Chapter 179: Returning to the Three-Year Pact

"Nalan Yanran!"

After arriving outside the Wutancheng walls, Yun Ling, the Grand Elder of the Yun Lan Sect who led the three, could not help but look at Nalan Yanran beside him: "Actually, you need not be too nervous about the three-year pact ahead!"

"That Xiao Yan was able to defeat you in a single move three years ago, which shows his cultivation talent has not vanished; the news circulating earlier about his cultivation regressing was naturally a rumor!"

"This person's cultivation talent is indeed formidable, perhaps even surpassing yours by a margin! But..."

Yun Ling, the Grand Elder of the Yun Lan Sect, first praised Xiao Yan's talent, then shifted his tone and continued: "The path of cultivation cannot rely solely on talent!"

"Without a powerful technique, without a teacher's guidance, without the help of pills, what good is talent no matter how strong?"

"Three years ago, although you were defeated by him, you have been cultivating hard throughout these three years, even having to endure the pain of the violent wind entering your body at all times!"

"With our Yun Lan Sect's Earth-grade technique, with the Sect Master's careful guidance, plus the assistance of pills from the Pill King Gu He, you have cultivated to the Seven-Star Great Dou Shi realm in just three years; this is something that has never appeared in the history of our Yun Lan Sect!"

Hearing these words, Ge Ye, a Nine-Star Great Dou Shi standing nearby, also sighed deeply in his heart.

His talent was considered quite good, yet after three years, he had only broken through from Seven-Star Great Dou Shi to Nine-Star Great Dou Shi.

But Nalan Yanran went from Three-Star Star Dou Zhe, crossed the Dou Shi realm, and cultivated directly to Seven-Star Great Dou Shi, and her combat power was even more terrifying.

Not long ago, Nalan Yanran even challenged a sect elder of one-star Dou Ling within the Yun Lan Sect and ultimately defeated him; let alone someone like him, a Nine-Star Great Dou Shi.

Although Xiao Yan's talent is considered quite good, there are many people with talent within the entire Jia Ma Empire, but how many can eventually become Dou Huang experts?

The only thing Ge Ye worried about was the incident where Xiao Yan was locked onto by the aura of a powerful expert after defeating Nalan Yanran back then.

That terrifying aura was definitely not from Xiao Zhan, the head of the Xiao family, or the three elders of the Xiao family, so after returning to the sect, he reported this matter very quickly.

However, now that Grand Elder Yun Ling has come with them, he naturally has no worries at all; could it be that the Xiao family could produce a Dou Huang?

And at this moment, after hearing Yun Ling's words, Nalan Yanran's expression on her face did not relax much, after all, Xiao Yan defeating her in a single move three years ago had indeed brought her great shock and shadow.

"Grand Elder!"

Nalan Yanran could not help but ask: "I heard that Xiao Yan has already joined the Jianan Academy, that is..."

"It is fine!"

Before Nalan Yanran could finish speaking, she was interrupted by Grand Elder Yun Ling: "That Jianan Academy is indeed formidable, but there are also countless geniuses there!"

"Although Xiao Yan's talent is not bad, when his strength was relatively weak at the beginning, the resources he could obtain in that Jianan Academy would naturally not be too many; how could he be compared to you who received the full cultivation support of our entire sect?"

"Rest assured!"

Yun Ling, the Grand Elder of the Yun Lan Sect, said decisively: "This three-year pact, Yanran, you will definitely be able to defeat that Xiao Yan and thus wipe out the shame of the past!"

While saying this, Yun Ling was also considering in his heart how to handle it if an accident really occurred.

Although in his heart, Xiao Yan's strength was definitely unable to surpass Nalan Yanran at this time, as the Grand Elder of the Yun Lan Sect, he had to consider the worst possible outcome in his heart.

"If that Xiao Yan's luck really defies heaven and his strength is even more formidable than Yanran's, then I can only act secretly!"

Grand Elder Yun Ling thought secretly in his heart: "At that time, secretly forcing that Xiao Yan to voluntarily admit defeat; I suppose he would not dare to refuse me!"

Thinking of this, Grand Elder Yun Ling felt that everything was absolutely foolproof, and soon, full of confidence, he led Nalan Yanran and Ge Ye into Wutancheng, then walked towards the direction of the Xiao family residence.

On the other side, Xiao Yan had also returned to Wutancheng ahead of time, and accompanying him were Xiao Xun'er, Xiao Yu, and other Xiao family members who had joined the Jianan Academy.

Just before Xiao Yan could reach his home's gate, the Xiao family members who had already received the news warmly welcomed him, with the three elders of the Xiao family leading the way.

"Xiao Yan, you have finally returned!"

