The Xiao Clan Offers a Woman

With a slight pause in his mind, Nalan Chenfeng had some ideas on how to quickly advance to the Dou Zong level.

The sooner we go to the Central Plains Continent, the better. Once the Jia Ma Empire has completed all its plans, there's no need to linger here.

If anything happens, I can just rush back from Central Plains; the Spatial Wormhole makes it convenient.

"Ahem, Brother Chenfeng, could you lend me some gold coins?"

Seeing that the two had finished talking, Xiao Yan scratched his head, coughed, and then spoke, still looking a little embarrassed.

"Gold--"

Nalan Chenfeng's eyes flashed with a thoughtful expression.

"One thousand is fine."

Xiao Yan added.

"Little Yan, if it were before, given your relationship with me as my brother-in-law, I wouldn't mind lending you gold coins or cultivation resources, let alone borrowing them."

"However, your engagement with Yanran has now been dissolved, and you've made a bet. Although I don't know exactly what you want the gold coins for, I'm certain it's to increase your strength."

"If I help you, wouldn't that just cause trouble for my sister?"

Nalan Chenfeng smiled slightly, neither agreeing to Xiao Yan's request nor directly refusing, but instead asked a few questions in return.

Xiao Yan borrowed gold coins mostly to gather enough medicinal materials to refine the Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid. This elixir, which enhances the strength of the Dou Qi stage, is a unique formula of Yao Lao, which he naturally knew, but there was no need to point it out to his face.

In front of the Yao Lao, it's currently necessary to pretend to be a junior who doesn't know much.

"This--"

Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Nalan Chenfeng was absolutely right; he was no longer the future son-in-law of the Nalan Family.

He knew the benefits of this identity. His father had told him that the Xiao Clan's ability to gain a foothold in Wu Tan City and suppress the other two major families was inseparable from their relationship with the Nalan Family.

The dissolution of his engagement with Nalan Yanran during the day meant that he had completely lost this identity.

"However, even with this old gentleman's guidance, you still won't be able to beat Yanran in three years."

"We've known each other since childhood, so lending you some gold coins is fine, but you must remember to pay it back, even if it's just one."

"One thing at a time."

Nalan Chenfeng changed the subject and nodded in agreement.

It's not surprising that Yao Lao's Bone Flame Ring doesn't contain any gold coins. Experts above the Dou Zun don't need such common currency. Besides, Xiao Yan has Xiao Zhan behind him, so getting some gold coins wouldn't be difficult.

However, Xiao Yan probably won't ask his father, Xiao Zhan, for help until the very last resort.

In the past few years, when Xiao Yan was down on his luck, Xiao Zhan came up with many solutions for him and gave him a lot of support. Xiao Yan felt guilty towards his father, which is why he preferred to seek help from him rather than from Xiao Zhan.

"Don't worry, Brother Chenfeng, I will definitely return it."

Xiao Yan nodded emphatically, automatically ignoring Nalan Chenfeng's words that affirmed Nalan Yanran's identity.

Nalan Chenfeng took out a bulging money bag from his Storage Ring and handed it over.

"There are two thousand gold coins in here, more than enough for you. Do you think a Dou Wang like me would be short of such a small amount of gold coins?"

Nalan Chenfeng looked at Xiao Yan with an ambiguous expression.

There's no need for him and Xiao Yan to make any deals; the latter isn't qualified to do so yet.

"Of course we don't lack it."

Xiao Yan took the money pouch, thought for a moment, and then said decisively.

Even a powerful family like the Xiao Clan, a Da Dou Shi, could come up with hundreds of thousands of gold coins. A Dou Wang expert certainly wouldn't be short of two thousand gold coins.

" In the Dou Qi Continent, gold coins have a price, but human relationships are priceless. What I'm lending you isn't just a few gold coins; you need to understand this."

Nalan Chenfeng's voice deepened, and he spoke with a profound meaning.

"I will always remember Brother Chenfeng's kindness. I will do my best to help Brother Chenfeng needs my help."

Xiao Yan bowed deeply to Nalan Chenfeng with utmost solemnity, his words filled with sincerity.

If I had listened to Brother Chenfeng earlier and been more low-key and steady, things might not have turned out this way.

This old man's three-year trial was supposedly to lay a solid foundation for him and temper his character, but those three years were such a waste.

"I haven't helped you much. On the contrary, this old gentleman is your teacher. You should diligently practice under his guidance."

A glint of light flashed in Nalan Chenfeng's dark eyes, and he laughed heartily.

Because of his existence, Xiao Yan's path has been completely altered, and he really wants to know if Xiao Yan can continue to be so lucky.

"Um--"

Xiao Yan held the bag of gold coins in his hand, his eyes hardening.

Now that he has a powerful mentor personally guiding him, he might not be inferior to Nalan Yanran in three years. He will not admit defeat.

"Little one, remember our promise."

The Yao Lao smiled, reminded Nalan Chenfeng again, and then transformed into a ray of white light, entering the Bone Flame Ring on Xiao Yan's hand.

