The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 417: Xuan Jian: Snake Cubs

Chapter 417: Xuan Jian: Snake Cubs

*Xuan Jian’s Perspective*

Deep within Blooming Courtyard, Xuan Jian observed the two eggs, unaware of their papa watching in the background. The two started off their adventure as soon as Xu Si’s eyes were taken off them.

They hadn’t realized it was now Xuan Jian who was watching them covertly, and they weren’t actually hiding from their caretaker. Their playful exploration of new hiding spots was completely being invaded by their stern papa.

The lush greenery, lovingly tended to and nurtured by Xu Feng, still thrived resiliently despite enduring the scorching summer sun. Even in the absence of Xu Feng’s tender care over the past two months, these verdant plants remained robust and vibrant, refusing to yield to the impending arrival of fall.

Beyond the estate’s threshold, the world surrendered to the whims of nature, but within their sanctuary, the flora seemed to possess a life of its own. It was like the bushes and vines were playing with the two curious eggs. They wouldn’t wither, and would stay forever vibrant just to keep the eggs occupied.

Nestled within the cherished corners frequented by Xu Feng, his two cubs found comfort among the foliage, reveling in the freedom they had "won" after they managed to "evade" their vigilant overseers.

With carefree abandon, the two eggs frolicked "sneakily" among the shrubs and trees, as if leaving traces of their presence behind, marking their territory known boldly in secret.

While the greenhouse held a special allure for them, serving as their favored retreat, it couldn’t serve as their sole hiding spot. If it were, Xu Si and Xu San would have an easier time locating the mischievous duo.

Many of their chosen hiding places bore the unmistakable imprint of Xu Feng’s lingering energy, a subtle reminder of his energetic presence.

Though uncertain if Xiao Long could sense it, Xuan Jian had no doubt that Da Long, with his keen instincts inherited from his father, felt the familiar aura surrounding these now sacred spots.

As Xuan Jian observed with a tender smile, Da Long displayed his ingenuity by guiding his younger brother under the still fruiting bush with remarkable skill. The subtle maneuvers were far removed from the tactics of Torran warriors, yet they showcased Da Long’s potential as a future warrior.

Despite their playful antics, Xuan Jian couldn’t shake the feeling that Da Long possessed the makings of a great leader.

Though affectionately referred to as Da Long and Xiao Long, it was evident that the two eggs, resembling snakes rather than dragons, had inherited traits from their reptilian ancestors of their father rather than their fox blooded dad, Xu Feng.

As Da Long assumed the role of a miniature general, leading his brother with determination and cunning, Xuan Jian couldn’t help but feel a pang of loneliness engulf him.

Even with Xu Zeng here, the eggs were lonely. His eggs were missing their dad, and there was nothing Xuan Jian could do about it.

The absence of their dad—and now their father—weighed heavily on the eggs, leaving them yearning for his comforting presence. Xuan Jian shared in their longing, feeling the ache in his own heart intensify with each passing moment.

Despite the lack of an official mating ceremony and the absence of their names inscribed in his Clan’s annals, Xuan Jian couldn’t deny the depth of his attachment to his lovers.

This pain felt like everything he’d been told by the elders who would occasionally spare him stories about their oh so great history. It was a two edged sword used to tell him how inferior he was to them with two dragon parents who valued them.

He was a full blooded dragon of the Torran bloodline, yet he was sired by a phoenix. His thunder wasn’t inferior to theirs, but it was still tainted by the phoenix fire of his father’s people in their eyes.

At the very least, Xuan Jian was glad these children weren’t dragons. They weren’t directly of his blood. There was nothing waiting for them in his Clan. Only heartache, twin to his own.

Xuan Jian was tempted to raise the cubs in this place, so they could be close to their dad’s memory, and be connected to their father’s heritage.

Donghua wasn’t energetically rich, while the mountainous areas of the Nanshan Mountain Range were more concentrated in spiritual energy, it paled in comparison to the outside world beyond Dongzhou.

It would limit their potential to stay here even if it meant being closer to Xu Feng.

Whether they grew up to be snakes—which was most likely, as their shells didn’t look like anything he’d ever seen outside of Dongzhou—or to be foxes, they would receive everything he had to offer them.

All the treasures he found outside would be theirs unquestionably. These were his cubs.

If the cubs were diligent enough, he would find some way for them to awaken their blood as much as they could. Certain snake and aquatic bloodlines could cultivate and awaken a dragon bloodline.

That was the ultimate peak and wish for many demon beasts, and if his cubs wanted that, he would do all in his power to give them that.

He would give them everything he couldn’t give Xu Feng.

"Master," Min called out lowly to Xuan Jian. As soon as the call entered his ear, Jian motioned to the man to keep silent.

...

The eggs continued their game of staking out hiding spots, undisturbed by the voice.

Looking back, Xuan Jian’s face returned to a respectable facade, one that was stern and controlled. This was the face he put on in front of his men recently.

He nodded to Min and Liu, acknowledging both their presences. Without any prompting, Liu took up a spot to watch Da Long and Xiao Long.

Xuan Jian looked back once more at his cubs with love in his eyes, before leading Min back to the main house of the courtyard.

He knew what this was about, and was interested in what the capable man under him had procured under such short notice.