Chapter 2 I'm the King of Verbal Combat
As the ethereal and indifferent voice rang out, the three green jade boxes containing the Qi-gathering powder flew to Nalan Yanran's front. She paused slightly and then looked at the girl who had spoken.
The girl in the purple dress, Gu Xun'er, sat on a wooden chair, gently turning the pages of an ancient book in her hands. From afar, she resembled a pure and beautiful lotus in full bloom. She gently lifted her eyelids and said calmly and elegantly, "Miss Nalan, you said you don't need to care about other people's opinions or your own reputation. Then, please tell me, why do you care about the old rules of the Yunlan Sect and humiliate Brother Xiao Yan like this?"
"You talk a good game, but when it comes to yourself, aren't you living under other people's rules too?"
Hearing Gu Xun'er's questioning, Nalan Yanran turned around and revealed a calm smile.
She hadn't even settled accounts with Gu Xun'er yet, but Gu Xun'er couldn't hold back any longer.
If she hadn't deliberately spoken ill of Nalan Yanran to Xiao Yan beforehand, causing Xiao Yan to assume that the original owner broke off the engagement because he was a good-for-nothing, how could he have lost his mind and resented the original owner so much?
Knowing he had a fiancée, she still coveted him. Moreover, when the original owner had a legitimate reason to break off the engagement, she misled Xiao Yan into misunderstanding her. This little green tea's skills are truly maxed out.
Unfortunately, she wouldn't tolerate Gu Xun'er's bad habits. She doesn't even know how to look the other person in the eye when she speaks, and she's still pretending to be cool by reading ancient books. Did she get permission from me, the King of Pretending?
A wicked smile flashed across Nalan Yanran's lips. She spoke softly, her voice full of pleasure, "You're right, so I won't break off the engagement? I'll marry Xiao Yan from now on?"
Gu Xun'er was speechless. She had liked Xiao Yan since she was a child, and naturally wished for the two to break off their engagement. If Nalan Yanran did not break off the engagement, would she really have to accept that her brother Xiao Yan had another wife?
She was greedy and naturally wanted Xiao Yan to have only her. Otherwise, she wouldn't have spoken ill of Nalan Yanran beforehand and taken advantage of Xiao Yan's trust in her to make him have an extremely bad impression of Nalan Yanran.
She sighed softly, closed the ancient book, and looked up. A golden flame flickered in her beautiful, autumn-water-like eyes. The old man beside Nalan Yanran, Ge Ye, a seven-star Grand Dou Master of the Yunlan Sect, saw Gu Xun'er's eyes and his expression changed drastically. He tugged at Nalan Yanran's sleeve, "Miss..."
Nalan Yanran gestured for him to calm down. What was he afraid of, a grown man? It was just a strange fire, wasn't it? Would she dare to kill someone in public?
They only dare to scare you.
I'm not afraid.
Seeing that Nalan Yanran remained unmoved, Gu Xun'er couldn't help but sneer inwardly. This ignorant child probably doesn't know the power of the strange fire. Fine, she was too lazy to argue with Nalan Yanran. But since Brother Xiao Yan had been humiliated today, she had to get some compensation for him!
"After humiliating Brother Xiao Yan like this today, do you think you can just leave so easily? The Sect Master of Yunlan Sect has quite a reputation, daring to overstep the bounds of a deceased elder to break off the engagement, and even offering no compensation whatsoever. It seems you don't take our Xiao family seriously at all!"
She hugged Xiao Yan's arm and said with heartache, "Brother Xiao Yan, you're better off without a fiancée like that! Xun'er will always be with you!"
Her words naturally caused all the young members of the Xiao family present to look at Xiao Yan with envy. What made this good-for-nothing so special that he gained Gu Xun'er's favor? And what made him so special that he could become Nalan Yanran's fiancé?
Nalan Yanran gazed at the two of them indifferently, her gaze calm and unwavering. But for some reason, Xiao Yan felt that her eyes were full of accusation and disappointment towards him. He paused for a moment, and under her indifferent gaze, he raised his hand and put Gu Xun'er's hand down.
"Brother Xiao Yan..." Gu Xun'er felt a little wronged. He would never have pushed her away before!
Nalan Yanran met Xiao Yan's gaze and curled her lips into a smile, "Do you want compensation?"
"unnecessary."
Xiao Yan refused, saying he didn't need any of her charity.
He knew perfectly well that in his current state, it was impossible for him to defeat her in three years, but he was even less willing to accept the girl's charity, and in the end, he was still utterly defeated.
That would be even more embarrassing.
Nalan Yanran was very satisfied with his answer, but she still raised her head and asked Xiao Zhan, "This Qi Gathering Powder is my investment in my fiancé, Uncle Xiao, are you going to refuse it too?"
She knew Xiao Yan would refuse, so she threw it to Gu Xun'er. After all, given Gu Xun'er's doting husband persona, she would definitely give the Qi Gathering Powder to Xiao Yan, but now he's returned it...
She could only ask Xiao Zhan.
