Chapter 296: The Gathering

After emerging from the Alchemists’ Guild, Xiao Yan promptly returned to the inn where he was staying. He spent a few hours in meditation, regaining his peak state. Only then did he leave the inn once more and make his way towards the Nalan Family, ready to begin the day’s poison extraction treatment.

Although he was well aware that each time he purified the poison from Nalan Jie’s body, the poison within himself grew even more concentrated, for the sake of the powerful energy contained within it and the Seven Illusionary Blue Spirit Saliva, Xiao Yan had no choice but to continue. However, no matter how formidable the poison, he wasn’t overly concerned. After all, with the protection of the Green Lotus Earth Flame, he was confident he could withstand the poison should it ever erupt.

Over the past few days, both Nalan Jie and Nalan Su personally saw him off whenever he left, so now, the entire Nalan Family knew the youth with the cold expression. As he passed through, no one tried to stop him, and as they brushed past him, they would respectfully bow.

By now, the sky had darkened, yet the Nalan Family residence was still brightly lit, bustling like a market with family members coming and going. Xiao Yan took the familiar path, and soon, the spacious hall of the Nalan Family came into view. He slowly approached.

The sounds of laughter and music drifted from the hall, causing Xiao Yan, who preferred quiet, to furrow his brow slightly. As he drew closer, he glanced inside and saw that the hall was filled with people, laughing and chatting, a scene of merriment.

Standing at the door, Xiao Yan scanned the room and was surprised to find not only Liu Ling and the little princess, but also Yaphira. She was dressed in a red tight-fitting qipao, with a white fox fur shawl, adding an air of elegance and grace to her. Her beautiful, alluring curves caught the eyes of many men in the hall.

“Seems I’ve come at an inopportune moment…” Shaking his head, Xiao Yan turned to leave, but a soft, gentle voice stopped him. “Mr. Rock, since you’ve come, please do come in and rest for a while.”

Turning his head, Xiao Yan saw the exquisite beauty standing by the pillar, smiling. Her face, though elegant, softened slightly. However, his own face quickly returned to its usual cold demeanor. “No need, Miss Nalan. I prefer quiet and don’t enjoy such occasions.”

The beauty by the pillar was none other than the Nalan Family’s cherished gem, Nalan Yanran. Dressed in a flowing, moon-white robe, she stood by the pillar, her exquisite face adorned with a gentle smile. The robe, designed for the Yunlansong disciples, occasionally highlighted her graceful curves, rivaling Yaphira’s, though their personalities were starkly different.

Looking at Nalan Yanran now, Xiao Yan had to admit that over the past three years, she had transformed from the spoiled, arrogant girl into a mature woman with an extraordinary aura. It was no wonder she had countless men chasing after her.

However, no matter how much Nalan Yanran changed, in Xiao Yan’s memory, she remained the overbearing girl who had forced the marriage annulment, humiliating his father. Therefore, he found it hard to show her any kindness.

“Mr. Rock, I heard you performed very well in the recent internal test of the Alchemists’ Guild.” Despite Xiao Yan’s cold expression, Nalan Yanran stepped forward, still smiling. “Congratulations.”

Xiao Yan subtly shifted away from the fragrant breeze. He wasn’t surprised that Nalan Yanran knew the results; with the Nalan Family’s influence in the Holy City, obtaining such information wasn’t difficult. Plus, Liu Ling might have told her to curry favor.

“Luck,” he replied curtly, falling silent again without even glancing at Nalan Yanran.

Nalan Yanran was at a loss. No man had ever treated her so coldly. Shaking her head, she didn’t press the conversation.

Just as she was about to step back, a soft, sultry laugh sounded behind them.

“Ha ha, Miss Nalan, many people are waiting for you inside. Yet here you are, leisurely chatting.”

Recognizing the voice, Xiao Yan turned to see the alluring woman, holding a glass of red wine and leaning against the door. His cold face softened a bit.

“Hi, Mr. Rock, we meet again,” Yaphira said, raising her glass. Her long, beautiful eyes gleamed with a sly light, reminiscent of a cunning fox.

“Are Mr. Rock and Miss Yaphira acquainted?” Nalan Yanran asked, her eyebrows raising slightly.

“I’ve known Rock for several years, and we’re quite close,” Yaphira smiled, her eyes flicking to Xiao Yan. “Right, Mr. Rock?”

Shrugging, Xiao Yan took the glass from Yaphira and drank it down, right under her blushing face. “What brings you here?”

Yaphira snatched the glass back, her cheeks turning red. “You’re too rude…”

Xiao Yan smiled at Yaphira’s flushed cheeks, her allure captivating. No wonder so many men flocked to the auction house in Wu Tan City just to catch a glimpse of her.

“Even Father seemed a bit smitten… Old men chasing young girls isn’t a good behavior,” Xiao Yan thought mischievously, stroking his chin.

Nalan Yanran, standing to the side, watched the two, her face slightly uncomfortable. She had thought Xiao Yan’s coldness was part of his nature, but now, seeing his warmth with Yaphira, made her realize otherwise.

