42 Chapter 42: Dissolving the Engagement Equally

"This is Misty Cloud Sect's top-notch water attribute Black Rank High-level Qi Method: Rain Curtain Sword Art. Yanran hopes to use this as compensation to dissolve the engagement."

Nalan Yanran said earnestly.

"Hiss! Sect Master is unexpectedly so generous?"

Even Ge Ye was shocked, his eyes filled with envy. It's worth noting that what he cultivates is only Black Rank Low-Level Dou Technique. Unfortunately, this water attribute Qi Method is not suitable for him. Otherwise, Ge Ye couldn't help but make a move to snatch the Qi Method from the Xiao Family!

Shut up!

Do you think our Xiao Family is the kind of people who endure the shame of breaking off an engagement just for a High-level Qi Method?

Xiao Zhan really wanted to reprimand the other party loudly, but when his gaze fell on the shining Qi Method in the other's hand, an involuntary feeling of true allure arose in his heart.

That's a Black Rank High-level Qi Method! Their Xiao Family's highest-level Qi Method is only Black Rank Mid-Level, and the difference brought by each level of this Qi Method is significant.

"Black, Black Rank High-level Qi Method! Isn't this higher level than the Clan Leader's Furious Lion Rage?"

The Xiao Family members were extremely excited, especially the young disciples who had not yet cultivated Qi Method, eagerly casting enthusiastic glances.

Only Xiao Yan couldn't smile at this moment. His face revealed an immensely disappointed expression because he cultivates the Fire attribute of Dou Qi, and this Water attribute Qi Method is simply not suitable for him!

Damn Nalan Yanran, this compensation for breaking off the engagement is completely useless for me. It's better to give me some pills!

Xiao Yan was full of frustration.

Actually, it's not intentional on Nalan Yanran's part. After all, she has never met Xiao Yan, so how could she know his Dou Qi attribute?

Moreover, in Nalan Yanran's view, her breaking off the engagement is Nalan Family releasing Xiao Family, and the compensation doesn't necessarily have to go to Xiao Yan. As long as it goes to Xiao Family, it's done.

"A Water attribute Qi Method, isn't this just perfect for me?"

Xiao Mei jumped up excitedly, her eyes shining as she licked her lips in excitement.

"Well, Nalan niece's generous gift is enough to show the sincerity of Nalan Family."

The second elder showed a satisfied smile.

Damn! This shameless old guy!

Xiao Yan angrily stared with widened eyes. If he remembered correctly, this second elder's granddaughter, Xiao Yu, who is more than three generations apart in blood relationship, cultivates Water attribute Dou Qi. The second elder clearly wants to give the Qi Method to his own granddaughter!

The Three Elders of the Xiao Family exchanged glances, and in unison, they pressured Xiao Zhan with a tacit understanding.

"Xiao Zhan, what are you hesitating for?"

"This is a Black Rank High-level Qi Method!"

"Think carefully about the consequences of rejecting Misty Cloud Sect!"

Facing the pressure from the Three Elders, Xiao Zhan found himself in a dilemma. On one hand, as Xiao Yan's father, he couldn't bear the humiliation of his son being rejected in the engagement. On the other hand, as the patriarch of the Xiao Family, he had to consider the interests of the family. Just because his son couldn't cultivate this Water attribute Qi Method didn't mean that other members of the Xiao Family couldn't! Among the elite young disciples of the Xiao Family, Xiao Mei and Xiao Yu both practiced Water attribute Dou Qi. It could be foreseen that after the two of them cultivated this Qi Method, they would have a bright future!

Moreover, Qi Methods could be passed down through generations, providing the Xiao Family's descendants with excellent cultivation resources. Undeniably, obtaining a Black Rank High-level Qi Method would bring tremendous opportunities for the future of the Xiao Family.

"Father."

Seeing the painful and struggling expression in his old father's eyes, Xiao Yan's heart trembled. Could it be that even his closest family wouldn't stand by him?

"Yan'er, I'm sorry."

Xiao Zhan sighed deeply. The allure of this Black Rank High-level Qi Method was just too great. From the standpoint of the Xiao Family, they couldn't refuse it!

Yun Tianming, who had been observing the whole time, showed a hint of surprise on his face. He hadn't expected things to develop to this extent. If the Xiao Family compromised, wouldn't it skip a crucial plotline of the "three-year agreement"?

