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Activating his system interface, he discreetly scanned the gathering below.

[System Activated: Analyzing Targets]

He focused on the prominent figures. The head of the Tsei family, Kirk Tsei, stood at the entrance, his demeanor poised yet strained. Beside him were other family elders, their expressions a mix of apprehension and formality.

Descending from the leading carriage was Elder Shawn Hanoi, a dignified man with sharp features and an air of authority. Accompanying him was a young woman whose presence immediately drew Aric\'s attention.

"That must be Amanda Hanoi," Aric noted.

He instructed the system. "Show me her status."

[System Analysis Complete]

[Name: Amanda Hanoi]

[Age: 19]

[Cultivation Level: Core Formation (6th Stage)]

[Strength: 95]

[Agility: 90]

[Intelligence: 85]

[Charm: 80]

[Physique: Silver Lotus Physique]

[Bloodline: Heavenly Lotus Bloodline]

[Cultivation Techniques: Silver Lotus Ascension Art, Heavenly Lotus Sword Art, Lotus Petal Shield]

[Skills: Swordsmanship (Advanced), Formation Arrays (Intermediate), Alchemy (Intermediate)]

[Protagonist Halo: 82,000]

Down below, Kirk Tsei stepped forward to greet his guests. "Welcome, Elder Shawn," he said with a respectful bow. "We are honored by your visit."

"Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Kirk," Elder Shawn replied, his tone courteous yet formal. "We come on important matters."

Amanda stood slightly behind her uncle, her gaze steady but distant. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tensions.

Kirk gestured toward the grand hall. "Please, let us discuss matters inside over tea."

Elder Shawn nodded. "Very well."

As they moved into the hall, Aric decided to position himself closer, utilizing his Celestial Veil to conceal his presence. From a vantage point near an open window, he could observe the proceedings without detection.

Inside, the servants poured fragrant tea as the two families settled. Kirk broke the silence. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, Elder Shawn?"

Elder Shawn exchanged a brief glance with Amanda before speaking. "We have come to discuss the engagement between Amanda and Tyler."

Kirk\'s expression tightened subtly. "I see. Is there a concern?"

Amanda stood, her voice clear and resolute. "Elder Tsei, I wish to annul the engagement contract between myself and Tyler."

A hushed silence fell over the room. The Tsei family elders exchanged uneasy looks.

Kirk forced a measured response. "Lady Amanda, perhaps we can discuss this further. Breaking an engagement is a serious matter."

Amanda\'s eyes flashed with determination. "There is nothing to discuss. Tyler\'s... circumstances have changed. He is no longer the promising cultivator he once was."

"Moreover," Elder Shawn interjected, "Amanda has been selected by the Taochi Holy Temple. Her path now leads in a different direction. Maintaining this engagement serves neither family."

"Accepted into the Taochi Holy Temple?" Aric raised an eyebrow. "Her potential is significant. No wonder she\'s eager to sever ties."

Taochi Holy Temple was another powerful sect in the Azuria continent. Although, it\'s weaker than Starry Sky sect or any major families but still it plays an important role in the world.

Kirk composed himself. "We are aware of Tyler\'s challenges, but he has been training diligently. We believe he will soon regain his strength."

Amanda\'s tone turned sharp. "Do you take me for a fool, Lord Kirk? The whispers and ridicule I endure are unacceptable. It\'s not just that Tyler has lost his cultivation; his behavior is unbecoming. I\'ve heard he frequents unsavory establishments. I cannot be associated with such a man."

Murmurs spread among the Tsei elders. Kirk\'s expression hardened slightly. "Lady Amanda, such accusations are serious. Tyler is our heir and has conducted himself honorably."

Elder Shawn leaned forward. "Our Hanoi family will not have Amanda\'s future compromised. We propose a peaceful annulment of the engagement."

Meanwhile, a servant hurried to Tyler\'s quarters, where he had been practicing in isolation.

"Young Master," the servant said, bowing deeply. "Lady Amanda and Elder Shawn have arrived at the estate... they have come to annul the marriage contract."

Tyler\'s expression darkened immediately. "The Hanoi family, the same people who once licked our feet to arrange this engagement, have come to break it off?" He stood up, his body shaking with anger. "How dare they?"

He dressed quickly, his mind whirling with fury and frustration. Despite his weakened state, the thought of Amanda walking away from him like this was too much to bear.

In the courtyard, Elder Shawn was still speaking when the sound of slow, deliberate clapping interrupted him.

"Clap, clap, clap."

Before Kirk could respond, a firm voice echoed from the entrance of the hall.

"So, it\'s beneficial for both families to end this arrangement, is it?" came the sarcastic tone.

All heads turned to see Tyler Tsei striding into the room. Dressed impeccably, he carried himself with an air of defiance. His eyes briefly met Amanda\'s before scanning the room.

"Tyler," Kirk said cautiously. "We are in the midst of a discussion."

