In fact, Gu He is quite pitiable. After years of devotion, the woman he admired ended up with someone else—someone who had also stolen his Mysterious Flame.
In the end, his devotion left him with nothing.
Moreover, although Gu He is a guest elder of the Cloud Mist Sect, he has no real freedom.
He is only kept around because he is still useful. If he were to lose his usefulness or try to leave the Cloud Mist Sect, Protector Wu of the Hall of Souls would extract his Soul.
A Sixth-Rank Alchemist's Soul is a top-tier resource in the Northwest Continent, and the Hall of Souls would not let it go to waste.
However, since Xiao Xue and Gu He have no real bond, the most she would do is save his life if she encounters him at the Hall of Souls in the future.
His ultimate fate will depend on his own actions.
After walking through several alleys, the spacious main hall of the Nalan Family Residence came into view.
The hall was filled with people engaged in lively conversations, creating a festive atmosphere.
A middle-aged man deep in conversation with Nalan Jie was likely Pill King Gu He.
Standing next to them were a young man and a young woman—Nalan Yanran and a man in an Alchemist's robe bearing a Second-Grade Alchemist badge.
He seemed quite proud of his status as a Second-Grade Alchemist.
The young man appeared to be in his early twenties, with a tall and handsome figure but a somewhat effeminate demeanor.
Nalan Yanran noticed Xiao Yan from a distance, and their eyes met in a somewhat awkward exchange.
Xiao Yan felt a bit embarrassed and touched his nose. For now, Nalan Yanran was still his fiancée.
However, their current relationship was somewhat strained.
"Old Master." Nalan Su stepped forward and greeted Nalan Jie and Gu He, whispering something to them.
Nalan Jie smiled and approached with Gu He, followed by Nalan Yanran and the young man.
"Greetings, Old Master, Greetings, Great Master Gu He."
Xiao Zhan quickly bowed to Nalan Jie, with Xiao Xue and Xiao Yan following suit.
"Xiao Zhan, you have great fortune," Nalan Jie laughed heartily. "It looks like you'll Breakthrough to the Dou Spirit realm in a few years."
Then, turning to Xiao Yan and Xiao Xue, he hesitated, "You... hmm?"
Nalan Jie, a high-level Dou King, could discern the cultivation levels of Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan with a glance.
Xiao Zhan was a Seven-Star Great Dou Master, close to breaking through to the eighth star, and Xiao Yan's cultivation talent had returned and even surpassed its previous state.
However, what surprised Nalan Jie was that he couldn't determine Xiao Xue's true strength.
Gu He also turned his attention to Xiao Xue. "You are Xiao Xue, the Fourth Young Miss of the Xiao Family?"
Xiao Xue stepped forward and smiled. "Junior Xiao Xue greets Senior Gu He."
"Such powerful Soul Power..." Gu He was secretly astonished. Xiao Xue's Soul Power was almost on par with his own.
Gu He wanted to inquire further but didn't know how to ask.
He was already half-convinced that Xiao Xue was an Alchemist.
After all, Fa Ma and Jia Xingtian would not joke about such matters, and Xiao Xue's immense Soul Power was genuine.
"Come, come, come, let's give the young ones some space," Nalan Jie said, leading Gu He away.
He understood Gu He's intentions but knew that, as the host, he had to prioritize his guests.
Gu He couldn't be offended, but Nalan Jie would still give him Face.
If Gu He wanted to discuss Alchemy, he could do so after the banquet.
Xiao Zhan also left with Nalan Su, leaving Xiao Yan, Xiao Xue, Nalan Yanran, and the young man alone.
The four exchanged glances but remained silent.
After a brief pause, Nalan Yanran introduced the young man. "This is my friend, Liu Ling."
"He is also an Alchemist, a Disciple of guest elder Gu He."
Then, Nalan Yanran introduced Xiao Yan to Liu Ling. "This is Xiao Yan, my... uh, fiancé."
"Friend?" Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, looking at Liu Ling.
With the experience of two lifetimes, he was adept at reading people.
Nalan Yanran might not have feelings for Liu Ling, but Liu Ling's intentions were likely not pure.
"Nice to meet you, Brother Xiao Yan." Liu Ling smiled warmly and extended his hand.
Xiao Yan smiled slightly and shook Liu Ling's hand. "Nice to meet you, Brother Liu Ling."
"Since Yanran has a engagement, I hope Brother Liu will be mindful of appearances and avoid giving others a reason to gossip."
Although Xiao Yan had no feelings for Nalan Yanran, as a man, he couldn't ignore someone coveting his fiancée.
To Xiao Yan's surprise, Liu Ling agreed without hesitation. "Of course."
Xiao Yan was taken aback but then noticed Liu Ling stealing glances at Xiao Xue.
Xiao Yan's expression darkened, and he stepped in front of Xiao Xue, blocking Liu Ling's view.
This guy had the nerve to shift his attention to Xiao Yan's sister after realizing Nalan Yanran was off-limits!
Who does he think he is, daring to set his sights on Xiao Yan's sister?!
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Thank you to Chief Mate [Fallen Angel of the Starry Sky] for the 10,000-point donation. Boss is awesome.
Additionally, regarding Xiao Yan's romantic interests, please share your thoughts and suggestions here for The Author's reference.
Xiao Yan's romantic line is significant and should be given due consideration. Thank you.
A: Nalan Yanran
B: A young lady from a prominent Family in the Central Region, such as Han Yue from the Han Family, Cao Ying or Dan Chen from the Pill Tower, or another character (please specify their background and approximate time of appearance).
C: Other
Some may suggest Yun Yun, but since Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's engagement has not been annulled, Yun Yun's romantic line may not develop smoothly and could potentially fail.
As for a master-Disciple relationship... that is out of the question; it won't be considered.
Ultimately, the choice is yours—who will be the mistress of the Endless Fire Territory, and whether there will be one or two, depends on your preferences.
That's all for now; The Author will check back later.
Until next time.
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I've posted 40+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right now but who knows what the future holds?
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