"Ahem." The elder in the moon-white robe coughed softly, stood up, and cupped his hands toward Xiao Zhan with a smile. "Clan Leader Xiao, our visit to your esteemed clan today is primarily to ask for a favor!"
"Haha, Mr. Ge Ye, please feel free to speak. If it is within our power, the Xiao clan will certainly not refuse." Xiao Zhan did not dare to be negligent toward this elder, quickly rising to reply politely. However, since he did not know what the other party wanted, he did not dare to make any absolute promises.
"Haha, Clan Leader Xiao, do you recognize her?" Ge Ye smiled, pointing to the young girl beside him.
"Uh... Please forgive my ignorance, but this young lady is..." Hearing this, Xiao Zhan was taken aback. He sized up the young girl for a moment, then shook his head in slight embarrassment.
Back then, Nalan Yanran had been taken in as a disciple by Yun Yun at the age of ten, and she had trained at the Yunlan Sect for five years. As the saying goes, "a girl changes eighteen times as she grows up." Having not seen her for many years, it was only natural that Xiao Zhan did not recognize this young girl as his nominal daughter-in-law.
"Ahem... her name is Nalan Yanran."
"Nalan Yanran? The granddaughter of Old Master Nalan, Nalan Yanran?" Xiao Zhan was startled at first, but a look of joy quickly spread across his face. Perhaps recalling the events of the past, he immediately offered the young girl a warm smile.
"So it is Niece Nalan! Uncle Xiao hasn't seen you in so many years, please don't blame this uncle for his failing eyesight."
This sudden turn of events left everyone slightly stunned. The three elders exchanged glances, their brows furrowing involuntarily...
"Uncle Xiao, I haven't come to pay my respects in many years. I am the one who should apologize, so how could I possibly blame you?" Nalan Yanran said with a sweet smile.
"Haha, Niece Nalan, I heard before that you were taken under the wing of the great Yun Yun. At the time, I thought it was just a rumor, but I didn't expect it to be true. Your talent is truly extraordinary..." Xiao Zhan praised with a laugh.
"It was just Yanran's good fortune..." Smiling faintly, Nalan Yanran found Xiao Zhan's overwhelming enthusiasm a bit difficult to handle, so she gently tugged at Ge Ye's sleeve beside her.
"Haha, Clan Leader Xiao, the request I have today is related to Yanran. Furthermore, this matter was personally brought up by the Sect Leader herself..." Ge Ye chuckled softly, his expression turning slightly solemn when he mentioned the words "Sect Leader."
His expression shifting slightly, Xiao Zhan withdrew his smile. The Sect Leader of the Yunlan Sect, Yun Yun, was a legendary figure in the Jia Ma Empire. As the leader of a mere minor clan, he could not afford to offend her in the slightest. With her power and strength, what could she possibly need the Xiao clan's help with? And Ge Ye said it was related to Niece Nalan... Could it be?
At this thought, the corner of Xiao Zhan's mouth twitched slightly, and his hands trembled. However, hidden beneath his sleeves, this went unnoticed. Forcing down his rising anger, he spoke in a slightly trembling voice, "Mr. Ge Ye, please speak!"
"Ahem..." A flash of embarrassment crossed Ge Ye's face. However, remembering how deeply the Sect Leader doted on Nalan Yanran, he could only grit his teeth and say with a smile, "Clan Leader Xiao, as you know, the rules of the Yunlan Sect are extremely strict. Furthermore, the Sect Leader holds very high expectations for Yanran, essentially grooming her to be the next Sect Leader of the Yunlan Sect... Due to certain special regulations, the successor to the Sect Leader cannot be romantically involved with any man before officially taking over..."
"The Sect Leader asked Yanran about this and learned that she still has an engagement with the Xiao family. Therefore... therefore, the Sect Leader wishes to ask Clan Leader Xiao if you could... annul this marriage contract."
With a sharp crack, the jade cup in Xiao Zhan's hand suddenly turned into a cloud of powder.
Inside the grand hall, the atmosphere grew quiet. The three elders were also shocked by Ge Ye's words, but after a moment, the gaze they directed toward Xiao Zhan carried a hint of mockery and ridicule.
"Hehe, having someone come directly to your door to forcefully annul the marriage engagement. Let's see what authority you, the Clan Leader, will have left to manage the clan in the future!"
Some of the younger generation did not know that Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran had a marriage engagement. However, after whispering to their parents beside them, their expressions suddenly turned excited, and they cast mocking, derisive looks toward Xiao Yan...
Seeing Xiao Zhan's dark expression, Nalan Yanran did not dare to raise her head, her fingers nervously twisting together.
"Clan Leader Xiao, I know this request is somewhat difficult for you, but out of respect for the Sect Leader, please annul the marriage engagement..." Taking a helpless breath, Ge Ye said indifferently.
Xiao Zhan clenched his fists. A faint green Dou Qi gradually enveloped his body, eventually coalescing into the faint, illusory shape of a lion's head over his face.
The Xiao clan's highest Qi Method: Furious Lion's Rage! Grade: Mid-tier Xuan!
Seeing Xiao Zhan's reaction, Ge Ye's face also turned solemn. He stepped forward to shield Nalan Yanran, his hands swiftly forming a seal. Green Dou Qi gathered at his claw-like fingers, radiating a sharp sword-like aura.
The Yunlan Sect's profound Qi Method: Green Wood Sword Technique! Grade: Low-tier Xuan!
As the auras of the two men radiated outward, the weaker youths in the hall turned pale, feeling a suffocating pressure in their chests.
Just as Xiao Zhan's breathing grew heavier, the harsh voices of the three elders rang out like thunder in the hall: "Xiao Zhan, stop this instant! Do not forget that you are the Clan Leader of the Xiao clan!"
His body stiffened. The Dou Qi on Xiao Zhan's body slowly receded, eventually vanishing completely.
Dropping back into his chair, Xiao Zhan looked indifferently at Nalan Yanran, who kept her head lowered in silence. In a slightly hoarse voice, he said, "Niece Nalan, you certainly have courage. Nalan Su is truly to be envied for having a daughter like you!"
Her body trembling slightly, Nalan Yanran murmured, "Uncle Xiao..."
"Haha, just call me Clan Leader Xiao. I cannot accept the title of uncle. You are the future Sect Leader of the Yunlan Sect, and in the future, you will be a prominent figure on the Dou Qi Continent. My Yan'er is merely someone of ordinary talent; he is indeed unworthy of you..." Waving his hand dismissively, Xiao Zhan spoke in a cold tone.
"Thank you for your understanding, Clan Leader Xiao." Hearing this, Ge Ye was overjoyed. He offered an apologetic smile to Xiao Zhan and said, "Clan Leader Xiao, the Sect Leader knows that today's request is somewhat impolite, so she had me bring something as an apology!"
Saying this, Ge Ye lightly tapped the ring on his finger, and an ancient jade box appeared out of thin air in his hand...
Carefully opening it, a strange fragrance instantly filled the hall, causing everyone's spirits to feel refreshed.
The three elders looked up curiously. Upon seeing what was inside the jade box, their bodies shook in shock as they cried out, "Qi Gathering Powder?"