Engagement Canceled: I Can Extract Prefixes-Chapter 379 - 378: The Ritual of Heaven Begins

The two of them were idly chatting, and it wasn’t long before Shen Han returned.

"Madam Yun, Cailing’er, do you see this attire..."

As he stepped into the courtyard, Shen Han hadn’t yet noticed Liu Xilan’s visit.

When he saw her, he paused for a moment, then adjusted himself to a more formal demeanor.

At that moment, Liu Xilan’s gaze was also fixed on Shen Han.

The outfit Shen Han was wearing was newly sewn for the rites of worshipping heaven.

In Great Wei, such sacrifices are considered very serious and grand affairs.

Generally speaking, one must attend in festive attire to show their respect.

Liu Xilan couldn’t help but take a few extra glances before withdrawing her gaze.

Shen Han was handsome, typically donned in simple and elegant clothing, his garb often embodying a sense of ease.

But today, in full ceremonial attire, his entire demeanor had evolved somewhat.

What was once a carefree and handsome elegance today exuded a certain calm dignity and majestic presence.

"I did not know that Fairy Xilan was visiting, sorry for my earlier abruptness..."

Shen Han greeted and apologized.

In front of Madam Yun and Cailing, he could be quite casual, but he felt a bit embarrassed in front of others.

"There’s no abruptness, but seeing this side of you, Shen Han, is more interesting than usual."

A smile appeared on Liu Xilan’s face, and she was such a beauty that her smile seemed to light up the surroundings.

Upon hearing Liu Xilan speak, Madam Yun beside her kept staring at her, her mind wandering.

This Liu Xilan, she truly liked.

Moreover, when Shen Han came back just now, Liu Xilan couldn’t help but take several more glances.

Madam Yun felt in her heart that this Fairy Xilan surely harbored some admiration for Shen Han too.

Only, Shen Han...

"Let Fairy Xilan see a joke..."

Before Shen Han could continue speaking, Madam Yun moved her chair slightly.

"Fairy Xilan, do you think Han’s attire today looks good?"

Liu Xilan was slightly taken aback by the question, feeling it somewhat inappropriate...

"Madam Yun, what a strange question you ask..."

Shen Han tried to smooth things over for Liu Xilan, but after hesitating for a moment, she nodded.

"Today’s attire does make him look more composed; previously he was a handsome youth, but now he resembles a dignified young gentleman with an impressive aura."

Liu Xilan did not hesitate to express her praise, making Shen Han somewhat embarrassed.

Sitting beside, Madam Yun watched the two of them, wearing the smile of a mother on her face.

But Shen Han did not seem willing to continue speaking on this matter, giving a light cough.

Liu Xilan seemed to notice Shen Han’s awkwardness, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke.

"The reason I’m here today is actually for a small matter.

Previously, when you visited Xiaoyao Peak, you had some disagreement with Junior Brother Ye.

He’s a very stubborn person and wanted to make a bet with me.

The wager was between you and Shen Ye’s duel; if you could defeat Shen Ye within a year, I would win.

If Shen Ye won, Junior Brother Ye would win.

But unexpectedly, within just a few months, a confrontation between you and Shen Ye arose.

He ended up losing a Secret Realm he held to me, and I thought I won partly because of you.

So I wanted to invite you to go there together."

Upon hearing this, Madam Yun clapped her hands: "Of course, but Han must inherit the title, and that can only happen after the ancestral rites..."

"Naturally, that’s not an issue, waiting a few months is quite normal."

Liu Xilan smiled; her invitation was indeed heartfelt.

However, Shen Han seemed a bit hesitant...

The noon of summer was somewhat sweltering.

Though no one spoke, the incessant cicada songs around were quite bothersome, making the mood as stifling as the summer day.

"I might be somewhat inconvenienced..."

Shen Han, unsure of what he was worried about, actually declined.

"It’s all right, if you’re unavailable, then let it be; no need to force it."

Liu Xilan’s eyes slightly drooped, showing a hint of disappointment, but her words remained quite free-spirited.

"Thank you for understanding, Fairy Xilan. Currently, the situation I face is complicated with hidden dangers.

Exploring the Secret Realm with Fairy Xilan might even bring you into trouble..."

Shen Han’s face showed a trace of seriousness as he explained softly.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xilan also smiled and nodded.

"It was my oversight before; let’s talk about it later when we have the chance."

That said, Liu Xilan stood up to leave.

Accompanying Liu Xilan to the Academy’s gate, the two of them bid farewell.

When Shen Han returned to the courtyard, Madam Yun and Cailing’er sat there, staring at Shen Han.

As Shen Han took a few steps forward, their eyes followed slightly in tandem.

"If you have something to say, just say it directly..." Shen Han said with a bit of helplessness.

"Han, Fairy Xilan is good to you, and she’s a good person."

"I know, and that’s why I don’t want to hurt her or put her in a difficult position."

Madam Yun lightly pressed her lips, wanting to say something, but then felt it wasn’t right.

Such steadfastness is actually a testament to one’s character.

However, Madam Yun did quite like Liu Xilan.

"You’re just training together in the Secret Realm; it doesn’t mean anything more with Fairy Xilan..."

After thinking it over, Madam Yun added.

Shen Han shook his head: "After winning against Shen Ye in the duel, I think Luo Zuchen’s intent to kill me only intensified.

It’s true I wasn’t exaggerating; nowadays, the situation I face is complex, with crises at every turn.

Venturing outside to explore the Secret Realm, it’s even easier to fall into perilous situations..."

This explanation was indeed reasonable.

Upon hearing this, Madam Yun also knitted her brows slightly.

She naturally hoped that Shen Han could be safe and sound.

"Han, you’re grown up now; these matters can only be decided by yourself.

As long as you have no regrets, both Cailing and I will be happy for you."

Shen Han nodded, understanding the meaning behind Madam Yun’s words.

Two days passed.

Before 7:00 AM, most of the people participating in and preparing to witness the rites of heaven had already arrived at the Sacrificial Altar.

The Sacrificial Altar was located outside the Imperial Palace, to the east.

This place wasn’t as restricted as the Imperial Palace.

If you wanted to watch, it merely required standing at a distance. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Madam Yun had long separated from Shen Lingsheng, and she was no longer a part of the Shen Family.

This time, she could only be considered an outsider, watching from a distance.

Yet, she didn’t care about any of this; she originally didn’t want to have more entanglements with the Shen Family.

Plus, her visit today was meant to see the spectacle of the Shen Family.

The rites of worshipping heaven began at 7:00 AM.

The Shen Family, unless openly rebellious, dared not miss this ceremony.

Otherwise, it would give the Imperial Family another chance to strike.

The summer day broke early, and even before 7:00 AM, daylight was already upon the land.

With about a quarter of an hour before 7:00 AM, the Shen Family finally arrived.

Shen Qingshan, Shen Lingsheng, Shen Lingyong, Madam Shen, and Madam He all arrived reluctantly.

Madam Yun’s lips curled into a smile, even watching the Shen Family with a hint of pride.

And these members of the Shen Family also saw Yun Shuang.

Back when Yun Shuang was protecting Shen Han, these members of the Shen Family liked to lecture sarcastically, forcing her not to help Shen Han, saying he was plagued with misfortune.

Now, the Yun Family is rising and flourishing, its power growing ever stronger.

And the Shen Family...