Oh dear, this poor, unwanted Qi Gathering Powder! It was personally refined by Gu He, the Pill King of the Dou Qi Continent. Each piece was incredibly rare and highly sought after. Countless people would fight over it. Now it has fallen to this state. Is this a sign of moral decay or the extinction of humanity...?
Xiao Zhan's hand trembled slightly, clearly indicating his desire. After all, in the Dou Qi Continent, to become a true Dou Zhe, one needs to condense a Dou Qi vortex, but condensation has a considerable failure rate. Once it fails, one's cultivation level will decrease. However, the Qi Gathering Powder can make a person with a Dou Qi level nine 100% become a Dou Zhe!
If Yan'er can cultivate in the future, it might come in handy. Besides, Nalan's niece said that this is an investment for her fiancé...
However, Xiao Yan directly blocked Nalan Yanran's view. He stared at the girl's stunning face, as if trying to memorize her features. His clear voice was full of restraint and bitterness, "You should leave! Our Xiao family will not take this Qi Gathering Powder!"
Upon hearing his son's words, Xiao Zhan's lips trembled, but considering his son's dignity, he had no choice but to remain silent.
The three elders of the Xiao family, clearly envious of the three Qi Gathering Powders, quickly said, "Xiao Yan! Don't make decisions on your own! Miss Nalan is just expressing her hopes for you; how can you refuse like this?"
"I said! No!"
Xiao Yan roared, "I don't need her charity!"
He'll prove her wrong! He can beat her in three years through his own efforts!
On that day, he will make her regret her decision to call off the engagement today!
"Enough!" Xiao Zhan also exuded the majesty of a five-star Great Dou Master. "Our Xiao family does not want this Qi Gathering Powder!"
With the Xiao family patriarch speaking so forcefully, the three elders had no choice but to watch enviously as the three Qi Gathering Pills were lost. The thought of losing the compensation they were supposed to receive was like a knife to their hearts, and naturally, they became increasingly dissatisfied with the Xiao family father and son.
After all, the Xiao family is the weakest of the three major families in Wutan City. The other two families have joined forces to try to annex the Xiao family. If they had these three Qi Gathering Pills, the Xiao family could have three more Dou Zhe!
However, for the sake of so-called dignity and reputation, he and his son allowed the Xiao family to continue to be bullied, which was a losing proposition no matter how you looked at it.
Nalan Yanran raised an eyebrow upon seeing this.
don't want?
very good.
She casually picked up a Qi-gathering pill, popped it into her mouth, and chewed it. Seeing the pained expressions on everyone's faces, she couldn't help but smile, thoroughly enjoying the sight.
[...] The system's mechanical voice was clearly laced with resentment, "Can you please stop showing off? Showing off is a privilege only the protagonist gets!"
"Laughable, does the protagonist even have a system?" Nalan Yanran scoffed. "Only those with a great system are protagonists, okay? Can his broken old medicine cheat compare to my system?"
system:[...]
Damn it, stop praising people!
The system, almost overwhelmed by the flattery, quickly snapped back to reality. [Alright! You're allowed to show off, but remember, you absolutely must follow the original plot!!! Once the male lead becomes a god, you can do whatever you want!]
"Okay~ I got it~" Nalan Yanran swallowed the Qi Gathering Powder, and seeing everyone staring at her with saliva dripping from their throats, she smiled and turned her gaze to Xiao Ning of the Xiao family.
Xiao Ning is Xiao Yan's cousin. He is considered a promising talent in the Xiao family. Unfortunately, he is jealous of the protagonist's exceptional talent and even more jealous that Gu Xun'er never distances herself from Xiao Yan because he has become a useless person. Therefore, he has always suppressed and bullied Xiao Yan.
Suppressing the male lead = cannon fodder = her good (tool) friend (person).
She asked to confirm, "Uncle Xiao, are you sure you don't want it?"
Xiao Zhan nodded painfully, for the sake of his son's dignity, "No!"
Nalan Yanran smiled and said, "Alright, then, is Xiao Ning of the Xiao family here?"
The moment these words were spoken, everyone in the room was stunned. Xiao Yan stared intently at Nalan Yanran with his dark eyes, not understanding why she suddenly mentioned Xiao Ning.
Xiao Ning didn't react when he heard his name. After all, Nalan Yanran was the personal disciple of the sect master of Yunlan Sect, a powerful sect in the Jia Ma Empire, while he was just the grandson of the Xiao family's eldest elder. Their statuses were worlds apart, so there was no way she would recognize him, let alone call him.
But now, hearing the stunning beauty call his name again, he stood up blankly, pointed to himself, and asked, "Me?"
Xiao Ning was also a handsome man with striking, sword-like eyebrows. At the age of 17, he had already reached the eighth level of Dou Qi, making him a unique genius in the Xiao family. Unfortunately, he was jealous and always opposed the male lead. Although he matured later, he still inflicted a lot of humiliation on the male lead in the early stages.
"I've heard that besides Xiao Yan, you are the most talented person in the Xiao family." She threw the remaining two Qi Gathering Pills in front of Xiao Ning and said arrogantly, "This one is for you, and you can do whatever you want with the other one."
