Chapter 275: First Meeting with Nalan Yanran

In the Gamma Empire's capital resided three great families: the Nalan family, the Mu family, and the Mittel family.

The Mu family held prominent positions in the military and had a formidable reputation. The Mittel family thrived through commerce and amassed vast wealth. The Nalan family, on the other hand, owed its rise to its scholarly heritage. Its status as one of the great families stemmed from the strength of its patriarch, Nalan Jie, a Dou King-level expert.

As Mu Chen approached the Nalan residence, an impressive and grand mansion came into view. At the gates, a line of people dressed in the distinctive robes of alchemists stood waiting. Each robe bore a silver stripe, indicating their rank as alchemists.

Those with three or more silver stripes were allowed entry, while those with fewer stripes were politely turned away.

Looking at the long queue, Mu Chen muttered, "If we queue up, who knows how long we'll be standing here."

"Mu Chen-gege, it looks like we might have to wait for a while," Gu Xun'er remarked.

Gu Xun'er, having acquired the fragment of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade from the Xiao family, no longer had a reason to stay in Wu Tan City. Her reluctance to part ways with Mu Chen led her to accompany him. Though she claimed their routes coincided as she made her way back to the Gu Clan, Mu Chen saw through her excuse.

Wu Tan City, Zhongzhou, and the Gamma Empire's capital formed a triangle—not even close to being along a straight path. Her real reason was clear: she simply wanted to spend more time with him.

"Wait in line? Not happening," Mu Chen said with a smirk.

"What are you planning to do, Mu Chen-gege?" Gu Xun'er asked, curious.

"Nalan Jie! Do you still want that poison burned out of your body?" Mu Chen shouted toward the Nalan residence.

His voice, amplified by his soul power, spread in waves, shaking the ground. Those standing close stumbled and fell, startled by the sudden impact.

A Nalan family servant hurried to the gate, glaring at Mu Chen. "Who dares shout so loudly and disrespect our master's name at our doorstep?"

"You are not qualified to speak to me," Mu Chen replied coldly.

The servant bristled but swallowed his anger, cautious not to offend someone of unknown power.

A moment later, a middle-aged man with a commanding presence emerged, accompanied by a young girl no older than five.

"Young man, do you claim you can remove my father's poison?" the middle-aged man asked, scrutinizing Mu Chen with doubt.

"Your father? You must be Nalan Su," Mu Chen said.

"That's correct," Nalan Su replied.

"Take me inside," Mu Chen instructed, glancing briefly at the young girl.

The girl had a delicate appearance with jade-like hands and flawless skin. Her charming smile radiated a hint of ethereal grace. Her earrings, made of green jade, emitted a pleasant chime with every slight movement. This girl could only be Nalan Yanran, the fiancée of Xiao Yan.

Nalan Su, though cautious, dared not offend Mu Chen after witnessing the earlier display of his strength. "This way, please."

As Mu Chen followed Nalan Su into the residence, he noted the carefully laid stone paths and the presence of hidden sentries. The Nalan family's security was unusually tight, more akin to a royal palace than a noble estate.

During the walk, Nalan Su tried to probe Mu Chen about his origins. Mu Chen's answers were brief, revealing only that he had recently been in Wu Tan City and came from a small village.

From the conversation, Mu Chen also learned about Nalan Jie's condition. Years ago, he had fought a Poisonbrand Serpent, leaving him with a lingering poison. Recently, the poison had flared up, rendering him unconscious. Desperate, the Nalan family sought help from alchemists.

An elderly alchemist exited a room, shaking his head in defeat. "Apologies, Lord Nalan. The poison is too stubborn. I've tried over ten antidotes, but none have worked."

"Master, great news!" a servant exclaimed as he rushed into the hall.

"Great news?" Nalan Su frowned. "My father is unconscious. What great news could there be?"

"Master, Dan King Gu He has arrived at the mansion!"

"Gu He? Quickly, invite him in! No—I'll go greet him personally!" Nalan Su hurried out, returning moments later with a man wearing an alchemist's robe adorned with six silver stripes.

Mu Chen watched the spectacle with indifference. "Nalan Su, take me to see your father," he said calmly.

Hearing this, Gu He frowned and gave Mu Chen a disdainful glance.

"Young man, perhaps you should wait here," Nalan Su suggested cautiously.

"Wait? Why would I wait? Don't you want to save your father?" Mu Chen asked, his tone sharpening.

"Who is this boy?" Gu He asked, his displeasure evident.

"His name is Mu Chen," Nalan Su answered.

"An alchemist?" Gu He inquired skeptically.

"He must not know who Master Gu He is!" One of the other alchemists in the room seized the opportunity to mock Mu Chen.

"That's right! This is Dan King Gu He. He's the most qualified person here to treat Nalan Jie. Let him do his work first!"

Smack!

Mu Chen flicked his hand, sending a slap flying across the alchemist's face.

"You… you hit me?" The alchemist clutched his cheek, stunned.

Smack!

Mu Chen struck him again.

"Twice? You hit me twice? You must explain yourself!" the alchemist shouted, his voice trembling with anger.

"Explain? You interrupted when I was speaking with Nalan Su. What right do you have to speak here? Slap yourself!" Mu Chen commanded coldly.

Smack! Smack! Smack!

The hall echoed with the so

und of repeated slaps, as the alchemist obeyed Mu Chen's intimidating presence without protest.

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