"Sister Xue, you're back?"
Xiao Xun Er smiled gently, but her smile sent a chill down Xiao Xue's spine.
"Sister Xue, you probably haven't explored the Imperial City yet, have you?" Xiao Xun Er said, taking Xiao Xue's arm. "Xun'er will accompany you on a tour."
Without waiting for a response, she led Xiao Xue away from the Xiao Residence.
Xiao Xun Er took Xiao Xue on a day-long tour of Gama Emperor City.
They bought clothes in the east, jewelry in the north, watched street performances in the south, and bought snacks in the west.
The two wandered until sunset before returning to the Xiao Residence.
Then, Xiao Xue was hurriedly taken by Xiao Zhan to the Nalan Family banquet.
Thankfully, her Dou Qi cultivation was quite high; otherwise, she might not have endured it.
Xiao Xue couldn't help but marvel at Xun'er's... no, at Xiao Xun Er's formidable shopping prowess.
Xiao Xun Er was not on the Nalan Family's guest list, so she could only watch as Xiao Xue and Xiao Yan headed to the Nalan Residence together.
Then, Xiao Xun Er took a deep breath and said, "Old Ling..."
"...Yes, Young Miss." Ling Ying transformed into a black shadow, blending into the night.
That night, at the Nalan Residence.
The sky had gradually darkened, but the streets of the Imperial City were still brightly lit.
Countless people bustled through the streets, the crowd rivaling that of Wutan City's largest marketplace.
Tonight, the Nalan Family was hosting a banquet, inviting various families from the Imperial City to celebrate Nalan Jie's recovery.
The banquet was actually a show of force, announcing Nalan Jie's return as one of the Jia Ma Empire's top ten powerful figures.
It was a deterrent to families with ulterior motives.
However, for the Xiao Family, who were on good terms with the Nalan Family and had a marriage arrangement with them, it was simply a social visit.
Xiao Zhan led Xiao Yan and Xiao Xue to the Nalan Residence with ease.
The Nalan Residence was not far from the Xiao Residence, making the journey convenient.
The expansive gate of the Nalan Family Residence came into view.
As they approached, a lively mix of laughter and music could be heard from within.
Approaching the gate, Xiao Xue casually glanced up.
It was clear that the Nalan Family valued this banquet highly. Nalan Su, the acting head of the Nalan Family, was personally greeting guests at the entrance, giving them Face.
Nalan Su's eyes lit up when he saw Xiao Zhan and the others. After instructing the person next to him, he quickly approached.
"Ha ha, Brother Xiao, long time no see." Nalan Su greeted Xiao Zhan with a cupped fist.
"Brother Xiao, Nephew, Niece, please come in." Nalan Su personally led the way for the three of them.
Xiao Xue raised an eyebrow and smiled.
Mystery solved—turns out, I'm the esteemed guest!
Along the way, Xiao Zhan and Nalan Su exchanged compliments.
One praised the other's child for their talent, while the other commended the Xiao Family's twin stars for their exceptional aptitude.
Faced with Nalan Su's praise, Xiao Zhan remained humble, but his smile was evident.
With a Fifth-Grade Alchemist and a son who had advanced from three segments of Dou Zhi Qi to Dou Practitioner in a year, he had every reason to be proud.
It was unlikely that anyone in the Jia Ma Empire could match Xiao Yan and Xiao Xue's talent.
Xiao Zhan and Nalan Su chatted as they walked, with Xiao Yan and Xiao Xue following closely behind.
"I wonder where Nalan Yanran is now?" Xiao Zhan casually inquired about Nalan Yanran.
This visit would certainly touch on Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's engagement.
"Oh, Pill King Gu He just arrived, and I asked Yanran to accompany him to see the Old Master," Nalan Su replied.
"Yanran should be with the Old Master now."
Gu He is a guest elder of the Cloud Mist Sect, and Nalan Yanran is the Young Sect Leader, so it was appropriate for her to receive him.
Xiao Yan glanced at Xiao Xue and said quietly, "Little Sister, Pill King Gu He is probably here to see you."
Pill King Gu He holds a prestigious position in the Jia Ma Empire, and he could have sent a Disciple to such a banquet.
His personal attendance suggested that he wanted to meet Xiao Xue, the fifteen-year-old Fifth-Grade Alchemist.
Especially since Xiao Xue possesses the Water Attribute Dou Qi!
Xiao Xue nodded indifferently, understanding Gu He's intentions.
Gu He is cunning but lacks true courage; he is not someone to be concerned about.
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