Xiao Jian froze for a moment, then shook his head. "Miss Nalan, your kind gesture is appreciated.
But this pill is unnecessary. The marriage should be resolved this way.....no debts, no ties. There is no need for compensation or apology."
Seeing this, Nalan Yanran thought the handsome young man's pride prevented him from accepting it.
After some consideration, her lively eyes twitched slightly, and she quietly said:
"Very well, then we shall drop the matter."
"By the way, Miss Nalan, do you have paper and ink? Let us make a written agreement here today.
Each keeps a copy. Should anything happen and I fail to visit your residence, this document serves as proof of annulment."
Xiao Jian smiled: Exactly as it should be.
"I have them."
Though she worried he might change his mind, Nalan Yanran dared not ask.
Hearing his words, she hurriedly produced paper and ink from her ring and handed them over.
Xiao Jian took them with a smile, then moved to a nearby pavilion. With swift strokes, he wrote the agreement.
Ink fell, brush paused!
He then bit his right middle finger and pressed a crimson seal onto both copies.
Nalan Yanran finally exhaled in relief. Seeing Xiao Jian's gaze upon her, she hesitated no longer.
Drawing her long sword, she pricked her fingertip and pressed her own seal beside his.
"?"
Next, she watched as Xiao Jian produced a medicinal ointment, applied it to his finger, and even handed her the bottle.
Nalan Yanran thought, This minor injury does not require such care, but the matter was settled, and she could not offend him. She applied the ointment herself.
Xiao Jian then secured his copy of the agreement and handed the other to Nalan Yanran.
She took it, slipping it into her ring. Then, after a brief hesitation, she asked:
"Xiao Jian, may I ask… why are you unable to cultivate? You know, my teacher is a Dou Huang, and Dan Wang Guhe is a revered elder in the Yunlan Sect. Perhaps they could help you overcome this inability."
"Heh, I appreciate your kindness, Miss Nalan, but my body cannot contain Dou Qi, nor can I form a Dou Qi vortex.
Likely a congenital limitation. But I have long grown accustomed to it."
Xiao Jian shook his head regretfully, then shifted his tone:
"Truth be told, I already have someone in my heart, though I have not confessed. Compared to a prodigy like you, her talent is ordinary....but she is more suited to me."
Nalan Yanran felt more at ease, thinking that though she and Xiao Jian were destined for no romantic fate, they could at least become friends.
"Very well. I wish you success."
Curious about Xiao Jian's intended, she could not help but wonder which woman would win the heart of such a handsome man....but dared not ask, offering her awkward blessing instead.
"Heh, then I thank you for your kind words. Now that everything is settled, shall we return? Everyone is still waiting in the hall."
"Mm, alright."
Nalan Yanran nodded, and the two walked briskly back to the hall.
By then, everyone had been waiting anxiously. After the principals left, even Ge Ye and Xiao Zhan had little to discuss, and the hall had grown somewhat quiet.
Upon entering, Xiao Jian saw Lian Yan and Lian Xun watching with concern. He smiled confidently and took his seat.
Nalan Yanran stepped forward, bowing to Xiao Zhan.
"Uncle Xiao, I have not visited in many years.
I bring a small gift as a token of respect, and hope you will accept it."
She then looked to Ge Ye.
Ge Ye understood that their mission was complete.
The original apology had transformed into a formal meeting gift.
He reached out, and with a flick, a jade box appeared in his hand, glowing faintly green.
Opening it carefully, a subtle fragrance filled the hall, refreshing all who inhaled it.
The three elders leaned forward, eyes wide in astonishment. "Qi-Concentrating Pills?"
"This…"
Xiao Zhan was a bit stunned, turning to look at Xiao Jian, only to see him frowning, staring at Nalan Yanran's retreating figure.
Nalan Yanran, however, continued: "Earlier, I had a pleasant conversation with Xiao Jian.
This Qi-Concentrating Pill was refined by our sect's Honorary Elder, Master Guhe. I intended to give it to Xiao Jian, but he refused, so I asked Uncle Xiao to accept it on his behalf."
She then turned, casting a triumphant glance at Xiao Jian: Let's see how you refuse this now!
Xiao Jian shrugged helplessly, while behind him, Xiao Yan's mind felt completely fried.
How on earth did Third Brother do it?
Lian Xun also looked at Xiao Jian with a puzzled expression.
She could not fathom how he had turned what was clearly meant as a compensation gift into a mere "meeting gift."
The hall erupted in murmurs.
A Qi-Concentrating Pill as a meeting gift? Those Yunlan Sect folks are really loaded!
Xiao Zhan didn't know what Xiao Jian had done, but since they called it a meeting gift, refusing it would be an insult.
With a gentle smile, he said:
"Very well, Uncle Xiao will accept it. Miss Nalan must be tired from the journey.
Why not stay at the Xiao residence for a few days and rest?"
Nalan Yanran, her mission accomplished, politely declined:
"Thank you, Uncle Xiao, but I have other matters.
I must take my leave today. Perhaps in the future, you can visit the Nalan residence."
"Mm, then Xiao Jian, you see her off."
Xiao Zhan nodded and spoke to Xiao Jian.
"Yes, Father."
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