Nalan Chenfeng nodded and smiled, watching Xiao Yan leave with his hands clasped in respect. After a long while, he let out a soft sigh.

If he hadn't already possessed considerable strength, and if there hadn't been a Dou Emperor in the Xiao Clan Yao Lao was unaware of his true abilities, the Yao Lao might have attacked him.

The existence of the Hall of Souls made Yao Lao dare not reveal himself to outsiders. Although the Northwest Continent was remote, the shadow of the Hall of Souls was still present.

If you want to keep a secret, the best way is to either turn the person who knows the secret into one of your own, or kill them.

"Keep practicing--"

--

While Nalan Chenfeng was cultivating, the Three Xiao Clan Elders and Xiao Zhan gathered together once again.

"Although Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's engagement has been dissolved, Nalan Chenfeng is not yet married. While he is still in our Xiao Clan, I think we can re-establish the engagement to maintain the relationship between our two families."

"Even if Yu'er and the others are just concubines, they will be of great benefit to the future development of our Xiao Clan."

"Eldest brother is right, clan leader. The three of us didn't come to you this time to argue—"

The first and second elders of the Xiao Clan spoke one after the other, causing Xiao Zhan to be momentarily stunned.

"Hmph, it's rare to find someone with such a brain. I can talk to him about this tomorrow, but he might not agree—"

--

The next day, at noon.

The main hall of the Xiao Clan.

"Nephew, Yan'er's talent has been restored; I truly don't know how to thank you enough."

Xiao Zhan stood up from his seat and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute to Nalan Chenfeng, his full and square face filled with gratitude.

Yan'er came to see him this morning, full of energy, saying that her cultivation talent had been fully recovered, and she even cultivated in front of him for a while, so he could be completely sure.

"Uncle Xiao, you're too kind. Xiao Yan's recovery of his talent has little to do with me. I didn't do anything; it was all just good luck."

"Besides, the Xiao Clan and the Nalan Family have always been close friends. Even if the marriage agreement is no longer valid, it won't affect the relationship between the two families."

Nalan Chenfeng returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said with a smile.

He came today to say goodbye to Xiao Zhan.

The Xiao Clan has something he wants to take, but not now.

Without the strength of Dou Emperor, it wouldn't be so safe for him to realize his plans and schemes regarding the Xiao Clan.

"The marriage agreement caused some unpleasantness between the two families, but with your kind words, I am relieved."

Xiao Zhan laughed heartily, stroking his two strands of black beard, as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart.

Without the Nalan Family's connection, the Jia Lie Clan and Oba Clan wouldn't have conceded so many interests in the city over the years; this invisible deterrent is very effective.

However, secrets don't stay hidden forever. The annulment of the engagement between the two families would eventually become public knowledge, so it was crucial to find a way to re-establish relations with the Nalan Family.

"Nephew, although the engagement between Yan'er and my niece Yanran has been dissolved, I discussed it with the three elders last night, and we believe that if we want to maintain relations between the two families, a marriage alliance is still the best way."

"However, this target can be completely changed. Among the eligible young women in the Xiao Clan family, if my nephew has any favorites, he may choose a few."

"For them, being able to become a concubine for their nephew, a Dou Wang expert, is a blessing."

Xiao Zhan looked at Nalan Chenfeng with a smile, his expression suggesting he was about to say something shocking, which made Nalan Chenfeng momentarily lose his composure.

"This--"

Nalan Chenfeng's expression faltered slightly, a strange look appearing on his handsome face.

He wouldn't casually accept unimportant women around him. The Xiao Clan could be considered to have connections, and currently, the most outstanding Xiao Clan is Xiao Xun'er.

But he knew that Xiao Xun'er's surname wasn't Xiao, but Gu. If Xiao Zhan dared to make the decision, it wouldn't be unusual for the Xiao Clan to be wiped out dozens of times.

"Haha, I didn't expect my nephew to be so reserved about this. He's still quite young after all—"

Seeing Nalan Chenfeng's reaction, Xiao Zhan became even more determined in his mind.

Although he didn't get along with those three old guys, they weren't that stupid when it came to the Xiao Clan's future in the Jia Ma Empire.

The annulment of Yan'er and Nalan Yanran's engagement will undoubtedly be a blow to the Xiao Clan.

If a woman from the Xiao Clan could have some connection with Nalan Chenfeng, it would be equivalent to the Xiao Clan relying on this powerful figure.

A sixteen-year-old Dou Wang expert —no woman of the younger generation in the Xiao Clan is worthy of him. Even Xun'er, a girl with an extraordinary background, is clearly inferior in talent.

"Then let's Xun'er sister!"

Nalan Chenfeng snapped out of his reverie, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

He hesitated for even a second in the face of Xiao Zhan's suggestion; that would be disrespectful to the young lady of the Gu Clan, who possessed Divine-Grade Bloodline.