"Hahaha, our Xiao family's qilin son has finally come home!"

"Greetings, Young Master!"

As soon as Xiao Yan appeared, the three elders of the Xiao family, leading a crowd of Xiao family members, warmly welcomed him.

Although they did not know Xiao Yan's current specific strength, they had previously received news transmitted back by Xiao Yu and other Xiao family members.

Just the slight performance of Xiao Yan within the Jianan Academy that Xiao Yu and others understood was enough to make these three elders of the Xiao family treat Xiao Yan with immense importance.

Inside the chat group, seeing the three elders of the Xiao family warmly welcome Xiao Yan into the Xiao family living room, everyone suddenly felt very bored.

【Pang Bo: So boring! There's not a bit of the show-off-and-face-slapping I wanted to see!】

【Han Li: Actually, these three elders of Xiao Yan's family can be considered quite sensible!】

【Ye Chen: Exactly! Now Xiao Yan can suppress them all with one hand; how could they not be sensible?】

【Yue Buqun: Actually, this is quite good; with the whole family working together, plus Xiao Yan's help, I suppose it won't be long before they rise!】

【Cao Cao: Mr. Yue speaks well! The current state of the Xiao family is indeed very good; under Xiao Yan's leadership in the future, they will naturally become stronger and stronger!】

【Pang Bo: It is good, just not very interesting!】

And while everyone in the chat group was chatting idly, Xiao Yan also quickly began to communicate with his father, Xiao Zhan.

But just as Xiao Yan was about to mention moving the Xiao family to the Black Corner Region to develop...

"Clan Head, Young Clan Head!"

A Xiao family member quickly rushed anxiously into the living room: "It's bad!"

Seeing this, the Grand Elder of the Xiao family standing nearby immediately scolded: "Simply nonsense; rushing into the council hall in such a panic, what kind of decorum is this?"

"Enough!"

Xiao Zhan, sitting in the main seat, waved his hand to signal the Grand Elder to be quiet, then looked at the Xiao family member who rushed into the living room: "Xiao Wei, what exactly happened?"

"Clan Head, the Yun Lan Sect has sent people!"

Xiao Wei quickly said respectfully: "Not only is Nalan Yanran, who came to our Xiao family three years ago to cancel the engagement, here, but the leader is a Dou Wang expert who claims to be Yun Ling, the Grand Elder of the Yun Lan Sect!"

Having said this, Xiao Wei could not help but turn his head to look at Xiao Yan beside him.

Three years ago, when Nalan Yanran came to cancel the engagement, he personally witnessed the scene where the opponent was defeated by Young Master Xiao Yan in a single move, so he immediately recognized Nalan Yanran's identity.

"This..."

After hearing Xiao Wei's words, Xiao Yan could not help but look at Xiao Zhan in the main seat: "Father, what is going on?"

As for the so-called Grand Elder of the Yun Lan Sect, Xiao Yan naturally paid no attention.

The reason he looked at Xiao Zhan was entirely because he had already handed the matter of the engagement cancellation to Xiao Zhan to handle three years ago.

And Xiao Zhan even personally rushed to the Nalan family, finally discussing and settling the matter with Nalan Yanran's father and grandfather—

The engagement between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran is voided, and from now on there shall be no further connection.

Although Xiao Yan had already left the Xiao family by the time the matter was settled, Xiao Zhan had already entrusted someone to send him a message about it.

But now...

At this moment, Xiao Zhan on the main seat was also somewhat dazed, for he did not know what had happened, nor why Nalan Yanran had followed the Cloud Mist Sect's Grand Elder to the Xiao family.

"Could it be because of that Three-Year Agreement from back then?" A thought quickly flashed through Xiao Zhan's mind.

However, now was not the time to ponder such matters; since the Cloud Mist Sect's Grand Elder had personally come to the Xiao family, as the clan leader he naturally had to welcome him in person.

Thinking thus, Xiao Zhan immediately rose and said, "Three Elders, come with me to welcome Elder Yun Lei; let us see what purpose the other party has in coming to our Xiao family?"

And just as the Xiao family members walked out of the hall to welcome the Cloud Mist Sect visitors, the chat group had already exploded!

