In the land of the mighty Jia Ma Empire, Yunlan Sect, one of the most formidable forces, had its headquarters on a majestic mountain just ten miles from the imperial capital. This mountain, known as Yunlan Mountain, was named after the sect itself. The steep slopes and cliffs on three sides made it an impregnable fortress, with only a single path leading to the summit. The sect’s disciples patrolled the area meticulously, making the entire mountain resemble a small stronghold. Two miles away from the foot of Yunlan Mountain lay an encampment of fifty thousand ironclad cavalry, ostensibly to guard the capital, though it was clear that the emperor was wary of the power so close to his domain.
Atop the misty peak in the rear of Yunlan Mountain, a woman clad in a pale white dress sat meditating, her hands forming intricate seals. With each breath, a gentle, faint green energy swirled around her, which she continuously absorbed into her body, refining and storing it. As the last wisp of green energy was drawn in, she slowly opened her eyes, a glimmer of green light flickering in her gaze. Her shoulder-length hair fluttered gently despite the lack of wind.
“Sister Nalan, Grandfather Nalan Jie has come to Yunlan Sect and asks to see you,” a waiting attendant hastily informed her, bowing respectfully.
“Father? What is he doing here?” The woman, Nalan Yanran, frowned slightly, rising gracefully. A light breeze pressed her dress tightly against her curves, accentuating her allure.
Glancing lazily at the sheer cliff, she brushed her dress lightly before turning and leaving her secluded practice area.
In the spacious, well-lit hall, a somewhat sullen middle-aged man, Nalan Suo, was irritably tapping his fingers on the table, holding a teacup. His irritation stemmed from being hounded up the mountain by his father, Nalan Jie, who was livid about the recent developments.
Nalan Suo did not approve of the marriage between his daughter and Xiao Yan, initially a waste of talent. However, news now indicated that Xiao Yan had not only shed his reputation but had also surpassed his earlier potential. This shift in circumstances made Nalan Suo reevaluate his stance, but Nalan Yanran’s actions had already soured the relationship, creating a cold stalemate.
“You should know why I’m here, right?” Nalan Suo asked, his voice tinged with anger.
“Is it about the broken engagement?” Nalan Yanran replied calmly, twirling a lock of her hair.
Nalan Suo, exasperated by her composure, slammed his hand on the table. “The marriage was arranged by your grandfather. Who gave you the authority to cancel it?”
“That was my marriage, and I will decide whom I marry. I don’t care who approved it. The one to marry was me, not Grandfather!”
Her defiance only fueled his anger. “You think Xiao Yan, a former waste, is unworthy, but now he has great potential! You should have known this through your position in Yunlan Sect.”
“Yes, I heard he’s improved, surprising me,” she admitted coolly.
“Surprising? That’s all you can say? Your grandfather wants you to go to Wutan City and apologize to mend the relationship.”
“Apologize? Never!” Nalan Yanran refused, her tone firm. “Even if he’s no longer a waste, I won’t marry him. And I won’t apologize. If you like, go yourself. I won’t set foot in Wutan City again!”
“Your refusal is unacceptable! You caused this mess, and you must resolve it!” Nalan Suo roared.
“No!” Nalan Yanran stood her ground, chin raised. “If Xiao Yan is so capable, let him challenge me. If he wins, I’ll be his servant. If not, I won’t apologize.”
“You foolish girl! If you lose, our family will be disgraced!”
“I won’t lose. I have access to advanced cultivation techniques and powerful battle skills. I even have the assistance of Grandmaster Gu He. What can he, a minor noble, possibly match?”
Nalan Suo, enraged, rose to strike her, but was stopped by Ge Ye, a white-robed figure.
“Ge Ye, you scoundrel, were you with Yanran when she went to the Xiao family?” Nalan Suo accused.
“By the sect leader’s order,” Ge Ye replied, embarrassed.
“Yun Yun, what are you thinking? Letting Yanran do such foolish things? If Xiao Yan defeats her, she’ll be a servant!”
“Relax, Nalan Suo. It’s done. An apology won’t fix it. The sect leader is preparing a final ingredient for a special elixir to boost Yanran’s cultivation. She’ll be unmatched by Xiao Yan. If she goes easy on him in their duel, his anger might subside.”
“What’s this elixir?”
“An ancient recipe, very potent. You’ll see soon enough,” Ge Ye said mysteriously.
Frustrated, Nalan Suo left, leaving Ge Ye to exhale in relief. Turning to Nalan Yanran, he sighed, “I never thought Xiao Yan would rise so high.”
“Let him rise. I await his challenge in Yunlan Sect. He has a year and a half to catch up, if he can.”
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