Compared to her beauty, the future Gu Xun'er would be unparalleled, not only among the women of the Jia Ma Empire, but also across the entire Dou Qi Continent Gu Xun'er may be troublesome, but his eyes are not blind, and he has no problem with her appearance or aesthetics.

"Ah, this--?"

Xiao Zhan was stunned for a moment, not realizing what he had just said, and felt that he had misspoke.

The thing he just mentioned didn't exclude Xun'er, which was really awkward.

It's not his place to make decisions for that girl, Xun'er.

"Ahem, my dear nephew, to be honest, Xun'er is not a member of our Xiao Clan. I cannot make decisions for her. Any other woman from the Xiao Clan can do it."

Xiao Zhan covered his embarrassment with a cough and explained to Nalan Chenfeng.

"I see, no wonder I felt that Xun'er was a little different."

Nalan Chenfeng briefly concealed his embarrassment, then smiled.

"In that case, let's go with Xiao Yu. But Uncle Xiao, there are some things I must say upfront. I'm only giving Xiao Yu the status of a concubine, so that outsiders know that the relationship between our two families hasn't broken down."

"We always have to explain things to my father-in-law; having this connection to marriage makes him feel at ease."

"But if Xiao Yu herself is unwilling, the Xiao Clan can terminate this agreement at any time."

Nalan Chenfeng breathed a sigh of relief and agreed with Xiao Zhan.

He knew very well what Xiao Yu thought of him, but Xiao Zhan bringing this up today meant he definitely hadn't asked Xiao Yu.

In the Dou Qi Continent, being a concubine is a lowly status, and not every girl would be willing to accept it.

Admiring the strong doesn't mean abandoning one's principles. Few women don't care about status and title, and whether Xiao Yu will agree is not a certainty.

For him, having another woman by his side was nothing. Once he became a true powerhouse, a high-level Alchemist, the resources he had under his fingernails would be enough for Xiao Yu to grow.

To think of Xiao Yu as lacking talent and being a useless, decorative vase is the mindset of a weak person. However, given this reality, he couldn't place Xiao Yu in a very high position.

Women in the Dou Qi Continent are divided into different classes, Xiao Yu clearly doesn't rank among them.

However, if Xiao Yan becomes an emperor in the future, Xiao Yu will benefit from it, and her talent and potential will undergo a qualitative change, and her strength will also increase dramatically, so it won't be so bad.

"Xiao Yu, good! Good! Good!"

Xiao Zhan beamed with joy and eagerly agreed, saying "Okay" three times in a row.

Regardless of who Nalan Chenfeng chooses, with this connection, the Xiao Clan will be able to establish a stable foothold in the Jia Ma Empire.

Seeing Xiao Zhan's excitement, Nalan Chenfeng smiled but remained silent.

With this connection, it would be easier for him to secretly obtain the jade from Xiao Yu; without it, it wouldn't have a significant impact.

Possessing the special ability to Time Stop, after advancing to the Dou Emperor, he could freeze time and space in Wu Tan City, taking away the Xiao Clan's Ancient Jade without anyone noticing, leaving no trace.

"I will immediately summon the Grand Elder to arrange the marriage for my nephew."

After regaining his composure, Xiao Zhan rushed off to find the Xiao Clan's Grand Elder, but was stopped by Nalan Chenfeng.

"Uncle Xiao, there's no need for all that trouble. Just hand it over to Xiao Yu later. If she's satisfied, keep it; if not, tear it up and consider it null and void."

"Since I've promised, I won't go back on my word."

Nalan Chenfeng let his hand fall to his side, his brows relaxed, and he spoke casually.

This marriage contract cannot bind him, but since he has agreed, he will abide by it; there is absolutely no need for these formalities.

Furthermore, it was Xiao Yu who married him as a concubine, not the entire Xiao Clan.

If the Xiao Clan encounters trouble in the future, he can help or not; he has no interest in exchanging pleasantries with Grandpa Xiao Yu.

This matter depends on Xiao Yu's attitude; we can only confirm it when Xiao Yu returns.

It's somewhat amusing that Xiao Zhan is so eager to pamper a daughter who isn't his own.

"That's fine--"

Seeing that Nalan Chenfeng wasn't in a good mood, Xiao Zhan didn't press the matter further.

"Uncle Xiao, Xiao Yan's talent has recovered. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. I'll come to visit again when Xiao Yu returns from the Jia Nan Academy."

Nalan Chenfeng pondered for a moment, then bowed to Xiao Zhan in farewell.

There's no point in staying with the Xiao Clan now. He plans to go to the Magical Beast Mountain Range to cultivate in seclusion and strive to reach the Peak Seven-Star Dou Wang as soon as possible, so he can take the Dou Ling Pill.

Upon returning to the Imperial Capital, he planned to either reach the Peak Dou Wang or advance to the Dou Emperor before going back.

Additionally, a trip to the Magical Beast Mountain Range also offers the opportunity to visit Xiao Yi Xian.