【Pang Bo: Hahaha! Who would have thought our luck is so good, that we happened to encounter the scene of Nalan Yanran arriving to fulfill the Three-Year Agreement!】

【Pang Bo: @Xiao Yan, your maid has arrived; do you want to take her in?】

【Xiao Yan: Brother Pang, stop joking with me!】

【Pang Bo: How is this a joke? Perhaps this time Nalan Yanran learned of your breakthrough into the Star Dou Zong realm, so she specially came to your door to feign injury, wanting to become your slave or maid!】

【Han Li: Although Brother Pang has always been unreliable, I think this statement is quite reasonable!】

【Ye Chen: @Pang Bo, Brother Pang, what is going on here?】

【Pang Bo: @Ye Chen, when Nalan Yanran came to the Xiao family to break the engagement back then, you hadn't joined the group yet, so naturally you don't understand this matter!】

【Pang Bo: You must have finished reading "Dou Po Doupo Cangqiong" by now! Back then, shortly after Xiao Yan joined the group, he encountered Nalan Yanran coming to break the engagement; fortunately, Xiao Yan's master Yao Chen had already awakened with the help of the Group Owner!】

【Pang Bo: Later, relying on his master's power, Xiao Yan defeated Nalan Yanran in a single move; Nalan Yanran, unwilling to admit defeat, then made a new Three-Year Agreement with Xiao Yan!】

【Ye Chen: It can be like that?】

【Pang Bo: Of course! Nalan Yanran originally stated that if she lost to Xiao Yan again after three years, whether she became his slave or maid, or even if he married her, she would have no regrets!】

Dou Po Doupo Cangqiong world.

Xiao Yan was accompanying Xiao Zhan to welcome the Cloud Mist Sect delegation; after seeing Pang Bo's words in the group, he could no longer hold back.

【Xiao Yan: @Pang Bo, Brother Pang, this is absolutely a complete slander; back then Nalan Yanran clearly said she would take her own life, how did it change to this in your version?】

【Pang Bo: Impossible! Back then Nalan Yanran definitely said she would marry him! @Han Li, tell me, is that not so?】

【Han Li: Correct! I heard it back then too; Nalan Yanran said she would marry him!】

Watching Pang Bo and Han Li's teasing in the chat group, Xiao Yan felt quite helpless in his heart, so he simply stopped paying attention and focused entirely on the matters in reality.

Xiao Yan followed Xiao Zhan and others walking quickly, soon arriving at the spacious courtyard.

At this time, the Cloud Mist Sect delegation also arrived at the courtyard along with the Xiao family members.

"Greetings, Grand Elder Yun Lei!"

Xiao Zhan, leading the way, quickly stepped forward to meet them, then asked with a smile, "I wonder if Grand Elder has brought people to our Xiao family for some important matter?"

"Hmm!"

Facing Xiao Zhan's enthusiastic welcome and greeting, the Cloud Mist Sect's Grand Elder Yun Lei merely nodded slightly, then looked at Nalan Yanran beside him: "Yanran, you should speak about this matter!"

"Yes, Grand Elder!"

Nalan Yanran first respectfully bowed to Yun Lei, then looked at Xiao Zhan, slightly bowing and saying, "Uncle Xiao, this time Grand Elder brought Yanran to the Xiao family to fulfill the agreement from three years ago!"

"This..."

Xiao Zhan thought to himself, "As expected," then solemnly said, "Niece Nalan, regarding the matter between our two families, I have personally rushed to the Nalan family and discussed it with your father, Nalan Su, and your grandfather!"

"Did they not inform you of our discussion results?"

Hearing these words, a trace of shame flashed across Nalan Yanran's face.

Regarding the matter of breaking the engagement, Xiao Zhan handled it very brilliantly.

Indeed, if she had not come to the Xiao family three years ago to break the engagement, causing a huge uproar, I'm afraid few people would have known about the engagement between her and Xiao Yan.

Yet even so, when Xiao Zhan handled this matter, he gave ample face to their Nalan family.

Compared to Xiao Zhan's manner of handling affairs, her initial act of seeking them out personally and breaking the engagement publicly was naturally very improper.

After various thoughts flashed through her mind, Nalan Yanran quickly spoke: "Father and Grandfather long ago sent someone to inform Yanran of the results discussed with Uncle Xiao; Yanran is very grateful for Uncle Xiao's help to Yanran!"

After respectfully bowing to Xiao Zhan once more, Nalan Yanran shifted her tone and continued: "Yanran came here this time mainly to spar once more with Elder Brother Xiao Yan; it has nothing to do with anything else; I hope Uncle Xiao can permit this!"

"This..."

After hearing Nalan Yanran's words, Xiao Zhan couldn't help but be slightly stunned.

It must be said that after three years of growth, Nalan Yanran indeed became much more mature in handling matters, and her words were quite well-spoken.

Thinking thus, Xiao Zhan couldn't help but look at Yun Lei, the Cloud Mist Sect's Grand Elder, standing beside Nalan Yanran.

Regarding the battle between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran, Xiao Zhan actually did not care too much, because the result would surely be the same as last time.

