The calm and simple words drifted slowly across the massive square, causing the harmonious aura that filled the area to slightly waver and become disordered. In the square, countless Yunlan Sect disciples gazed at the black-robed young man standing on the stone steps, each with their own unique emotions. They were not strangers to this young man named Xiao Yan, for his relationship with Nalan Yanran had made him a frequent topic of conversation among many Yunlan Sect disciples.
Of course, whenever this name was mentioned, most people would carry a hint of disdain and mockery. A young man from a small family aspiring to marry someone as noble as Nalan Yanran, who held a position akin to a princess in the Yunlan Sect, seemed to them an act of sheer overreaching. This sentiment grew even more intense when the three-year agreement spread within the sect. The mockery was tinged with jealousy, for Nalan Yanran, the lofty young mistress of the Yunlan Sect, was seen as a goddess by many Yunlan disciples.
In their usual encounters, they always faced her elegant and serene countenance, and anyone who attempted to get closer to her would ultimately fail. Xiao Yan, who almost became Nalan Yanran’s husband, naturally attracted some rather twisted jealousy. Fueled by envy and gossip, these Yunlan Sect disciples had a very poor impression of Xiao Yan, whom they had never met before. Their conversations were mostly derogatory, as if they were determined to belittle him to the point of worthlessness.
However, today, as they watched the young man remain calm and composed even in the face of the combined might of nearly a thousand Yunlan disciples, some of the more astute disciples, after setting aside their negative emotions, felt a chill in their hearts. Such composure was unlike the waste of the Xiao Family that they had often heard about.
Nalan Yanran’s clear eyes fixed intently on the slender figure of the young man not far away. Her gaze lingered on his handsome face, where she could faintly discern the outline of the boy from years ago. Yet, three years had eroded the youthful immaturity and sharp edges, leaving behind a deep and reserved demeanor. The fierce spirit that had once erupted in the Xiao Family’s great hall was now replaced by profound depth.
“He… has truly changed,” a thought quietly arose in her mind. Nalan Yanran’s eyes reflected a mix of complex emotions. She never imagined that the former waste would have the courage to come to the Yunlan Sect and, in the face of nearly a thousand disciples, remain as calm as a gentle breeze, showing no signs of nervousness or fear.
“Nalan Family, Nalan Yanran…” Standing up slowly, Nalan Yanran’s graceful figure resembled a proud snow lotus. Her clear eyes stared at Xiao Yan, her voice as calm as ever.
“Is that the Xiao Family’s little guy? Wasn’t he said to be a waste who couldn’t store Dou Qi?” On the giant tree, Jia Xing Tian looked at Xiao Yan, a trace of surprise in his eyes. He chuckled, “Heh, but look at his composure now. It doesn’t seem like something forced out of inner weakness. Even if it is, maintaining such calmness in the face of the combined presence of the Yunlan Sect’s elders is no easy feat.”
Not far from Jia Xing Tian, Fa Ma nodded slightly, his experienced gaze sweeping over Xiao Yan. After a moment, he focused on Xiao Yan’s face, his brows furrowing slightly. “For some reason, I feel quite familiar with him.”
“Ha, you feel that way too…” Hearing this, Jia Xing Tian gave a low laugh, his eyes filled with profound meaning as he gazed at Xiao Yan. “Perhaps we’ve met somewhere before.”
Fa Ma’s brow wrinkles deepened, his eyes flashing as he stared at Xiao Yan, but he didn’t say anything further.
“Hey, Old Nalan, this is the Xiao Family’s young man who almost became your Nalan Family’s son-in-law? He doesn’t seem like the rumored waste at all. Such composure and character are rare among the young men I’ve seen,” Mu Chen turned to Nalan Jie, who had been staring at Xiao Yan, with a slightly malicious smile. The prospect of a discarded son-in-law now outshining many so-called geniuses brought a hint of Schadenfreude to his expression.
Although Nalan Jie wouldn’t feel regret to the point of being devastated, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of annoyance. Nalan Jie glared at Mu Chen, too irritated to exchange banalities. He sneered and continued to focus on the young man, his thoughts churning.
