novelraw Chapter 46 : . Affection
Chapter 46 : . Affection
In the Dou Qi Continent, only powerhouses at or above the Dou Venerate level could refer to themselves as "this master."
Upon hearing Xiao Han refer to herself as "this master," Nalan Jie was already frozen in place.
"Li-little one, wh-what did you say?" Nalan Jie asked again, unable to believe his ears.
"This master had already broken through to Dou King at the age of ten," Xiao Han repeated expressionlessly.
"You're a Dou Venerate?!!" Nalan Jie exclaimed in shock.
Xiao Han frowned slightly: "Keep it down."
After some thought, she released her Dou Venerate aura, as if to verify her words.
Feeling this aura, Nalan Jie instantly fell silent.
A nineteen-year-old Dou Venerate...
Nalan Jie felt his vision darken. What kind of monstrous talent was this?!
Xiao Han revealing her Dou Venerate identity to Nalan Jie was actually to prepare for two possibilities. If Nalan Jie truly cared about Nalan Yanran, after learning about Xiao Yan's questionable character, he wouldn't choose to force Yanran to marry Xiao Yan.
And if Nalan Jie didn't care about Nalan Yanran, then her Dou Venerate status was a warning to Nalan Jie.
Nalan Yanran didn't just have Cloud Mist Sect as her support, but also a Dou Venerate. If he wanted to do anything to Nalan Yanran, he'd have to consider whether the Nalan family could afford to offend a young Dou Venerate.
Youth meant unlimited potential.
Nalan Jie strangely guessed Xiao Han's intention, and felt quite emotional.
Having such a Dou Venerate protecting Yanran, he wondered what good fortune his Nalan family had accumulated in their previous life.
He also roughly guessed that Xiao Han's willingness to treat him was probably out of consideration for Nalan Yanran. Otherwise, why would a Dou Venerate care about the life or death of a Dou King?
"Enough, enough. You young people's affairs should be resolved by you young people," Nalan Jie sighed after a while. "We old folks are getting on in years. It's time to make way for you young ones."
Hearing this, Xiao Han understood Nalan Jie's meaning—that he would no longer interfere in Yanran's marriage. She nodded slightly and said no more.
As the tribulation lightning continued to burn, wisps of black mist quietly emanated from the bones, then were swiftly enveloped by a cluster of blood-red lightning before they could escape. Using that terrifying heavenly energy, it gradually decomposed these "Branding Venom" mists—which even Dou Huang powerhouses had to treat seriously—into nothingness.
As time silently passed, the section of blackened bone enveloped by the tribulation lightning began to return to its normal color at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Externally, Nalan Jie's entire body was now drenched in sweat, his aged face constantly twitching, with hissing sounds of cold air escaping from between his teeth.
After about an hour, seeing Nalan Jie's complexion worsening, Xiao Han withdrew her hand, pulling back the tribulation lightning.
"Is it over?" Feeling the intense pain dissipate, Nalan Jie suddenly let out a sigh of relief, his whole body looking as if he had been fished out of water.
Xiao Han glanced at him and said: "Your body can't withstand removing all the poison at once."
After speaking, she turned and opened the door.
Outside the room, Nalan Su, who had been anxiously pacing back and forth, suddenly turned his head and hurriedly took two steps forward: "Young friend, how is the situation?"
Xiao Han stepped aside, gesturing for him to see for himself.
Nalan Su's lips trembled slightly. He nervously took a step forward and peeked in, seeing his father sitting cross-legged on the bed, looking quite spirited.
"Father!" Nalan Su was overjoyed. "Young friend, has my father recovered?"
"No," Xiao Han said calmly. "The old master's body can't withstand removing all the poison at once."
"Thank you, young friend. As long as you can cure the old master, in terms of compensation, the Nalan family will absolutely not disappoint you in any way!" Looking at Nalan Jie's aged face that now had some color, the heavy stone weighing on Nalan Su's heart finally lifted.
Xiao Han glanced at Nalan Su and said coldly: "No need."
With that, she turned and left.
"This..." Seeing Xiao Han's seemingly aloof attitude, Nalan Su was at a loss for a moment.
"Enough," Nalan Jie said, looking at his son's bewildered expression. "This person came to treat me out of consideration for Yanran. Ah Su, instruct everyone in the family that they must treat this person with utmost respect. They must not offend her in any way."
"Yes, Father." Nalan Su seemed to want to say something but held back. He didn't understand why his father's attitude towards this young girl was so strange. Even if she could remove the poison, it didn't warrant such a level of respect, right? Moreover, judging by his father's tone, it seemed he was no longer concerned about Yanran breaking off the engagement.
What was going on?
Seeming to notice Nalan Su's confusion, Nalan Jie shook his head and said softly: "This person... is someone our Nalan family... no, perhaps even all our major families and Cloud Mist Sect combined cannot afford to offend."
