Ultimate Humiliation

"Heh heh."

Xiao Zhan merely gave a cold laugh before declaring proudly, "My Yan'er was already outstanding. His progress only plummeted because of an evil affliction. Now that the lingering trouble has been removed, breaking through seven stages in a single day was only natural!"

Ge Ye's eyes widened at this. After swallowing, he sincerely praised, "I never expected Young Master Xiao to be so extraordinary. Please forgive my poor judgment!"

He then turned his gaze toward the graceful young girl beside him, seemingly seeking her opinion.

The girl was initially startled. Then her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and finally, she bit her lip and slammed her hand on the table as she rose.

"Uncle Xiao, I admit that Xiao Yan is indeed talented, but he has only just become a Dou Zhe. That is hardly anything remarkable!"

As she spoke, she thrust out her modestly developed chest. Five dazzling golden stars gleamed brilliantly.

"This... may I ask who this young lady is?"

Xiao Zhan froze, studying the girl from head to toe as his thick brows drew together.

Girls changed dramatically as they grew up. The young girl had long since shed her childishness and become radiant and striking, so naturally, she was no longer the little girl from before.

"Ahem, she is our Sect Master's personal disciple, Nalan Yanran."

Though somewhat embarrassed, Ge Ye still cleared his throat and answered.

"A personal disciple... Nalan Yanran? Could it be..."

Xiao Zhan was stunned. His eyes shifted as he recalled what had happened years ago, and he immediately put on a warm smile. "So it is Niece Nalan. I never expected that after all these years, you would become so exceptional. Wonderful, truly wonderful!"

This scene prompted plenty of speculation among the crowd. The three elders exchanged looks as well, seemingly recalling that old matter.

"Uncle Xiao, my cultivation has kept me busy, so I never came to pay my respects. I hope you will be magnanimous and not blame me."

Nalan Yanran cupped her fists and gave a sweet smile.

"Of course not! I never expected you to truly become the Sect Master's disciple. I am delighted beyond words!"

Xiao Zhan beamed. His son's talent and cultivation had recovered yesterday, which had already made him happy enough. Now he had gained a gifted future daughter-in-law as well—he could not have been more pleased!

But how could he have known that this was merely courtesy before the blade?

"Not at all. Yanran was merely lucky..."

Nalan Yanran smiled faintly, then cast Ge Ye a look. A trace of suppressed anger flickered in her beautiful eyes.

Seeing this, Ge Ye knew that she had made up her mind. After hesitating briefly, he smiled and said, "We came here this time because of Yanran's matter. This matter has also been approved by the Sect Master..."

The moment Xiao Zhan heard this, he sensed that something was off. What matter required invoking the Sect Master's name?

If it concerned Nalan Yanran and the Xiao Household, then it could only be that matter. But Xiao Yan had already become a Dou Zhe. Was that still not enough to satisfy them?

Thinking of a certain possibility, Xiao Zhan could not help twitching his lips fiercely. His hand clenched within his sleeve, and anger quietly rose in his eyes.

"What is it? Speak!"

"Uh..."

Ge Ye was taken aback by those words. Seeing the anger in Xiao Zhan's eyes, he guessed that Xiao Zhan had already figured it out. But if he said it outright now, would that not be nothing more than throwing his weight around?

With that in mind, he cleared his throat awkwardly and looked meaningfully at Nalan Yanran. "It would be better for Miss Nalan to speak of this herself..."

"Hmph!"

Nalan Yanran gave an unhappy snort, shooting Ge Ye a glare. Then her expression became solemn as she addressed Xiao Zhan. "Uncle Xiao, Yanran wishes only to cultivate and has no interest in matters between men and women for now. Therefore... I ask that Clan Head Xiao dissolve the engagement between Xiao Yan and me!"

Bang!

Before her words had even faded, Xiao Zhan slammed his palm onto the table. After the dull boom, five distinct finger marks remained on its surface.

With that muffled impact, the atmosphere in the hall abruptly fell silent. The three elders exchanged another look like old foxes, their eyes filled with mockery.

The dignified head of the Xiao Household had been visited by a little girl seeking to break off an engagement. He had utterly lost face. After this, the father and son would likely become the laughingstock of Wu Tan City.