Although he did not yet know Xiao Yan's specific strength, simply based on the message returned by Xiao Yu, Xiao Yan had long ago crossed into the Star Dou Ling realm.

In his eyes, even if Nalan Yanran possessed astonishing talent and had the Cloud Mist Sect's help, it was impossible for her to defeat Xiao Yan.

His only concern was that Yun Lei, the Cloud Mist Sect's Grand Elder, might interfere in the battle!

After all, Yun Lei is a genuine Star Dou Wang powerhouse, and among Star Dou Wang powerhouses he is extremely strong; if he truly interferes in the battle, Xiao Yan will surely be forced into a corner!

As a father, how could he watch his son suffer unfair treatment?

"Clan Leader Xiao!"

Seeing that Xiao Zhan did not immediately agree, Yun Lei, the Cloud Mist Sect's Grand Elder, quickly spoke: "It is merely a spar between two people of the same age; does Clan Leader Xiao intend to refuse?"

"Rest assured, this spar between Yanran and that Xiao Yan will definitely stop at the appropriate point! With this old man here, no accidents will occur!"

【Pang Bo: This Yun Lei is quite arrogant! I hope when he sees that Xiao Yan has already crossed into the Star Dou Zong realm, he won't be scared silly!】

【Pang Bo: @Xiao Yan, Brother Xiao Yan, give them a little shock; I can't wait!】

【Han Li: I want to see it too!】

【Ye Chen: I want to see it too!】

【Meng Huan: +1!】

Seeing the teasing from everyone in the group, Xiao Yan felt a spark of interest.

"Isn't it just a sparring match? I agree!"

Xiao Yan stepped forward two paces, then glanced at Nalan Yanran: "However, three years ago you weren't even my match; do you really think you can defeat me now?"

"I don't know!"

Nalan Yanran slowly shook her head, then said solemnly: "But I will do my utmost to defeat you!"

Hearing Nalan Yanran's words, Xiao Yan's heart took her a bit more seriously.

"Very well!"

Xiao Yan walked a few steps to the spacious area nearby, then said: "Today, you and I will spar; from now on, there will be no more ties between us!"

For the current Xiao Yan, let alone Nalan Yanran and Yun Leng standing before him, even the Cloud Mist Sect and Yun Shan behind them were no longer in his eyes.

Xiao Yan's current goals were the other Strange Flames on the Dou Qi Continent, the Ancient Eight Clans, the Dou Di, and becoming someone even stronger than the Dou Di...

Within the entire Cloud Mist Sect, the only one he might care about was probably Yun Yun alone!

After hearing Xiao Yan agree to her sparring match, a trace of joy flashed through Nalan Yanran's heart.

"This time I must wipe out my past shame!"

After this thought flashed through her mind, Nalan Yanran, standing opposite Xiao Yan, took a deep breath, and a pale green Dou Qi instantly surged from her body.

The long sword in her hand trembled, followed by the sound of a clear sword chime.

At the same time, the pale green Dou Qi surrounding Nalan Yanran's body suddenly exploded upward; in just a moment, it gathered around her body into a pale green Dou Qi armor, covering her delicate, well-proportioned figure.

At the tip of the long sword in her hand, green sword energy gathered, pointing far out toward Xiao Yan; in an instant, a wild wind appeared out of nowhere.

"Seventh Star Great Dou Shi, please instruct!" Nalan Yanran looked at Xiao Yan and spoke word by word, as if trying to make Xiao Yan submit with her voice.

But just then, Xiao Yan calmly said again: "You strike first! If I strike first, you might not even have the courage to move!"

"You..."

After hearing Xiao Yan's words, a trace of anger appeared on Nalan Yanran's beautiful face.

Three years ago, she had said exactly this to Xiao Yan; she never expected Xiao Yan to now return her own words, and even more excessively.

But who could blame her for losing three years ago?

Thinking of this, Nalan Yanran shifted her mind, and the mighty Dou Qi within her meridians surged like a river.

She lifted her beautiful eyes slightly, then tapped her toe lightly on the ground, and her body instantly became a streak of light and shadow.

Then she swung the blade in her hand; like a snake emerging from its lair, carrying a sharp sword energy, she thrust at Xiao Yan's chest from an extremely cunning and ruthless angle.

But just then...

Boom!

A mighty Dou Qi, pushed to its extreme, erupted from Xiao Yan's body; it seemed to have condensed into a physical form, then formed a wall of bronze and iron made of gathered Dou Qi before Xiao Yan.

Bang!

The long sword in Nalan Yanran's hand struck this Dou Qi wall, and she was instantly blasted backward.

At this moment, Xiao Yan also spoke word by word: "Sanxingdou Sect, please instruct!"

(End of this chapter)