She was a Dou Venerate, after all.
Hearing this, surprise flashed across Nalan Su's face, but he didn't doubt Nalan Jie's words at all: "Yes, Father."
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"Cousin Xiao Yan, could you please move aside?" Gu Xun'er stood gracefully, looking at the youth blocking her way, whose gaze was as lustful and vulgar as ever, and said, suppressing her disgust.
Xiao Yan had never expected to encounter Gu Xun'er in the Holy City, and at the Alchemist Grand Meeting no less. Moreover, judging by her appearance, she seemed to be a second-grade alchemist as well.
He had always known that Gu Xun'er had an illustrious status, with a mysterious and powerful background. He didn't believe that she had traveled all the way from Jia Nan Academy just to participate in an Alchemist Grand Meeting, especially right before the three-year agreement was due...
Xiao Yan's lips curled slightly upward. Perhaps this tsundere cousin, who said one thing but meant another, had come to the Holy City out of concern for him. The Alchemist Grand Meeting and her current aloofness were probably excuses she came up with because she was too embarrassed.
Yes, that's right. Xiao Yan didn't know that Gu Xun'er had also taken a three-year leave to venture out and gain experience.
"Xun'er, encountering an old friend in a foreign land is something worth celebrating. Also, to celebrate us both passing the preliminary round of the meeting, as your elder brother, let me treat you to a meal," Xiao Yan said, straightening up and putting on a gentle demeanor.
Gu Xun'er's gaze cooled slightly. She hadn't expected that he had also become a second-grade alchemist. It seemed that the secret Senior Sister mentioned was probably the key to him becoming an alchemist.
"No need, Cousin. Xun'er has some matters to attend to and can't keep you company," Gu Xun'er said.
As she spoke, Gu Xun'er took a step back, intending to turn and leave.
Seeing Gu Xun'er about to leave, how could Xiao Yan agree? He instinctively reached out his hand, wanting to grab her: "Hey, Xun'er..."
Gu Xun'er quickly sidestepped, avoiding Xiao Yan's hand.
Grasping at air, Xiao Yan withdrew his hand with an embarrassed smile: "Xun'er..."
Gu Xun'er's beautiful eyes turned cold: "What do you mean by this, Cousin?"
Xiao Yan scratched his head and laughed sheepishly: "I just reacted instinctively, that's all. After all, it's been so many years since I left home, and this is the first time I've seen a relative from the same clan. I got a bit excited for a moment."
Gu Xun'er inwardly took a deep breath, feeling that this person's face was truly as thick as a city wall.
Just as she was debating whether to use force to resolve this person's pestering, a clear voice suddenly rang out: "Xun'er."
Hearing the familiar voice, Gu Xun'er's eyes brightened slightly. She turned her head and, sure enough, saw Nalan Yanran.
Xiao Yan also saw Nalan Yanran. Unlike Gu Xun'er's joy, a flash of viciousness crossed Xiao Yan's eyes as he clenched his fist.
Nalan Yanran...
Nalan Yanran naturally saw Xiao Yan as well, but she was only surprised for a moment before frowning slightly.
"I just watched your match. Very impressive," Nalan Yanran smiled and said to Gu Xun'er. "Isn't there another match tomorrow? Why aren't you resting?"
Before Gu Xun'er could say anything, Xiao Yan spoke coldly from the side: "What do you know about us alchemists' business?"
Hearing Xiao Yan's sarcastic mockery, Nalan Yanran frowned slightly. She looked at the youth who had grown considerably taller, feeling that he had become quite unfamiliar. The only familiar thing was the seemingly never-changing gloominess between his brows.
"Xiao Yan," Nalan Yanran narrowed her eyes slightly. "Xun'er is a guest of my Nalan family. As the host, I naturally should look after her."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's pupils suddenly contracted: "A guest of your Nalan family?"
"Yes," This time, before Nalan Yanran could speak, Gu Xun'er quickly said, "I'm sorry, Cousin, but there's another match tomorrow. I think it's better if we each return to our own lodgings to rest."
After speaking, she turned to Nalan Yanran and said: "Shall we go?"
Nalan Yanran nodded, took one last look at Xiao Yan, and left with Gu Xun'er.
Watching the two leave, Xiao Yan suddenly sighed and curled his lips: "Ah, this girl is too... She actually infiltrated the Nalan family to help me. Why bother? Doesn't she believe I can defeat that bitch Nalan Yanran?"
Looking at Xiao Yan's lovestruck expression, Yao Lao, hidden in the ring, covered his face, once again doubting his luck in choosing disciples.
Arrogant, poor character, vindictive, greedy, and lecherous—should he really pass on his life's teachings to such a person?
Yao Lao shook his head and sighed.
