Words Alone Are No Proof—Put It in Writing

"I know you definitely won't believe me when I say this, but I have a letter from Pill King Senior here, containing records of our correspondence. Why don't you take a good look?"

Yun Shenwei pretended to pull a letter from his robes. In truth, it was a prop he had prepared in advance specifically for today's performance.

Xiao Zhan quickly accepted the letter and began reading it carefully. Xiao Yan leaned over as well. He had always been concerned about whether his cultivation could be restored. As for whom he would marry, he had never really considered it, and he did not have much feeling for Nalan Yanran either.

"You should look at the contents as well. I really wasn't lying to you. My teacher is exceptionally formidable, a legendary figure whose abilities even surpass those of Pill King Gu He. That is precisely why I possess this status, and why he is willing to help me."

"You know that alchemists have always been noble and proud. It is absolutely impossible for ordinary people to ask for their help. I'm sure you understand.

So, if I hadn't spoken up, I'm afraid you wouldn't have been able to invite Pill King Gu He at all... Ah, what a pity. Xiao Yan originally possessed astonishing talent. If he developed it properly, his future achievements would not fall far behind mine. If he delayed his bright future over romantic matters, that would truly be such a waste."

As Yun Shenwei spoke, he wiped at the corners of his eyes, as though he truly sympathized with Xiao Yan's plight.

"Father, I don't like that Nalan Yanran at all. Although we have a marriage contract, there is no affection between us. Before this, I had never even met her.

Since Shenwei Ge and Nalan Yanran are in love, why don't we help them fulfill their wish? If word gets out, people will call it a fine tale instead of deliberately mocking our family.

Your son has always been exceptionally gifted, but for some strange reason, I lost my cultivation. If I remain a cripple for the rest of my life, what would it matter even if I married Nalan Yanran? People would still say I was a useless pretty boy who could only live off a woman. That is not the life I want.

Besides, that sort of reputation would not be much better than having the marriage called off. It might even sound worse. Rather than that, why not be decisive and help them fulfill their wishes? Wouldn't everyone be happy?"

Xiao Yan had his own plans. In truth, as someone from Blue Planet, he had a particularly clear view of marriage. He was not as stubborn and rigid as the people of this world.

"What you say is right. Of course I understand these principles, but even if I agree, those old men in the clan may not."

After thinking it over, Xiao Zhan solemnly shook his head.

"Actually, Xiao Clan Leader, you need not worry too much about this matter. If we handle it properly, perhaps there may be another gain?"

Yun Shenwei lifted the tea on the table and took a sip, then said calmly, "Although your family has some reputation in Wutan City, it cannot develop here forever. Wutan City is ultimately just a tiny place. If you help me in this matter, your son will have a chance to regain his strength. And before long, Jia Nan Academy will come here to recruit new students. With a recommendation from our Misty Cloud Sect, I believe Xiao Yan will have no problem entering Jia Nan Academy.

"Xiao Clan Leader, think carefully. What would it mean to establish good relations with the Misty Cloud Sect and with a future top genius like me? Your son can regain his strength and study at Jia Nan Academy. I'm sure you know Jia Nan Academy's status. It has produced many powerful figures.

"I believe you do not want your son to spend his entire life like you, throwing his weight around only in this tiny Wutan City, do you?"

Every word Yun Shenwei spoke struck home. He did not excessively mock their status, nor did he overly elevate himself. He merely stated the facts.

"What you say is indeed true. If I agree to this, it would indeed be the best outcome."

Xiao Zhan nodded without denying it. Naturally, he knew the youth's words were true.

"Besides, you heard your son just now. He has no feelings for Nalan Yanran. A forcibly twisted melon is never sweet. You need not resolve matters with the Nalan Family; I will handle them. As for the public opinion you are worried about, that is even less of a problem. I only need to spend a little money to shut those people's foul mouths with ease."

Yun Shenwei's sharpness was fully revealed as he laid out most of his intentions.

By then, Xiao Zhan understood the other party's true purpose, but he had no reason to refuse. Just as the other party had said, accepting would be the best outcome for both his family and his son. If he refused, things would only turn out worse, and he might not even retain his so-called dignity.

Xiao Zhan was, after all, a father. He was not merely the head of a clan. As long as one was human, one would surely have selfish desires.

He had three sons in total. His two slightly older sons had already gone out to gain experience, leaving only his third son by his side.

Xiao Yan had displayed extraordinary talent as a child, making many people envious. But the accident several years ago had caused Xiao Yan to lose everything, and as his father, Xiao Zhan was deeply saddened.

Before his wife passed away, Xiao Zhan had promised her that he would ensure Xiao Yan lived a safe and happy life.

But now, he had failed completely!

The life Xiao Yan had lived these past few years had been worse than death, enduring ridicule and humiliation every day.

Yet Xiao Zhan could do nothing about it. The main reason was that this was a world where strength reigned supreme. Here, no matter one's status, without strength, others had no reason to respect them.

"Fine. Since Shenwei Little Brother has the best way of handling this, then I agree. I will assist you throughout the entire process."

After a brief period of thought, Xiao Zhan agreed. The matter was already a foregone conclusion; refusing would be inappropriate and would only make him seem overly rigid.

Among his many brothers, he had become the clan leader not merely because his talent was the greatest, but more importantly because his mind and vision were broader and more far-reaching than those of his other brothers.

"Words alone are no proof. Let us put it in writing. That way, we will have a legitimate contract, and everything afterward will be more secure, convenient, and trustworthy."

At that moment, Yun Shenwei took out the written agreement he had prepared in advance and began guiding them toward the next step.