Chapter 5

"Cough." The old man in the white robe lightly coughed, stood up, and bowed to Xiao Zhan with a smile, saying, "Clan Leader Xiao, my visit to your esteemed clan today is mainly to ask for a favor!"

"Hehe, Mr. Ge Ye, if you have something to ask, please do so. If it's within our capabilities, the Xiao family will not refuse," Xiao Zhan, not daring to be disrespectful to the old man, quickly stood up and politely replied. However, since he did not know what the other party was asking for, he did not dare to make any promises.

"Hehe, Clan Leader Xiao, do you recognize her?" Ge Ye smiled slightly, pointing to the girl beside him and asked with a smile.

"Uh... I apologize, but I am not familiar with this young lady..." Hearing this, Xiao Zhan was taken aback, looked the girl up and down, and shook his head somewhat awkwardly.

When Nalan Yanran was taken as a disciple by Yun Yun, she was only ten years old and had trained in the Yunlam Sect for five years. As the saying goes, a girl changes greatly over eighteen years. After so many years, Xiao Zhan naturally did not recognize the girl standing before him as his nominal daughter-in-law.

"Cough... Her name is Nalan Yanran."

"Nalan Yanran? Nalan Lao Ye's granddaughter, Nalan Yanran?" Xiao Zhan was first stunned, then his face lit up with joy, clearly remembering the event from years ago. He hurriedly smiled warmly at the girl, "It's Nalan niece. Uncle Xiao hasn't seen you for many years. Please don't blame me for not recognizing you."

The sudden scene made everyone slightly stunned. The three elders exchanged glances and their brows furrowed...

"Uncle Xiao, I have not come to pay my respects for a long time, so I should be the one to apologize. How could I blame Uncle Xiao?" Nalan Yanran smiled sweetly.

"Hehe, Nalan niece, I heard long ago that you were taken as a disciple by Lord Yun Yun. At the time, I thought it was just a rumor, but I didn't expect it to be true. Niece, you truly have great talent..." Xiao Zhan praised with a smile.

"Yanran is just lucky..." She smiled faintly, feeling a bit overwhelmed by Xiao Zhan's enthusiasm. She gently tugged at Ge Ye's sleeve under the table.

"Hehe, Clan Leader Xiao, the matter I am here to request today is related to Yanran, and this matter was personally mentioned by the Sect Master..." Ge Ye laughed lightly, his expression becoming more serious when he mentioned the Sect Master.

Xiao Zhan's face changed slightly, and he reined in his smile. Yun Yun, the Sect Master of the Yunlam Sect, was a significant figure in the Jia Ma Empire. As a mere clan leader, he could not afford to offend her. With her strength and influence, what could she possibly need the Xiao family's help with? Ge Ye said it was related to Nalan niece. Could it be?

Thinking of a certain possibility, Xiao Zhan's lips twitched involuntarily, and his large hand trembled slightly. Fortunately, the sleeves concealed this, so it went unnoticed. He forcibly suppressed his anger and said in a trembling voice, "Mr. Ge Ye, please speak!"

"Cough..." Ge Ye's face suddenly turned awkward, but remembering the Sect Master's affection for Nalan Yanran, he gritted his teeth and smiled, "Clan Leader Xiao, as you know, the Yunlam Sect has strict rules, and the Sect Master has high expectations for Yanran. She is now being groomed as the next Sect Master of the Yunlam Sect... Due to some special rules, the successor cannot have any entanglements with men before becoming the official Sect Master..."

"After the Sect Master asked Yanran, she learned that there is still a marriage arrangement with the Xiao family. So... the Sect Master would like to request that Clan Leader Xiao... dissolve this engagement."

"Crack!" The jade cup in Xiao Zhan's hand shattered into powder.

The atmosphere in the hall became silent. The three elders were also stunned by Ge Ye's words. After a moment, their gazes towards Xiao Zhan were filled with ridicule and mockery.

"Hehe, being forced to dissolve an engagement, how will you, as the clan leader, maintain your authority in managing the family!"

Some of the younger generation did not know about Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's engagement, but after asking their parents, their expressions became colorful, and they cast mocking and derisive glances at Xiao Yan in the corner...

Seeing Xiao Zhan's extremely dark expression, Nalan Yanran did not dare to raise her head, burying it and nervously twisting her fingers together.

"Clan Leader Xiao, I know this request is difficult, but please consider the Sect Master's request and dissolve the engagement..." Ge Ye sighed helplessly and said softly.

Xiao Zhan clenched his fists, and a faint green aura gradually covered his body, eventually forming a faint lion's head on his face.

The Xiao family's top technique: Roaring Lion Fury! Rank: Intermediate Earth Rank!

Seeing Xiao Zhan's reaction, Ge Ye's face also became serious. He stood in front of Nalan Yanran, his eagle-like hands curling, and a green aura gathered in his claws, emitting sharp and piercing sword qi.

The Yunlam Sect's advanced technique, Green Wood Sword Technique! Rank: Low Earth Rank!

As the two men's auras erupted, the weaker young people in the hall turned pale and felt a tightness in their chests.

Just as Xiao Zhan's breathing became more rapid, the three elders' stern voices thundered in the hall, "Xiao Zhan, stop! Don't forget, you are the clan leader of the Xiao family!"

Xiao Zhan's body stiffened, and the aura on his body slowly dissipated, eventually disappearing completely.

Sitting back in his chair, Xiao Zhan looked at the bowed Nalan Yanran with a cold expression and said in a hoarse voice, "Nalan niece, what great courage. Nalan Su has a daughter like you, truly enviable!"

Nalan Yanran's body trembled slightly, and she stammered, "Uncle Xiao..."

"Hehe, just call me Clan Leader Xiao. I don't deserve the title of uncle. You are the future Sect Master of the Yunlam Sect and will be a prominent figure on the continent. My son Yan is just an ordinary talent and indeed does not match you..." Xiao Zhan waved his hand dismissively, his tone cold.

"Thank you, Clan Leader Xiao, for your understanding." Hearing this, Ge Ye was overjoyed and smiled at Xiao Zhan, "Clan Leader Xiao, the Sect Master knows that today's request is somewhat impolite, so she specially asked me to bring something as an apology!"

As he spoke, Ge Ye rubbed a ring on his finger, and a green jade box appeared in his hand...

He carefully opened the box, and a strange fragrance immediately filled the hall, refreshing everyone's spirits.

The three elders curiously leaned over to look inside the jade box, and their bodies trembled in shock. They exclaimed, "Qi Gathering Powder?"

(Some readers have mentioned that the new book is somewhat similar to the beginning of Sword Saint. Well, let me explain: In Sword Saint, the protagonist is fundamentally unable to practice magic or martial arts. In this new book, Xiao Yan's inability is due to another reason. To put it simply, Xiao Yan is not a waste but a young man with great talent. In the following chapters, you will see the difference! Thank you. Also, please add to your collection and give me a recommendation! ^-^)