Nalan Yanran Arrived

Xiao Yan looked at the graceful, delicate girl, a flower just waiting to bloom, and could not help feeling wistful.

Time really flies. Has that little girl already grown this much?

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye!

Xiao Yan raised his hand, took a loose black robe from his Storage Ring, and casually draped it over himself before walking toward Xiao Xun'er with a smile.

"Xun'er, what brings you here?"

Once he reached Xiao Xun'er, he caught the delicate fragrance drifting from her and asked curiously.

Xiao Xun'er ignored his question and said with aching concern, "Brother Xiao Yan, look at you. Every time you cultivate, you leave yourself covered in wounds."

Although Xiao Yan had put on his robe, Xiao Xun'er had already noticed his injuries before that.

Besides, this was far from the first time Xiao Xun'er had seen him like this.

She scolded him every time, but Xiao Yan always acknowledged his mistake without changing his ways.

This time, however, Xiao Xun'er was thoroughly upset. For a moment, she even forgot why she had come and said indignantly:

"Brother Xiao Yan, ask that old gentleman to come out. I must have a proper word with him today. Why does he make you practice a Dou Technique that puts you through such torment?"

At that moment, Xiao Xun'er looked just like a kitten guarding her food. The fury in her eyes had reached its limit, and a golden flame mark faintly appeared within them.

Over the past few years, Xiao Xun'er had long since learned of Yao Lao's existence, but out of respect for Xiao Yan, she had chosen to leave their mutual understanding unspoken.

Today was different. Even if it upset Brother Xiao Yan, she would demand an explanation from Yao Lao.

Xiao Yan gave a wry laugh. He was just about to explain when Yao Lao's soul floated out of the Bone Flame Ring.

At the sight of Yao Lao, Xiao Xun'er's beautiful eyes narrowed, though she still maintained basic courtesy.

"May I ask your name, sir?"

Yao Lao smiled faintly. "I am... Yao Chen!"

Hearing that name, Xiao Xun'er's pupils contracted slightly.

"You are Yao Chen, the Venerable Yao whose fame once shook the continent!"

Of course, Xiao Xun'er had first learned the name Yao Chen because he was an outcast of the Yao Clan.

Learning Yao Lao's identity softened Xiao Xun'er's expression considerably, despite her original intention to confront him.

She knew perfectly well that someone of Yao Lao's standing could not possibly lack profound cultivation methods and combat skills.

Still, her heart ached for Xiao Yan.

So she said, "Master Yao, I know you have your reasons for choosing the cultivation method and Dou Techniques you teach Brother Xiao Yan, but couldn't you switch to something that doesn't torment him so much?

"If that won't work, our Gu Clan has a modest collection of cultivation methods and Dou Techniques. Let me choose one suitable for Brother Xiao Yan.

"Heaven-tier cultivation methods and combat skills might be a little difficult to obtain, but earth-tier ones should be no problem. If necessary, I'll beg my father."

Yao Lao narrowed his eyes at her words. Although he had long suspected that Xiao Xun'er had a formidable background, he had truly never imagined that she came from the Gu Clan.

Judging by her manner, her position within the Gu Clan was probably far from low, too.

At that thought, Yao Lao stole a sidelong glance at Xiao Yan. To win the favor of a girl from the Gu Clan... I wonder whether you're blessed with good fortune or cursed with bad luck, boy.

Looking at Xiao Xun'er's earnest face, Yao Lao cleared his throat, shook his head, and explained:

"Little girl, the Gu Clan may have deep reserves, but trust me. The cultivation method Little Yanzi practices now is the one best suited to him. As for Dou Techniques..."

Yao Lao gave a meaningful sigh.

"What Little Yanzi needs most is a body-tempering Dou Technique. Unfortunately, I don't have any high-tier body-tempering Dou Techniques myself.

"And there are no shortcuts on the path of body tempering. Only by enduring the bitterest hardships can one rise above the rest.

"Little girl, take my advice. With Little Yanzi's current standing, the two of you have no future together.

"Who exactly is Little Yanzi working so desperately for? Surely I don't need to spell it out?"

Xiao Yan stood nearby, bewilderment written all over his face, as though question marks were floating above his head.

Come on, Teacher, what nonsense are you spouting?

Don't make me sound so shallow, all right? I'm cultivating this desperately to defeat Hun Tiandi and save the world.

That's a lofty goal, you know!

