44: The Xiao family, Xiao Yan!

Just as the Cloud Mist Sect distributed the invitations, Xiao Yan also received the message.

Naturally, he knew the Cloud Mist Sect was doing this to build momentum for Nalan Yanran, but he, Xiao Yan, was not someone to be trifled with.

Over the past three years, that annulment of the engagement still made him feel like a thorn in his back, a bone stuck in his throat, and sitting on pins and needles.

As the son of the Xiao Family's Clan Chief, he also had dignity; coming to his door to annul the engagement was absolutely unacceptable!

Even if what lay ahead was a mountain of knives or a sea of fire, he, Xiao Yan, had to charge through!

At this moment, inside a room in the Imperial Capital, as his Aura surged, Xiao Yan's eyes suddenly opened, and a cyan radiance shot out from them. He lightly tapped his feet, landing softly. His Aura, compared to yesterday, was completely different!

"Great Dou Master Two Star!"

Exhaling a mouthful of foul air, the excitement in Xiao Yan's eyes was impossible to hide.

From Great Dou Master One Star to Great Dou Master Two Star, this rate of improvement was certainly fast.

"Great Dou Master Two Star! It seems for this Three-Year Agreement, I, Xiao Yan, will definitely shock everyone!" Excitement flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes.

To prepare for this Three-Year Agreement, do you know what I went through these past three years?

"Hehe, for my disciple to be able to advance from Dou Zhi Qi Stage Three to Great Dou Master Two Star in just three short years, your master is very gratified!" Yao Lao's pleased voice quietly sounded.

He had witnessed the hardships endured along this path.

Without unyielding willpower, few people could truly persist through the bitterness of this journey.

"Teacher, your disciple will absolutely not disgrace your reputation!"

"After the Three-Year Agreement, Nalan Yanran, this time I, Xiao Yan, will formally and honorably break off our engagement!"

"I hope you won't disappoint me when the time comes!" Xiao Yan tightly clenched his fists.

The humiliation of the past engagement annulment—this time, he would return it all, principal and interest!

He wanted to prove to Nalan Yanran that the trash you looked down on yesterday is someone you cannot hope to catch up to today!

Just as Xiao Yan was preparing for the impending Three-Year Agreement, the related topic spread like a flood through the streets and alleys, becoming the favorite discussion topic after people had eaten and drunk their fill.

After all, facing a behemoth like the Cloud Mist Sect, they did not have the confidence to challenge them at their gates.

Let alone challenge their Young Sect Leader, Nalan Yanran.

Therefore, people had mixed opinions regarding Xiao Yan's actions.

Some thought he was grandstanding, trying to step on Nalan Yanran to rise up, while others thought he genuinely possessed strength and wanted to prove himself through this battle. Regardless, both views greatly attracted public attention. They were also eager to know whether this Xiao Yan truly possessed the rumored capabilities... The Cloud Mist Sect, as the most powerful force in the Jia Ma Empire, had reached an extremely terrifying level of foundation after generations of Legacy.

Even the Imperial Family could only temporarily avoid confrontation.

However, not long ago, a Peak Dou Huang expert suddenly appeared within the Empire's territory. His appearance delivered a direct blow to the flourishing Cloud Mist Sect.

Not only was the Sect provoked first, but even the Sect Master was abducted by him.

Such a monumental humiliation was practically unprecedented.

It wasn't that they hadn't considered revenge, but the opponent Broke Through to Dou Zong the very next day, leaving them willing but unable.

Revenge? It would only be asking for humiliation.

As a result, the Cloud Mist Sect's reputation plummeted repeatedly. Now, the Three-Year Agreement had arrived.

If they wanted to restore their reputation, they could only rely on Nalan Yanran.

As the Young Sect Leader of the Cloud Mist Sect, if she couldn't even handle a member of the younger generation who emerged from some forgotten corner, the Cloud Mist Sect would completely become the laughingstock of the Jia Ma Empire.

Therefore, everyone in the Cloud Mist Sect attached great importance to this matter, aiming only to find a Breakthrough point against Xiao Yan.

On the wide road, Xiao Yan, dressed in black robes, slowly walked toward the location of the Cloud Mist Sect.

Today was the appointed Three-Year Agreement.

At this moment, nearly a thousand people were seated cross-legged on the Cloud Mist Sect's plaza. Without exception, all of these people were wearing moon-white robes, clearly disciples of the Cloud Mist Sect.

At the top of the plaza, dozens of Cloud Mist Sect Elders were seated cross-legged, resting with their eyes closed, their expressions commanding respect without needing anger.

And on the tips of some giant trees surrounding the plaza, many figures stood, including Jia Xingtian and Fama, and even Nalan Jie and the heads and Juniors of several other Families.

Clearly, the number of people invited by the Cloud Mist Sect this time was not small.

Standing right in the center of the plaza was the Cloud Mist Sect's Grand Elder, Yun Ling, who also held the position of Sect Master. His gaze was fixed intently on the Cloud Mist Sect's main gate, from where faint footsteps quietly approached.

A black-robed young man, carrying a massive black ruler on his back, slowly walked forward under the gaze of nearly a thousand people in the plaza.

The young man's expression was neither happy nor sad. His gaze swept across the plaza and finally settled on the beautiful woman on the stone platform, who was also directing a pair of bright eyes toward him.

His voice carried a hint of indifference.

"Xiao Family, Xiao Yan!"