The Peak of Alchemy & Martial

Chapter 3

C3 – The Princess of the Yun Family Yun Tiantian

Outside the gates of the Yun residence, a group of about ten imposing men stood with an air of bravado. Before them lay a large chest, adorned with a red ribbon that fluttered and creaked in the wind.

“Yun Tiantian, come out. There’s no point in hiding behind the crowd,” Qiu Kuiwei said with contempt as he eyed the Yuns, who seemed eager to fight yet dared not make a move.

Despite being outnumbered by the thirty-some members of the Yun family, Qiu Kuiwei’s arrogance was undiminished. His confidence didn’t stem from the Yuns’ lack of strength but from his status as the son of the Qiu family patriarch. The Yuns, capable fighters though they might be, wouldn’t dare lay a hand on him. He was fearless.

“Yun Tiantian, don’t step forward. They wouldn’t dare harm you!”

“We should take them on. Let’s make sure none of them leaves here.”

“But they’re from the Qiu family—one of Silkbarrow City’s four great clans. And Qiu Kuiwei’s father is a Grand Martial Master. We simply can’t provoke them.”

The mention of “Grand Martial Master” subdued the once-enraged Yun crowd, leaving them silent and their faces etched with resignation.

A young girl in a green robe and cloud crown pushed her way through the Yuns. Tear-streaked yet with eyes that shone bright, she fixed a piercing gaze on Qiu Kuiwei, who stood at the forefront of the Qiu contingent.

Unfazed by Yun Tiantian’s intense stare, Qiu Kuiwei instead took the opportunity to appraise her shapely figure, barely concealed by her loose robe. Swallowing hard, he remarked, “Yun Tiantian, see, I’ve even brought your dowry. Today, you’ll join me at the Qiu estate. We’ll consummate our marriage tonight, and I’m sure you’re just as eager as I am.”

Feeling the predatory gaze of Qiu Kuiwei and hearing his degrading words, Yun Tiantian’s shoulders shook with fear and indignation. Tears welled up in her beautiful, large eyes as she defiantly responded.

“Qiu Kuiwei, you might as well give up now. I would rather die than marry you.”

“Who said anything about marriage? Do you really think you’re good enough for the Qiu family? I merely want you as my concubine,” Qiu Kuiwei retorted, his lips curling with desire as he eyed Yun Tiantian’s fragile beauty. His gaze fixated on the rise and fall of her chest as he spoke.

“You should count yourself lucky that the Qiu family’s heir has noticed you. And yet, you have the audacity to aspire to be his wife? How utterly shameless.”

“Keep the young master happy, and he’s sure to reward you generously,” the brawny men behind Qiu Kuiwei murmured among themselves.

These men were Qiu Kuiwei’s personal bodyguards, tasked with ensuring his safety.

“You!” Yun Tiantian pointed at Qiu Kuiwei, her voice ringing out, “You’re the shameless ones!”

Just then, a resonant voice echoed from the Yun household:

“Who’s being shameless?”

A young man clad in a black robe strode forward with a commanding presence, radiant as the dawn sun. The crowd was drawn to him, unable to look away.

This young man was none other than Yun Haoyan, who had emerged from his room. Ignoring the stares, he made his way to his sister, Yun Tiantian, and asked with tender concern,

“Tiantian, who’s been giving you trouble?”

Yun Haoyan’s anger flared as he saw his sister’s tear-streaked face. Yun Tiantian was the cherished princess of their family, adored by all. It was unthinkable that she’d be subjected to such treatment by an outsider.

“Brother…” Yun Tiantian gazed up at the man before her and cried out.