Yet, the marriage contract was originally arranged when both families anticipated that their children would grow up as childhood companions.
A union that strengthened family ties seemed ideal.
Who would have guessed that, in their third year, the brothers' grandfather perished in a feud, leaving the Xiao family weakened and relocated to Utan City?
At that time, both brothers were too young to understand the arrangement, and neither paid much attention to the betrothal.
Each assumed the other was the intended groom.
Now, Nalan Yanran, having reached an age of independence, had her own standards and ambitions.
She would not marry a "waste" for the sake of a handsome face alone.
Her years of training had led her to become a junior sect leader in the Yunlan Sect, mastering her own destiny.
A marriage based on mere appearance would render all her efforts meaningless.
Today, she was determined to annul it.
From behind, Xiao Yan, who understood Nalan Yanran's intentions through Xiao Xun'er, felt indignant.
This woman was going too far!
Yet, he quickly grew concerned for Xiao Jian.
If she forced the annulment in front of everyone, leveraging the Yunlan Sect's prestige, it would no longer be a private matter.
It would be a direct affront to Xiao Jian's father, Xiao Zhan, and the clan patriarch.
Those who touched family matters with ill intent faced the wrath of the Third Young Master...a living incarnation of a Raging Demon.
Unaware, Xiao Jian himself felt a moment of shock.
Though it seemed reasonable for him, as the Third Young Master, to inherit this betrothal, he realized… he had become a mere stand-in. How could he now protect Xiao Yan?
Meanwhile, under the stern glance of Nalan Yanran, the hesitant elder finally stood.
"Cough." The elder in white robes cleared his throat, standing and cupping his hands toward Xiao Zhan with a polite smile.
"Patriarch Xiao, I have come on behalf of my sect with a request."
The hall fell silent for a moment. People from the Yunlan Sect were actually coming to request something from the Xiao family?
"Heh, Mr. Ge, please speak freely. If it is within our ability, the Xiao family will not refuse."
Xiao Zhan stood respectfully, careful not to speak too definitively since he didn't yet know the nature of the elder's request.
"If this involves personal matters, Miss Nalan may step aside for a private discussion. Everything can be negotiated.
Perhaps I may even visit Old Master Nalan in the future."
Before Ge Ye could continue, Xiao Jian suddenly rose. His calm voice echoed through the hall.
The unspoken implication was clear: You wouldn't want me to point out your arrogance and abuse of power in front of your grandfather, would you?
Everyone in the hall was momentarily puzzled. Even Xiao Zhan was slightly taken aback, staring at his third son in confusion.
It was not like Yuan'er to speak so brazenly in such a formal setting.
Miss Nalan… Old Master Nalan… Could the young lady with the elder truly be his fiancée, Nalan Yanran?
Xiao Zhan's heart warmed. Then, recalling Xiao Jian's choice of words, he finally realized what was happening.
Though his son could not cultivate Dou Qi, he had already discerned the situation.
But as longtime allies, the families' histories prevented immediate confrontation....better to handle it with tact.
After a brief moment, Xiao Zhan's expression softened into a gentle smile. "So it is Miss Nalan, my dear.
Uncle Xiao has not seen you in many years. Please forgive my poor eyesight."
The three elders exchanged glances, frowning slightly.
Nalan Yanran had clearly not expected Xiao Jian to immediately see through their intentions and preemptively deliver such a bold remark.
It was like two children quarreling, and one suddenly threatens, "I'm telling the teacher!"
A perfect counter.
For a moment, she could not think of a suitable response. With Xiao Zhan speaking so kindly, she could not refuse and simply forced a stiff smile:
"Uncle Xiao, I have long neglected to visit. Any offense is mine. How could I blame you?"
Ge Ye, accustomed to handling delicate matters, knew immediately that today's plan had gone awry.
If the Xiao family had refused, they might have had to leverage the sect's authority to force the matter.
Yet, Xiao Jian's words had stirred a bit of admiration in him.
The Xiao family was not particularly important to the Yunlan Sect, yet this young man showed remarkable understanding.
He clearly recognized the purpose of their visit and sought to preserve the family's dignity. A wise choice indeed.
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