Battle Through the Heavens: Beauties Abound Starting with Yunlan and Her Disciples

158: Section 158Seeing this, Xiao Xun’er shook her head helplessly and returned the salute, following his lead. She couldn’t afford to lose when it came to etiquette.

”He’s quite an interesting person; perhaps he can add some surprises to this dull life,” she thought.

As the young girl returned the salute, a faint golden light flashed in Yun Xiancheng’s eyes. [Side Quest Unlocked: Remnants of the Ancients]

[This young girl carries the secrets of the Ancient Emperor Clans. In her youth, she came to this remote place for secluded cultivation, enjoying her freedom, yet feeling that this secluded area...]

[...is far too boring. It’s filled with foolish people who don’t know the vastness of the world, and peers with poor talent are everywhere. A few years ago, there was a genius she could compete with, but that genius fell and became a shut-in for three years, making life dull again. However, your presence has caught her attention.]

007: The Engagement Annulment Scene

Inside the dim room, the candlelight flickered, its pale yellow light dancing across Xiao Yan’s old clothes, which were stained with specks of charcoal ash.

Just then, a series of light and somewhat hurried footsteps came from the side door. Xiao Mei, lifting her peacock blue skirt, fluttered in like a startled butterfly.

When her gaze landed on the crisscrossing, slightly bleeding whip marks on Xiao Yan’s bare back, the anxiety on her face instantly froze.

Over these three years... just what kind of inhumane treatment had her sister endured? As her younger sister, seeing these shocking scars with her own eyes caused Xiao Mei’s heart to tremble violently, and an indescribable bitterness and guilt instantly surged within her.

She couldn’t help but think that the relationship between them as sisters was no longer as close as it once was.

It could even be said that the current Xiao Yan felt more or less distant and resentful toward her. ”Sister...”

A soft call, carrying a long-lost intimacy and a hint of testing, escaped Xiao Mei’s lips.

This call caused the fingers of Xiao Yan, who was bowing her head to tend to her wounds, to tremble almost imperceptibly.

The rough linen cloth stained with medicinal powder slipped from her hand and fell onto the dusty floor with a ”thud.” ”What are you doing here?”

Xiao Yan didn’t look back. Her voice remained cold, carrying an indifference that kept people at a distance, as if she had put up invisible thorns. Xiao Mei, however, seemed not to notice her coldness and stepped forward gracefully.

She carefully brushed the dust off Xiao Yan’s clothes, her brow furrowing slightly. ”Why are you still wearing these old clothes? They’re... they’re all torn.”

As she spoke, she tried to wipe the wound on the back of Xiao Yan’s neck—one that appeared to be left by ropes, now somewhat swollen and scabbed.

The medicinal pills gifted by Yun Xiancheng were indeed incredibly effective. Most of the wounds on Xiao Yan’s body, large and small, had already stopped bleeding.

They were even healing and scabbing over at a visible rate, radiating a strange vitality. ”There’s no need for this fake kindness.”

Xiao Yan turned around abruptly. The wind from her movement brushed off some medicinal residue and dust, which fell rustling onto Xiao Mei’s expensive peacock blue skirt embroidered with intricate silver threads. ”This is pointless.”

She met her with a cold glare, her gaze sharp as a knife as she looked directly at Xiao Mei.

”You should know that once certain cracks appear, they can never be repaired to how they were before.” Xiao Mei’s heart tightened under her gaze, but she didn’t shrink back or offer an explanation.

She simply lowered her eyes in silence, stubbornly using her handkerchief to gently wipe the visible stains and the edges of the wounds on Xiao Yan’s body. ”I’m sorry.”

After a long while, she softly uttered those three words in a voice that was barely audible.

Xiao Mei had finally softened first, humbling herself. However, Xiao Yan’s expression remained cold and hard, without the slightest hint of being moved. ”It’s not necessary.”

Xiao Yan’s tone was flat, as if she were stating a fact that had nothing to do with her.

”Actually, over these three years, I’ve grown accustomed to this kind of life. Your sudden attempt to please me now only makes me feel... a bit uncomfortable.” The bitterness in Xiao Mei’s heart deepened. She knew well that her sister’s current attitude was largely due to her own sudden distance and coldness three years ago.

She kept her head down, looking truly apologetic, not daring to argue at all, letting Xiao Yan’s words prick her heart like fine needles. Seeing Xiao Mei’s submissive and tearful appearance...

