Chapter 92: Don't Underestimate a Young Woman's Resolve (Part 1)
The room fell into complete silence. Both the elderly Nalan Jie and the young Nalan Yanran froze momentarily, their expressions stiff as if they couldn't process Xiao Yan's words. A few moments later, Nalan Jie reacted, his brow twitching violently.
With a sudden "crack," the priceless jade teacup in his hand shattered into dust.
"Xiao Yan, my young friend, are you serious about this?" Nalan Jie asked, his voice trembling. His tone betrayed heavy emotions, and even his usual calm demeanor wavered.
Nalan Yanran, seated nearby, looked lost and helpless.
She had once contemplated changing the engagement herself, but when Xiao Yan beat her to it, an overwhelming sense of loss and humiliation surged within her.
Prideful as always, Nalan Yanran couldn't stop her delicate face from paling slightly.
"It's true," Xiao Yan said with a sigh. "Elder, I wouldn't do this without good reason. I hope you can understand."
Nalan Jie let out a cold laugh, closing his eyes as a look of deep disappointment appeared on his face. "So, Xiao Lin shares this sentiment?"
"My grandfather never intended to dissolve the engagement," Xiao Yan replied. "However, our clan's ancestor has arranged another match for me. My grandfather cannot oppose his command, nor can I."
Xiao Yan feigned helplessness, his tone filled with regret.
Xiao Lin, known for valuing his promises, had no intention of breaking this engagement initially. But since the directive came from Xiao Xuan, the ancestor of the Xiao clan, even Xiao Lin couldn't defy it. In the Xiao clan, Xiao Xuan's word was absolute.
Hearing this, Nalan Jie's disappointed expression softened slightly.
"I understand that today's request is rather impolite," Xiao Yan continued. "That's why I've brought some gifts as compensation. I hope you will accept them."
Xiao Yan retrieved two storage rings from his pocket and respectfully offered them to Nalan Jie.
"That won't be necessary. If that's the case, then let's end this engagement."
Nalan Jie shook his head dismissively, but as his spiritual sense swept over the contents of the rings, his expression froze.
"Three Lined Green Spirit Pills, Dou Ling Pills, Huang Ji Pills..."
"This ring contains medicinal pills and rare treasures capable of cultivating four to five Dou Huang level experts or even a dozen Dou Wang level experts," Xiao Yan said calmly, pointing to the first ring. "If used wisely, it could even help the Nalan family produce a Dou Zong."
Nalan Jie fell silent.
At first, Nalan Yanran was confused by the mention of these items, but soon her eyes widened in shock.
Yafei, seated nearby, also couldn't hide her astonishment.
As an experienced auctioneer, she was keenly aware of the astronomical value of these pills. Even the simplest Three Lined Green Spirit Pill could sell for nearly a million gold coins.
The wealth Xiao Yan casually offered was enough to incite madness not just in the Jia Ma Empire but among neighboring powers as well.
"In addition, the second ring contains a mid tier Earth class cultivation method and several sixth tier pills. My grandfather asked me to deliver these as repayment for the kindness you showed him all those years ago," Xiao Yan added, smiling.
"An Earth tier mid level cultivation method!"
Yafei felt utterly numb at this point. Xiao Yan's background was clearly so vast that it defied the comprehension of anyone in the Jia Ma Empire.
Casually discarding Gathering Qi Powder as if it were candy was one thing, but treating sixth tier pills and an Earth tier technique so lightly? That was beyond comprehension.
Nalan Jie, too, was rendered speechless. A cultivation technique of this level could fundamentally change a family's destiny.
For a moment, his face turned blue, then pale, as he regretted his earlier harsh words. Thankfully, Xiao Yan pretended not to notice.
Even the Yunlan Sect's strongest cultivation method was only mid tier Earth level.
The compensation Xiao Yan offered could propel the Nalan family to stand among the most powerful forces in the region within a century.
"Fine." Nalan Jie let out a long sigh. "Yanran, do you agree to this dissolution of the engagement?"
He had no choice. Xiao Yan's gifts were simply too generous. They could bring the Nalan family unparalleled prosperity. Compared to the survival and rise of the entire family, personal pride seemed trivial.
"I..."
Nalan Yanran bit her lip, her delicate hands clenched tightly, and her beautiful eyes filled with humiliation and frustration.
Even though she understood that Xiao Yan had already handled this situation with grace, her proud nature found it impossible to accept being rejected in such a way.
Having someone personally come to annul an engagement what greater humiliation could there be?
Yet, Xiao Yan's background was so terrifying that even the mighty Yunlan Sect would pale in comparison.
What's more, the compensation he offered was astronomical.
"I notice that Elder Nalan seems to be afflicted by a serious poison. Wu Lao, treat him," Xiao Yan ordered, his tone calm and composed.
"Yes, Young Master."
As Xiao Yan spoke, space rippled behind him, and Wu Lao stepped forward.
He nodded toward Xiao Yan, and a crimson flame like Dou Qi surged from his fingertips, flowing into Nalan Jie's body.
Nalan Jie's face turned red before he coughed violently, expelling a mouthful of black blood. The blood hit the floor with a sizzling sound, corroding the stone beneath.
"Grandfather!" Nalan Yanran exclaimed, her voice filled with alarm.
"It's fine." Nalan Jie waved a hand dismissively, his energy evidently improved. He stood up and respectfully bowed toward Wu Lao.
"Thank you, senior, for saving my life."
This scene stunned both Nalan Yanran and Yafei.
The affliction that had left even the top doctors of the Jia Ma Empire helpless was cured with a mere flick of Wu Lao's finger.
"Well then, Elder Nalan, what do you think of this matter?" Xiao Yan asked again.
Nalan Jie sighed deeply. "Very well. Let's do as you suggest."
"Thank you, Elder Nalan," Xiao Yan replied, bowing slightly.
Turning to Nalan Yanran, he added, "Miss Nalan, if there's anything you're dissatisfied with, feel free to tell me. As long as it's within my power, I'll make it right."
"There's nothing," Nalan Yanran replied, her voice faint and her face pale.
Her entire life, she had been the one looking down on others. Among the younger generation in the Jia Ma Empire, no one had ever been able to match her.
Yet today, she had been completely overwhelmed by someone her own age.
"Strength? He's already a Dou Huang while I've just stepped into Dou Shi."
"Background? His clan's influence probably spans the entire Dou Qi Continent, while the Nalan family is nothing more than an ant in comparison."
The black robed youth before her had shattered her pride and left an indelible mark on her memory.
"Very well."
Xiao Yan glanced at Wu Lao, who nodded.
A moment later, an enormous figure of condensed Dou Qi, nearly a thousand feet tall, appeared over the imperial capital.
A thunderous voice echoed across the empire:
"Jia Ma Empire, Nalan Family, under the protection of the Xiao Clan for a hundred years. Anyone who dares harm them shall be annihilated!"
The words, carrying boundless might, shook the entire city and beyond.
(Chapter End)
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