In Wu Tan City, the Xiao family, one of the three prominent clans, received a formal visiting card from Yun Lan Sect. The family's leadership promptly convened an urgent meeting.
"Sigh, Niece Nalan is too impulsive, arriving in Wu Tan City without so much as a heads-up," Xiao Zhan remarked, a mix of surprise and unease stirring within him. Something feels off.
"This visit doesn't bode well…" the Great Elder said, his brows furrowed. Everyone present was seasoned enough to read the undercurrents of such an unexpected gesture.
"Though our Xiao family and the Nalan family are old allies, ties have weakened since our ancestors passed," the Second Elder added, his tone resigned.
On the Dou Qi Continent, strength reigned supreme. After the death of Xiao Lin, the Xiao family's last Dou Wang, they were forced to relocate from the bustling capital to the remote Wu Tan City. Over the years, their relationship with the Nalan family had dwindled to little more than polite letters. Actual visits had long ceased. Nalan Yanran's sudden arrival caught the Xiao family off guard.
"What's meant to come will come. Prepare a welcome banquet," Xiao Zhan said gravely, bracing for the worst.
Xiao Family Banquet
"Yun Lan Sect's Yun Xian greets Patriarch Xiao and the esteemed elders," Yun Xian said, clasping his hands in a courteous salute. His warm smile and striking features drew shy glances from some of the Xiao family's younger women.
Ignoring most of the crowd, Yun Xian's gaze settled on a young man and woman at the back. The boy, about fifteen, had a refined, reserved appearance with a hint of resolve in his eyes. The girl, around fourteen, exuded an elegant grace, her youthful face already hinting at breathtaking beauty.
Yun Xian subtly extended his soul perception. One bore a high-level soul entity, the other a sealed Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame. No mistake—Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er.
He also detected a peak Dou Huang hidden somewhere in the Xiao residence—likely Ling Ying, the so-called "strongest Dou Huang of the Gu Clan." In his past life, Yun Xian had wondered why a Gu Clan heiress like Gu Xun'er would be guarded by a mere peak Dou Huang, vulnerable to abduction by the Soul Clan. Now, the answer was clear.
His focus shifted to Gu Xun'er, or rather, the faint spatial ripples around her. A pocket dimension crafted by a Dou Sheng, housing five peak Dou Zun and one Dou Sheng.
Now that makes sense.
"Yun Xian? That name sounds familiar…" Xiao Yan mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Don't you remember, Brother Xiao Yan?" Gu Xun'er said, her curious eyes studying Yun Xian. "Ten years ago, Yun Lan Sect produced a prodigy who condensed a Dou Zhi Qi cyclone at age ten, becoming the youngest Dou Zhe in the Jia Ma Empire—a year ahead of you."
A Dou Zhe at ten was impressive even by Gu Clan standards, a rare gem in the barren northwest continent. But as she observed Yun Xian, her delicate face betrayed disbelief. What? Only a two-star Dou Zhe? One star in ten years?
"That's him!" Xiao Yan's expression shifted. As a youth, he'd looked up to Yun Xian as a cultivation role model, but the prodigy's fame had inexplicably faded. Then again, I've fallen from Dou Zhe to third-stage Dou Zhi Qi in three years. He must've hit some snag to stay a Dou Zhe for a decade.
His gaze toward Yun Xian carried a touch of shared sympathy. Buddy, you've got it worse than me.
Catching Xiao Yan's pitying look, Yun Xian's mouth twitched. This kid's definitely misunderstanding something.
"We're honored by Yun Lan Sect's visit. The Xiao residence is graced by your presence," Xiao Zhan said, returning the salute. His initial apprehension eased slightly. Yun Xian, despite his senior status in Yun Lan Sect, was only a two-star Dou Zhe. Showing weakness like this suggests they're not here to intimidate.
"Junior Nalan Yanran pays respects to Uncle Xiao," Nalan Yanran said, stepping forward with a graceful bow.
Xiao Yan noticed the six golden stars on her attire, drawing a sharp breath. Six-star Dou Zhe… Her talent's nearly on par with mine at my peak!
"Nalan Yanran? The granddaughter of Old Master Nalan?" Xiao Zhan's face lit up with surprise, though he'd suspected as much.
"It's you, Niece Nalan! It's been years, so don't blame your uncle for not recognizing you at first," he said warmly.
"Uncle Xiao, I'm the one who should apologize for not visiting sooner. How could I blame you?" Nalan Yanran replied with a sweet smile.
"Haha, Niece Nalan, I heard you were taken as a disciple by Yun Lan Sect's master. Such remarkable talent…" Xiao Zhan said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. If Yan'er hadn't lost his talent, he might've been scouted by a major sect too.
"Just luck," Nalan Yanran said modestly, though Xiao Zhan's enthusiasm overwhelmed her. Beneath the table, she tugged at Yun Xian's sleeve, her eyes pleading: Little Uncle-Master, help me…
"Patriarch Xiao, the matter I've come to discuss concerns Yanran," Yun Xian said, cutting to the chase.
"Discuss…" Xiao Zhan's expression tightened, sensing a troubling possibility. Meeting Yun Xian's sincere gaze, he steadied himself. "Speak plainly, Master Yun Xian."
At least they were talking, not threatening.
"Given the longstanding friendship between the Nalan and Xiao families, I believe a marriage neither party desires could harm that bond," Yun Xian said.
His words sent a shock through the Xiao family, their faces darkening.
"You mean to annul the engagement?" Xiao Zhan asked, barely containing his anger. The jade cup in his hand cracked, but he held his composure.
The hall fell silent. The three Xiao elders, momentarily stunned, soon cast mocking glances at Xiao Zhan. An annulment at your doorstep? How will you maintain authority as patriarch now?
Many younger Xiao clan members were unaware of Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's betrothal. After hushed inquiries to their parents, their expressions turned lively, casting scornful looks at Xiao Yan in the corner.
"Nalan Yanran, you—!" Xiao Yan shot to his feet, his face flushed with fury.
His anger wasn't about Nalan Yanran rejecting him. Truth be told, though she was beautiful, Xiao Yan wasn't swayed by mere looks. A failed engagement might sting his pride, but what truly enraged him was the blow to his father's dignity as patriarch.