The Story of the Four Little Ones

At dawn, when the first rays of sunlight pierced the clouds and spilled across the earth, the forest seemed to don a coat of gold. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, scattering mottled patterns of light and shadow across the ground.

The leaves swayed gently in the morning breeze, as though whispering secrets of the night.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, making one feel the vitality and vigor of nature.

Birds sang merrily from the branches, welcoming the arrival of a new day. Their clear, pleasant songs added a touch of liveliness and harmony to the tranquil morning.

The Xiao Clan's party traveled through the forest, the sound of hooves echoing through the silent woods like drumbeats striking against their hearts, shattering the morning calm.

At that moment, Xiao Zhan, walking at the front of the Xiao Clan's party, looked toward the bustling city not far ahead and called to those behind him, "Put in a little more effort, everyone. We'll reach the Nalan Household soon, and then you can all rest."

Soon, the Xiao Clan's group arrived on a street within the Nalan Lineage's territory. Looking at the enormous manor in the distance, Xiao Zhan smiled and said, "Yan'er, Yao'er, look. That residence ahead is the Nalan Household. Remember, don't cause trouble once we get there."

As they approached the gates of that imposing residence, they saw a huge plaque hanging above them. The words "Nalan Residence" were written upon it in vigorous, powerful strokes, displaying the Nalan Lineage's majesty and nobility.

A stone lion stood on either side of the gates, mighty and imposing as they guarded the peace of the Nalan Household.

The Xiao Clan's group stopped before the gates of the Nalan Household. A servant came over and asked, "May I ask who you are? What business do you have with the Nalan Household?"

Xiao Zhan stepped forward and calmly replied, "I am Xiao Zhan, head of the Xiao Clan. Go report this, and you'll know what it is about."

A short while later, a middle-aged man came out and cupped his hands toward Xiao Zhan. "Xiao Zhan, come, come. Hurry inside."

After hearing this, Xiao Zhan led the three little ones behind the middle-aged man. They passed through the Nalan Household's front hall, walked along a path paved with blue pebbles, and arrived at an elegantly decorated hall.

In the Nalan Household's hall, lamps had just been lit, their glow illuminating the exquisitely carved wooden chairs and fine carpets, creating an atmosphere that was solemn yet warm.

The Nalan patriarch sat upright in the seat of honor. His face was kind, and his eyes shone like stars, as if they could see through people's hearts.

He wore a dark robe embroidered with the exquisite emblem of the Nalan Lineage, displaying his noble status.

Xiao Zhan cupped his hands toward the Nalan patriarch and said, "Patriarch Nalan, something delayed us on the road. We arrived a little late."

The Nalan patriarch was already seated. He smiled faintly and waved for Xiao Zhan not to stand on ceremony. "No matter. Xiao Zhan, I'm very happy that you came. Please, take a seat."

After Xiao Zhan and the others sat down, the Nalan patriarch looked at the three children behind Xiao Zhan, curiosity flashing through his eyes. He asked, "And these three children behind you are?"

In the Nalan Household's hall, Xiao Zhan introduced them to the Nalan patriarch. After listening, the Nalan patriarch revealed a satisfied smile. "So they are the two young masters of the Xiao Clan. Which little brother is Xiao Yan?"

Xiao Yan stepped forward and respectfully answered, "Patriarch Nalan, I am Xiao Yan."

The Nalan patriarch looked at the little boy before him and nodded. "Good, good. I have heard of your great name. Your achievements in Dou Qi cultivation are remarkable. Reaching the level of a two-star Dou Practitioner at seven years old—truly a promising young talent!"

Xiao Yan shook his head modestly. "Patriarch Nalan, you flatter me. I still have a long way to go."

The Nalan patriarch smiled. "Little fellow, with a cultivation heart that is neither arrogant nor impatient, there will surely be a place for you among the experts of the Gama Empire in the future."

After speaking, the Nalan patriarch looked toward the other child who resembled him. "You must be Xiao Yao. Hmm, not bad. You are also a two-star Dou Practitioner. I hear you are an alchemist as well, having reached the first tier."

Xiao Yao gave a slight nod. "Old Master Nalan, I am merely interested in alchemy. Being able to refine first-tier medicinal pills was only luck."

The Nalan patriarch stroked his beard in satisfaction as he looked at the three little children. "You are all young, full of vigor and vitality. I am very happy to meet you. I hope you enjoy your time at the Nalan Household."

His words were filled with encouragement and expectation, making everyone present feel warm inside.

Just then, a little girl of six or seven came bouncing over, her hair tied into two adorable ponytails and an innocent smile on her face.

Her eyes were as bright as stars as she curiously looked around at everything. She wore a white dress, its hem swaying softly with her steps like a blooming flower.

Seeing her run over, the Nalan patriarch smiled and said, "Come here, girl. Let me introduce these little ones to you. This is Xiao Yan, this is Xiao Yao, and this is Xun'er. They are all honored guests of the Nalan Household, and also the children of my friend." He pointed to Xiao Yan, Xiao Yao, and Xun'er as he introduced them one by one.

After hearing her grandfather's introduction, the little girl smiled sweetly and waved at them. "Hello, my name is Nalan Yanran. Please take care of me from now on." Her voice was clear and pleasant, brightening the mood of anyone who heard it.

Xiao Yan, Xiao Yao, and Xun'er also waved back in friendship. Seeing Nalan Yanran's adorable appearance and innocent smile, they could not help wanting to grow closer to her. They knew that, in the days ahead, they would spend an unforgettable time together.

When Xiao Zhan saw the six- or seven-year-old Nalan Yanran before him, he immediately smiled and said, "Xiao Yan, you three go out and play with Nalan Yanran."

They nodded, then turned and led Nalan Yanran outside. Watching their departing backs, the Nalan patriarch felt a warmth rise in his heart.

He knew that Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran had a marriage arrangement. If they developed affection from childhood, they would have beautiful memories in the future. In a few years, it would also be easier to tell Yanran about it, and she would be more willing to accept the matter.

In the garden of the Nalan Lineage, Xiao Yan, Xiao Yao, Xun'er, and Nalan Yanran played together. They chased and frolicked, their laughter never ceasing, as though the entire world belonged to them.

The flowers, grass, and trees in the garden swayed gracefully amid their laughter, as if they too could feel their happiness.

They began to play hide-and-seek. Though Nalan Yanran was young, she was quick-witted and soon found a place to hide.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Yao searched everywhere, while Xun'er hid nearby and secretly watched, hoping to give Nalan Yanran a surprise.

Before long, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yao found Nalan Yanran's hiding place. They excitedly ran over and grabbed her. Nalan Yanran giggled, finding the game truly fun.

After that, they played other games, such as tug-of-war and jump rope. Every game made Nalan Yanran incredibly happy, and her laughter and cheers echoed throughout the courtyard. When they grew tired from playing, they sat beneath the shade of a tree to rest.

During those days, Xiao Yao and Xun'er watched Nalan Yanran lean against Xiao Yan's shoulder as she listened to him tell stories. Xiao Yan's voice was low and magnetic, and the story he told was about the experiences of the Desolate Heavenly Emperor that Xiao Yao had told before, leaving Nalan Yanran utterly captivated.

Xiao Yao thought to himself, Their relationship is pretty good now. I wonder whether that three-year agreement will still happen in the future. Xiao Yao shook his head helplessly. Forget it. There's no point thinking about it. I'll know when the time comes.