Chapter 7: Arriving at Wutan City! Xiao Yan: What? You said Nalan Yanran came to break off the engagement with her child in her arms?

"Huang Mao?"

Upon hearing Qi Yan'er's words, Nalan Yanran was puzzled. "What does 'yellow hair' mean?"

Qi Yan'er looked confused. "My father said 'yellow hair' refers to boys who have bad intentions towards me!"

"Ah..." Nalan Yanran understood.

Kuzu Ye, who was at the "helm", also caught on.

He definitely wasn't "yellow hair," but rather an old immortal!

---

Wutan City.

This small city in the Jiama Empire was quite unremarkable.

The trio landed outside the city gates on their flying beast.

"Wow~ Is this a city? It's so big!" Qi Yan'er exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

Ge Ye glanced at Nalan Yanran in surprise. This kid... had she never been to a city before?

Nalan Yanran shrugged, feeling a bit exasperated with Yan'er's father. Perhaps he was overly protective of his child.

After receiving envious glances from bystanders, they slowly made their way towards the city gate.

"Wow~ Did you see that? That was a private flying beast just now!"

"Of course I saw it, but keep your voice down. Those who can fly to Wutan City on a beast are of high status!"

"That's not the point at all!"

"What do you mean, brother? What did you notice?"

"Are you blind? Didn't you see their robes?"

"Sigh~"

All eyes quickly turned to the departing trio upon hearing this conversation. When they saw the Yunyue robes, they gasped in awe.

"Yunlan Sect!"

"Shh!"

Word of Yunlan Sect's arrival in Wutan City spread quickly to the ears of the city's three major families through various intelligence channels.

---

Xiao Family.

"What did you say? Members of the Yunlan Sect are coming?" Clan leader Xiao Zhan stood up in shock upon hearing the report from his subordinates.

"Clan leader, the Yunlan Sect's visit to Wutan City likely concerns our Xiao Family," the elder remarked solemnly.

The second elder's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "It appears they come with ill intentions. The clan leader must be prepared."

"The first elder and second elder are correct," the third elder agreed nervously.

Although their tone seemed concerned for the Xiao Family's welfare, Xiao Zhan understood they were merely being cautious bystanders.

"Summon everyone in the Xiao Family to the meeting hall," Xiao Zhan ordered, watching the three elders depart hurriedly.

He sighed helplessly. It wasn't long ago that the Xiao Family was one of the four major families in the Jiama Empire, residing in the imperial capital. Now...

"Steward Mo, fetch my third son," Xiao Zhan instructed.

"Yes, patriarch," Butler Mo acknowledged respectfully before leaving.

---

Inside the city.

Qi Yan'er and Nalan Yanran strolled through the bustling streets.

Qi Yan'er soon realized people were keeping their distance from them despite the crowded streets.

She quickly deduced the reason: It was Nalan Yanran's attire.

The Yunlan Sect was revered as the holy land of cultivation in the Jiama Empire. Many aspired to join, and even a single visit was a lifelong honor. Thus, upon recognizing Ge Ye and Nalan Yanran, the people of Wutan City showed a mix of respect and fear.

Qi Yan'er paid no mind to the attention and continued hopping excitedly, taking in the sights and sounds.

"Wow~ Candied haws! Sister Yanran, I want some!" she exclaimed eagerly.

"Alright," Nalan Yanran agreed softly, taking Qi Yan'er's hand and leading her over.

The two girls, one young and one old, added a charming touch to the bustling street.

"I'll take this..."

Nalan Yanran looked down at Qi Yan'er's outstretched hand, feeling a bit perplexed. She then expertly lifted Qi Yan'er into her arms.

"Like this?"

"Mm-hmm~"

As they purchased candied haws, Ge Ye had already noticed a group of people waiting for them.

These were representatives from Wutan City's three major families.

"Hehehe~"

Gallebi and Obapa stepped forward with wide grins. "Esteemed guests..."

"We didn't come here for you," Ge Ye cut in with disdain, turning his attention to Xiao Zhan. "You must be the head of the Xiao Family."

"Indeed," Xiao Zhan responded cautiously, taking care not to offend.

Ge Ye continued bluntly, "I am Ge Ye, deacon of the Yunlan Sect. We have come to Wutan City to discuss matters with your Xiao Family."

The mention of Yunlan Sect made Gallebi and Obapa's hearts tremble. Wutan City's three major families—the Xiao, Jialie, and Oba families—had always stood as equals. But now, discovering that the Xiao Family had the backing of Yunlan Sect...

Did this mean their families would be overshadowed?

However, they dared not voice their concerns. The influence of Yunlan Sect was simply too immense.

"Sir, it would be our honor if you would visit our Xiao Family," Xiao Zhan said respectfully, extending his hand.

Kuzu Ye waved his hand casually and glanced over at the two girls who were still engrossed in their shopping.

"Let's wait for them..."

Wait for them?

Everyone's attention turned to the two girls who were thoroughly enjoying themselves shopping.

These two "little troublemakers"!

One had never left the Yunlan Sect, while the other had never left her village. Now unleashed in the city, they were like wild horses having the time of their lives.

Kuzu Ye looked at them with affectionate eyes.

How wonderful it would be to have a daughter of his own!

"..."

Gallebi and Obapa exchanged glances, both sensing the bitterness in the other's eyes. Should they stay or go?

They couldn't leave, but watching was pure torture.

That's how it was.

Wutan City's three major families and their onlookers stood gathered there, watching the two girls shop.

Meanwhile, Xiao Zhan frowned as he observed the girl around the same age as his Xiao Yanzi, feeling a growing sense of suspicion.

But where had this little one come from?

---

Elsewhere.

"Third Young Master, there are distinguished guests at home. The patriarch requests your presence in the hall!" Butler Mo called from outside the room.

"Oh?"

A nonchalant voice responded as a dispirited young man with dark eyes emerged from the room.

This was none other than Xiao Yan, who had lost his vigor due to past hardships.

Xiao Yan looked at Butler Mo curiously. "Normally, my father wouldn't summon me for anything. Is today's distinguished guest special?"

"Ah~" Butler Mo sighed, feeling his age weighing on him.

He had a keen eye for certain matters.

The connection between the Xiao Family and Yunlan Sect was a delicate one.

"Third Young Master, have you heard of Nalan Yanran?"

Butler Mo hesitated, then decided to overstep slightly, knowing Xiao Yan had been kind to him in the past.

"Nalan Yanran?"

Xiao Yan's expression was one of surprise. "Isn't she my fiancée whom I've never met? What is she doing here?"

Butler Mo shook his head helplessly. "What else could she be doing here? It can only be..."

"Not only is she here, I heard she's holding a child!"

"What?"

Xiao Yan was stunned. "Uncle Mo, are you saying Nalan Yanran came here to break off our engagement with her child in tow?"

...

(End of Chapter 7)