Chapter 77: Cabbage and Pigs, Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan
What's going on?
Even the Xiao Clan's leader and the three elders didn't dare say a word, yet Xiao Xun'er could just sit in the guest's seat without question? Who exactly is she? Or is this some staged performance by the Xiao Clan just to show off in front of the Yun Lan Sect?
That must be it. Otherwise, how could a mere Xiao Clan have such an exceptional girl?
Since Wu Tian had already given his approval, Nalan Yanran, as the honored guest, didn't refuse Xiao Xun'er's presence. However, there was a hint of hostility in her beautiful eyes as she glanced at Xiao Xun'er.
If even Nalan Yanran, the Young Sect Master, didn't object, then the old man Ge Ye naturally had no reason to interfere. He was just a bodyguard it was better to stick to his duty.
With Xiao Yan's arrival, the beauty contest had officially come to an end. The Xiao Clan had successfully put on a show in front of the Yun Lan Sect, clearly conveying their message: Look, even though our Xiao Clan is small, we have women more beautiful than yours.
Wu Tian now saw the Xiao Clan in a new light. It turns out that even though the once glorious Xiao Clan from the Ancient Eight Clans had declined, they had still inherited something the love for showing off. They might not have retained their powerful battle techniques or formidable strength, but their arrogance had been perfectly preserved.
Seeing that all the seats in the Xiao Clan were now occupied, Ge Ye knew it was time to get down to business. After all, Nalan Yanran had already been subtly signaling him multiple times. If he continued to delay, he would definitely suffer once they returned to the Yun Lan Sect.
"Ahem~"
Clearing his throat, Ge Ye stood up, cupped his hands toward Xiao Zhan, and smiled, "Clan Leader Xiao, the purpose of our visit today is to request something from you."
Xiao Zhan, of course, wouldn't show any disrespect on the surface. He quickly stood up and responded politely, "Haha, Mr. Ge Ye, please feel free to speak. If it is within my power, I will not refuse."
Xiao Zhan was a cunning old fox his words were carefully crafted. What he meant was: You can ask, and if I personally can handle it, I'll consider it but that doesn't mean the Xiao Clan will.
Ge Ye narrowed his eyes slightly, smiling as he pointed at Nalan Yanran and asked, "Haha, Clan Leader Xiao, do you recognize this young lady?"
Xiao Zhan glanced at Nalan Yanran and, pretending to be unsure, shook his head with slight embarrassment. "Uh… forgive me, my eyes aren't as sharp as they used to be. This young lady is…?"
Good heavens! This man deserves an acting award!
As the leader of the Xiao Clan in Wu Tan City, how could he not recognize his own future daughter in law?
Sure, people change as they grow, so it would be reasonable not to recognize her immediately. But as the head of the Xiao Clan, he should at least be aware of the one and only connection between the Xiao Clan and the mighty Yun Lan Sect, right? That connection being Nalan Yanran!
Besides, Nalan Yanran had already revealed her identity at the city gate. If Xiao Zhan truly hadn't received this news in time, the Xiao Clan would have been doomed long ago.
Clearly, Xiao Zhan had already figured out Wu Tian's identity of course, only the "Wu Gan" alias. But out of consideration for the Yun Lan Sect's reputation, he chose not to expose it.
Ge Ye, naturally, saw through Xiao Zhan's act. Without further ado, he simply stated, "Ahem… Her name is Nalan Yanran."
"Nalan Yanran? The granddaughter of Old Master Nalan?" Xiao Zhan pretended to be surprised. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, his entire face blossomed into a wide smile though it looked more like a chrysanthemum than a flower.
He immediately turned to Nalan Yanran with a warm smile and said kindly, "So it's my niece, Nalan. It has been years since we last met. Please don't blame your uncle for not recognizing you~!"
This sudden shift stunned everyone.
This beautiful young lady is Nalan Yanran?
The pride of heaven?
Nalan family's young mistress?
The Young Sect Master of the Yun Lan Sect?
Xiao Yan's fiancée?!
No matter how you look at it, she doesn't match Xiao Yan at all!
Cabbage and pigs, swans and toads, flowers and cow dung Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan!
In the corner, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up upon hearing that this stunning beauty was actually Nalan Yanran.
Holy crap, I actually have such a gorgeous fiancée?
Is she here to take me to the Yun Lan Sect?
Hehehe… Is the heavens pitying my misfortune and giving me a chance to rise again as a live in son in law?
As he fantasized about his future blissful life, he admired his extraordinary fiancée. Her smile is so sweet, so beautiful…
"Uncle Xiao, I have been meaning to visit you but never had the chance. If anyone is to blame, it's me. How could I possibly blame you?" Nalan Yanran smiled sweetly.
Xiao Zhan chuckled, "Haha, Nalan, I heard long ago that Sect Master Yun Yun took you as her disciple. I thought it was just a rumor, but it turns out to be true! You truly have an outstanding talent…"
"I'm just lucky…" Nalan Yanran replied modestly, though Xiao Zhan's overwhelming enthusiasm was making her slightly uncomfortable.
Wu Tian narrowed his eyes. This old fox Xiao Zhan truly deserves an award always scheming.
Ge Ye wasn't about to let the small talk drag on any longer. He smiled at Xiao Zhan and said, "Haha, Clan Leader Xiao, the matter we are here to discuss today is related to Yanran. In fact, it was personally ordered by our Sect Master."
The moment the title Sect Master was mentioned, his tone became noticeably heavier, and his expression more serious.
Xiao Zhan's face changed slightly.
Even the Yun Lan Sect's Sect Master, Yun Yun, is personally involved?
This is bad…
His fingers trembled slightly under the cover of his sleeve, though he managed to suppress his emotions. Forcing himself to remain calm, he asked in a slightly shaky voice, "Mr. Ge Ye, please speak."
"Ahem…" Ge Ye's expression turned somewhat awkward.
After all, being tasked with this request was rather humiliating, but considering how much the Sect Master cared for Nalan Yanran, he had no choice but to go through with it.
"Clan Leader Xiao, as you know, the Yun Lan Sect has strict traditions, and our Sect Master has high expectations for Yanran. She is being groomed as the next Sect Master… and according to special rules, the heir to the sect cannot be involved in romantic relationships before officially assuming leadership."
"The Sect Master, after speaking with Yanran, learned that she still has an engagement with the Xiao Clan. Thus, she wishes to ask Clan Leader Xiao to annul this engagement."
The moment Ge Ye finished, he let out a deep sigh of relief. Damn, I can't believe I actually had to deliver this kind of request…
Crack!
The jade cup in Xiao Zhan's hand shattered into dust.
The hall fell into silence.
In the corner, Xiao Yan sat frozen, his mind as shattered as the broken jade cup.
Inside his head, a loud crack echoed like a bolt of thunder.
His fantasy of becoming a live in son in law and reclaiming his status had been brutally crushed.
Nalan Yanran… was here to break off the engagement!!!
(Chapter End)
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