Forget it. After the three-year agreement ends, he would leave. The years of wholehearted teaching could be considered repayment for the three years of Dou Qi nourishment.
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The final removal of the poison went very smoothly. After the last trace of poison was decomposed by the tribulation lightning, Xiao Han withdrew it.
Nalan Jie exhaled a breath of turbid air and stretched his body. With a series of "crackle" sounds from his bones, his entire aura began to rise rapidly.
"Thank you, young friend," Nalan Jie was naturally overjoyed, feeling the surging power within his body.
Because Xiao Han had explicitly stated that she didn't want others to know her true strength, Nalan Jie continued to address Xiao Han as "young friend" rather than "sir."
"Just fulfilling a request," Xiao Han said indifferently.
Over these days, Nalan Jie had more or less figured out Xiao Han's personality. In a word: cold. She seemed indifferent to everything, as if all things were straw dogs in her eyes.
He wondered how his granddaughter had become friends with such a person.
"In the future, if young friend needs anything, our Nalan family will certainly assist with all our might," Nalan Jie thought for a moment and still cupped his fists, solemnly promising.
Xiao Han waved her hand, unconcerned.
Under Nalan Su's smiling send-off, Xiao Han left the separate courtyard where the old master had been staying for treatment.
The Alchemist Grand Meeting had already ended, and only three days remained until the three-year agreement between Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan. Thus, Nalan Yanran had already returned to Cloud Mist Sect with Xiao Yi Xian yesterday, making final preparations for the three-year agreement.
Gu Xun'er hadn't left with them, still temporarily staying at the Nalan family, waiting for Xiao Han to finish her business.
Standing at the entrance of Nalan Yanran's courtyard, Xiao Han felt somewhat dazed.
"Senior Sister."
At this moment, a clear voice with a touch of girlish coquettishness unique to young girls sounded. Then, Xiao Han's vision blurred, and she saw Gu Xun'er appear before her, hands behind her back.
Looking at the young woman's delicate and beautiful face, brimming with the vitality unique to youth, Xiao Han's eyes widened slightly. Then, she slowly lowered her eyelids and took a small step back.
Seeing Xiao Han step back, a flicker passed through Gu Xun'er's eyes, and she promptly stepped forward.
Xiao Han, her thoughts somewhat unsettled, didn't notice Gu Xun'er's small movements. She thought for a moment and said, "I heard you won first place in the Alchemist Grand Meeting. Congratulations."
A smile appeared on Gu Xun'er's face. She tilted her head slightly and said, "Senior Sister, do you remember what you promised me?"
"Of course," Xiao Han nodded. "Tell me, what reward do you want?"
"Anything?" Gu Xun'er chuckled softly.
"As long as it's within my power," Xiao Han still added a condition.
Gu Xun'er tilted her head and thought for a moment, then suddenly laughed lightly. She looked up at Xiao Han and said, "Then Senior Sister, come a bit closer. I'll whisper it to you."
Xiao Han instinctively scanned the surroundings quickly. The entire courtyard had only the two of them. Because of Xiao Han's known Dou Venerate strength, Nalan Jie had long since instructed Nalan Su to remove the surveillance around Nalan Yanran's courtyard where she was temporarily staying. So she could be certain that besides them, there was no one else nearby.
Seeing Xiao Han's confusion, Gu Xun'er just curled her lips: "Senior Sister?"
Fine, let's do as she says.
Thinking this, Xiao Han stepped closer and leaned in slightly, looking at Gu Xun'er.
Gu Xun'er suddenly smiled. She stood on her tiptoes and, before Xiao Han could react, kissed her on the lips.
The soft sensation instantly overwhelmed her. Xiao Han's eyes widened abruptly. The feeling was like an electric shock, instantly sweeping through her entire body, causing her mind to go blank for a moment. She didn't immediately push Gu Xun'er away.
Feeling Xiao Han's stiffness, Gu Xun'er put her hand on Xiao Han's shoulder. Then, as if playing a prank, she licked Xiao Han's lips.
Xiao Han immediately shuddered and pushed Gu Xun'er away.
But Gu Xun'er, however, was like a cat that had stolen some cream. She licked her lips, her autumn-water eyes revealing a hint of charm.
"What are you doing?" Xiao Han stepped back, displaying anger for the first time.
Gu Xun'er smiled slightly: "Didn't Senior Sister ask what reward I wanted?"
"Xun'er is a very greedy girl, you know."
"I want Senior Sister."
Hearing this, Xiao Han's pupils contracted slightly: "What do you mean?"
Gu Xun'er put her hands behind her back and tilted her head slightly: "Does Senior Sister truly not understand?"
"I like Senior Sister. I want to be with Senior Sister."
Indescribable emotions instantly surged up like waves in Xiao Han's heart, causing her breathing to quicken for a moment.
After a long while, Xiao Han responded softly:
"It's not possible."