Chapter 154.1 : Xiao Yan's Frustration!

"Peak Dou Sheng?"

Although I know this senior isn't just a Dou Zong, but likely a Dou Zun, and possibly even a Peak Dou Zun, but attaining Peak Dou Sheng... It's no wonder their combat skills are boundless."

Yunyun cast a deep glance at Ran, her emotions swirling with complexity.

Misty Cloud Sect couldn't even contend with a Dou Zong; if faced with a Dou Sheng, he'd be clueless in his demise.

And now, this peak martial expert seems to be backing Xiao Yan.

Doesn't this imply that Nalan Yanran severed ties with a top-tier "Second Generation" from the mainland?

It's not just sadness; as long as Nalan Yanran feels it's the right move, she can let go. However, it's true that Misty Cloud Sect also lost the opportunity for an alliance with a peak martial expert.

From the suzerain's perspective, it's a regrettable loss.

Moreover, Xiao Yan isn't the only supporter.

Yunyun eyed Venerable Yao once more.

Despite existing in a soul form, it emanated a palpable sense of threat.

The former Dou Zun, stronger even in soul form than her?

"Ugh."

With a sigh in her heart, Yunyun resolved to fulfill her duties as sect master to the best of her abilities.

"Hello, Xiao Yan, I'm Yunyun."

Yunyun decided to initiate a conversation with Xiao Yan.

"Um, hello!"

Xiao Yan nodded somewhat flatteredly at Yun Yun.

This was a Douhuang strongman taking the initiative to greet her.

Impressive.

Mighty indeed.

But Xiao Yan wasn't quite himself.

The experiences from the three years of "falling down" had left him changed.

Wait.

"You said your name is Yunyun!?" Xiao Yan's fists clenched unconsciously.

"It seems you know who I am," Yunyun said with a tinge of bitterness.

Not good.

"Of course, I do.

Xiao Yan's face turned blue, his words grinding through gritted teeth: "Master of Nalan Yanran!"

"Sect Master Yun Yun."

"The third-ranked among the top ten Dou Emperors of the Jia Ma Empire!"

"It's been quite a while since I gained fame.

Xiao Yan's chest swelled with pride.

Seeing this, Yun Yun felt a pang of nervousness, realizing the impact of the breakup on Xiao Yan was more severe than anticipated.

Indeed.

Breaking off an engagement, whether initiated by the man or woman, was a severe blow to one's pride.

In the Heavenly Flame Continent, strength was revered, and familial honor was paramount.

To "force" a breakup was to inflict a severe blow to one's dignity.

No one would take it lightly.

"What Yanran did initially, I, as her master, found inappropriate," Yunyun said firmly. "If you're willing, I can have her apologize and make reparations."

At this, Xiao Yan sneered.

Found it inappropriate?

Apologize and make amends?

Why not do it when it first happened a year ago?

"Sect Master Yunyun, if you weren't wary of my fellow villager, would you propose this?" Xiao Yan cut straight to the point.

He felt a twinge of disgust at the authority wielded by the Sect Master of Misty Cloud Sect.

Yunyun's complexion paled.

"As long as we stick to the original agreement," Xiao Yan enunciated each word.

He had no intention of mocking Yunyun further.

In the Heavenly Flame Continent, strength dictated respect.

Yunyun "acknowledged" her "mistake," albeit under duress.

Without coercion, the esteemed third powerhouse of the Jia Ma Empire would have no reason to negotiate with him.

Bullying others now would cast him as a villain, shaming the Great China.

What right did he have to challenge the original Nalan Yanran?

"I will reclaim my dignity and that of the Xiao clan," Xiao Yan clenched his fists, stating, "The mistake has been made. I owe no apologies. Sect Master Yun need only promise three years. Let the competition be fair, and then honor will decide the victor or vanquished."

"If Nalan Yanran wins, I will bear the shame," he continued.

Yunyun grasped the gravity of his words, feeling a mixture of relief and resignation.

Relief because Xiao Yan harbored no animosity towards Misty Cloud Sect, merely seeking to salvage his pride.

Understandable.

Unfortunately, it would bring embarrassment to Misty Cloud Sect.

"So, can we keep this three-year agreement private?" Yunyun attempted to minimize Misty Cloud Sect's losses.

Yunyun, uncertain of the sentiment of the powerful Uchiha Ran, was not entirely confident in Nalan Yanran's victory.

At that moment, not only Nalan Yanran, but the entire Misty Cloud Sect would face humiliation.

If they could keep it discreet, even in defeat, the fallout could be contained.

As long as she attained Douzong status, a slight blemish in their history could be overlooked.

"Give me a reason to agree," Xiao Yan sneered.

Misty Cloud Sect could tarnish the portrait's reputation throughout Wutan City and beyond, whereas minimizing the impact seemed a futile endeavor.

He refrained from bullying others to maintain a favorable impression among his peers, but this didn't imply weakness; he had resources at his disposal.

"I believe you should agree," Yunyun took a deep breath, her tone firm. "I've heard the adage you once espoused: 'Thirty years in Hedong, thirty years in Hexi, don't bully the poor.'"

"Extremely passionate and provocatively stimulating," Yunyun remarked.

"One thing to acknowledge is that Misty Cloud Sect hasn't orchestrated everything."

"If it weren't for Yanran feeling aggrieved yet benevolent, and if it weren't for my indifference, Misty Cloud Sect wouldn't have needed to dispatch Douwang elders. Just a Dou Ling deacon could have been sent to Wutan City to project a hostile stance within the Xiao Clan and destroy the depiction."

"You can't deny that, can you?" Xiao Yan's expression froze.

Yunyun hadn't said it, hadn't even thought about it before. But now, it struck him suddenly.

The Heavenly Flame Continent isn't governed by the rule of law as in China's previous life, but rather by strength.

While the Jia Ma Empire may have laws, the powerful hold sway.

Even in China's previous life, power dynamics weren't any different.

The disparity between the depiction of strength between Xiao clan and Misty Cloud Sect is akin to the gap between local businesses and national corporations in China's past life.

There are myriad ways to bankrupt someone, even under the guise of "justified reasons."

With this realization, Xiao Yan felt a chill down his spine.

He'd been preoccupied with vanity, neglecting the truth.

Yunyun's words were undeniably true!

It felt utterly frustrating.

You intend harm, yet I should express gratitude?

********

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