Nalan Yanran's lips trembled slightly as she leaned into his embrace, gradually accepting the reality of the situation.
Ye Chen held her tighter, determination burning in his eyes. No matter what obstacles appeared, he would protect her and their child.
The early morning sunlight bathed the Yunlan Sect's main peak, casting a serene glow over the grand hall.
Ye Chen had come to see Yun Yun, the sect leader, with a determined expression on his face.
"What? You intend to go to the Xiao family to cancel Yanran's engagement yourself?" Yun Yun's dark brows furrowed in surprise, clearly caught off guard by his bold request.
"Yes, Teacher," Ye Chen replied calmly. He had made up his mind..
After noticing the first signs of Yanran's pregnancy last night, he knew the matter of the engagement could no longer be postponed.
This morning, he came straight to Yun Yun to inform her of his plan.
He also knew this trip to Wutan City would take some time, so it was only proper to formally announce his intention before leaving.
"Isn't this… improper?" Yun Yun's lips twitched slightly. Traditionally, matters between the Xiao family and the Nalan family were private.
An outsider going alone to annul a marriage would appear bold and disrespectful.
Ye Chen's gaze remained steady. "Improper? I am Yanran's senior brother. The eldest brother is like a father. If there's anyone who should handle her marriage, it's me."
He had anticipated Yun Yun's hesitation and had prepared his argument carefully.
Yun Yun could not help but raise an eyebrow. Is he really being so proper, or is this just an excuse to meddle? She tried to hide a smirk.
Ifshe didn't know the truth about Ye Chen and Nalan Yanran, she might even believe him. But knowing the situation, she found the notion absurd.
Ye Chen, the so-called outsider, had involved himself openly in something he shouldn't have...but he did it without shame.
If the Xiao family discovered the truth, he could easily face serious danger. Especially the Xiao family's young master, Yanran's former fiancé.
Learning that someone who already shared intimacy with his betrothed was coming to annul the engagement… the young master would likely explode with anger.
However, Yun Yun also knew the background of the engagement.
The Xiao family's young master was reportedly still only at the third stage of Dou Qi, considered weak and incompetent. In her eyes, he was unworthy of Yanran.
When Yanran had initially mentioned the engagement and the idea of ending it, Yun Yun had considered the sect's reputation.
Though she hadn't immediately agreed, she hadn't refused either.
After a brief pause, Yun Yun finally relented. "Since you insist, I won't stop you. When will you leave?"
Ye Chen's lips curved slightly. Hearing her consent filled him with satisfaction.
"I will depart for Wutan City in three days," he said, deciding to give himself time to prepare.
Yun Yun nodded thoughtfully. "Three days it is, then. I will have Elder Gu He prepare a Qi Concentration Elixir for you to take with you.
Since the Xiao family's young master has not yet advanced beyond Dou Qi, consider it a small compensation on behalf of the Nalan family."
Ye Chen accepted without objection. He had no intention of being aggressive this time. Peaceful resolution was preferable.
If it failed, he would handle it decisively...but he had no interest in unnecessary conflict.
After all, even though he had his system and power, there was no need to provoke the so-called "Dimensional Child" of the Xiao family.
His goals were simple: ensure Yanran's safety and secure their future.
Yun Yun continued, a note of caution in her voice.
"For safety, I will assign Steward Ge Ye to accompany you. Though the Xiao family is nothing in your eyes, accidents happen.
If the Xiao family were to act recklessly, Ge Ye's presence will prevent disaster."
Ye Chen shook his head. "Teacher, that won't be necessary. The Mittel family has a branch in Wutan City.
I can draw on their help if needed. There's no need to involve Ge Ye."
Indeed, he had other matters to attend to in Wutan City...most importantly, meeting Ya Fei. Having Ge Ye tagging along would complicate things.
Satisfied by his careful planning, Yun Yun finally relaxed. She could see that her disciple, Ye Chen, had matured.
He was no longer just a boy lost in cultivation; he was beginning to consider every aspect of a situation. A future sect leader needed such foresight.
After a pause, Yun Yun added, "For this matter, I still recommend taking Yanran with you. It is improper for an outsider to cancel an engagement alone.
If Yanran goes herself, it shows sincerity and spares the sect any dishonor."
Ye Chen hesitated. Bringing Yanran along seemed reasonable....but then he remembered her current condition.
She was not in the right state to travel. After a moment's thought, he decided it was time to reveal the truth.
"Teacher… Yanran… she is not in a position to travel. She is… pregnant," Ye Chen said matter-of-factly.
Yun Yun's eyes widened in shock. She blinked, then studied him carefully.
Yanran… she's pregnant?"
The words hung heavily in the air. The sect leader's face flickered with disbelief, anger, and a trace of anxiety.
For a long moment, she remained frozen, unable to reconcile the news with her expectations.
"I instructed you both to exercise restraint! And now this happens?" Yun Yun finally snapped, glaring at Ye Chen with the kind of frustration that could almost ignite the air itself.
Ye Chen, standing before her, met her gaze calmly. There was no shame in his expression, only resolve.
Yun Yun's mind raced. Of course… how could I have been so blind? These two kids spending every day together… of course something like this would happen.