Even though Nalan Jie had long known that Xiao Yan was no longer a waste, the mental fortitude and composure he displayed still left him deeply surprised. His surprise was tinged with a sigh of regret. At this point, any words were futile. He could only hope that after the three-year agreement, the grudge between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran would dissolve. If they could reconcile…
Of course, this was perhaps a vain hope. Even if reconciliation was impossible, if Xiao Yan could at least no longer bear a grudge against the Nalan Family, it would make Nalan Jie feel a bit better. To Nalan Jie, this young man already possessed all the qualities of a strong individual—excellent mental fortitude, outstanding cultivation talent, and the perseverance to strive for three years for a promise. With these, Xiao Yan’s path to becoming a powerful individual would be much smoother. Having a young man with limitless potential bear a grudge against him was not a pleasant prospect.
“It seems I need to send someone to contact the Xiao Family…” Nalan Jie sighed inwardly, shook his head, and focused on the scene. For now, he could only await the conclusion of the three-year agreement.
In the square, after Nalan Yanran stood up, the dozen or so white-robed elders above her also slowly opened their eyes, their gazes falling on the black-robed young man on the stone steps. Exchanging glances, they all felt a bit surprised. Like Nalan Jie, they found it hard to believe that this was the same Xiao Family waste who had been ridiculed years ago.
“You are Xiao Yan of the Xiao Family?” The white-robed elder at the center raised his eyes to look at Xiao Yan and spoke slowly after a while. As he spoke, the other white-robed elders around him fell silent.
“I am the Grand Elder of the Yunlan Sect, Yun Ling,” Yun Ling continued before Xiao Yan could respond. “The Sect Leader has not returned yet, so I will preside over this three-year agreement. This match is meant for friendly sparring, just to—”
“Life and death, each to their own fate.” A soft voice suddenly interrupted Yun Ling, drawing everyone’s attention to the silent black-robed young man. Many were surprised by Xiao Yan’s words, especially since his opponent was the Yunlan Sect’s top candidate for the next Sect Leader.
“Haha, a gutsy young man…” High up in the trees, some eccentric old men laughed, even giving Xiao Yan a thumbs-up.
Nalan Yanran’s eyes lifted, fixating on the black-robed young man. Her dark eyes seemed to flicker with unmasked emotions. Was it resentment? After a while, she nodded slightly, her voice cold, “As you wish.”
Hearing Nalan Yanran’s response, Yun Ling’s brows furrowed slightly. Xiao Yan’s interruption had displeased the high-ranking elder. He knew Xiao Yan was no longer a waste, but Nalan Yanran’s talent was extraordinary, and with the Yunlan Sect’s training, her strength had grown rapidly. Nevertheless, Yun Ling did not favor Xiao Yan in a real battle.
“Young man, it’s best to leave room for others, but since you insist, so be it. Life and death, each to their own fate.” Yun Ling waved his hand, speaking indifferently.
A slight smirk appeared on Xiao Yan’s lips. “Leave room for others?” he thought sarcastically. Had anyone asked Nalan Yanran to leave room for him back then? Slowly, he grasped the handle of his heavy ruler, pulling it out with a rush of wind. The ruler slanted to the ground, its gusts stirring up dust. A faint green Dou Qi enveloped his body as he fixed his gaze on Nalan Yanran.
“The three-year agreement, I have fulfilled. Today, let’s settle our past grievances. The shame you brought upon my Xiao Family, today… return it to me…”
Nalan Yanran extended her hand, a jade-green storage ring on her finger glowing. A long, pale green sword appeared, its blade tilting, reflecting the cold sunlight. Nalan Yanran’s beautiful eyes met Xiao Yan’s, a hint of regret in her voice. “I make my own decisions regarding my marriage. Even though three years have passed, I do not believe I was wrong. I have the right to choose my own fate. Perhaps my actions were inappropriate, but if given the chance, I would still choose the same.”
“Inappropriate actions…” Xiao Yan smiled lightly. A simple “inappropriate” was supposed to absolve her of her haughty behavior? Wasn’t that too simplistic?
His expression grew colder, his grip on the ruler tightening. Suddenly, he took a step forward, causing cracks to spread from under his foot on the hard bluestone. A surge of green Dou Qi, mixed with emerald flames, erupted from his body.
“Let’s begin…”
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