Chapter 96: Save Me!
Two women approached: one mature and regal, the other youthful and serene. The older woman exuded elegance, her jet black hair styled in a noble phoenix like coiffure. Even in her loose moon white robe, her exquisite figure was impossible to conceal.
The younger woman carried a hint of aloofness, her long hair cascading naturally to her waist. Compared to her mentor, she resembled a budding flower, not yet in full bloom, but already possessing a beauty that could captivate nations.
Their arrival seemed to dim the moonlight itself, drawing the attention of everyone present. Even high ranking nobles and elites in the capital couldn't look away.
Some couldn't help but imagine: what fortune would it be to have both master and disciple as one's own?
"You're practically drooling," Ya Fei's jealous voice jolted Xiao Yan back to reality.
By then, the two women had already walked up to him.
"Xiao Yan…brother, we meet again," Nalan Yanran greeted awkwardly, her tone unnatural. After some hesitation, she chose to address him this way, as avoiding pleasantries would only make things more awkward given their prior engagement and its cancellation.
"Yanran, it's nice to see you," Xiao Yan responded warmly. His composed demeanor and dashing appearance made him even more captivating, causing Nalan Yanran to feel an inexplicable sense of admiration.
It was difficult for anyone, regardless of their feelings, to dislike someone so radiant.
"This is my teacher," Nalan Yanran said, motioning toward the noble beauty beside her.
"Xiao Yan, I am Yun Yun, the current leader of the Yunlan Sect," Yun Yun introduced herself, her serene face adorned with a graceful smile.
"So, you're the esteemed Sect Leader Yun Yun. It's a pleasure to meet you." Xiao Yan extended a hand, maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor. Though intrigued by her beauty, he kept his expression composed, shaking her hand briefly and noting its soft, warm touch.
"I've heard much about you in the Yunlan Sect," Yun Yun continued, her tone polite yet poised. "For someone so young to possess such extraordinary strength is truly remarkable. I hope you'll visit our sect when you have time."
"Of course, I'd be delighted to," Xiao Yan replied with a smile.
"Why wait? How about tomorrow?" Yun Yun suggested with a faint smile, though a hint of unease flickered in her eyes.
"Hm? That's unusual," Xiao Yan thought, slightly taken aback.
Based on the original storyline, Yun Yun wasn't the type to actively seek favors. Her behavior seemed…off.
Still, Yun Yun was one of his targets. After a moment's thought, Xiao Yan nodded. "Alright. Tomorrow it is. I'll visit the Yunlan Sect."
"I'll look forward to it," Yun Yun replied with a composed smile, masking her internal tension. She then left with Nalan Yanran.
"She's acting strange," Ya Fei commented, her brows furrowed.
"What do you mean?" Xiao Yan asked.
"Unlike Princess Yao Ye, Yun Yun isn't someone who curries favor for personal gain. From what I know of her, she wouldn't go out of her way to ingratiate herself with you unless something was seriously wrong," Ya Fei explained, shaking her head.
"Perhaps she's in trouble," Xiao Yan mused before smiling slyly. "If that's the case, it's perfect. Troubles often lead to opportunities…to win her over."
"You're already smitten with her, aren't you?" Ya Fei shot him a sidelong glance.
Xiao Yan grinned but didn't reply.
Ya Fei sighed, a trace of sadness in her eyes. She was a smart woman who knew her place and what she could expect.
Xiao Yan noticed her expression and gently squeezed her hand, a silent gesture of reassurance.
Back at the banquet, Nalan Yanran's gaze lingered on Xiao Yan, who was now chatting and laughing with Ya Fei.
"Teacher, are we really inviting him to the Yunlan Sect tomorrow?" Nalan Yanran asked, her emotions conflicted.
"Yes," Yun Yun replied, exhaustion evident in her voice. Asking for Xiao Yan's help wasn't easy for someone as reserved as her, but she couldn't ignore her teacher's worsening condition.
"Unbelievable… How could someone so young possess such strength? What kind of terrifying force supports him?" Yun Yun murmured, her gaze settling on Xiao Yan in his white robe. Despite her calm demeanor, curiosity glimmered in her eyes.
"That young man exudes a sense of danger. If only I had the strength or another way to help my teacher," Nalan Yanran thought with a sigh.
Her mind drifted back to the stone on her training peak.
The banquet ended with Xiao Yan addressing the guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen, in ten days, I will host an auction. I hope you'll come and support it. I assure you, the treasures available will exceed your expectations."
He clinked glasses with several influential figures, all of whom were at least at the Dou Wang level. For those below that rank, Xiao Yan didn't bother engaging unless they were particularly striking women.
Even so, no one dared complain. After all, they had just witnessed Jia Xing Tian, the imperial elder, personally toast this young man.
As the guests departed, the weight of Xiao Yan's presence lingered. It was clear to everyone that he was backing the Mittel family specifically, Ya Fei and that Nalan Yanran's family had ties to him as well.
The realization set in: Xiao Yan's whims could reshape the entire power structure of the Jia Ma Empire.
Later that night, Nalan Yanran returned to her training peak in the Yunlan Sect. The moonlight bathed the mountain in a cool silver glow, and a gentle breeze stirred the forest below.
As she approached her usual training stone, she hesitated, remembering her last encounter.
"Back again, little girl?" The eerie voice sent chills down her spine as the old woman's face reappeared on the stone.
"Why should I trust you?" Nalan Yanran asked, her tone guarded.
"Do you want power or not? If you do, who else can give it to you?" The old woman's smile was cunning.
"And how would I save you?"
"Find a Soul Stone. That's all you need," the old woman said, her eyes gleaming with triumph. But her expression twisted in anger moments later.
"Don't listen to her!" Another voice also aged interjected suddenly.
"Damn you! After all these centuries, you're still not dead?" the old woman snarled, her soul force surging to suppress the interruption.
"I am Yun Potian… Help me… Save me…" The second voice faded quickly, as though it had been a fleeting hallucination.
But Nalan Yanran knew it wasn't. A chill ran through her, making her hair stand on end.
(End of Chapter)
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