"Break off the engagement?! Does your grandfather know about this?"

Though consumed by fury, Xiao Zhan restrained himself from exploding and asked only this question.

"He does not, but I can decide this matter myself!"

Though Nalan Yanran felt somewhat guilty, she still raised her head and replied without backing down.

If her grandfather found out, he would definitely scold her to death!

With her grandfather's stubborn temperament, once she came of age, he would probably tie her up and drag her to the Xiao Household to complete the marriage. It was precisely because she feared such a terrible outcome that she had dared to come today and break off the engagement. After all, she now had the confidence to stand above the Xiao Household!

"How can marriage be treated as child's play? What gives a little girl like you the right to decide!"

Xiao Zhan clenched his fists and sprang to his feet. Golden Dou Energy covered his body, faintly taking the shape of armor, while an illusory golden lion's head suddenly appeared above him.

"Clan Head Xiao, do not go too far!"

At this moment, the elder Ge Ye's expression hardened as well. He rose and stood in front of Nalan Yanran. Green Dou Energy covered his body, his hand forming an eagle claw as sharp sword energy gathered in his palm.

As green and gold Dou Energy collided, the air seemed to form a tangible barrier. Some of the weaker juniors turned pale, suddenly feeling tight-chested and short of breath.

With tensions so high, the three elders could no longer sit still. They hurriedly shouted, "Xiao Zhan, stop at once! Do not forget that you are the head of the Xiao Household!"

Xiao Zhan's body stiffened, and he instantly calmed down. He withdrew his Dou Energy, then dropped back into his chair.

"Sigh, forget it. Niece Nalan certainly has spirit! As expected of the Misty Cloud Sect Master's personal disciple!"

They were using their power to pressure him. For the sake of the Xiao Household, he truly lacked the confidence to fall out with them.

"Clan Head Xiao, sorry for the trouble!"

Ge Ye also withdrew his Dou Energy and returned to normal. With an apologetic smile, he took a jade box from his Storage Ring and opened it as he said, "The Sect Master also knows that this matter is somewhat improper, so he had me bring Qi-Gathering Powder as compensation."

The jade box opened, revealing a jade-green pill lying inside. Its strange fragrance filled the air, invigorating anyone who smelled it.

"Qi-Gathering Powder?!"

The instant the pill appeared, the three elders' eyes burned with desire. It could guarantee the formation of a Dou Energy Vortex—a true treasure!

Xiao Yan was already a Dou Zhe, so he had no use for it!

But which of them did not have juniors of their own? Becoming a Dou Zhe first came with countless benefits!

Just as the three elders indulged in their fantasies, a voice suppressing its anger slowly rang out.

"Mr. Ge, Miss Nalan, did you ask me about breaking off the engagement?!"

At once, every gaze in the hall focused on Xiao Yan as he stepped forward, his eyes filled with determination.

"You... are Xiao Yan?!"

Nalan Yanran turned around. Looking at the defiant youth, her delicate brows could not help furrowing.

"That is right. Since you believe you can decide the marriage yourself, should you not at least ask whether I, the person involved, agree?"

Xiao Yan was furious. She had humiliated the Xiao Household and acted entirely on her own. This girl was far too willful.

"Could it be that you think the compensation is insufficient? That is easy enough. I can ask my master for approval. Three or even five doses of Qi-Gathering Powder would be possible. As long as you agree, I can even let you cultivate in the Misty Cloud Sect. Is that enough?"

Hearing the conditions spill from the girl's mouth, the three elders could not help clicking their tongues, while the younger members repeatedly swallowed. Who could resist such temptation?

Watching their reactions, Nalan Yanran lifted her chin without hesitation. In her eyes, these country bumpkins had only this much vision!

How could a crow ever be worthy of a phoenix?

A disciple from such a minor household was ultimately not a suitable match. Her future was destined to hold a far broader world!

"Ah...! Who gave you the confidence to humiliate me like this?!"

Contrary to what the girl had expected, the youth began trembling all over with rage after she finished speaking. He slowly raised his head, and a trace of savage fury appeared on his refined face.

Bitch. I can accept being surpassed by Xiao Dongchen, but what the hell are you? How dare you come and trample on me too!