"I can see that, Father," Tyler replied, his gaze settling on Elder Shawn and Amanda. "I couldn\'t help but overhear."

Amanda regarded him coolly. "You\'ve arrived just in time. We were discussing the annulment of our engagement."

Tyler smirked. "I gathered as much."

Elder Shawn spoke sternly. "Young man, this is a matter between our families. We expect your understanding."

Tyler met his gaze unflinchingly. "With all due respect, Elder Shawn, this concerns me directly."

He turned to Amanda. "You wish to break off our engagement because you believe I\'ve become weak?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Is that not the case?"

"Just because I\'ve faced setbacks doesn\'t mean I\'m defeated," Tyler asserted. "Do you think I\'m a lost cause, unworthy of you?"

Amanda\'s expression remained stoic. "Your actions and decline speak for themselves."

Tyler took a step forward. "Then I propose a challenge."

The room buzzed with surprise.

"What are you suggesting?" Amanda asked skeptically.

"Give me three years," Tyler declared. "In that time, I will restore my cultivation and surpass your expectations. If I succeed, you will honor our engagement wholeheartedly. If I fail, I will annul the engagement myself and publicly apologize."

The courtyard fell silent. Even Elder Shawn seemed taken aback by Tyler\'s sudden boldness.

Elder Shawn frowned. "This is highly irregular."

"This is madness, Tyler," Amanda snapped, but there was a hint of hesitation in her voice.

"Madness?" Tyler laughed, his eyes burning with determination. "You\'ll see if it\'s madness when I win. Three years. That\'s all I ask. Or are you too afraid?"

Amanda considered him for a moment. "Why should I agree to this?"

"Because deep down, you know I was once your equal," Tyler said confidently. "Unless you\'re afraid I\'ll succeed."

A flash of irritation crossed her face. "I fear nothing."

"Then it\'s settled," Tyler said with a slight grin.

Aric watched the scene from afar, thoroughly entertained. "I\'ve always read this in novels, and seeing it unfold in real life... it\'s even better," he thought, his smirk growing.

But then, his expression changed, his eyes narrowing. "Now it\'s time to get back to work."

Before the conversation could continue, a sudden shift in the atmosphere caught everyone\'s attention. A powerful aura permeated the hall, commanding and intense.

Kirk Tsei, Elder Shawn, and Amanda all turned to face the sudden intruder, their eyes widening in shock.

Aric chose that moment to make his presence known. Deactivating his Celestial Veil, he stepped gracefully into the courtyard adjacent to the hall, his figure visible through the open doors.

All eyes turned toward him, surprise and caution evident.

"Who dares intrude upon our private gathering?" one of the Tsei elders demanded.

Aric offered a polite bow. "Forgive the interruption. I couldn\'t help but overhear such a passionate exchange."

Elder Shawn\'s eyes narrowed. "And who might you be?" he demanded, his tone edged with caution.

Aric stepped forward with a calm demeanor. "Allow me to introduce myself," he said, his voice steady and confident. "My name is Aric Lei."

A ripple of astonishment passed through the gathering. The name Aric Lei was not one spoken lightly. Whispers spread among the assembled members of both the Tsei and Hanoi families.

"Aric Lei... the Holy Son and young master of the Lei Family?" Elder Shawn asked, his skepticism giving way to a mixture of respect and apprehension.

"Indeed, you guessed correctly," Aric confirmed with a faint smile.

Kirk Tsei\'s eyes widened slightly. "Young Master Aric," he said, inclining his head respectfully. "We are honored by your presence at our humble estate."

Amanda Hanoi regarded Aric with a curious gaze, her earlier irritation tempered by intrigue. Tyler, however, observed the newcomer with a hint of annoyance, unsettled by the sudden shift in attention.

"To what do we owe your visit, Young Master Aric?" Kirk inquired, striving to maintain composure despite the unexpected arrival.

"I happened to be visiting nearby and was drawn by the commotion," Aric explained casually. "I couldn\'t help but notice the gathering and thought it polite to introduce myself."

"It\'s nothing serious," Kirk replied hastily. "Just a private discussion between our two families."

Aric raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then would you mind sharing what the discussion is about?" His tone was polite, yet there was an undercurrent of authority that was hard to ignore.

Kirk hesitated. Given Aric\'s status and the fact that he had entered their courtyard unnoticed--a testament to his formidable abilities--it seemed unwise to dismiss his inquiry.

Understanding the delicate position, Elder Shawn intervened. "We were addressing matters regarding the engagement between my niece, Amanda, and Tyler Tsei," he explained. "Certain developments have necessitated a reevaluation."

"Ah, I see," Aric said thoughtfully. "Matters of such importance can be quite complex."

Tyler, feeling sidelined, stepped forward. "We have already come to a conclusion," he interjected firmly. "A three-year agreement has been established."

Aric turned his gaze to Tyler, noting the young man\'s defiant posture. "And you are?" he asked, his expression unreadable.