"Miss Nalan, regarding the annulment of the engagement, we, the Xiao Family, agree."

Just as Xiao Zhan was about to compromise, a sudden cold and clear voice interrupted everything.

"I disagree."

The speaker was Xiao Xun'er.

"What?!"

Nalan Yanran, on the verge of finally resolving the long-troubling engagement, was unexpectedly halted at the last moment by a unfamiliar young girl from the Xiao Family.

"Who are you? On what grounds do you decide matters for the Xiao Family?"

Nalan Yanran instinctively questioned, but what she never expected was that,

faced with a younger generation of similar age, everyone from the Xiao Family fell into collective silence, including Xiao Zhan and the Three Elders. No one dared to utter a word.

"A mere Black Rank High-level Qi Method, and you want to trample on Xiao Yan's dignity. I cannot accept that!"

Xiao Xun'er's cold voice was firm and resolute.

"Xun'er."

Xiao Yan was instantly moved, tears welling up in his eyes. When all of his relatives abandoned him, including his own father not standing on his side, only this girl before him still supported him!

"You audacious young one from the Xiao Family, where do you think you have the right to speak here?!"

Ge Ye originally wanted to loudly rebuke the little girl who appeared out of nowhere, but he was silenced by a single glance from her.

In Xiao Xun'er's calm eyes, a golden flame emerged, and an invisible pressure enveloped Ge Ye. It made his chest feel tight, rendering him speechless, and cold sweat streamed down his forehead.

"Gurgle~"

Equally affected by the pressure was Nalan Yanran beside him. It seemed like an invisible giant hand was squeezing her neck, causing her petite face to turn pale, and even breathing became difficult.

At this moment, a hand rested on Nalan Yanran's trembling shoulder, accompanied by a gentle voice.

"Sister Yanran, don't be afraid."

Yun Tianming stepped forward, his gaze firmly fixed on the imposing Xiao Xun'er.

"Miss, I believe there's a misunderstanding."

"We have no intention of insulting Mr. Xiao Yan."

Xiao Xun'er squinted her eyes, feeling surprised inwardly. The other party could withstand her soul pressure; this man was indeed peculiar.

"Misunderstanding or not is irrelevant."

"I only see your arrival causing harm to Brother Xiao Yan."

Xiao Xun'er's voice was not loud, but it carried a strong and assertive attitude.

The Xiao Family members present were dumbfounded. No one had expected that Xun'er, who was usually gentle and kind, would reveal such a forceful side.

"Hehe~ A real man can bend and stretch. It's just a bit of loss of face, not that serious."

"I believe in the freedom of marriage, a basic right for everyone."

"Miss, don't you think so too?"

Yun Tianming said with seriousness.

"Marriage freedom?"

"What is this guy talking about?"

"Marriage matters have always been decided by the will of the parents. How can one act on their own?"

The Xiao Family members frowned, looking at Yun Tianming as if he were an anomaly. This was against the traditional values of the Dou Qi Continent!

"This..."

Xiao Yan fell into silence, realizing that as a transmigrator, his adopted values from his previous life were centered around freedom and equality. It's just that after spending a long time in the Dou Qi Continent, he had unconsciously assimilated into its prevailing ideology.

"Marriage freedom, a basic right?"

"You really are a guy who goes against the norm."

Xiao Xun'er's expression remained unchanged, but a hint of anomaly flashed in the depths of her eyes.

Marriage freedom, is it truly possible? Could she break free from the constraints of the Gu Clan and be with Brother Xiao Yan?

Yun Tianming keenly sensed the subtle changes in Xiao Xun'er's eyes, knowing that his persuasion technique was taking effect.

"Mr. Xiao Yan, you wouldn't want to marry a woman you don't like in the future, right?"

This time, Yun Tianming directed his persuasive tactics toward Xiao Yan.

"No."

Xiao Yan shook his head with a bewildered expression. Unconsciously, his resentment towards Nalan Yanran had lessened.

As a transmigrator, he could fully understand the idea of marriage freedom from the other party. Moreover, since the other party was willing to offer a Black Rank High-level Qi Method as compensation, even if breaking off the engagement would cause some reputational damage to the Xiao Family, it seemed not so difficult to accept.

"So, why not shake hands and make peace, mutually cancel the engagement on equal terms? Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"

Yun Tianming presented his peaceful resolution.

****

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