“Mr. Rock, Miss Yaphira, you two can continue. I’ll go in first. Sorry,” Nalan Yanran said, bowing slightly before turning and walking into the hall, leaving a graceful figure behind.

Xiao Yan watched her leave, showing no intention to detain her, savoring the lingering taste of the wine.

“Little one, you have some nerve, daring to flirt with me,” Yaphira scolded playfully as Nalan Yanran left, her brows raised slightly.

Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over Yaphira’s face, lingering on her red lips. Thinking of the earlier intimacy, he couldn’t help but smile.

Yaphira, feeling his eyes, blushed, stamping her foot. “If you keep this up, I’ll call out your real name.”

Seeing her embarrassed expression, Xiao Yan laughed, withdrawing his gaze. “What are you doing here?”

“Nalan Elder is recovering, which is a big deal for the Nalan Family. As partners, the Mi Ter Family is naturally invited,” Yaphira explained, nodding toward the hall. “Besides us, most here are well-known forces in the Holy City.”

“Tsk, the poison hasn’t been fully removed yet, and they’re already celebrating? Isn’t that a bit premature?” Xiao Yan shook his head, rolling his eyes.

“Giggling, Nalan Elder has faith in your abilities. I never expected you to actually drive out the poison, which even Dan Wang Gu He found difficult. Now, news of you is spreading among many forces in the capital,” Yaphira said, her eyes full of surprise. When she introduced him to the Nalan Family, she had only hoped for a chance, never imagining Xiao Yan could cure Nalan Elder.

“If not for the Seven Illusionary Blue Spirit Saliva, I wouldn’t be here,” Xiao Yan said, his gaze drifting into the hall.

“You’ve seen Nalan Yanran, but you’re much calmer than I expected,” Yaphira smiled.

“Rock saw her, not Xiao Yan,” he said, his fingers interlaced, his dark eyes watching the elegant woman who had become the center of attention.

Sighing, Yaphira let the topic drop. “Come in? Our clan leader is eager to meet you, the young genius who made Hai Lao wary.”

“No interest,” Xiao Yan said flatly.

“Please, little one, I’ve helped you so much. Don’t let me lose face,” Yaphira pleaded, her hands clasped together, shaking.

Sighing, Xiao Yan shook his head. Her combination of a seductive demeanor and a girlish plea was jarring. “Alright, let’s go.”

Smiling, Yaphira’s coquettish expression vanished, and she led the way, her posture elegant. Xiao Yan followed, sighing at her rapid transformation.

Entering the hall, the noise made Xiao Yan frown. Knowing his preference for quiet, Yaphira quickly pulled him through the crowd. With her appearance, she drew many eyes, and when they saw her holding hands with the plain-looking Xiao Yan, they were surprised. Many gazed curiously at Xiao Yan, who was now known in the Holy City for managing the Mi Ter Family’s vast auction house efficiently.

Despite her outward friendliness, those who knew her understood she kept a certain distance from men. So, seeing her with an unremarkable man, the curious gazes continued, and some even looked envious and angry.

Xiao Yan’s face remained calm, allowing Yaphira to lead him, ignoring the burning gazes. Finally, Yaphira stopped, and Xiao Yan looked past her to see an elderly man with white hair, engaged in conversation, his stern face exuding authority.

“He’s our clan leader, Mi Ter Teng Shan,” Yaphira whispered, then quickly dropped Xiao Yan’s hand, her ears reddening.

Nodding, Xiao Yan followed Yaphira, stepping up to the dais. Yaphira leaned in to whisper to the elder, who then nodded and stood, smiling. “Mr. Rock, I’ve heard much about you. Pleased to meet you. I’m Mi Ter Teng Shan, the clan leader of the Mi Ter Family.”

“A nameless nobody, not worth Clan Leader’s attention,” Xiao Yan chuckled.

“Someone who makes Hai Lao treat them so? There are few in the Jia Ma Empire. You can’t call yourself nameless,” Mi Ter Teng Shan said, smiling.

Xiao Yan smiled but thought, “Looks like Hai Bo Dong’s relationship with the Mi Ter Family is quite unique. Is that old fellow part of the Mi Ter Family too?”

“Ha ha, Mr. Rock, please sit,” Mi Ter Teng Shan said, stepping aside. “Your performance in the Alchemists’ Guild test was excellent. Congratulations.”

Sighing, Xiao Yan thought, “Is the Alchemists’ Guild intentionally leaking information, or is their security really that poor? Everyone seems to know.”

“Mr. Rock, if you need anything in the Holy City, go to Yaphira. You two are old friends,” Mi Ter Teng Shan said, hinting at a close relationship.

Shaking his head, Xiao Yan saw Yaphira elegantly sipping wine, her face blushing. Smiling, he agreed.

Mi Ter Teng Shan, trying to build a connection with Xiao Yan, was unusually warm, making nearby acquaintances wonder about Xiao Yan’s identity. As a natural conversationalist, Mi Ter Teng Shan, with occasional interjections from Yaphira, created a harmonious atmosphere.