Nalan Yanran, Do You Know Your Crime?

The space shifted, and in what seemed like the blink of an eye, Xiao Zhan, Xiao Yan, and the others felt solid ground beneath their feet. They had already left that oppressive Misty Cloud Mountain.

Before them lay the familiar sight of Wutan City. Xiao Chen had actually brought them directly back to the entrance of the Xiao Residence!

This unfathomable method of spatial travel once again filled Hai Bodong and Ling Ying with dread, giving them a more tangible fear and reverence for Xiao Chen's strength.

"Th-this is it? We're back already?" Xiao Zhan looked at the familiar gates of his home, still unable to believe it.

"Brother, that technique of yours..." Xiao Yan could not help clicking his tongue. The abilities of a Dou Zun truly far exceeded his imagination.

"Just a minor trick. You'll be able to do it someday too." Xiao Chen smiled faintly and patted his younger brother's shoulder. Then, his gaze turned toward the Xiao Residence. His Soul Power swept over it imperceptibly, and his brows furrowed slightly.

Although the Xiao Family still stood, it was permeated by an atmosphere of unease and panic. Clearly, news of Xiao Yan ascending Misty Cloud Sect alone and Xiao Zhan being captured had already returned, leaving the entire family gripped by fear amid the coming storm.

"Let's go in. Father, the clansmen must be worried sick." Xiao Chen restrained his aura and supported Xiao Zhan, walking toward the gates like an ordinary traveler returning home.

The Xiao Family guards at the gate had originally worn expressions of sorrow and vigilance. When they saw Xiao Zhan being supported, they froze for a moment before erupting in unbelievable ecstasy!

"Patriarch! The Patriarch is back!!"

"And the Third Young Master! The Third Young Master is back too!!"

"And that is... the Eldest Young Master?! Heavens, Eldest Young Master Xiao Chen has returned!!"

The cries spread through the entire Xiao Residence like ripples. In an instant, the whole Xiao Family erupted into uproar!

Countless clansmen rushed out from every direction. Seeing Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan safe and sound, they wept with joy. When their eyes fell upon Xiao Chen, who had vanished for fourteen years and whose bearing had changed beyond recognition, they were filled with excitement, curiosity, and disbelief.

"Chen'er... it really is Chen'er!" Several elders hurried over as well, tears filling their aged eyes. Xiao Chen had been extraordinarily gifted as a child and was recognized as the Xiao Family's hope. His disappearance had once been a tremendous pain for the Xiao Family. Now that he had returned, it was simply Heaven blessing the Xiao Family!

The crowd escorted the three Xiao men into the main hall. Though Xiao Zhan was weak, his spirits were excellent. He briefly reassured the clansmen and solemnly announced Xiao Chen's return, but he did not mention Xiao Chen's terrifying strength, saying only that he had completed his studies.

Though the clansmen were curious, seeing that the Patriarch was unwilling to say more, they did not dare ask. They simply immersed themselves in the double joy of the Patriarch's return and Xiao Chen's homecoming.

Only after the clansmen had dispersed, leaving behind Xiao Zhan, Xiao Chen, Xiao Yan, Hai Bodong, Ling Ying, and a few other core members in the hall, did the atmosphere become somewhat more solemn.

Xiao Yan had taken a medicinal pill and was regulating his breathing. Hai Bodong and Ling Ying tactfully withdrew for the time being, leaving the space to the Xiao Family father and sons.

"Chen'er, these past fourteen years, what exactly..." Xiao Zhan looked at his eldest son and finally asked the question that had long weighed on his heart.

Xiao Chen sighed. Knowing that he could not hide the matter, he briefly recounted how he had accidentally been swept into a spatial storm back then, stranded in the Central Plains, endured countless hardships, and ultimately found a master to study under and achieved success. Naturally, he omitted many of the dangerous details and the secret of his transmigration, saying only that he had encountered an immense stroke of fortune.

Even so, Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan were left deeply shaken, while also feeling incomparably proud of his achievements.

"It's good that you're back. It's good that you're back!" Xiao Zhan held both his sons' hands, feeling that he had no regrets left in this life.

Just then, a guard's report came from outside the hall. "Patriarch, Miss Nalan Yanran of the Nalan Family... requests an audience."

Nalan Yanran?

That name instantly caused the atmosphere in the hall to freeze.

The faint color that had just returned to Xiao Yan's face immediately darkened. Xiao Zhan's brows also drew tightly together.

A cold glint flashed through Xiao Chen's eyes. He remembered that in the original story, Nalan Yanran had indeed come to the Xiao Family to apologize after the Misty Cloud Sect incident.

"What is she here for?" Xiao Yan's voice was icy.

Xiao Chen patted his shoulder, signaling for him to remain calm. He looked outside the hall, his voice flat yet carrying an invisible pressure as it traveled outward.

"Let her in."

Soon, a graceful figure entered the hall somewhat nervously.

It was Nalan Yanran.

She still wore a moon-white gown, and her features remained delicate and beautiful. Yet the pride she once possessed as the Young Sect Mistress of the Misty Cloud Sect was gone, replaced by pallor, apprehension, and a trace of regret.

Upon entering the hall, she first saw Xiao Zhan seated at the head, as well as Xiao Yan standing nearby. She pressed her lips together, just about to speak.

However, Xiao Chen's gaze fell upon her like two sharp swords.

His gaze was not fierce, yet it carried a depth and majesty that seemed capable of piercing through the soul.

Nalan Yanran's delicate body trembled. She felt that all her secrets and thoughts had nowhere to hide beneath that gaze. Unable to help herself, she lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.

Xiao Chen slowly rose to his feet and walked before Nalan Yanran. Looking down at her from above, his voice was not loud, but each word struck her heart like a hammer.

"Nalan Yanran, do you know your crime?"