits are the way to a healthy body, Ye Qingxuan. Would you like a pair of running shoes? Running is really healthy!"

Run? Ye Qingxuan thought in his mind. You can only lose that much weight by running from the Sacred City to Anglo and back every day!

He put his jacket on the stand and sat down without reserve. "I'm sure you know why I'm here."

"Yunlou Qingshu?" As if already clear, Hermes was unsurprised. "You already saw that guy? Seems like he gave you a lot of pressure. After all, pressure is normal when you meet your in-law."

"Boss, can you not?" Ye Qingxuan sighed. "If I really had an in-law like that, I'd just kill myself. I'd rather donate everything I own to homeless kids than let that b*stard get a cent."

"Ah, seems like you have a lot of family drama." Hermes cackled. "If you're here, you must want some dirty gossip on your in-law, right?"

"What cards does he have hidden?" Ye Qingxuan cut to the chase. "He came so confidently to see the daughter that wants to kill him. What is he counting on?"

"Oh, you've asked a good question." Gripping his chin, Hermes began saying, "Let's start from when Yunlou Qingshu was born forty-six years ago…"

"Abridged version, please." Ye Qingxuan was in no mood to listen to him expound.

"Okay, okay." Hermes shrugged helplessly. "Let's start from twenty-three years ago…"