Journey to the Nalan Household

That morning, a ray of golden sunlight pierced through the clouds and fell upon the trees in Xiao Yao's courtyard. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, casting mottled patches across the open ground before the house and creating a marvelous scene of interwoven light and shadow.

The air was filled with the fresh fragrance of grass and trees, making one feel refreshed and at ease.

Just then, a set of light footsteps broke the morning silence. A girl dressed in a pale blue gown came walking over gracefully. Her steps were light and elegant, as though she were dancing to a little tune with every step.

The corners of her lips lifted slightly, forming a sweet smile. She seemed to be in an especially good mood.

Xun'er came to Xiao Yao's door and gently knocked on it, humming a cheerful little song at the same time.

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like birdsong in the early morning, bringing a sense of delight.

"Brother Xiao Yao, hurry up and get out of bed!" she called, her tone playful and expectant.

"Today is a special day! Uncle Xiao is going on a long journey. I heard he seems to be visiting someone's home, somewhere called Nalan something—I didn't catch it clearly. Hurry up, let's go see Uncle Xiao together. Maybe he'll even take us along to have a look!"

After hearing Xun'er's words, Xiao Yao sat up, stretched lazily, and said with a smile, "All right, I'm getting up now. Thanks for coming to wake me. Otherwise, I might have missed such an important day."

That shouldn't be possible. Could he really be going to the Nalan Household? Did Xiao Yan truly meet Nalan Yanran when he was young?

Xiao Yao shook his head. Forget it—why think about that?

"I'm coming, Xun'er." Xiao Yao got to his feet, calling out as he walked over to open the door.

When Xiao Yao opened the door and saw Xun'er's adorable face, he smiled. "Come on, let's see whether Father intends to take us out. We've barely ever left Wutan City to visit other cities. It would be nice if Father took us out to see the world."

The two exchanged smiles, as though they understood each other without words. Together, they stepped out of the room to welcome a new day filled with hope.

And those beautiful patches of light seemed to be offering their blessings for what was to come.

Xiao Yao and Xun'er arrived outside the Xiao Clan's main hall. At the time, Xiao Zhan and the elders were discussing matters inside, so the two waited at the entrance until Xiao Zhan and the elders finished their discussion and came out.

When the elders saw Xiao Yao and Xun'er, they smiled and cupped their hands toward Xiao Zhan. "We shall not disturb the Clan Head while he discusses family matters. We'll take our leave."

Xiao Zhan stroked his beard and said with a cheerful smile, "Yao'er, Xun'er, what do you two need from me?"

"Father, are you planning to travel soon? To visit the Nalan Household?" Xiao Yao asked.

"Yes. I was just explaining the affairs of the next few days to the elders in the hall. I plan to visit the Nalan Household the day after tomorrow," Xiao Zhan replied with a nod.

After hearing this, curiosity flashed in Xun'er's eyes. "Uncle Xiao, what kind of family is the Nalan Household? Why have you chosen to visit them at this time?"

Xiao Zhan explained with a smile, "The Nalan Household is a great family near the Jia Ma Empire. Back then, my father, Xiao Lin, and Nalan Jie were friends who had faced life and death together. The two old men arranged a marriage, so our two families have a marriage pact.

"This visit is partly to strengthen our relationship, and partly because it has been a long time since I last paid them a visit. I'll also take a look at the Nalan Household's granddaughter and bring her some gifts."

Xiao Yao thought about the marriage arrangement and wondered whether it had changed. He leaned closer like a curious child and whispered into Xiao Zhan's ear, "Father, the one betrothed to the Nalan Household's granddaughter isn't me, right?"

Xun'er heard the question, and her palms tightened involuntarily. For some reason, an uneasy nervousness rose within her.

She secretly glanced at Xiao Zhan and found him smiling at Xiao Yao, as though considering how to answer the question.

Seeing their reactions, Xiao Zhan could not help finding it amusing. He coughed lightly, then slowly began to speak, his voice carrying a hint of seriousness.

"Yao'er, don't worry. The one betrothed to the Nalan Household's granddaughter is not you, but your younger brother, Xiao Yan. The journey to the Nalan Household is long, so I wanted to ask whether you two wished to come along. But let me be clear: you must behave on the way and not run around. Otherwise, I won't take you out again."

Hearing this, Xiao Yao felt relieved. So I won't be the one whose engagement gets broken in the future. The corners of his mouth lifted into a relaxed smile.

He looked at Xiao Zhan, joy gleaming in his eyes. "Thank you, Father. I know you've always been thinking of me. I'll do my best to protect myself and won't disappoint your expectations."

Xun'er also let out a sigh of relief. Looking at Xiao Yao's profile, she secretly rejoiced that it was not Brother Xiao Yao.

Xiao Yao continued, "Then should we tell Xiao Yan about this marriage? Should we bring him along on this trip?" There was a trace of doubt in his tone, as though he were seeking Xiao Zhan's opinion.

Xiao Zhan pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "For now, let's not tell Xiao Yan about this marriage. I will find a time to tell him personally in the future. As for this journey, since we are already taking you two little ones, bringing one more makes no difference. This will let him meet the people of the Nalan Household and learn about the outside world, gaining some knowledge and experience."

Xiao Zhan suddenly thought of something and continued, "Yao'er, we'll pass through the outskirts of the Magic Beast Mountain Range. There may be first-tier Magical Beasts there. If I cannot free my hands at the time, your cultivation is higher, so you must protect Xun'er and Yan'er. Do you understand?" His tone carried a trace of concern.

Xiao Yao patted his chest, looking utterly solemn. "Father, leave it to me. I guarantee I won't let anything happen to them. If there truly is danger, I'll take them somewhere safe to hide and wait for Father to come find us once you are free."

Seeing Xiao Yao's confidence, Xiao Zhan waved his hand in satisfaction. "All right, all right. You two should go back and prepare first. Also, tell Xiao Yan that we leave for the Nalan Household the day after tomorrow."

The day after tomorrow, before dawn had fully broken and while thick fog blanketed the world, Father sent someone to wake Xiao Yao.

After hearing this, Xiao Yao quickly got up and packed his belongings before hurrying toward the Xiao Clan's gates.

By the time he arrived at the gates, the sky had gradually brightened, but the fog still lingered, as though draping the entire world in a mysterious veil.

At the entrance, Xiao Yao saw that everyone had gathered. He was the only one missing.

"Sorry, Father. I'm late," Xiao Yao said apologetically.

"It's fine, Yao'er. We only waited a little while longer."

Xiao Yao nodded, then said to Xiao Zhan, "Father, let's set off now."

Xiao Zhan glanced at him, nodded, and waved his hand to signal the party to depart.

As the sound of hooves rose, the Xiao Clan's group slowly set out in the direction of the Nalan Household.

Riding on horseback, Xiao Yao was filled with anticipation. He wondered whether there would still be a Three-Year Pact if Little Flame and Nalan Yanran got acquainted during this meeting and developed a better relationship.

Xun'er sat behind him, hugging him tightly with her face pressed close against Xiao Yao's warm, sturdy young body. At that moment, she felt incomparably safe and comfortable.