The Xiao Family's head was named Xiao Zhan. He looked imposing and heroic, like a highly capable man. He was Xiao Yan's father.
In the reception hall, Nalan Su took the initiative to greet him.
"Brother Xiao, it has been many years. Your bearing surpasses even that of the past."
"You are... Brother Nalan?" Xiao Zhan was somewhat surprised.
"It is me. This is my daughter, Nalan Yanran, and this is Elder Qin of the Misty Cloud Sect."
Qin Sheng nodded to Xiao Zhan in greeting.
The leader of the Ancient Eight Clans was nothing special.
Among the Eight Great Imperial Clans, there were plenty of clan heads at the Dou Sheng level, but a clan head at the Great Dou Master level? That truly was one of a kind.
Far ahead of the rest!
Gu Yuan had taken care of the Xiao Clan to such an extent. Xiao Xuan must have been greatly comforted in the Heavenly Tomb.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Nalan Su explained their purpose.
"We came this time for the children's marriage. Brother Xiao, please call Xiao Yan over as well."
Nalan Su added, "But this is a private matter, so there is no need to involve the rest of the Xiao Family. We can discuss it among ourselves."
Xiao Zhan nodded, feeling that made sense. He personally went to find Xiao Yan, and before long, father and son arrived together.
"Hello, my name is Nalan Yanran. I am your fiancée," Nalan Yanran said openly.
On the way over, Xiao Zhan had already told Xiao Yan a few things, but Xiao Yan still felt baffled.
He knew he had a fiancée, but after not seeing her for so many years, he had forgotten all about it. Who would have thought that this fiancée would suddenly come to his door?
"My name is Xiao Yan."
"Very good." Qin Sheng spoke up and praised him.
"Handsome and distinguished, truly outstanding among men. His future is limitless."
"You flatter me."
"Child, we came this time because of your marriage to Yanran."
Nalan Su said, "Yanran has been accepted as a disciple by the Misty Cloud Sect's leader, and her position as the Young Sect Leader has already been established. If nothing unexpected happens, she will take over as sect leader in the future."
Qin Sheng nodded. He had approved of this.
Hearing this, Xiao Zhan became worried. She was the Young Sect Leader, while his son only had three stages of Dou Qi Strength... Could they be here to break off the engagement?
At that thought, his hand unconsciously tightened around the teacup.
"So the children's marriage may need to be postponed for a few more years. For now, Yanran must focus on cultivation."
Xiao Zhan let out a breath of relief. "We understand."
Nalan Su continued, "There is one more matter, Brother Xiao. Yanran will become the sect leader in the future, so after the children marry, she may not be able to remain with the Xiao Family."
"What do you think...?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan understood what Nalan Su meant, and he too began to feel troubled.
Asking the Misty Cloud Sect's leader to abandon her sect and marry into Wutan City to serve her husband and raise children—never mind anyone else, even Xiao Zhan himself found that absurd.
The Dou Qi Continent was, in the end, a world of cultivation.
Xiao Yan had been listening quietly, but upon hearing this, he was stunned.
If Nalan Yanran could not stay with the Xiao Family after marriage, didn't that mean he would have to go to the Misty Cloud Sect?
Wait, wouldn't that make me a live-in son-in-law?
Arranged marriage really is a disgusting feudal custom!
"This is indeed a problem." Xiao Zhan pondered, unsure what to do.
Nalan Su said, "Also, I think the two children should spend more time together afterward, so they can get to know each other better."
"After all, we cannot have two complete strangers go straight into a wedding ceremony."
Qin Sheng quietly sipped his tea, leaving Nalan Su to handle the matter.
He had already explained what should be said and done.
"They should spend more time together..."
Xiao Zhan looked at Nalan Yanran, speechless for a moment.
Asking the Young Sect Leader to come all the way to Wutan City to accompany Xiao Yan? He was too embarrassed to say it.
Xiao Zhan looked at his beloved son. "Yan'er, how about you go to the Imperial Capital and spend some time with Yanran?"
Xiao Yan could not take it anymore. "Father, why wasn't I informed when the engagement was arranged? Why didn't you ask for my opinion as one of the people involved?"
Qin Sheng shook his head inwardly. Still the impetuousness of youth. He was not steady enough.
It was inappropriate for Xiao Yan to say that. It would make it seem as though he was dissatisfied with Nalan Yanran. However, considering the original story, it did suit his temperament.
"You had only just been born then. There was no way to ask for your opinion."
Xiao Yan was speechless.
"Father, I think marriage is no trivial matter. You cannot make such a rash decision."
"Xiao Yan, are you looking down on me?" Nalan Yanran's brows rose sharply.
Qin Sheng secretly found it amusing. What a complete reversal of the natural order.
Xiao Yan hurriedly explained, "Miss Nalan, that is not what I mean. I only think this sort of thing requires careful consideration."
