Chapter 75: The Annulment
In Wu Tan City, at the Xiao family residence...
Nalan Yanran stood outside the Xiao family gates, determined to resolve the engagement issue and free herself. She instructed Ge Ye to present their visiting card.
Fortunately, the Xiao family guards recognized the reputation of the Yun Lan Sect and, upon learning that the sect's young leader had arrived, respectfully said, "Please wait a moment. I will inform the family head immediately."
Soon, Xiao Zhan, accompanied by the three elders and several other members of the Xiao family, came out to greet them.
"Haha! It's a great honor for a Yun Lan Sect elder to visit our Xiao family. Forgive us for not welcoming you sooner," Xiao Zhan said warmly, assuming Ge Ye was the leader of the group.
"You're too kind, Clan Leader Xiao. We're the ones intruding," Ge Ye replied politely, glancing at Nalan Yanran, who remained silent.
"Please, come inside," Xiao Zhan invited, leading the guests to the reception hall while engaging in pleasant conversation. Once seated, nearly all the Xiao family's direct members were present.
After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Zhan asked with a smile, "What brings the three of you to our Xiao family? If there's anything we can help with, don't hesitate to ask."
Ge Ye responded with a smile, "Clan Leader Xiao, do you recognize this young lady?"
Xiao Zhan turned to Nalan Yanran. Her face seemed vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place her.
"And you are...?" he asked hesitantly.
Nalan Yanran stood and greeted him with a polite smile. "Uncle Xiao, I am Nalan Yanran. It's an honor to meet you."
Xiao Zhan immediately rose, surprised and delighted to recognize his future daughter in law. "Ah, so it's Nalan Yanran! You've grown so much it's no wonder I didn't recognize you at first. My apologies! Tell me, how is your grandfather?"
"He's well, thank you for asking," Nalan Yanran replied courteously before scanning the room. "Uncle Xiao, may I ask where Xiao Yan is?"
"Haha! So you've come to see my son, Xiao Yan? Please wait a moment; I'll have someone fetch him right away," Xiao Zhan replied, clearly pleased with her visit.
Above the Xiao family estate, in the void, Xiao Yin spoke respectfully. "Clan Leader, it's just Xiao Yan's fiancée. Do you really need to observe this personally?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "I'm not in a rush. I'm curious about Xiao Yan and how these past three years have tempered him. Besides, who wouldn't want to witness this iconic annulment scene in person? Back when I read this novel, lines like 'The East is the river for thirty years, the West for thirty years; never underestimate the poor young man' were thrilling."
Hearing this, Xiao Yin fell silent, letting Xiao Tiance enjoy the moment.
Not long after, Xiao Yan finally arrived. After respectfully greeting Xiao Zhan and the elders, he scanned the room for a place to sit. However, his three years of being labeled a "waste" had diminished his status, and no one offered him a seat.
Feeling humiliated, Xiao Yan stood silently until Xiao Xun'er, seated nearby, called out, "Brother Xiao Yan, sit here with Xun'er."
Relieved, Xiao Yan nodded and joined her.
Nalan Yanran noticed the beautiful Xiao Xun'er, whose looks and demeanor rivaled her own, standing up for Xiao Yan. A sense of irritation rose within her.
Standing abruptly, Nalan Yanran directed her gaze at Xiao Yan before addressing Xiao Zhan. "Uncle Xiao, I'm here today on a task assigned by my teacher."
"Task?" Xiao Zhan asked, puzzled.
Ge Ye stepped in to clarify. "Clan Leader Xiao, her teacher is none other than Yun Yun, the leader of the Yun Lan Sect and a Dou Huang expert."
Hearing this, Xiao Zhan's expression grew solemn. The Yun Lan Sect was the most powerful faction in the Jia Ma Empire, one even the Xiao family wouldn't dare offend, especially in their current decline.
"I see. Please, go ahead," Xiao Zhan said respectfully.
"Thank you, Uncle Xiao," Nalan Yanran said before continuing, "I've become the Yun Lan Sect's young sect leader, and according to the sect's rules, the young leader must remain free from emotional entanglements.
Therefore, my teacher has sent me here to annul my engagement with Xiao Yan."
"What?!"
The room erupted in shock.
"You want to annul the engagement? Did your grandfather agree to this?" Xiao Zhan asked, his voice growing tense.
"Yes, Uncle Xiao. Although my grandfather didn't agree, I believe my marriage is my own decision. Besides, my teacher Yun Yun has approved it," Nalan Yanran said firmly, meeting Xiao Zhan's gaze.
With a loud crack, Xiao Zhan crushed the cup in his hand, his aura as a five star Dou Shi surging out like a raging storm.
Ge Ye quickly stepped in front of Nalan Yanran, deflecting the aura with his sword partially unsheathed. "Clan Leader Xiao, please calm down. You are the leader of the Xiao family and must consider the bigger picture!"
Seeing Xiao Zhan's rising anger, the elders intervened, urging him to restrain himself.
"Haha! Impressive! Truly worthy of being Yun Lan Sect's young leader!" Xiao Zhan said bitterly, suppressing his fury and withdrawing his aura. He sat back down, though his face remained grim.
Nalan Yanran, aware she had offended the Xiao family, retrieved a small box. She opened it, releasing a fragrant scent that filled the room.
"Uncle Xiao "
"Don't call me that," Xiao Zhan interrupted coldly. "You may address me as Clan Leader Xiao."
"Very well, Clan Leader Xiao," Nalan Yanran replied. "This annulment is my decision, but I understand the offense it brings. To show my sincerity, I've brought this Qi Gathering Powder, personally refined by Pill King Gu He. It can help a ninth stage Dou Zhi Qi cultivator break through to Dou Zhe. I hope you'll accept it as a token of my goodwill."
Hearing this, many Xiao family members stirred, especially those with younger relatives on the verge of breaking through. This Qi Gathering Powder was a valuable second tier pill, and having been refined by Pill King Gu He himself, it was worth a fortune.
Seeing the greed in their eyes, Nalan Yanran felt a flicker of disdain but maintained her composure.
Xiao Zhan accepted the box with Dou Qi and examined it briefly. Then, with a flick of his hand, he tossed it back.
"There's no need. Take your Qi Gathering Powder with you. The Xiao family has no use for it!"
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1