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The first light of dawn had only just crept over the ridges of Yunlan Mountain when Ye Chen arrived at the Main Peak.
He stood before the jade steps of the Sect Master's Hall, his robes fluttering lightly in the wind.
A sleepless night had passed....one filled with both anxiety and resolve.
After confirming Nalan Yanran's pregnancy, he knew he could not delay any longer.
This engagement had to be resolved—quickly and cleanly.
Inside the main hall, Yun Yun, draped in soft azure robes, sat quietly sipping tea.
Her brows rose when she saw Ye Chen approaching with an unusually serious expression.
"You're up early, Feng'er. What brings you here at this hour?" she asked, placing her cup down.
Ye Chen bowed respectfully. "Teacher, I've come to seek your permission.
I intend to visit Wutan City… to personally cancel Yanran's engagement with the Xiao family."
Yun Yun's hand paused mid-air, her eyes narrowing. "You want to break off the engagement? On Yanran's behalf?"
"Yes, Teacher," Ye Chen nodded without hesitation. "Given the circumstances… it must be done."
"Circumstances?" Yun Yun's tone sharpened. "Ye Chen, do you realize what you're saying? That engagement is a formal pact between the Nalan and Xiao clans.
You are neither her father nor her clan elder. By what right do you intend to interfere?"
Ye Chen met her gaze calmly. "I may not be her elder by blood, but I am her senior brother....and her partner. As the saying goes, 'An elder brother is like a father.' Yanran's matters are mine to shoulder."
Yun Yun stared at him for a long moment, her lips twitching slightly.
'You little rascal… using ancient sayings to justify your own schemes?' she thought, half-amused, half-exasperated.
If she hadn't known what had already transpired between Ye Chen and Yanran, she might have truly believed his lofty reasoning.
But now? She could only sigh inwardly.
What was most outrageous was not that he wanted to break off the engagement....but that he had already gotten her disciple pregnant.
Now he was planning to go to the Xiao Clan personally and tell them, "Sorry, we don't want your engagement anymore."
If the Xiao Clan found out the truth, they'd probably drag Ye Chen out and beat him half to death.
Especially Xiao Yan....Yanran's original fiancé.
If that boy ever discovered his bride-to-be had already been "conquered" by another man, there was no telling how he'd react.
No man could endure such disgrace quietly.
Still, Yun Yun couldn't help but feel conflicted.
Even if Ye Chen had acted rashly, she couldn't truly blame him.
After all, she herself had never supported this engagement.
From what she had heard, Xiao Yan was still stuck at the third stage of Dou Qi.....even after so many years.
How could such a weakling be worthy of Yanran?
In fact, when her disciple had first brought up breaking off the engagement, Yun Yun had not objected outright.
She had simply advised her to wait for the right time, to avoid unnecessary trouble and protect the sect's reputation.
Now that the situation had escalated, perhaps it was best to end things once and for all.
After a long silence, she finally spoke.
"If you're determined to go… then your master won't stop you. When do you plan to leave?"
Ye Chen's eyes lit up. "Within three days, Teacher."
"Very well," Yun Yun nodded. "Then I'll ask Elder Gu He to prepare a bottle of Qi Gathering Powder.
Deliver it to the Xiao family as a gesture of goodwill.
Even if we break off the engagement, we should at least offer them some form of compensation."
Ye Chen bowed once more. "Thank you, Teacher. I will see that it's delivered."
He had no intention of being overly aggressive.
If the Xiao family was willing to settle things peacefully, all the better.
But if they refused to back down?
Then he would not hesitate to use force.
After all, this was not just about breaking off an engagement anymore....it was about protecting the mother of his child.
Still, in the back of his mind, Ye Chen knew he had to tread carefully.
Xiao Yan… wasn't just any ordinary person.
He was the Son of the Plane.
And although right now he looked like a mere "waste," Ye Chen, having read the novel in his past life, knew better than to underestimate him.
But Ye Chen had no intention of clashing with Xiao Yan unnecessarily. With his system ....."Many Children, Great Fortune"—his focus lay on cultivation, family, and prosperity. Fighting over fire attribute legacies or heavenly flames wasn't his path.
In fact, if Xiao Yan could go toe-to-toe with the Soul Palace in the future, all the better.
Let the heavens push their chosen son to clash with darkness....Ye Chen had his own plans.
As long as Xiao Yan didn't come looking for trouble, Ye Chen would leave him be.
"If Xiao Yan can divert the Soul Palace's attention," Ye Chen murmured to himself, "then that's good news for me."
"Feng'er," Yun Yun's voice pulled him from his thoughts, "I'll send Deacon Ge Ye with you. Just to be safe."
Ye Chen's eyes widened slightly. "That's not necessary, Teacher.
The Mitel Clan has a branch in Wutan City. I can count on them for assistance if needed."
Of course, he wasn't planning to explain the real reason for refusing Ge Ye's company.
How could he properly meet with Sister Ya Fei....his longtime flame...if some old deacon was watching his every move?
He needed freedom, not supervision.
"Hmm…" Yun Yun studied him for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Fine. Since you've made preparations, I'll allow it."
She smiled faintly, a rare softness in her gaze. "You've matured, Feng'er. It seems you're finally learning to think several steps ahead."
"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher."