"Gu Ni, you go down first. Have Ya Fei prepare two guest rooms. No need to inquire about the Yun Lan Sect people."
After a brief introduction, Teng Shan looked at Gu Ni and instructed.
When discussing important matters, the fewer people present, the better.
Gu Ni nodded, bowed, and withdrew.
Seeing this, Hai Bo Dong finally spoke.
"When I came in just now, I heard you were paying attention to the Yun Lan Sect's group. It's quite a coincidence, Teng Shan and I saw them on the way here. At their speed, they should arrive at Wu Tan City in an hour at most. But I'm a bit confused, when did you get involved with the Yun Lan Sect?"
Clearly, Hai Bo Dong had misunderstood, thinking the Yun Lan Sect people were also here for Chen Xiao.
"Elder Hai is mistaken. They are not here for me. I heard some gossip that the young lady from the Nalan Family seems very resistant to the engagement with the Xiao Family and has thoughts of breaking it off. Coming to Wu Tan City this time is definitely for this matter."
Chen Xiao shook his head and smiled.
Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong and Teng Shan suddenly understood.
Although they were in the Imperial Capital, they usually didn't pay much attention to the private affairs of the younger generation.
"It seems I did see that young lady from the Nalan Family in the group. Teng Shan, I wasn't mistaken, was I?"
Teng Shan shook his head, indicating he wasn't mistaken.
Immediately after, there was another sigh of regret.
"I suddenly remember that a few years ago, when Old Master Nalan Jie was in Mo City, he was still bragging to us about this marriage. Things are unpredictable. That old man cares a lot about face, so breaking off the engagement is probably not his idea. Oh, Chen Xiao, you probably don't know yet, but Old Master Nalan Jie's situation is not very good right now. He was poisoned by Brand Poison for a Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva. If he can't be detoxified, even if he is a Dou Wang expert, he probably won't last many more years."
"This is truly unpredictable."
Chen Xiao, as if he really didn't know, also sighed with emotion.
In reality, he knew it clearly in his heart.
The matter of Nalan Jie being poisoned by Brand Poison actually had a common point with Hai Bo Dong being afflicted by the Serpent Sealing Curse in the original trajectory.
They were both quite comical!
Nalan Jie was poisoned by Brand Poison for the Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva, and in the end, he was detoxified using the Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva as a reward.
Hai Bo Dong was sealed by the Medusa Queen while competing for the incomplete map, and in the end, it was only because of this incomplete map that he was able to break the seal.
These two people were completely busy for nothing. Besides enduring years of torment, they gained nothing. Thinking about it carefully, it was hard not to laugh.
Getting back to the main topic, since Nalan Yanran was already on her way, Chen Xiao was even more certain that Yao Chen was about to make his appearance.
"Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva? Making a Dou Wang fight so desperately, it seems like a good thing."
Zi Yan, who had been silent all this time, finally heard something that interested her and suddenly interjected.
Seeing her eyes darting around, how could Chen Xiao not know what she was thinking?
"It's just average. The value of Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva mainly lies in nourishing and enhancing the soul. In terms of pure energy contained, a large number of the things you've hidden away are better."
If Nalan Jie were also in Wu Tan City, Chen Xiao might have thought of a way to get his hands on the Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva. This item did have some uses.
But Nalan Jie was far away in the Imperial Capital, so it wasn't worth the effort.
Hearing Chen Xiao's words, Zi Yan let out a soft "Oh," her small expression slightly disappointed.
"Does Miss Zi Yan like medicinal ingredients? That's simple. Teng Shan, tell the headquarters to pick out some good ones and send them over later. We are the hosts, so we must make sure Miss Zi Yan eats well and has fun."
Seeing Zi Yan's preference, Hai Bo Dong spoke up.
Chen Xiao's friend, an expert whose star level was unknown but who was definitely a Dou Wang, was worth treating well regardless of her identity.
After all, this could be considered an investment.
Teng Shan smiled and nodded in agreement.
Speaking of this, Zi Yan immediately became energetic, her eyes shining brightly, and she felt that the two old men were much more pleasing to the eye.
"Hehe, don't call me 'Miss.' It doesn't sound good. Just call me by my name. Since you are Chen Xiao's friends, you are my, Zi Yan's, friends!"
Having received favors, Zi Yan expressed her stance in a proper manner.
Seeing this, Hai Bo Dong and Teng Shan returned a smile, but exchanged glances with some surprise.
Zi Yan's strength made them initially think that her outward appearance might just be a facade, as such a young Dou Wang expert would be terrifying.
But looking at her now...
It seems she really has a child's heart?
What kind of talent is this? It's terrifying!
"Jia Nan Academy is indeed a place of outstanding people. I am becoming more and more curious about this academy. When the Canaan recruitment team comes next time, the Mitre Family should also select a few suitable people to send in."