...the pent-up frustration in Xiao Yan’s heart inexplicably dissipated by half. She wasn’t cold-hearted after all.

She turned her face away, unable to bear watching any longer. After a long pause, Xiao Mei slowly said:

”At least... at least do it for the family’s reputation. Look at how dirty and messy you are right now. What would people say if word got out? It would be very embarrassing.”

”Think about it, if you go out in these clothes... if nothing else, what if you cause the Clan Leader and the elders to lose face in front of the distinguished guests? What would we do then?”

Then, Xiao Mei lowered her voice and gave Xiao Yan a brief introduction to what the Cloud Mist Sect was. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan fell into a long silence, her eyes flickering as she pondered something.

After a moment, she finally turned back to look at Xiao Mei, the icy distance in her voice melting slightly. ”Mm... little sister, then... I’ll trouble you.”

The address ”little sister,” coming from Xiao Yan’s mouth again after three years, made Xiao Mei’s heart skip a beat.

Then, the young girl was overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of nostalgia and sorrow. She couldn’t help but recall those youthful years from three years ago.

Back then, the relationship between her and her sister Xiao Yan had never been as estranged and cold as it was now.

Shortly after, Xiao Yan changed out of her old, dusty clothes and put on a peacock blue dress that Xiao Mei had carefully prepared for her. It was one Xiao Mei had brought herself; the style was elegant, and the fabric was of high quality.

Although the two sisters had very different temperaments, their similar features combined with wearing the same color scheme gave off a unique charm.

After a bit of washing and grooming, Xiao Yan’s entire aura was refreshed, though a lingering trace of gloom and vigilance remained between her brows.

But the pride and spiritual aura belonging to the former genius girl had quietly returned to some extent. She took a deep breath and, accompanied by Xiao Mei, walked into the deep night.

By now, the sky had turned completely dark, but the Xiao Family estate was decorated with lanterns and streamers, brightly lit. The scene of grandly hosting distinguished guests stood in stark contrast to the secluded small courtyard where Xiao Yan had previously lived.

When the twilight had completely dyed the majestic bronze beast heads in front of the Xiao Family’s Council Hall into a deep dark color, a crescent moon quietly climbed into the night sky, casting a cool, silver light like water.

Inside the Council Hall, the lights were brilliant. Yun Xiancheng sat in the guest seat of honor.

Nalan Yanran was dressed in a dignified and luxurious pomegranate-red dress, the hem spreading out like a blooming flower on the cushion beside her. She knelt beside Yun Xiancheng, her posture elegant and serene.

The young girl was holding a teapot, pouring a cup of fragrant tea for Yun Xiancheng. Her movements were neither hurried nor slow, and her demeanor was neither humble nor arrogant as she calmly looked at the Clan Leader of the Xiao Family sitting opposite her—Xiao Zhan.

”Clan Leader Xiao,”

Yun Xiancheng set down the pill box in his hand and gently pushed it toward the center of the sandalwood table.

The lid opened to reveal nine round medicinal pills carefully arranged on the lining, shimmering with a precious glow under the lights.

”I have come this time to disturb your residence for the sake of an old matter. This engagement was originally... contrary to common sense and inconsistent with the natural order of things.”

”These nine portions of Qi Gathering Powder are a small token of my Cloud Mist Sect’s regard, serving as an apology for any inconvenience the Xiao Family may have faced over the years because of this matter.” His gaze swept over the members of the Xiao Family present as he continued:

”Naturally, there is also a special gift prepared for Miss Xiao Yan.”

”This pill was produced by Pill Master Gu He. It can slowly help Miss Xiao Yan increase her speed of absorbing Dou Qi.” Yun Xiancheng took out the pill specifically prepared for Xiao Yan and spoke.

Yun Xiancheng then pointed to another pile of jade bottles that had already been set aside, their numbers quite considerable. ”These are prepared for the other disciples of the Xiao Family. They aren’t exceptionally good, but they are practical.”

Xiao Zhan’s gaze had long been firmly attracted by the mountain-like pile of jade bottles on the table.

Wisps of pale purple medicinal mist curled up, emitting a refreshing fragrance. One look was enough to tell they were by no means ordinary items.

This dignified Clan Leader of the Great Dou Master level felt his Adam’s apple roll involuntarily, the sound of him swallowing saliva exceptionally clear in the quiet Council Hall.