Meanwhile, a captivating blush had already spread across Xiao Xun'er's delicate face.

As the saying went, a girl's blush spoke louder than any words of love.

Still, Xun'er stammered, "Even so, as Brother Xiao Yan's teacher, Master Yao, you must watch how much training he does. Going too far is as bad as not going far enough. It would be terrible if he damaged his foundation and suffered lasting harm."

Yao Lao smiled proudly. "Little girl, you needn't worry about that. As an alchemist, I do have some authority on the subject."

Xiao Xun'er's attitude toward Yao Lao had now taken a complete turn, and she said respectfully:

"Then I entrust Brother Xiao Yan to your care, Master Yao. As for a body-tempering Dou Technique, I'll find a way."

Yao Lao waved a hand. "Rest assured. He's my only disciple, after all."

Xiao Xun'er looked thoughtful at that.

On the way back, Xiao Yan asked again, "Xun'er, you still haven't told me why you came looking for me."

Xiao Xun'er gave a soft huff, turned around, and answered in a subdued voice, "Brother Xiao Yan, people from the Misty Cloud Sect have arrived. Uncle Xiao Zhan asked me to fetch you."

How could she not know about the marriage agreement between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran?

Hmph! I'm the one who grew up with Brother Xiao Yan!

"Ah!"

Xiao Yan exclaimed in surprise, only then remembering that he was already fifteen.

This was exactly when the original story began.

Unfortunately, in this life, he would have no chance to deliver that classic line from the original.

Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west-never scorn a young man for being poor!

Once they reached home, Xiao Yan said, "Xun'er, go ahead. I'll be there shortly."

After a whole day of cultivation, he really was in no fit state to meet anyone.

He was the Xiao Clan's third young master, after all. He had an image to maintain.

Yet Xiao Xun'er stubbornly shook her head.

"No. I want to go with Brother Xiao Yan."

Xiao Yan slapped his forehead but did not insist.

"All right!"

A few minutes later.

"Let's go!"

Xiao Yan opened the door, already dressed in a fresh outfit.

Looking at the completely refreshed Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er said in surprise, "That was fast!"

Xiao Yan's expression darkened. As a man, he was not particularly fond of those words.

Soon, the two arrived at the main hall.

Quite a few people were already seated in the spacious hall.

Xiao Zhan and the clan's three elders sat at the head of the hall. Below them on their left sat some of the clan's older and younger members, while the guests from the Misty Cloud Sect sat on their right.

Naturally, the leading guests were Ge Ye, a deacon of the Misty Cloud Sect, and Xiao Yan's nominal fiancée, Nalan Yanran.

There was also a nameless extra with arrogance plastered all over his face.

The moment Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er arrived, they drew the gaze of everyone in the hall.

Nalan Yanran looked at Xiao Yan. Although no one had introduced him, his bearing allowed her to guess his identity at a glance.

Unless she was mistaken, this was her nominal fiancé.

Perhaps because of that connection, Nalan Yanran unconsciously took a few extra looks at him.

Since he was only fifteen, Xiao Yan was not particularly tall or imposing, but years of body tempering had given him a well-proportioned, powerful build, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long, lean limbs.

His features were refined without lacking heroic vigor. His sword-like brows swept upward, and a piercing edge glimmered faintly in his eyes.

If she had to describe him, he was like a keen sword poised to strike!

As she looked at the spirited young man before her, Nalan Yanran's heart trembled slightly.

For a fleeting moment, she actually felt a pang of regret.

In truth, Xiao Yan himself was rather surprised by his appearance. Compared with the figure constantly described as thin in the original story, he seemed to look quite different.

Still, his life had followed a different course from the original story, so a difference in appearance was only natural.

Xiao Zhan sat at the head of the hall. When he saw his son arrive, pride and a smile could not help appearing on his face.

"Yan'er, Xun'er, since you're here, find yourselves seats."

"Yes, Father (Uncle Xiao)."

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er answered and walked toward the seats below the four men on their left.

Two seats stood empty there.

Beside those two seats sat Xiao Mei and Xiao Ning.

Xiao Yan smiled in greeting, then sat down with Xiao Xun'er.

The sight filled Xiao Ning with envy and jealousy.

Especially after seeing that Xiao Yan's fiancée, Nalan Yanran, was also so beautiful, he felt even more aggrieved.

Xiao Yan, you really deserve to die!

Xiao Ning cursed inwardly. This was worse than killing him!