Chen Xiao's growth speed, coupled with Zi Yan, instantly caused Hai Bo Dong and Teng Shan's perception of Jia Nan Academy to deviate greatly. They felt that they might have greatly underestimated this academy. If they sent some people in for further study, even if they couldn't compare to Chen Xiao and Zi Yan, they would at least be a Dou Ling after graduation, right?
"If Clan Leader Teng Shan is interested, select more people with fire attributes. They benefit the most in the academy. People with ice attributes like me don't do as well there. In fact, I've spent most of my time in the Black-Corner Region these past few years."
Chen Xiao also offered a small suggestion.
As for whether they would listen...
That was none of his business.
Teng Shan nodded and made a note.
Hai Bo Dong was more focused on the Black-Corner Region.
"I heard about the Black-Corner Region back when I participated in the Northwest Powerhouse Convention. At that time, I thought I would definitely go explore it if I had the chance in the future. This can be considered a small regret of mine."
...
While Chen Xiao and the others were happily reminiscing at the Mitre Auction House, the Xiao Family on the other side was incredibly busy.
Just after the younger generation finished their tests, Xiao Zhan received a piece of news.
People from the Yun Lan Sect would be visiting that evening!
The power of the Yun Lan Sect needed no further explanation; everyone in the Jia Ma Empire knew about it.
Therefore, although Xiao Zhan was puzzled, he took it extremely seriously. After making all the arrangements, he even found Xiao Yan and instructed him, telling him not to be rude. At the same time, he naively fantasized that if the distinguished guests from the Yun Lan Sect saw Xiao Yan's condition, perhaps with their knowledge, they could discern the reason and offer some guidance.
At night.
The Xiao Family was brightly lit.
In the spacious reception hall, Xiao Zhan and the three Elders were all present. Some influential and relatively strong members of the family were also there. There was also a considerable number of curious younger generation members. Looking around, people were bustling about, whispering and discussing the distinguished guests who were about to arrive.
Finally, to their anticipation, Butler Mo led a man, a woman, and an old man inside.
All three were dressed in moon-white robes.
The leading old man had a smiling face and was full of vigor. His somewhat narrow eyes occasionally flashed with sharp light. On the chest of his robe, a shallow silver moon was embroidered. Around the shallow moon, seven glittering golden stars were dotted.
This indicated that he was a Seven Star Da Dou Shi!
The young man to his right behind him looked about twenty years old, with a handsome appearance and a tall, straight build. From the five golden stars on his chest, one could tell that he was a Five Star Dou Zhe.
The young woman to the left behind the old man was even younger. She had a beautiful and delicate appearance. As soon as she stepped into the reception hall, she made the young women of the Xiao Family feel ashamed of themselves.
It wasn't just because of her appearance, but also because of her strength.
On the young woman's chest, three golden stars were embroidered.
Three Star Dou Zhe!
"Three distinguished guests have come a long way, please quickly take a seat. Butler Mo, serve the best tea."
Xiao Zhan forced out a warm smile and personally stood up to greet them. The three Elders did the same.
Looking at the scene at this moment, it seemed like a harmonious atmosphere.
The three people from the Yun Lan Sect took their seats. In Xiao Zhan's intentional or unintentional flattery and fawning, the conversation was very lively.
However, the old man from the Yun Lan Sect seemed to have something difficult to say. The words that were about to come out of his mouth were always swallowed back with some helplessness. And every time this happened, the delicate young woman couldn't help but glare at the old man.
In this atmosphere, the protagonist of the night, Xiao Yan, finally arrived late.
Perhaps because the Xiao Family had developed well in recent years, which broadened the horizons of the three Elders a little, they did not make things difficult for Xiao Yan in front of the Yun Lan Sect guests tonight, leaving him an empty seat.
"Father, three Elders."
"Mm, Yan'er, sit down first."
Xiao Zhan said with a light smile, then turned his head back to continue chatting with the three guests.
Across from Xiao Yan, the delicate young woman, seeing that the main person had arrived, became even more impatient and frequently urged with her eyes.
Seeing this, the old man could only lightly cough, stand up, cup his hands towards Xiao Zhan, and say with a smile, "Clan Leader Xiao, the main reason for our visit to your esteemed family this time is to ask for a favor!"
"Hehe, Mr. Ge Ye, please speak if you have something to say. If it is within our power, the Xiao Family should not refuse."
Xiao Zhan did not dare to be negligent and quickly stood up to reply.
However, he was still cunning and kept a wary eye, not daring to speak too definitively.
After all, these were people from the Yun Lan Sect. Their status was evident, and the matter they sought assistance with would likely not be simple.
The old man, called Ge Ye, smiled slightly and didn't mind. He pointed to the young woman beside him and asked with a smile.
"Clan Leader Xiao, do you still recognize her?"
Only then did Xiao Zhan dare to look at the young woman. After carefully observing her, he was about to answer with a puzzled expression when he saw Butler Mo hurrying in.
"Clan Leader, the Clan Leader of the Mitre Family has arrived."
