Three-Year Agreement

Several days later, outside the Imperial Capital, in a wide clearing in the woods.

The trees were sparse all around, and the ground was covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves that rustled underfoot.

This woodland, located southeast of the Imperial Capital, is usually sparsely visited, but today it has been chosen as the site to witness a pre-arranged meeting.

Xiao Yan stood on the east side of the open space, the Heavy Xuan Ruler slung across his back, his gaze calmly fixed on the girl opposite him.

Nalan Yanran stood on the west side, her long sword hanging at her side, her expression calm.

Both she and Xiao Yan have advanced to the Da Dou Shi realm, and she is even two stars higher in cultivation than Xiao Yan.

But when her gaze fell on Xiao Yan, it no longer carried the condescending air of before; instead, it was more of a scrutiny and curiosity.

In just three years, this guy almost surpassed me.

interesting.

Under the shade of trees at the edge of the open space, Yun Yun stood with her hands behind her back, her blue robe fluttering in the breeze.

Standing beside her was Qin Yu, and on the other side was Nalan Jie. The three of them, several feet apart, quietly watched the scene unfold.

Qin Yu was actually summoned by Yun Yun, who said that the Three-Year Agreement was also related to him, and he couldn't leave without coming to see for himself.

In the arena, Yun Yun saw that the two had already stopped and stepped forward, saying:

"Today's duel will end when both sides have made their point. Regardless of the outcome, after this battle, all past grievances will be forgotten. Do you understand?"

Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran nodded simultaneously.

Three years of experience have brought about significant changes in Xiao Yan's character, and he has come to understand why Nalan Yanran came to him in secret back then.

But he was still holding back a lot of anger. His battle with Nalan Yanran was simply to prove himself and resolve the knot in his heart that had been there for so long.

Nalan Jie then walked up to Xiao Yan, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a hint of apology in his voice:

"Xiao Yan, what happened back then was ultimately in the wrong of my Nalan Family."

"No matter the outcome today, no one will make things difficult for the Xiao Household. I can assure you that."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's gaze flickered slightly. He remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"Senior Nalan, you flatter me."

Nalan Jie said nothing more and retreated to the sidelines.

Yun Yun glanced at the two of them, then raised her hand and said:

"Start."

As soon as the words were spoken, the two figures moved simultaneously, the crisp sound of metal clashing echoing through the forest, sparks flying.

The two fought at a very fast pace; Xiao Yan's Heavy Xuan Ruler was powerful and sweeping, while Nalan Yanran's swordsmanship was light and graceful.

The battle had just begun, and neither of them had yet used their Dou Technique. Qin Yu glanced at them briefly before turning his gaze away, turning his head to whisper to Yun Yun:

"You called me over, surely it wasn't just to watch them fight?"

Yun Yun's gaze was still fixed on the arena as she used her Dou Qi to transmit her voice to Qin Yu:

"My master has been acting strangely lately. After breaking through to the Dou Zong, his entire personality has changed."

As she spoke, Yun Yun leaned closer to Qin Yu, her gaze never leaving the two figures locked in combat.

"I originally thought that Master's ambition had just increased after his breakthrough. After all, he has waited for so many years, so it's normal for him to change a bit."

"But..."

"What's wrong."

Qin Yu's heart sank slightly, and Yun Yun's next words confirmed his thoughts.

The two elders of the Misty Cloud Sect have already used the Hall of Souls's secret techniques to enhance their strength.

It seems that Wu Protector may have been active in the Jia Ma Empire recently.

but...

Qin Yu thought about it again and realized that this situation was different from the original story.

Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's annulment of their engagement was done in private, without becoming public knowledge.

Based on his understanding of Xiao Yan, this Three-Year Agreement was most likely just Xiao Yan wanting to prove himself and get out of the shadow cast by this incident.

Does he understand Xiao Yan?

Qin Yu suddenly asked a question.

Yun Yun was taken aback, not understanding why Qin Yu would ask this, but still replied:

"Who? My master?"

"He wasn't interested in Xiao Yan. He asked me about him once before, and thought he was just an arrogant young master from a small family, but he never mentioned him again."

Qin Yu nodded, having a general idea of what was going on.

The battle on the field had now reached a fever pitch.

Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran each retreated several feet, their breathing somewhat rapid.

Nalan Yanran leaped into the air, raising her long sword high. The sword was wreathed in a sharp blue light, clearly preparing for her final strike.

Xiao Yan clenched his fists, and in his palms, a cluster of crimson and a cluster of earthy yellow flames were slowly merging.

The moment Qin Yu saw the two balls of flame, his eyes flickered slightly.

The Myriad Beast Spirit Flame and a Beast Flames that Xiao Yan obtained from an unknown source were slowly approaching each other under the control of Xiao Yan's Dou Qi.

Even though they repelled each other intensely, Xiao Yan, with his control over flames, managed to fuse them together, creating his signature move.

Buddha's Fury Fire Lotus.

Although it happened a little later than in the original story, Xiao Yan eventually managed to create the Fire Lotus.

Yun Yun's eyes twitched; she immediately recognized the terrifying power contained within the Fire Lotus in Xiao Yan's hand.

Let alone Nalan Yanran, even Peak Dou Master would find it difficult to withstand Xiao Yan's attack unscathed.

Meanwhile, on Nalan Yanran's side, a large amount of Wind-Attribute Battle Qi had already condensed on the sword, shimmering with a dazzling blue light.

Yun Yun wanted to intervene, but Qin Yu stopped her.

"The outcome is already decided, isn't it?"

As they spoke, Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran launched their attacks simultaneously, hurtling towards each other.

The azure storm collided with the dark red Fire Lotus, instantly creating a powerful gust of wind that sent the surrounding trees swaying wildly, with the closest trees being burned to ashes by the intense heat.

The three people on the sidelines kept their eyes glued to the field, watching the situation intently.

Clearly, Nalan Yanran's Dou Technique were no match for the Buddha's Fury Fire Lotus that Yan Li had created by fusing flames.

Seeing that Nalan Yanran's defeat was inevitable, Yun Yun's figure instantly disappeared from the spot, bringing her out.

Xiao Yan was panting heavily, and the Heavy Xuan Ruler in his hand fell to the ground.

Nalan Yanran also sheathed her sword, her face pale. Yun Yun had been a step slower, she would have been injured by Xiao Yan's Fire Lotus.

"Let the competition end here, Xiao Yan, you have won."

Xiao Yan was taken aback for a moment, then gave a wry smile, slung the Heavy Xuan Ruler behind his back, and bowed slightly to Yun Yun.

It's understandable that a master would want to protect their disciple.

When he was subduing that Beast Flames in the Tagor Desert and fighting with others for it, Yao Lao also appeared in his time of crisis to protect him.

At least Yun Yun admitted that he won, instead of stubbornly denying it.

Nalan Yanran also sheathed her sword and exchanged a glance with Xiao Yan.

Neither of them spoke, but the hostility in their eyes had largely dissipated.

Nalan Jie stepped forward, patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder, and said nothing more.

Xiao Yan was silent for a moment, then called out Nalan Yanran's name.

Nalan Yanran turned her head.

"May we both find peace from now on."

"Um."

A complex emotion flashed in Nalan Yanran's eyes, and she nodded gently.