A sleek, luxurious flying ship glided through the skies, descending toward the Bai Clan’s grand estate.
The vessel bore the insignia of the Chu Clan, one of the most powerful noble families in the Desolate Heaven Empire.
Standing at the bow, Chu Ziyan gazed at the sprawling Bai Clan estate below, her red eyes calm yet slightly amused.
The wind tugged at her robes, and her long, jet-black hair fluttered behind her.
(It’s been years since I was last here… and now, I’m returning as Bai Zihan’s fiancée. Who would have thought?)
She smirked to herself.
Of all the possibilities, this was one she hadn’t expected.
Her fingers traced the hilt of the sword at her waist as she recalled her first encounter with Bai Zihan.
A bratty nine-year-old with too much arrogance, too little self-awareness, and an annoying tendency to think he was invincible.
(Well, he was a good toy!)
A chuckle escaped her lips.
It had only taken a few hits to put him in his place.
She remembered how he had gone from an overconfident young master to a miserable little lackey, forced to serve her tea and follow her every order.
For two weeks, he had been her personal errand boy.
Even back then, she had been stronger than him—far stronger.
And now?
(I wonder… has he changed at all?)
Somehow, she doubted it.
She had seen many people like Bai Zihan in the Heaven Sword Sect—drunk on power that wasn’t truly theirs—though he was the weakest of them all.
The ship landed smoothly in the Bai Clan’s courtyard. Several Bai Clan elders and attendants were already waiting to receive her.
With graceful movements, Chu Ziyan stepped off the ship.
Her presence was commanding yet effortless—an undeniable aura of confidence and strength surrounded her.
The elders bowed respectfully.
“Lady Chu, we welcome you to the Bai Clan!”
She nodded in acknowledgment.
“I appreciate the hospitality.”
A servant stepped forward.
“Lady Chu, we have prepared a residence for you during your stay. Would you like to rest first, or would you prefer to meet with the young master?”
She waved a hand dismissively.
“I’ll rest later. For now, take me to Bai Xueqing.”
The servant hesitated.
“Lady Xueqing is currently training. Would you still want to meet her?”
“Yes!”
The servant nodded and led the way.
Others weren’t allowed to disturb Bai Xueqing during her training, but it was a different story if the person in question was Chu Ziyan.
Chu Ziyan arrived at the Bai Clan’s sword training grounds, where Bai Xueqing, the Heaven Sword Sect’s rising genius, was practicing her swordsmanship.
Each of Bai Xueqing’s movements was sharp, precise, and deadly.
Her sword carved through the air with a sound akin to ripping silk, leaving faint traces of sword intent lingering in its wake.
Chu Ziyan watched for a moment before stepping forward.
“Still as sharp as ever, I see.”
Bai Xueqing stopped mid-strike, her gaze shifting toward the familiar voice.
When she saw Chu Ziyan, a rare smile crossed her usually cold face.
“Ziyan!”
She sheathed her sword and walked over.
“I heard you were coming, but I wasn’t expecting you to arrive so soon.”
Chu Ziyan shrugged.
“Well, the elders in my clan want me to take care of my business with the Bai Clan as soon as possible.”
The Bai Clan had a strong reason to align themselves with the Chu Clan, but the same was true for the Chu Clan—perhaps even more so.
Their competitors were receiving support from two of the other top three strongest clans, and their market share was shrinking.
So, they hoped that Chu Ziyan could finalize her engagement with Bai Zihan as soon as possible before the situation worsened.
Bai Xueqing’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
“What business do you have?”
Bai Xueqing asked, confused.
She didn’t think Chu Ziyan was mature enough to meddle in the affairs between the Chu and Bai Clans.
Even she wasn’t qualified to do so.
Chu Ziyan smirked.
“What? You don’t believe me?”
Bai Xueqing crossed her arms.
“Knowing you… you’re probably isn’t here for any important business.”
Chu Ziyan chuckled.
“Well… maybe?”
She stepped forward and placed a hand on Bai Xueqing’s shoulder.
“I have good news for you.”
Bai Xueqing raised an eyebrow.
“What news?”
Chu Ziyan’s smile widened.
“I’m going to be your big sister now.”
Silence!
Bai Xueqing blinked, not quite understanding at first.
Then—
Her expression darkened.
“…You can’t mean—?”
Chu Ziyan nodded.
“That’s right! Your clan and mine have arranged for me to marry your dear little brother.”
She leaned in slightly, amusement dancing in her eyes.
“So from now on, you should call me ‘Big Sister Ziyan’!”
Bai Xueqing’s lips twitched violently.
For a moment, she was utterly speechless.
Of all the things she had expected Chu Ziyan to say—this was the last.
Bai Xueqing, or anyone else outside of that meeting, had no idea about Bai Zihan’s soon-to-be engagement with Chu Ziyan.
And until the engagement was officially announced, the matter was to be kept secret.
Bai Xueqing had only been informed that Chu Ziyan would soon be visiting the Bai Clan—nothing more.
She hadn’t known the reason until now.
“…You’re joking.”
“Nope!”
“…You’re serious?”
“Very!”
Bai Xueqing exhaled deeply and rubbed her temples.
She would have been happy if Chu Ziyan was marrying her brother—if only Bai Zihan wasn’t her brother.
Her voice was low.
“You’re really going to marry that annoying brat?”
Chu Ziyan grinned.
“I am.”
Bai Xueqing stared at her friend for a long moment, searching for any sign of hesitation.
There was none.
“Why?”
Chu Ziyan tilted her head.
“Why not?”
Bai Xueqing’s face twitched.
“Because he’s Bai Zihan?!”
That reason alone should have been enough for most people to avoid marriage with him.
Chu Ziyan let out a light laugh.
“True, true. He’s an idiot.”
“Then why?”
“I think it’ll be fun and I get to be your big sister.”
Bai Xueqing closed her eyes, exhaling through her nose.
A part of her wanted to say, “I’ll call off this engagement myself!”
But she knew it wasn’t that simple.
The marriage wasn’t just about Bai Zihan and Chu Ziyan—it was an alliance between their two clans.
Moreover, this could also stabilize Bai Zihan’s position as heir.
Although she didn’t like him very much, he was still her brother, and she knew this marriage alliance could benefit him greatly.
But was Ziyan truly okay with it?
Bai Xueqing shook her head.
She felt a headache coming on.
“…Whatever. If you really want to do this, I won’t stop you.”
Chu Ziyan smirked.
“Good. Then go ahead and say it.”
Bai Xueqing frowned.
“Say what?”
“You know what.”
“…I don’t.”
Chu Ziyan’s eyes gleamed mischievously.
“Call me Big Sister!”
Bai Xueqing’s expression darkened.
Chu Ziyan chuckled.
“Oh, don’t worry. There’s plenty of time for you to say it later. After all—we’re family now!”
Bai Xueqing stared at Chu Ziyan, who seemed determined to go through with marrying Bai Zihan.
“I’ll go and meet my soon-to-be fiancé now, little sister!”