The Cloud Mist Sect truly lived up to its name as the number one sect in the Jia Ma Empire! The resources casually brought out were likely worth as much as the Xiao Family’s entire net profit for ten years!

”Young Master Yun is too kind! Truly too kind!”

Xiao Zhan tried hard to suppress a jubilant smile, waving his hands repeatedly, though his tone betrayed an irrepressible excitement. ”We will certainly! We will certainly prioritize Yan’er’s cultivation needs and never fail to live up to the Young Master’s kind intentions!” He then changed the subject with a bit of self-deprecation and sentiment:

”Sigh, speaking of which, our fathers were momentarily confused back then, actually setting an engagement for two... two little girls...”

”Now that Young Master Yun and Niece Nalan have come in person to set things right, it has indeed settled a long-standing concern for our Xiao Family.” ”Even so, although this marriage arrangement was improper, there might be a peculiar fate between Miss Xiao Yan and me.”

Nalan Yanran, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up, her voice crisp and pleasant. She turned her gaze toward Xiao Zhan with a hint of sincerity:

”Clan Leader Xiao, if it’s possible, I personally... would like to formally invite Miss Xiao Yan to join our Cloud Mist Sect as a disciple and train with us. Of course, this ultimately depends on Miss Xiao Yan’s own wishes.”

As soon as she said this, the smile on Xiao Zhan’s face could no longer be contained, and he couldn’t help but burst into loud laughter, his face overflowing with joy and excitement.

His daughter had not only escaped that awkward marriage but had also gained the favor and compensation of the Young Sect Master of Yunlan Sect and a direct disciple. She even had the chance to join a behemoth like the Cloud Mist Sect! This was truly a monumental stroke of luck!

However, in stark contrast to the clan leader, the faces of the other three Xiao Family Elders present darkened in unison, their eyes filled with complexity and unease.

This... this was a sign that Xiao Yan was about to soar to the heavens!

Once she truly joined the Cloud Mist Sect and had such a backing, while also establishing a friendship with Yun Xiancheng, the Young Sect Master of Yunlan Sect who seemed quite caring toward her, and Nalan Yanran...

Then all the mistreatment and difficulties they had secretly put Xiao Yan through over the past three years...

For instance, surreptitiously making her do heavy chores and withholding resources... wouldn’t those likely be brought up for a reckoning?! At the thought of this, the three elders felt a chill run down their spines.

Just then, the heavy carved wooden doors of the Council Hall were slowly pushed open from the outside with a soft creak.

Then, two beautiful figures stepped into the hall one after the other. It was the sisters Xiao Yan and Xiao Mei, who had dressed up meticulously.

Both were dressed in well-fitting peacock blue dresses of similar style, accentuating their already similar features like twin flowers blooming together, each with its own grace. Yun Xiancheng’s gaze immediately fell upon them, especially on Xiao Yan, who was walking in front.

A hint of imperceptible amazement flashed in his eyes as he nodded inwardly. Beautiful, truly beautiful.

Compared to the soot-covered girl with dull eyes from half an hour ago, the meticulously washed and dressed Xiao Yan finally revealed her breathtakingly stunning Beauty.

The well-tailored dress outlined the young girl’s budding, slender figure.

Xiao Mei, following closely behind, added a touch of girlish charm and gentleness, forming a sharp contrast with Xiao Yan’s slightly heroic and cool demeanor.

Two completely different styles, yet because of their very similar exquisite faces and identical dresses, they blended together wonderfully. Rather than clashing, they added a unique, dizzying charm.

Yun Xiancheng’s gaze instantly became somewhat burning, carrying undisguised admiration and... possessiveness.

Such beauties, this pair of sisters... They truly made his heart race, giving rise to a strong urge to immediately pull them both into his arms and press them onto a brocade bed to enjoy them to his heart’s content!

With a faint smile that seemed to see through everything, Yun Xiancheng nodded slightly in their direction. ”Hehe, it seems the other protagonist of our evening has arrived.”

Yun Xiancheng smiled gently, his voice not loud but clearly reaching everyone’s ears in the hall.

”Miss Xiao Yan, Miss Xiao Mei, please come in, no need for formalities. Come, sit beside me.” He even naturally patted the empty cushion next to him, signaling them to sit down.

Beside him, Nalan Yanran might have had some slight reservations about her senior brother’s ”overly familiar” invitation to other girls to sit next to him, but her pretty face remained poised with a dignified smile, showing no sign of abnormality.