"If we are to marry, then at the very least, we should know each other and both approve of one another. Don't you agree?"
"That is why I asked you to go to the Imperial Capital. Your Uncle Nalan and the others came precisely to discuss these matters," Xiao Zhan interjected.
You really are my dear father.
Xiao Yan had no desire to go to the Imperial Capital. With only three stages of Dou Qi Strength, he had already endured endless mockery in the Xiao Family.
What would he experience in the Imperial Capital as the fiancé of the Misty Cloud Sect's Young Sect Leader? He could figure that out with his toes.
Nalan Yanran pressed her lips together and said, "If you do not wish to go to the Imperial Capital, then I will come to Wutan City."
Looking at the girl before him, Xiao Yan sighed.
"Miss Nalan, you are a good person, but you are the Misty Cloud Sect's Young Sect Leader. You have your own mission."
"By the command of my parents and the word of the matchmaker." Nalan Yanran indicated that she was very obedient.
Do you even understand free love? People who never received nine years of compulsory education really are hard to communicate with!
Xiao Yan roared inwardly.
"Yan'er, shut your mouth!" Xiao Zhan stopped his son.
He was being far too immature!
Nalan Su observed their expressions and said to Xiao Yan,
"Child, you seem very resistant to Yanran?"
"I am not rejecting her. I just think this is too sudden," Xiao Yan said honestly.
"Is there already a girl you like?" Qin Sheng suddenly asked, striking directly at the heart of the matter.
Xiao Yan froze. He wanted to say no, but Xun'er somehow came to mind, and he could not speak. He could only touch his nose and reveal a bitter smile.
With that reaction, how could anyone present fail to understand?
"Brother Nalan, I am sorry. Please wait a moment. I need to speak with Yan'er."
Xiao Zhan dragged Xiao Yan out with a dark expression. Xiao Yan's pained cries could faintly be heard from outside.
Mad Lion Fury!
After a while, father and son returned. Xiao Yan rubbed his shoulder with a miserable expression.
"Brother Nalan, forgive the embarrassment," Xiao Zhan sighed.
"It is my Xiao Family that has wronged the Nalan Family."
Nalan Su lost his smile instead. Seeing this, Xiao Zhan knew the other party had objections. Feeling helpless, he said,
"Yan'er has a few words he wishes to say to Yanran."
"Miss Nalan, you are an excellent girl. Your talent is extraordinary, you are cultured and reasonable, and you respect your elders..." Xiao Yan said sincerely.
Nalan Yanran interrupted him. "You need not continue. I understand what you mean."
"Let us dissolve the engagement. This engagement will no longer stand in the way of you being with the person you love. As for me... I can consider this a release from my lingering attachment and regain my freedom. From now on, I will devote my entire life to the Misty Cloud Sect."
Xiao Zhan's expression changed drastically, while Xiao Yan fell silent.
"Yanran, what nonsense are you talking about?" Nalan Su shouted.
"My mind is made up. If my teacher wishes to punish me or my grandfather wishes to scold me, I will accept it all."
Nalan Yanran appeared utterly resolute. She raised her head and looked at no one, like a phoenix.
Xiao Yan took a deep breath. He truly did not want this marriage, but he had never intended to dissolve the engagement, because he feared offending the Misty Cloud Sect.
What his father had intended was to drag things out slowly. Once Nalan Yanran became a Dou King or a Dou Huang in the future while his son still had only three stages of Dou Qi Strength, no one would naturally mention this engagement again.
But with things ending up this way...
Perhaps this is for the best. A piece of trash like me should never hold back such a wonderful girl's life.
"Miss Nalan, I am sorry." Xiao Yan apologized sincerely.
"You are wonderful. I am the one who is not worthy of you."
"You do not need to say that."
Nalan Yanran said, "The Nalan Family will not spread word of today's events. Your Xiao Family does not need to worry about anything."
Xiao Zhan sighed. What an understanding child. It was a pity that the Xiao Family had missed out on her.
Xiao Yan felt even more guilty.
Even at a time like this, Miss Nalan is still considering the Xiao Family's dignity. My behavior just now was truly too excessive!
"This is my martial uncle."
Nalan Yanran solemnly introduced Qin Sheng. "He is the Grand Elder of the Misty Cloud Sect, a Dou Huang powerhouse, and also a Tier 6 Alchemist."
"I heard that there is something wrong with your body, Xiao Yan, so I specifically invited Martial Uncle to examine you this time and see whether he can cure you."
Xiao Zhan was stunned. A Dou Huang powerhouse? A Tier 6 Alchemist?
This was a great figure whom even the Xiao Family at its peak could never have encountered!
Xiao Yan felt a tightness in his chest. Miss Nalan had specifically invited a Tier 6 Alchemist to treat a useless person like him, yet he had hurt her so deeply...
I am guilty. I am not even human!
Before you continue