Stopping them was absolutely out of the question, so Butler Mo could only quicken his pace and come over to inform Xiao Zhan in advance, so he would be mentally prepared.
Indeed, as soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the reception hall saw four figures walk in.
Another wave of distinguished guests caused the Xiao Family members to be stunned. Even Xiao Yan, who was in a bad mood, looked up blankly.
Immediately, he saw a very familiar, handsome young man who looked like Leon Lai from the 1990s, chatting and laughing with an old man in a blue robe.
On either side of these two, there was a relatively younger old man, and a cute girl in a white dress who was eating something.
Xiao Yan also noticed that the girl's hand seemed to be stained with saliva, and she habitually wiped it on the sleeve of the young man beside her. The young man seemed to have experienced this countless times before. Without even turning his head, he reached out and grabbed the mischievous little hand, invisibly preventing a crisis.
Seeing this scene, Xiao Yan found it quite interesting. He immediately shifted his gaze and looked at the chests of the four people, but found that they did not have badges representing their strength on their chests.
Their strength was unknown, but they were very strong!
While he was observing, the three people from the Yun Lan Sect sitting opposite him all stood up.
"Greetings, Ice Emperor, Clan Leader Teng Shan..."
They also noticed Chen Xiao and Zi Yan but didn't recognize them, so they simply kept quiet to avoid making a mistake.
Hai Bo Dong smiled, "Heh heh, you all carry on with your business. Teng Shan and I just arrived in Wu Tan City today. We just heard that niece Nalan came to the Xiao Family and stopped by to take a look. Clan Leader Xiao, you don't mind if the four of us join you for a cup of tea, do you?"
"It's an honor, an absolute honor!"
Xiao Zhan chuckled in response. With a look, four Xiao Family members seated near the front immediately stood up and offered their seats.
Ice Emperor!
Just hearing that title made Xiao Zhan's heart tremble. How could he refuse?
Hai Bo Dong was purely there to watch the show and wasn't interested in talking much with Xiao Zhan, so he gave the main seat to Teng Shan and sat in the middle with Chen Xiao.
As for Chen Xiao, Zi Yan was on his right side at this moment.
Then, it was Xiao Yan.
Chen Xiao felt quite helpless. Although he was quite interested in watching this spectacle, he hadn't originally planned to come. Who knew that while they were catching up, Ya Fei suddenly came in to report that the people from the Yun Lan Sect had already entered the Xiao Family.
Knowing Nalan Yanran's purpose for this trip, Hai Bo Dong asked if they wanted to join in the fun, and that's how the current scene came about.
Although it was a slight deviation from the plan, Chen Xiao didn't particularly care. He had walked out of the Xiao Family, and now returning to visit wasn't a big deal in the eyes of others.
As for Yao Chen...
That old fellow had tormented Xiao Yan for three years. There was no reason to change the original plan just because a few strong individuals came to Wu Tan City.
After all, if he didn't stop tormenting Xiao Yan and let him continue to waste time, he would miss the golden age of cultivation.
In the main seat, Xiao Zhan felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.
On his left were the distinguished guests from the Yun Lan Sect, and on his right was the Clan Leader of the Mitre Family. Any one of these individuals had a more noble status than him, yet he was sitting in the main seat. Every minute he sat there felt like another minute of being impolite.
Seeing that the few people from the Mitre Family didn't seem to have anything specific to discuss, Xiao Zhan turned to face Ge Ye.
"Mr. Ge Ye, please speak directly if you have something to say."
Glancing at the four people opposite him, Ge Ye didn't dare to keep them in suspense any longer and immediately got straight to the point:
"Clan Leader Xiao, the matter I am requesting today is related to her. Her name is Nalan Yanran. She has come today because after the Sect Leader learned of the engagement between her and the Xiao Family, she asked for Yanran's opinion and personally ordered me to come and ask Clan Leader Xiao to... dissolve this engagement."
As his words fell, the reception hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Eyes couldn't help but turn towards Xiao Yan, then shifted to Nalan Yanran. Many Xiao Family members were actually nodding silently.
This waste, it seemed, truly wasn't worthy of her...
Chen Xiao was seated very close to Xiao Yan and could even hear the faint creaking sound of Xiao Yan's knuckles tightening in his sleeve.
"You're already at the bottom, what are you hesitating for? Every step forward is progress. The worst that can happen is death."
Zi Yan, who had been burying her head and fiddling with a medicine bottle, looked up, glanced at Chen Xiao, and seeing that he wasn't talking to her, buried her head back down.
But just then...
*"Bang!"*
A teacup was slammed onto the table, shattering into pieces.
The loud noise startled the little Zi Yan, who had just buried her head back down. She immediately looked at Xiao Yan beside her with a face full of anger, her eyes unfriendly.
Just as little Zi Yan was about to lose her temper, Chen Xiao was quick-witted and held her back for the time being, watching Xiao Yan's back as he stood up and walked forward with blood flowing from his right hand.
"Don't rush, we'll talk about this later."
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