Xiao Jian stood, escorting Nalan Yanran and her party out of the reception hall and toward the exit.
"Thank you, Miss Nalan."
Xiao Jian nodded politely.
"No need to thank me. Just honor the agreement three years from now."
"Rest assured. Three years later, we'll meet in the Imperial Capital."
Xiao Jian bowed respectfully.
"Mm, we'll wait for you."
Nalan Yanran smiled lightly and, along with Ge Ye and the unidentified white-robed companion, gracefully departed.
Xiao Jian watched them leave, eyes narrowed.
If only he could restore his strength sooner, he would not have had to compromise. Though he had spoken with advantage, lacking real combat power meant leaving the choice in others' hands—a maddening feeling.
He truly wanted to demonstrate the Five Qi Unification Technique against Nalan Yanran, proving he was no mere waste.
But what then? If Nalan Yanran saw he was not a waste, would she still cancel the marriage?
Moreover, if not for Xiao Jian's cleverness today, the annulment would have become a public spectacle, creating an awkward scene.
Better to retreat strategically. Nalan Yanran's willingness to speak privately showed her good nature, even if she acted rashly this time.
Though he had exploited her kindness or sense of morality, Xiao Jian bore no guilt.
In short, things were, at last, balanced.
"Brother."
Xiao Yan's voice came from behind. Xiao Jian turned, seeing concern in his brother's eyes.
"Heh, perfect timing. Follow me—I have something to tell you and Father."
Smiling, Xiao Jian led Xiao Yan back into the hall.
Most people had already left. Lian Xun stood by the door, apparently waiting for Xiao Yan.
Inside the hall were still four people: the three elders and Xiao Zhan.
The three elders hesitated, eyeing the Qi-Concentrating Pill. Their grandchildren would soon reach Dou Qi advancement age, and the pill was extremely tempting!
"If the three elders have no matters, our family has some things to discuss. Perhaps you could step aside?"
Xiao Jian spoke lightly, bringing Xiao Yan into the hall.
The elders were displeased but, seeing Lian Xun silently watching at the doorway, chose not to protest, giving Xiao Jian a glare before leaving.
"Father, Xiao Yan, I had agreed with Nalan Yanran that three years from now, I would bring the original marriage contract to the Imperial Capital to formally annul it."
After the elders left, Xiao Jian unleashed soul perception stronger than Xiao Yan's, scanning the surroundings to ensure no one was listening. Then he spoke plainly.
"Xiao Jian, what is this?"
Xiao Zhan didn't understand. What difference was there between annulling it today versus three years later?
Lian Xun was curious too.
"Because three years from now, the power gap between Nalan Yanran and me will reverse. Only then will annulling the marriage be truly justified, beyond reproach."
Xiao Jian activated Dou Qi from the Five Yuan Qi Palace.
The sudden fluctuation of Dou Qi shocked the three people present.
"Xiao Jian… you can cultivate!"
Xiao Zhan grabbed Xiao Jian's wrist, checking the energy, joy flooding his face.
"Brother! Really?!"
Xiao Yan's expression brightened.
Lian Xun also felt happy for Xiao Jian.
"Yes. This is what happened last night."
Xiao Jian nodded with a smile.
"Wonderful!"
Xiao Yan threw himself into Xiao Jian's embrace.
"Brother, I knew you could do it!"
Xiao Yan was genuinely happy that Xiao Jian could cultivate.
"Yes, yes, yes! My son truly is extraordinary!"
Xiao Zhan exclaimed three times, hugging both his sons tightly.
After a moment, they separated, all smiling broadly.
"Since Xiao Jian can cultivate, the marketplace management should be handed over. Focus on cultivation, do not get distracted."
Xiao Zhan composed himself, looking seriously at Xiao Jian.
"Yes, the handover is due, but no rush. I'll finalize it after securing the Advanced Marketplace evaluation."
Xiao Jian nodded.
"Good. Just manage it wisely yourself."
Xiao Zhan was very reassured, smiling.
"Also, since this Qi-Concentrating Pill was given by Nalan Yanran, you may keep it."
Xiao Zhan produced the pill from Xiao Jian's ring and handed it to him.
"Uh, I don't need this. Perhaps Xiao Yan could have it."
Xiao Jian refused the jade box, shaking his head.
"I don't need it."
Xiao Yan shook his head as well. He was only at the third stage of Dou Qi and had stagnated.
The pill would be useless, and besides, it was Third Brother's gift.....he could not accept what he already felt indebted to.
"Then Lian Xun?"
Xiao Jian turned to Lian Xun, who had just reached nine-stage Dou Qi.
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