She never considered asking Nan Xiao for help, leading outsiders to mistakenly believe that they were at odds.
Whenever the Bai Clan shows even the slightest sign of growth, those with ulterior motives will send people to destroy one of the Bai Clan's forces as a warning.
Bai Wanying would only give a cold laugh whenever she heard such news.
Since these people only dare to threaten the Bai Clan in secret, but dare not openly provoke a war between the aristocratic families, then now is the time for them to perish.
Feng Clan
Feng Yi lay half-reclined on the carved sandalwood chair, his eyes slightly closed, one hand idly stroking the armrest.
"The Bai Clan's ceremony is about to begin. Go and check if the Nanxun family's divine son will be attending." His voice was slightly hoarse.
The servant bowed immediately and acknowledged the order, "Yes, Master."
Feng Yi slowly sat up straight, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes. "We're finally going to meet, Nan Xunran."
He pondered to himself that although they had never clashed directly, the covert competition and game had already begun.
Nan Clan
After everyone had left, the empty hall was completely silent.
Nan Xunran said calmly, "System."
The System Light Orb slowly materialized, its voice tinged with guilt, "... What's wrong, host?"
Nan Xunran glanced sideways, his gaze falling on the ball of light, and said, "Explain yourself, Shengyi."
The System Light Orb feigned tears, saying, "Waaah, host, please don't make things difficult for me. I only remembered this recently."
Nan Xunran silent, simply watching it quietly.
The System Light Orb persisted for a moment, but finally gave in to his gaze, saying helplessly, "I'm restrained and can't tell you. Host, didn't you overhear some things?"
Its voice grew fainter and fainter; thankfully, it didn't reveal any important information.
Nan Xunran raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "Your Excellency?"
The System Light Orb froze abruptly, inwardly groaning in dismay. This was bad; it had revealed just one crucial piece of information.
It forced a calm demeanor and forced a dry laugh, "... Haha, what are you saying? I don't understand."
Nan Xunran shifted her body slightly forward, her posture composed, her voice unhurried. "I guess you must be one of my creations."
The System Light Orb panicked. "We're doomed! The host is too smart! How could he guess right away?"
Just as Nan Xunran was about to speak again, the System Light Orb hurriedly shouted, "Stop!"
Then it nuzzled against Nan Xunran, "Host, please let me go."
Nan Xunran ignored it, narrowing her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her face, as she pondered to herself what she had been planning.
"Master." Jiang Ruxi's voice rang out softly outside the hall.
Nan Xunran looked up at the sound, his thin lips parted slightly. "Enter."
Jiang Ruxi walked steadily into the hall, holding a letter in both hands, and said, "Master, this is a letter from the Bai Clan."
Nan Xunran reached out and took it, then looked down to examine it.
His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. Attending a ceremony? His fingers gently traced the letter, his thoughts drifting away.
He had little recollection of these Bai Clan activities, but vaguely remembered that this ceremony was a test of the disciples' character.
Every year, a batch of disciples are eliminated. People are divided into good and evil, but the elders of the Bai Clan only want people who are purely good. Such extreme practices have led to the gradual decline of the Bai Clan.
Nan Xunran gently closed the letter, her expression unchanged. She looked up at Jiang Ruxi again and said calmly, "Write back to Mother and tell her I will go."
Bai Clan Ceremony Day
At the banquet, the central seat was empty, and everyone was whispering among themselves.
"That empty seat is reserved for the one from the Nan Clan, right?"
"Right, after all, that person is also Bai Clan."
"I've heard that he has only a so-so relationship with the Bai Clan. With such outstanding talent, how come the Bai Clan doesn't cherish it?"
Some people couldn't help but shake their heads and sigh; though their voices were low, they clearly reached everyone's ears.
The elders of the Bai Clan grew increasingly grim as they listened to the crowd's discussion.
Bai Wanying glanced at them coldly, thinking to herself: Even outsiders understand this principle, yet they are completely oblivious.
At this moment, the attendant shouted loudly, "The Divine Son of the Nan Clan has arrived!"
Instantly, silence fell over the surroundings, as if time itself had stood still.
Nan Xunran, dressed in a moon-white robe, walked over leisurely, his robes fluttering gently in the breeze.
He approached the main seat, bowed slightly to Bai Wanying, and said in a gentle voice, "Mother."
Bai Wanying smiled kindly and said softly, "Sit down, Ran'er."
Seeing this, the other elders all opened their mouths to speak, but Nan Xunran only glanced at them indifferently.
That seemingly indifferent gaze made the elders feel as if they had a fishbone stuck in their throats, and dared not utter a sound.
Seeing this, Bai Wanying announced loudly, "The ceremony begins."
With a "thump," the drumbeat sounded.
The Xiezhi appeared, its body radiating a mysterious light, and its imposing aura spread outwards.
The disciples from the Bai Clan who participated in the selection also appeared one by one, each stepping forward with trepidation.