Qi Gathering Powder: Why Does No One Want Me?

Qi Gathering Powder: Why Does No One Want Me?

"This..."

Xiao Zhan was a little bewildered. He turned to look at Xiao Yuan, only to find that Xiao Yuan was also frowning as he stared at Nalan Yanran's retreating back.

Nalan Yanran continued as if nothing had happened. "I had a delightful conversation with Young Master Xiao earlier. This Qi Gathering Powder was refined by Grandmaster Gu He, an honorary elder of my sect. I originally wished to give it to Young Master Xiao, but he refused to accept it. I ask that Uncle Xiao accept it on his behalf."

After saying that, she turned and shot Xiao Yuan a smug look. Let's see how you refuse me now! Xiao Yuan could only shrug helplessly, while Xiao Yan, seated behind him, felt as though his brain had completely short-circuited.

How exactly had Third Brother done it? Xiao Xun'er, standing to one side, also looked at Xiao Yuan strangely. She could not understand how he had turned the Qi Gathering Powder, which had clearly been intended as compensation, into a meeting gift.

The moment those words were spoken, the Xiao Clan's main hall erupted into an uproar.

Good heavens, using Qi Gathering Powder as a meeting gift? The people of the Misty Cloud Sect were really rich!

Xiao Zhan had no idea what Xiao Yuan had done, but since she had said it was a meeting gift, refusing it would be a slap in her face. Thus, he smiled kindly. "Very well, then Uncle Xiao will accept it. Niece Nalan, you must be tired after such a long journey. Why not stay at the Xiao Clan for a few days and rest?"

Nalan Yanran had already achieved the purpose of this visit, so naturally she would not linger any longer. With an apologetic expression, she said, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Xiao, but Yanran still has other matters to attend to. I must take my leave today. If Uncle Xiao has time in the future, you are welcome to visit Nalan Residence."

"Mm, if that is the case, Yuan'er, go see Niece Nalan off."

Xiao Zhan nodded at her words, then spoke to Xiao Yuan.

"Yes, Father."

Xiao Yuan rose and escorted Nalan Yanran's group out of the reception hall and all the way to the gates.

"Thank you, Miss Nalan."

Xiao Yuan nodded politely to Nalan Yanran.

"There is no need to thank me. Just make sure you uphold our agreement three years from now."

Nalan Yanran smiled.

"Rest assured. We will meet again in the Imperial Capital in three years."

Xiao Yuan cupped his hands and spoke solemnly.

"Mm, I'll wait for you."

Nalan Yanran answered with a faint smile, then drifted away with Ge Ye and the unnamed white-robed extra.

Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes as he watched Nalan Yanran's group leave safely.

If he could have recovered his strength sooner, why would he have needed to swallow his pride? Though he had still gained a slight advantage in words, the feeling of lacking enough real strength and having no choice but to place the decision in someone else's hands really made him want to curse.

In truth, he had wanted to use the Five Qi Convergence method to fight Nalan Yanran and show her that he was by no means trash.

But what then? If Nalan Yanran learned that he was not trash, would she refrain from breaking off the engagement?

Moreover, if Xiao Yuan had not been quick-witted today and kept the matter of breaking off the engagement from being laid bare, who knew how ugly the scene would have become?

Rather than that, it was better to retreat in order to advance. Nalan Yanran's willingness to speak with him in private showed that she was, at the very least, kind-hearted. She had merely acted rashly this time without considering the consequences.

Although he had later taken advantage of Nalan Yanran's kindness—or rather, her sense of morality—Xiao Yuan did not feel the slightest burden over it.

In any case, it could barely be considered even.

"Brother."

Xiao Yan's voice sounded behind him. Xiao Yuan turned around and saw the concern in Xiao Yan's eyes.

"Heh, perfect. Come with me. I have something to tell you and Father."

Xiao Yuan smiled, then led Xiao Yan back into the hall.

By then, almost everyone had left. Xun'er stood at the entrance to the hall, clearly waiting for Xiao Yan.

There were still four people in the hall: Xiao Zhan and the three elders.

The three elders seemed hesitant to speak. Their grandsons or granddaughters were also nearing the age to advance to Dou Zhe, and the Qi Gathering Powder was immensely tempting to them.

"If the three elders have no further business, our family has some matters to discuss. Would you mind giving us some privacy?"

Xiao Yuan entered the hall with Xiao Yan and spoke calmly.

The three elders were somewhat displeased with Xiao Yuan's attitude, but when they saw Xiao Xun'er standing at the doorway and silently watching them, they said nothing more. After glaring at Xiao Yuan, they flicked their sleeves and left.

"Father, Xiao Yan, I made an agreement with Nalan Yanran earlier. In three years, I will bring the original engagement contract to the Imperial Capital and dissolve the engagement."

Once the three elders had left, Xiao Yuan released soul perception even stronger than Xiao Yan's and swept it across the surroundings. After confirming that there were no outsiders, he went straight to the point.

"Yuan'er, what do you mean?"

Xiao Zhan did not quite understand. Dissolving the engagement three years later did not seem all that different from dissolving it today.

Xiao Xun'er at the doorway was also curious.

"Because in three years, the gap in strength between Nalan Yanran and me will be reversed. Only then will dissolving the engagement be justified, and no one will be able to criticize it."

As Xiao Yuan spoke, he mobilized the Dou Qi within his Five Elements Qi Palace.

The three people present froze when they sensed the sudden fluctuation of Dou Qi within Xiao Yuan.

"Yuan'er, you can cultivate again!"

With wild joy on his face, Xiao Zhan grabbed Xiao Yuan's wrist. After carefully sensing it, he spoke in ecstatic delight.

"Brother! Really?"

Xiao Yan's face also lit up with joy.

Outside the hall, Xiao Xun'er was equally happy for Xiao Yuan.

"Mm, it happened last night."

Xiao Yuan nodded with a smile.

"That's wonderful!"

Xiao Yan immediately threw his arms around Xiao Yuan.

"Brother, I knew you could do it!"

Xiao Yan was sincerely happy that Xiao Yuan could cultivate again.

"Good, good, good! My son, Xiao Zhan's son, is indeed extraordinary!"

Xiao Zhan said "good" three times in a row, tightly embracing both his sons.

A moment later, the three separated, all of them smiling broadly.

"Since you can cultivate again, Yuan'er, you should hand over the matters at the market. From now on, focus on cultivation and do not let yourself be distracted."

Xiao Zhan reined in his joy and looked seriously at Xiao Yuan.

"Mm, it is time to hand it over, but there's no rush. It won't be too late after I secure the Advanced Market rating."

Xiao Yuan nodded.

"Mm, that works too. Just keep it within your grasp."

Xiao Zhan naturally had immense confidence in Xiao Yuan and nodded with a smile.

"Oh, right. Since this Qi Gathering Powder was given to you by Nalan Yanran, you should keep it."

Xiao Zhan then took out the Qi Gathering Powder he had placed in his Storage Ring earlier and handed it to Xiao Yuan.

"Uh, I don't need this. It would be better to give it to Xiao Yan."

Xiao Yuan did not take the jade box and shook his head.

"I don't need it either."

Xiao Yan shook his head as well. He was only at the third stage of Dou Qi and had made no progress for a long time. The Qi Gathering Powder would probably be of no use to him. Besides, it belonged to Third Brother. He already felt guilty about accepting the cultivation resources Third Brother provided him every day; there was no way he could accept this Qi Gathering Powder.

"Then Xun'er?"

Xiao Yuan turned toward Xiao Xun'er, who had just reached the Nine Stages Dou Qi.