Yafei's mind drifted to Xiao Yan. "That smooth-talking guy… after returning to the Xiao family, he hasn't visited me even once." Her expression held a mix of frustration and concern.
Whether it was business or personal feelings, she could not ignore him. In the past ten days, she had even dreamt of him.
Suddenly, Xiao Yan appeared before her. Two months had passed, and his once youthful face had grown slightly more mature.
His height now exceeded hers, and his presence caused an unexpected flutter in Yafei's heart.
"Young Master Xiao Yan, you've been busy in Utan City. I tried to visit, but couldn't meet you," she said, casting a reproachful glance, then turned to leave.
Xiao Yan quickly followed. The other men at the entrance noticed but did not dare intervene.
One guard reminded them: "He's Xiao Yan, the Xiao family's genius, a future powerhouse, and Yafei's friend.
Who are you to block him?" Immediately, the men backed off.
Inside the office, Yafei tried to close the door, but Xiao Yan gently stopped her.
He explained that he had been protecting his father during a breakthrough, which prevented him from leaving.
Yafei softened, but still lightly poked his forehead, scolding him for becoming more mischievous.
Xiao Yan explained his father's breakthrough: "Everything went smoothly. My father is now a true Dou Ling."
Yafei smiled, congratulating him and acknowledging the Xiao family's rising power. They spoke casually about business.
Xiao Yan realized how much wealth and influence the family had gained in the past two months, especially with Liu Panlong producing alchemy under his guidance.
Their income had increased significantly, and most of it was reinvested into medicine to strengthen the clan.
During these days, Xiao Yan resumed his usual routine: training, spending time with Xun'er, and helping his father and brothers adjust to their newly strengthened Dou Qi and advanced Dou techniques.
With his father's eight-star Dou Ling strength combined with the clan emblem, even true Dou Wang opponents would hesitate to challenge him.
After about a week of calm, news spread throughout the Xiao family, causing great tension:
"The Nalan family....and Nalan Yanran....have finally arrived!"
The Nalan family, one of the three great families of the empire, was an incredibly formidable force.
Before Xiao Yan's rise, the Xiao family's influence was hardly comparable.
Even now, though the Xiao family had grown stronger, many of its members still felt honored when they learned the Nalan family was coming.
High above, a massive Lion-Eagle Beast tore across the sky, its wings spanning over ten zhang.
On its back stood four figures: Nalan Jie, Nalan Su, Nalan Yanran, and a graceful beauty in a pale-blue robe....the sect leader of Yunlan, Yun Yun.
On the beast, Nalan Yanran lightly held Yun Yun's arm, her delicate face showing anticipation.
Though this legendary fiancé had stirred little expectation in her before, curiosity now filled her heart.
Among the young generation of the Gamma Empire, only a few might rival her talent....but to surpass her entirely, there was only that legendary youth.
Women admired strength, and Nalan Yanran wanted to see if this boy truly lived up to the tales.
According to news from Blackrock City, he had already reached Dou Shi level at such a young age, which was astonishing. Yet, hearing the rumors from Qingshan Town troubled her:
Xiao Yan had caused a huge stir there, apparently over a girl. Could he be a womanizer?
"If that's the case, no matter how talented he is, I would never pair with such a person," she thought, her expression flickering.
"Already influenced by someone you haven't even met?" Yun Yun smiled indulgently, observing her favored disciple.
Since taking Nalan Yanran as her student, Yun Yun had always found her haughty.....but in front of Xiao Yan, she displayed this side.
After all, becoming a Dou Shi at thirteen was shocking even for Yun Yun.
If not for Xiao Yan's mysterious sect backing, she might have made an exception and accepted a male disciple.
Teacher, you're teasing me again!" Nalan Yanran's face turned red as she playfully shook Yun Yun's arm.
Seeing this, Nalan Jie and Nalan Su exchanged glances, amused. Clearly, Yanran had some expectations of Xiao Yan.
Based on his recent achievements, aside from rumors involving a girl in Qingshan Town, he had no apparent flaws.....something that pleased them.
A few romantic entanglements were nothing in a world where strength determined respect; as long as Yanran secured her place, no other women would disrupt her.