Chapter 405: Life and Death, Each to Their Fate!

Chapter 405: Life and Death, Each to Their Fate!

Chapter 405: Life and Death, Each to Their Fate!

“Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan!”

Xiao Yan’s calm words echoed throughout the plaza.

On the plaza, countless Yunlan Sect disciples turned their varied gazes toward Xiao Yan.

The name "Xiao Yan" wasn’t unfamiliar to them. Because of Nalan Yanran’s status as the sect’s young mistress, many disciples harbored admiration for her. Yet, Xiao Yan, who once had an engagement with Nalan Yanran, was a target of jealousy. They had often mocked him as a lowly youth from a declining clan, a toad lusting after a swan.

However, today, Xiao Yan stood calm amidst the Yunlan Sect's thousands-strong formation. Many sharp-eyed disciples felt a faint unease. This composed and steady demeanor was nothing like the rumored useless son of the Xiao Clan.

Nalan Yanran's bright eyes fixated on the slender figure standing at the edge of the plaza. Her gaze lingered on his face, where she could vaguely see traces of the young man from three years ago. Yet, the current Xiao Yan no longer carried the youthful sharpness and recklessness of those days. Instead, there was a deep, restrained aura about him.

Recalling events from three years ago, coupled with her grandfather Nalan Jie’s advice not long ago, Nalan Yanran suddenly felt as though the two of them might have a civil conversation. However, everything would have to wait until the duel concluded.

“Nalan Clan, Nalan Yanran!”

Nalan Yanran stood straight in the center of the plaza, her tone equally calm, but with a palpable air of confidence.

At this moment, on the high platform, Fa Ma’s aged eyes betrayed waves of emotion.

“That black ruler looks so familiar... Yan Xiao... Xiao Yan... Could they be the same person?” Fa Ma mused internally.

“This duel today—Yunlan Sect is likely to lose both face and ground!”

After realizing that Xiao Yan was indeed Yan Xiao, Fa Ma confidently remarked to the two people beside him. He clearly remembered the power Xiao Yan displayed the night he infiltrated the Alchemist Association’s warehouse—unmistakably at the Dou King level.

“Oh? Fa Ma, it seems you hold this Xiao Clan boy in quite high regard!”

Hearing Fa Ma’s words, Jia Xing Tian and Hai Bodong exchanged curious glances.

“You’ll understand soon enough. This Xiao Yan is far from simple!” Fa Ma teased, offering no further explanation.

"Old Jia, you've already said it. Young people often act impulsively and say things like this—it’s normal. Besides, just because he says so doesn’t mean he’s completely thoughtless." Fa Ma stroked his beard, showing his appreciation for Xiao Yan.

"This Xiao Yan is far too presumptuous. Just the other day, Junior Sister said she would go easy on him during the duel to save him from losing too badly, and even planned to offer him some compensation. His current behavior... truly wastes her good intentions!" Liu Ling, seated on the high stone platform, frowned in disappointment.

"So this Xiao Yan doesn’t know how to appreciate kindness. If I had known it would turn out like this, I should have dealt with him on the road and prevented him from reaching the Yunlan Sect or seeing Yanran. At least he wouldn’t have had the chance to say such words... But now, let Yanran handle it herself!" After Liu Ling spoke, Xiao Yixian, looking displeased, added her own thoughts.

Hearing her senior brother and senior sister's words, Qing Lin remained silent. However, inwardly, her feelings toward Xiao Yan turned sour.

In the center of the plaza, Nalan Yanran lifted her gaze and looked into Xiao Yan’s dark eyes. From those eyes, she could clearly feel an irrepressible undercurrent of resentment.

After a moment, Nalan Yanran sighed softly and replied nonchalantly, "As you wish."

Hearing Nalan Yanran’s response, Yun Leng frowned slightly. Xiao Yan’s sudden interruption left the Grand Elder of the Yunlan Sect somewhat displeased. Although he knew that Xiao Yan was no longer the waste he was rumored to be, Nalan Yanran’s talent was equally impressive. Coupled with the resources of the Yunlan Sect, her progress was astonishingly fast. In an actual battle, Yun Leng doubted Xiao Yan would stand a chance.

"Young man, it’s wise to leave a way out in everything you do. But since this is your demand, so be it. Life and death, each to their fate." Yun Leng waved his hand and spoke indifferently.

(End of Chapter)

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