"Ahem."

  The white-robed elder cleared his throat lightly and stood up, cupping his hands toward Xiao Zhan with a practiced smile. "Clan Leader Xiao, the purpose of our visit today is to ask a favor of your family."

  Xiao Zhan immediately rose to his feet in response, not daring to show any neglect toward this elder. "Elder Ge Ye, please speak freely. If it's within our capabilities, the Xiao family certainly won't refuse." However, since he didn't know what they wanted, he kept his words measured.

  Ge Ye smiled and gestured to the young woman beside him. "Clan Leader Xiao, do you recognize her?"

  Xiao Zhan was taken aback. He scrutinized the girl before shaking his head awkwardly. "Forgive my poor eyesight, this young lady..."

  When Nalan Yanran had been accepted as Yun Yun's disciple, she had been only ten years old. After five years of secluded training in the Yunlan Sect, she had grown into a completely different person. Naturally, Xiao Zhan didn't recognize the girl who was technically his future daughter-in-law.

  Ge Ye coughed lightly. "Her name is Nalan Yanran."

  "Nalan Yanran? Grandfather Nalan Jie's granddaughter, Nalan Yanran?" Xiao Zhan froze momentarily before his face lit up with delight, clearly recalling the engagement. He quickly greeted her warmly. "So it's my niece Nalan! Uncle Xiao hasn't seen you in years—please forgive my oversight."

  The sudden revelation left the hall in brief silence. The three elders exchanged glances, their brows furrowing slightly.

  Nalan Yanran smiled sweetly. "Uncle Xiao, it's my fault for not visiting sooner. How could I blame you?"

  Xiao Zhan laughed heartily. "I'd heard rumors that you were taken in as Sect Leader Yun Yun's personal disciple, but I never imagined they were true! Such remarkable talent!"

  "Yanran was merely fortunate..." She gave a modest smile but seemed slightly overwhelmed by Xiao Zhan's enthusiasm. Under the table, her fingers tugged discreetly at Ge Ye's sleeve.

  Ge Ye chuckled. "Clan Leader Xiao, the favor we wish to ask concerns Yanran—and it comes at the personal request of our sect leader." His expression grew solemn when mentioning the sect leader.

  Xiao Zhan's smile faded slightly. Yun Yun, leader of the Yunlan Sect, was a towering figure in the Jia Ma Empire. A minor clan leader like him couldn't afford to offend her. But given her power and influence, what could she possibly need from the Xiao family? And if it involved Nalan Yanran... could it be...?

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  A terrible possibility crossed his mind. His lips twitched involuntarily, and his large hands trembled faintly—though the sleeves of his robe concealed it. Suppressing the fury rising in his chest, he forced out a steady voice. "Elder Ge Ye, please continue."

  Ge Ye's face showed a flicker of discomfort, but thinking of the sect leader's fondness for Nalan Yanran, he steeled himself. "Clan Leader Xiao, as you know, the Yunlan Sect maintains strict traditions. The sect leader holds high expectations for Yanran and has been grooming her as the next successor. However... certain rules dictate that a successor must remain free of entanglements with men before officially taking the position."

  He paused before pressing on. "Upon learning of her existing engagement to the Xiao family, the sect leader humbly requests... that this marriage agreement be dissolved."

  Crack!

  The jade cup in Xiao Zhan's hand shattered into dust.

  The hall fell deathly silent. Even the three elders were momentarily stunned by Ge Ye's words. But soon, their gazes toward Xiao Zhan filled with mockery and scorn.

  "Heh. Having a marriage broken right at your doorstep—let's see how you maintain your dignity as clan leader after this!"

  The younger generation, initially unaware of the engagement, quickly caught on after hushed explanations from their parents. Their expressions turned gleeful as they shot jeering looks toward Xiao Yan in the corner.

  Nalan Yanran kept her head lowered, not daring to meet Xiao Zhan's thunderous expression. Her fingers twisted nervously in her lap.

  Ge Ye sighed apologetically. "Clan Leader Xiao, I understand this is an unreasonable demand. But out of respect for the sect leader, please reconsider the engagement..."

  Xiao Zhan's fists clenched. A faint green Dou Qi began enveloping his body, gradually coalescing into the phantom image of a roaring lion's head around his face.

  Furious Lion's Roar—the Xiao family's pinnacle technique! A Mystic-tier Mid-grade skill!

  Seeing this, Ge Ye's expression turned grave. He stepped protectively in front of Nalan Yanran, his hands curling like eagle talons as sharp green Dou Qi gathered at his fingertips, emitting thin, piercing sword energies.

  Greenwood Sword Art—a high-level Yunlan Sect technique! Mystic-tier Low-grade!

  As the two auras clashed, the younger and weaker members of the Xiao family paled, feeling suffocated.

  Just as Xiao Zhan's breathing grew ragged, the three elders' voices boomed like thunder through the hall:

  "Xiao Zhan! Stand down! Have you forgotten you are the clan leader?!"

  His body stiffened. The Dou Qi around Xiao Zhan slowly dissipated until it vanished entirely.

  Slumping back into his chair, Xiao Zhan stared coldly at the silent Nalan Yanran, his voice hoarse.

  "Niece Nalan... what impressive boldness. Nalan Su must be proud to have a daughter like you."

  She flinched slightly. "Uncle Xiao..."

  "Just 'Clan Leader Xiao' will do. 'Uncle' is too much for me to bear." He waved a dismissive hand, his tone icy. "You are the future leader of the Yunlan Sect, a figure destined to shake the continent. My Xiao Yan is but an ordinary boy—hardly worthy of you."

  Ge Ye, visibly relieved, quickly interjected. "Thank you for your understanding, Clan Leader Xiao. The sect leader knows this request is discourteous, so she has prepared a gift as compensation."

  He touched the ring on his finger, and a pristine green jade box materialized in his palm.

  When he carefully lifted the lid, a strange fragrance instantly filled the hall. Everyone who inhaled it felt their spirits lift.

  The three elders craned their necks to peer inside—then jolted in shock.

  "Qi Gathering Powder?!"