In such a public setting, especially in front of outsiders, she knew she had to maintain the etiquette and grace befitting a disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect and could not lose her composure over personal emotions.

Xiao Yan was still hesitating where she stood, seemingly at a loss regarding this sudden closeness.

However, Xiao Mei, behind her, reacted faster. She stepped forward, gently tugged on Xiao Yan’s sleeve, and then took the lead, bringing her sister along to walk obediently to Yun Xiancheng’s side and sit down as requested.

As the two girls sat down, a faint scent of their bodies—a mix of the tartness of unripe green apricots and the sweetness of roses—wafted over and filled Yun Xiancheng’s nostrils.

Mmm, this feeling.

Yun Xiancheng felt a secret thrill in his heart, thinking that this was exactly how life should be!

Embracing beauties on both sides, bringing all the world’s stunning women into his harem to share the blessings of having multiple wives—only then would this transmigration be worthwhile! Refreshing! So refreshing!

He was determined to have this pair of Xiao Family sisters! He had to find a way to take them both!

His thoughts whirled, but Yun Xiancheng’s face remained refined and elegant. He nodded slightly as a gesture of greeting between peers and said:

”Misses, we are now formally meeting. I am Yun Xiancheng, and this is my junior sister, Nalan Yanran. We are both disciples of the Cloud Mist Sect.”

”Xiao Yan.” Xiao Yan composed herself and introduced herself, her voice crisp but with an imperceptible hint of raspiness. ”This is my younger sister, Xiao Mei.”

Hearing Xiao Yan’s natural introduction, a complex and indescribable emotion surged in Xiao Mei’s heart. Her sister... had acknowledged her as her sister in front of so many people?

But then, she immediately thought of her coldness, distance, and even blatant disregard for her sister over the past three years... I... I really deserve to die!

Xiao Mei was filled with regret, secretly clenching her fists hidden in her sleeves. ”Miss Xiao Yan, Miss Xiao Mei,”

Once they were seated, Yun Xiancheng went straight to the point: ”Junior Sister Yan Ran and I have taken the liberty of visiting the Xiao Family today primarily to resolve a... well, you could call it a long-standing matter.”

”What matter?”

Xiao Yan looked up, a hint of confusion in her clear eyes as she looked at Yun Xiancheng.

”It’s about... the marriage contract,” Yun Xiancheng said slowly. ”What?!”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s eyes widened in shock as she looked at the smiling, extraordinarily handsome young gentleman in white. A marriage contract?!

In an instant, everything seemed to click into place!

Why he had given her such precious medicinal pills the moment they met... why he showed such unusual concern for a ”useless person” like her. There is no love without a reason, and no hate without a cause.

During these three years of being a fallen genius, Xiao Yan had already seen through the fickleness of the world and was almost in despair regarding human nature. Who could believe meeting someone who lent a helping hand for no reason at all at one’s most helpless moment?

Her first reaction wasn’t actually complete gratitude. Rather, it was a primitive vigilance and fear. She was afraid there was some price or conspiracy hidden behind this that she couldn’t bear.

But now, hearing the words ”marriage contract,” Xiao Yan’s heart suddenly cleared, as if she had found a logical explanation! [Ding! Detected an increase in Xiao Yan’s favorability: 5 -> 25.]

Xiao Yan’s previously dull eyes instantly lit up. She was even so excited that she subconsciously reached out and grabbed Yun Xiancheng’s hand resting on the table, asking urgently:

”Are... are you... my fiancé?!”

008 The Three-Year Agreement

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell into a dead silence.

Among them, the one whose eyes were widest was Nalan Yanran.

Her teeth couldn’t help but chatter as she looked at Xiao Yan like an enemy. It seemed these two were destined to clash.

Beside them, Xiao Mei also couldn’t help but cover her mouth, a hint of envy for her sister rising in her heart, followed by joy for her sister’s sudden rise in status. Then she noticed her own thoughts—unconsciously, she had begun to think for Xiao Yan’s sake—perhaps this was a good thing.

Xiao Yan’s fingers were still resting on the lines of Yun Xiancheng’s palm. Yun Xiancheng was also a bit stunned; he hadn’t expected things to develop this way. ”No, no!”

Nalan Yanran stepped between the two of them and said righteously, ”Senior Brother is mine! You... at most, you can only be a Little Junior Sister!”