At dawn, when the first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds and spilled across the earth, the forest donned a golden cloak. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, scattering patches of light and shadow across the ground.
The leaves swayed gently in the morning breeze, as if whispering to one another about the secrets of the night.
The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, making one feel the vitality and energy of nature.
Birds sang joyfully from the branches, welcoming the arrival of a new day. Their clear, pleasant songs added a touch of liveliness and harmony to the peaceful morning.
The Xiao Clan's party traveled through the forest, the sound of hoofbeats echoing through the silent woods like drums pounding against everyone's hearts, shattering the tranquility of dawn.
At that moment, Xiao Zhan, walking at the front of the Xiao Clan's group, looked at the bustling city in the distance and called out to those behind him, "Everyone, put in a little more effort. We'll reach the Nalan Household soon, and then everyone can rest."
The Xiao Clan's group arrived on a street within the Nalan Lineage's territory. Looking at the enormous residence ahead, Xiao Zhan said with a smile, "Xiao Yan, Xiao Yao, look. That residence ahead is the Nalan Household. Remember, don't cause trouble once we get there."
As they approached the imposing gates of the residence, they saw a massive plaque hanging above them. The words "Nalan Residence" were written upon it in powerful, vigorous strokes, displaying the Nalan Lineage's dignity and prestige.
There was a stone lion on either side of the gates, standing with majestic dignity 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 forward and asked, "May I ask who you are? What business do you have at the Nalan Household?"
Xiao Zhan walked up to the servant and replied calmly, "I am Xiao Zhan, patriarch of the Xiao Clan. Go report this, and they'll know what this is about."
After a short while, a middle-aged man came out and cupped his hands toward Xiao Zhan. "Xiao Zhan, come, come. Hurry inside."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan led the three children behind the middle-aged man. They passed through the Nalan Household's front hall, walked down a path paved with blue gravel, and arrived at an elegantly decorated hall.
In the Nalan Household's hall, brilliant lamps illuminated 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 expression was kind, and his eyes shone as brightly as stars, as though 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, "Nalan Patriarch, something delayed us on the road. We arrived a little late."
The Nalan patriarch was already seated. He smiled slightly and waved a hand, indicating that Xiao Zhan need not 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 in 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 hearing the introductions, the Nalan patriarch revealed a satisfied smile. "So they are the two young masters of the Xiao Clan. Which little brother is Xiao Yan?"
Seeing this, Xiao Yan stepped forward and answered respectfully, "Nalan Patriarch, 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 accomplishments in Dou Qi cultivation are remarkable. Reaching the Two-Star Dou Zhe realm at the age of seven—you are truly promising for one so young!"
Xiao Yan shook his head humbly. "Nalan Patriarch, 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 powerful experts of the Jia Ma Empire in the future."
After speaking, the Nalan patriarch looked toward the other child who resembled him and said, "You must be Xiao Yao. Mm, not bad. Your cultivation is also at the Two-Star Dou Zhe realm. I heard you are even an Alchemist who has reached the first-tier realm."
Xiao Yao gave a slight nod. "Old Master Nalan, I'm simply 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 children. "You are all young, full of spirit and vitality. I'm 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.
At that moment, a little girl of six or seven came bouncing over. She wore two adorable ponytails and had an innocent smile on her face.
Her eyes shone like stars as she curiously examined everything around her. She wore a white dress, its hem swaying gently with each step as though she were a blooming flower.
Seeing her run over, the Nalan patriarch smiled and said, "Come here, girl. Let me introduce these little fellows to you. This is Xiao Yan, this is Xiao Yao, and this is Xun'er. They are all honored guests of our Nalan Household, and they are also the children of my friends." He pointed at 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 crisp and pleasant, brightening the mood of anyone who heard it.
Xiao Yan, Xiao Yao, and Xun'er also waved to her in friendship. Looking at 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 period of 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 accompany Nalan Yanran outside to play."
They nodded, then turned and led Nalan Yanran out. The Nalan patriarch watched their departing figures, and a warm feeling rose within his heart.
He knew that Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran had a marriage arrangement. If they could develop feelings for each other from a young age, 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 better able to accept it.
In the Nalan Lineage's garden, 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 though they too could feel their happiness.
They began playing hide-and-seek. Although Nalan Yanran was young, her reactions were quick, and she soon found a hiding place.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Yao searched everywhere, while Xun'er hid to the side and secretly watched, wanting to give Nalan Yanran a surprise.
Before long, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yao found Nalan Yanran's hiding place. They ran over excitedly and grabbed her at once. Nalan Yanran giggled, finding the game truly fun.
Next, they played other games, such as tug-of-war and skipping rope. Every game made Nalan Yanran incomparably 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.
Over these 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 deep and magnetic. The story he told was about the experiences of the Desolate Heavenly Emperor, which Xiao Yao had told before, and Nalan Yanran was utterly captivated.
Xiao Yao thought as he watched how well they got along now, I wonder whether there will still be that Three-Year Pact in the future. Xiao Yao shook his head helplessly. Forget it. There's no point thinking about it. I'll find out when the time comes.
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