Chapter 5: Gathering and Dispelling Qi

As Xiao Zhan's breathing grew increasingly rapid, the stern shouts of the three elders resounded in the hall like thunder: "Xiao Zhan, stop at once! Do not forget, you are the patriarch of the Xiao family!"

With a snap, the jade cup in Xiao Zhan's hand suddenly turned into a cloud of powder

Xiao Family's Supreme Technique: Furious Lion's Wrath! Level: Intermediate Profound Rank

Sitting back down in his chair, Xiao Zhan looked at Nalan Yanran, who was bowing her head in silence, with an indifferent expression. His voice, somewhat hoarse, said: "Nalan niece, you have quite the spirit. Nalan Su is truly enviable to have a daughter like you!"

"Hehe, Chief Xiao, do you know her?" Ge Ye smiled slightly, pointing at the girl beside her and asking with a smile.

Looking at Xiao Zhan's extremely gloomy expression, Nalan Yanran also did not dare to raise her head, burying it down, her fingers nervously entwined together

Yunlan Sect's profound techniques, Qingmu Sword Art! Level: Low Xuan Rank

His expression changed slightly, and Xiao Zhan also reined in his smile. Yun Yun, the leader of the Yunlan Sect, is a significant figure in the Gama Empire. As the head of a small clan, he cannot afford to offend her in the slightest. However, what could her actual intentions and power be that would require the Xiao family’s assistance? Ge Ye mentioned it was related to Nalan's niece; could it be?

Nalan Yanran? Nalan Yanran, the granddaughter of Old Master Nalan? Xiao Zhan was momentarily taken aback, and then his face broke into a joyful smile, evidently recalling an event from years past. He quickly turned to the young lady and displayed a gentle smile: "So it is my niece Nalan. Uncle Xiao hasn't seen you in many years; please don't hold it against me for being unable to recognize you."

In the hall, the atmosphere was somewhat silent. The three elders above were also taken aback by Ge Ye's words. However, after a moment, the look in their eyes as they gazed at Xiao Zhan was now tinged with mockery and derision.

The three elders curiously leaned forward, gazing into the jade box, their bodies suddenly jolting as they exclaimed, "Gathering Qi Dispersing?"

Cough. The old man in the white robe lightly coughed, stood up, and cupped his hands towards Xiao Zhan, smiling as he said: "Patriarch Xiao, I have come to your esteemed family this time mainly to seek your assistance"

Xiao Zhan clenched his fist tightly, a faint blue aura gradually enveloping his body, eventually coalescing into a vague and illusory lion's head on his face.

"Hehe, just call me Clan Leader Xiao. I cannot bear the title of uncle. You are the future leader of the Yunlan Sect and will undoubtedly become a prominent figure in the Douqi Continent. My Yan'er is merely of mediocre talent and truly does not match you..." Xiao Zhan said coldly, lightly waving his hand.

As the breaths of the two individuals erupted, in the hall, the weaker youths turned pale, and soon felt a sense of heaviness in their chests

The sudden scene caused everyone to be momentarily taken aback. The three elders exchanged glances, and their brows involuntarily furrowed

Thank you for your understanding, Clan Leader Xiao. Upon hearing this, Ge Ye beside him was overjoyed and smiled apologetically at Xiao Zhan, saying: "Clan Leader Xiao, the Lord of the Sect is aware that today's request is somewhat impolite, so he specifically asked me to bring you something as a token of apology"

Some of the younger generation, the boys and girls, were unaware of the engagement between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran. However, after inquiring with their parents nearby, their expressions suddenly became vibrant, and mocking and derisive glances were cast towards Xiao Yan, who was in the corner.

The delicate body trembled slightly, and Nalan Yanran murmured: "Uncle Xiao..."

At the time when Nalan Yanran was accepted as a disciple by Yun Yun, she was only ten years old. She trained in the Yunlan Sect for five years. As the saying goes, a girl changes greatly by the age of eighteen. Having not seen her for many years, Xiao Zhan naturally did not recognize that the young girl before him was, in name, his daughter-in-law.

"Hehe, Mr. Ge Ye, please feel free to speak if you have something to say. If it is within our capabilities, the Xiao family should not refuse." Regarding this elder, Xiao Zhan did not dare to be negligent and quickly stood up to speak politely. However, since he did not know what the other party was asking for, he did not dare to make his words too absolute.

Yanran was merely fortunate... With a faint smile, Nalan Yanran found it somewhat overwhelming to handle Xiao Zhan's enthusiasm. Beneath the table, her hand gently tugged at the sleeve of Ge Ye beside her

"Uncle Xiao, my niece has not come to pay her respects, and I should apologize for that. However, how could I dare to blame you, Uncle Xiao?" Nalan Yanran said with a sweet smile

Hehe, Nalan, my niece, I had heard before that you were taken under the wing of Lord Yun Yun. At that time, I thought it was just a rumor, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be true. You truly have remarkable talent, my niece...

As she spoke, Ge Ye reached out to wipe a ring on her finger, and an ancient jade box, entirely green, appeared in her hand out of thin air

"Hehe, Chief Xiao, the matter I wish to request today is related to Yanran, and this matter was personally brought up by the sect leader..." Ge Ye chuckled lightly, and when mentioning the sect leader, her expression became slightly serious.

Carefully opening the box, a peculiar fragrance instantly filled the hall, refreshing the spirits of all who inhaled it

After inquiring with Yanran, the Lord Sovereign learned that she has a betrothal with the Xiao family. Therefore, the Lord Sovereign wishes to request the clan leader of the Xiao family to... annul this engagement

Hehe, being forced to break off the engagement at your doorstep, look at you, the clan leader, what prestige will you have left to manage the family in the future

Uh... I beg your pardon for my lack of discernment, Miss..." Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan was taken aback, looking the young lady up and down, and he shook his head slightly, feeling somewhat awkward

Cough... Her name is Nalan Yanran

A certain possibility crossed his mind, causing Xiao Zhan's lips to twitch involuntarily a few times, and his large palm trembled slightly. However, fortunately, it was concealed by his sleeves, so it went unnoticed. Forcing down the anger rising in his heart, he spoke with a slightly trembling voice: "Mr. Ge Ye, please speak!"

Cough... Ge Ye's expression suddenly turned awkward, but recalling the Master’s affection for Nalan Yanran, she could only grit her teeth and smile, saying: "Chief Xiao, you also know that the Yunlan Sect has strict rules, and the Master has high expectations for Yanran. She is basically being groomed as the next Master of the Yunlan Sect... Due to certain special regulations, the successor of the Master cannot have entanglements with men before officially becoming the Master..."

"Chief Xiao, I understand that this request may be somewhat unreasonable, but I kindly ask you to consider the authority of the sect leader and annul the engagement..." Ge Ye said with a helpless sigh.

His body suddenly stiffened, and the fighting spirit within Xiao Zhan gradually retracted, ultimately vanishing completely

Observing Xiao Zhan's reaction, Ge Ye's expression immediately turned serious. He positioned his body in front of Nalan Yanran, his hands curling into claws like an eagle. The azure fighting spirit gathered in his claw-like hands, emanating a fine yet sharp sword aura