"The Xiao family is currently weak and isolated in Wutan City. The Jialiebi and Oba families have joined forces to seize the Xiao family's territory. Since the engagement has not yet been dissolved, as the future daughter-in-law, I naturally have to help them." She looked at Xiao Ning, a smile in her eyes. "So, Brother Xiao Ning should know how to deal with this Qi Gathering Powder, right?"
Looking at the two Qi Gathering Pills floating in front of him, Xiao Ning felt as if he were living in a dream. He never expected that Nalan Yanran would give him the Qi Gathering Pills!
She was completely bewildered by that cry of "Brother Xiao Ning." Nalan Yanran was the only daughter of the Nalan family and a disciple personally taught by the sect leader of the Yunlan Sect. Her status and position were beyond description. Moreover, she was already stunningly beautiful, enough to overshadow everyone else.
Now that such a beauty is willing to call him "brother," how could Xiao Ning not be overjoyed?
"Sister Nalan, don't worry, I know what to do!"
Xiao Ning assured her, and seeing Nalan Yanran nod in satisfaction, he couldn't help but glance at Xiao Yan with a smug look.
Xiao Yan clenched his fists. Nalan Yanran had handed the Qi Gathering Powder to Xiao Ning, and no one could say anything about it. Moreover, her insistence on annulling the engagement today would have caused Xiao Zhan to lose face and be unable to gain a foothold in Wutan City. But now, she not only set a three-year agreement to give him a chance to resist, but also helped the Xiao family rise in Wutan City...
Xiao Yan had to admit that Nalan Yanran had some clever methods.
If he still hates her, it would be that he, as a man, is petty.
"I have something to say to you privately." Since Nalan Yanran had given the gathered energy to Xiao Ning, she was bound to have something to tell him. When Xiao Ning saw that she had summoned him, he quickly went to her side.
Nalan Yanran raised her hand, and Ge Ye beside her released a soundproof barrier, completely isolating the two of them from the outside world.
"I hope you can cultivate diligently and reach the Dou Zhe level at Xiao Yan's family coming-of-age ceremony next year. Extend your hand," the girl gently raised her jade hand, and with a flowing light, a jade box appeared in Xiao Ning's hand. He curiously opened the jade box and was shocked by the dazzling array of pills inside. "This...this is for me?"
"Even geniuses need to build a solid foundation. I hope that while you use the pills to become a Dou Zhe, you will also lay a solid foundation. The Xiao family is currently short of cultivation resources, and many of these pills are not suitable for you. You can use them to cultivate your influence within the Xiao family." She said calmly, "Also, may I ask you a favor?"
"Go ahead!" Xiao Ning said excitedly. Nalan was so generous; he would agree to anything, even a hundred things, let alone just one!
"Xiao Yan is still my fiancé, after all, and I hope you won't bother him." She said softly. "Cultivation requires humility and patience, and I also hope that Brother Xiao Ning can stabilize his mind and not waste time humiliating Xiao Yan. Bullying someone with a lower cultivation level than you is really nothing to be proud of. If Brother Xiao Ning has no rivals in the Xiao family, you can come to the Yunlan Sect to spar with me. The gates of the Yunlan Sect will always be open for you."
Xiao Ning blushed slightly upon hearing her words. He knew he was jealous of Xiao Yan and often bullied him, and now, being lectured like this by Nalan Yanran, his youthful spirit naturally made him feel ashamed. He quickly replied, "Alright, I will become a Dou Zhe as soon as possible and live up to Sister Nalan's expectations!"
Nalan Yanran nodded in satisfaction. As for why she did this...
She gave a wicked smile.
This is her exclusive secret.
Thinking this, she gently patted Xiao Ning's shoulder, "Then, I'll thank you, Brother Xiao Ning."
Their words were blocked by the barrier, and no one could hear them clearly. To outsiders, however, it appeared that the two were having a pleasant conversation, and even the talented young woman from the Yunlan Sect, Nalan Yanran, was smiling at Xiao Ning, which seemed quite ambiguous.
The eldest elder of the Xiao family couldn't stop smiling. The patriarch's son was disappointing, but his grandson might be able to make a name for himself and win the admiration of the pride of heaven, right?
Xiao Yan, standing in the center of the hall and closest to the viewer, saw Nalan Yanran smiling so brightly at Xiao Ning. He clenched his fists and fixed his gaze on her.
She clearly stated that the sect leader of Yunlan Sect must not have any entanglements with the opposite sex!
But at this moment, she smiled at Xiao Ning and even whispered to him in front of everyone, giving him pills in private!
Did she ever consider him, her official fiancé, as a person?
She clearly despises herself for being useless, which is why she befriends the talented Xiao Ning!
A woman who lies all the time!
Removing the soundproof barrier, Nalan Yanran raised an eyebrow at Xiao Yan's resentful and bitter gaze, but offered no explanation. Instead, she bowed to Xiao Zhan and said, "Then, niece Nalan will take her leave."
End of this chapter...