Breaking the Engagement

"So that's what family is..."

Xiao Yan lay on a slope on Back Mountain, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth. He toyed with his Storage Ring, then narrowed his eyes and clenched it tightly in his fist.

"Each generation has its own part to play."

The Soul Clan might have been villains, but their unity was staggering. Four of their strongest willingly became living corpses, while countless Soul Clan experts marched to their deaths. The entire clan gave everything to raise Hun Tiandi to godhood.

That was what it truly meant to be a clan on this continent.

Even though his father favored him, his Eldest Brother and Second Brother had never complained. They had stationed themselves at the Empire's border for the Xiao Clan without regret, doing what needed to be done.

Resources were limited. They could only be given to the most talented child in the family, lifting him up until he was strong enough to support the family in return.

In the eyes of Hun Tiandi and his ilk, the Xiao Clan was now as insignificant as an ant, not even worth stepping on.

But... who could have known that in just a few decades, this clan, long forgotten by the continent, would rise so fiercely?

"So now it's my turn to get to work?"

Xiao Yan held the Storage Ring before his eyes and examined it closely. He saw nothing unusual, but he could not hide the excitement in his gaze.

"Soon. Very soon..."

This continent was full of rising heroes, with geniuses as plentiful as fish in a river. But if I made a move, what could any of you do?

Elsewhere.

Behind the dense trees of the Jungle.

A ghostly figure had appeared at some point and was quietly watching Xiao Yan, a strange look in his eyes. "What's happening soon? Could there be some old ghost lurking in that Storage Ring? Hiss... no wonder the young lady saw through it."

After a moment's hesitation, he decided to wait until the old ghost emerged from the ring, then expose him in person.

He was from the Central Plains, after all. He had seen the world. Surely a stray ghost from the backwoods would be easy to see through.

But young lady, please don't forget your mission. Many of the clan elders were already displeased and pressing for action.

Ling Ying sighed softly. He rather liked Young Master Xiao Yan, but without the Xiao Clan Bloodline, it would be difficult for the boy to stand openly at the young lady's side.

"Young Master Xiao Yan, don't let the young lady's feelings go to waste."

The next day.

Dressed in a fitted black outfit, Xiao Yan pushed open his door.

Sunlight fell across him, pleasantly warm. But what warmed his heart more was the sight ahead.

Not far away stood Xiao Xun'er in a pale green floral dress, her hands tucked behind her back and her smile radiant.

"Brother Xiao Yan!"

Her voice was as clear and lovely as a songbird's.

"Xun'er, why aren't you cultivating?" Xiao Yan asked, scratching his head in surprise.

"Hehe, I have good news~"

The young woman tilted her head. Her playful look made Xiao Yan reach out and ruffle her glossy hair as though petting a cat. His eyes filled with wonder. "Xun'er's all grown up now."

"Mm... Brother Xiao Yan, were you even listening to me?" Her cheeks flushed, and she planted her hands on her hips in annoyance.

"Is it Nalan Yanran?" Xiao Yan asked calmly.

"Huh..." Surprise flashed through Xiao Xun'er's eyes. "Brother Xiao Yan already knows?"

"That's not right. No one should have brought Brother Xiao Yan the news before I got here. How did he find out?"

Elder Ling had been watching Brother Xiao Yan's residence. She was certain no one had come here. In a little place like Wutan City, no one could escape a Dou Emperor's senses.

"Couldn't I have guessed?" Xiao Yan chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his handsome face.

With that, he pinched her cheek and strode out the door as though making an escape.

"Mm..."

Xiao Xun'er stood frozen for a long moment before her cheeks reddened. She stamped her foot in mock anger. "Brother Xiao Yan... he really does seem different."

The Xiao Clan's Meeting Hall.

The atmosphere was perfectly cordial.

Xiao Zhan and Ge Ye sat at the head of the hall. Off to the side sat a young woman in white, three gold stars pinned to her chest and emerald earrings swaying as she looked around: Nalan Yanran.

Seeing Ge Ye chatting so happily with Xiao Zhan, the young woman frowned slightly and gave a soft cough.

"Well... Brother Xiao."

Ge Ye smiled awkwardly. He had almost forgotten why they had come.

Before he could continue, Xiao Yan strode in dressed in his fitted outfit, cutting him off. Xiao Xun'er followed close behind.

Nalan Yanran raised her brows when she saw Xiao Yan, then shook her head to herself. He was handsome enough, but the man she married had to be a peerless Powerhouse who soared above the clouds, not a worthless fool.

As for Xiao Xun'er behind him...

The two women's gazes met, and sparks seemed to fly.

What a beautiful woman. But why is she so close to him?! Surprise flickered in Nalan Yanran's eyes.

"Yan'er, let your father introduce you. This is my niece Nalan, to whom you were betrothed..." Xiao Zhan said with a smile.

"And this is Master Ge."

Xiao Yan greeted them both in turn, then noticed two empty seats off to the side, directly across from Nalan Yanran.

Nearby, Xiao Ning and his other "bad influences" snickered. The three elders also gave him friendly looks, gesturing for him to sit.

Xiao Xun'er sat down beside him. Her fragrant presence and the faint scent of rouge made Xiao Yan's heart stir. For a moment, he almost forgot why the visitors across from him had come.

To break the engagement...

By his reckoning, Yao Lao would wake in two or three days.

Sure enough, Ge Ye spoke with obvious difficulty. "Brother Xiao, the truth is... we came to break the engagement."

He then ordered a servant to open the Wooden Box.

He picked up a bottle and tipped out a green Pill Pellet. Its fragrance instantly filled the air.

"This is Qi Gathering Powder, personally refined by Pill King Gu He. Even if you have the money, you can't buy it. It's also a token of Yanran's sincerity."

But when he finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent.

Xiao Zhan's face darkened. He slammed a hand onto the table, displaying the full might of a Five-Star Da Dou Shi. The three elders were no different; they glared furiously at Ge Ye and Nalan Yanran.

Nalan Yanran went a little pale and looked at Xiao Yan in bewilderment. Wasn't he the Xiao Clan's notorious good-for-nothing? Why did none of them look down on him? Instead... they almost seemed to take their lead from him.

"Brother Xiao, calm down!" Ge Ye wiped the sweat from his brow, inwardly groaning.

He had not expected the Xiao Clan to be so united.

They cared nothing for even such a precious pill. Hardly anyone had so much as glanced at it. Every Xiao Clan member in the hall looked ready to kill them.

"I'm sorry, but the Xiao Clan cannot agree to this!" Xiao Zhan forced down his anger, rose, and said coldly, "If my niece Nalan wishes to break the engagement, tell her grandfather to come here himself!"