Chapter 180: Yan Xiao and Mu Zhan

Chapter 180: Yan Xiao and Mu Zhan

"Xiao Yan."

Even though the face was unfamiliar, Mo Yu recognized him at once.

There was something about his cousin Xiao Yan, a maturity and steadiness that was uncommon for someone their age. Perhaps it was the trials of the past three years that had forged this young man into someone capable of soaring to great heights.

"Yan Xiao, you're here."

Nalan Yanran's eyes brightened as she noticed the young man in black. She quickly stepped forward to greet him. The usually aloof and proud disciple of the Yun Lan Sect Master displayed an unprecedented warmth toward this young man.

In the past few days, Xiao Yan, under the alias Yan Xiao, had successfully charmed this girl with his calm demeanor.

Seeing this, Liu Ling's face darkened, glaring coldly at the young man in black.

Mo Yu, however, found this scene amusing. If Nalan Yanran ever learned that Yan Xiao was, in fact, Xiao Yan, the same person she had unceremoniously annulled her engagement with three years ago, how would she feel?

"Mm," Yan Xiao responded coldly to Nalan Yanran's warm greeting, his gaze shifting slightly toward Mo Yu and Ya Fei.

"Hi, Mr. Yan Xiao, we meet again," Ya Fei said with a playful smile, her fox-like eyes glinting with intelligence.

"Oh? Mr. Yan Xiao and Ms. Ya Fei are well acquainted?" Nalan Yanran asked with a hint of curiosity, her brows raising slightly as she smiled.

"Yan Xiao and I have known each other for years, and we're quite close," Ya Fei said with a smile, her gaze shifting to Mo Yu. "And it's not just me. Mo Yu is also quite familiar with Mr. Yan Xiao."

Back at the Mittel Auction House, Ya Fei had already informed Mo Yu about Xiao Yan's situation, so she wasn't worried about him revealing Xiao Yan's true identity. Besides, even without her telling him, Mo Yu would have recognized Xiao Yan anyway.

"Hello, Yan Xiao," Mo Yu greeted, his tone friendly. At the same time, he sent a telepathic message to the young man in black, "Xiao Yan, it's been a while."

Hearing Mo Yu's message, Xiao Yan froze for a moment. The cold expression on his face softened, and the stern look in his eyes gave way to a youthful spark as a smile crept onto his lips. "Hello, Mo Yu."

Seeing Mo Yu again stirred up deep emotions within Xiao Yan. For the past three years, what had driven him to train so relentlessly wasn't just Nalan Yanran's annulment, but also the expectations of his father, his cousin Mo Yu, and Xun'er, who was far away. Now, after two years apart, seeing his cousin again filled Xiao Yan with renewed determination.

Nalan Yanran, standing to the side, couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy as she watched the three of them grow more familiar and friendly. She had initially thought Yan Xiao's coldness was due to his personality, but seeing him so warm and casual with Mo Yu and Ya Fei made her realize that his earlier indifference toward her wasn't about his nature at all.

"Mr. Yan Xiao, Mr. Mo Yu, Ms. Ya Fei, I'll leave you three to your conversation. Please excuse me," Nalan Yanran said politely before turning and walking toward the hall, leaving behind a graceful figure.

Seeing her leave, Liu Ling let out a cold snort. As the disciple of the renowned Dan King Gu He, he naturally looked down on Mo Yu, who hailed from the Xiao family, and the mysterious Yan Xiao.

But Mo Yu, Xiao Yan, and Ya Fei paid no mind to Nalan Yanran and Liu Ling's departure. In fact, they felt more at ease without them around.

"Hehe, who would have thought that the famous 'Twin Dragons of the Xiao Family' would reunite here in the Nalan family's home in the imperial capital?" Ya Fei said with a light laugh as soon as they were alone.

With no outsiders around, the three, who had been close back in Wu Tan City, felt no need to hide their familiarity.

"Cousin Xiao Yan, congratulations! The three-year promise is almost here, and soon you'll be able to clear your family's name and your own," Mo Yu said with a smile, looking at his cousin, who had grown so much in both demeanor and strength.

If all went as expected, the upcoming duel would be the moment when Xiao Yan proved himself and left the world in awe.

"Thank you, cousin," Xiao Yan replied, scratching his head with a smile, momentarily shedding the mature and composed facade he had developed over the years.

"Alright, you two can catch up later. The gathering is about to start, and Nalan Elder is gradually recovering. This is a big event for the Nalan family, and many important figures have been invited," Ya Fei said.

"Nalan Jie's poison hasn't been fully removed yet, but they're already celebrating? Isn't that a bit premature?" Xiao Yan remarked, shaking his head.

"It just shows how much trust Nalan Elder has in you, Xiao Yan. It seems you've indeed acquired a Heavenly Flame," Mo Yu said, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yan with a knowing smile.

With Yao Lao's help, Xiao Yan had obtained his first Heavenly Flame, despite some changes due to Mo Yu's involvement.

After a bit more conversation, Snake Uncle's voice suddenly echoed in Mo Yu's mind: "Mo Yu, your cousin carries the scent of one of my kin—a bloodline even more ancient and powerful than mine."

"Snake Uncle's kin? An ancient bloodline?" Mo Yu was momentarily stunned, and an image of a cold, seductive queen immediately flashed in his mind.

"Could it be Queen Medusa?" Mo Yu thought to himself.

If Xiao Yan had obtained the Green Lotus Core Flame, then according to the original story, Queen Medusa should have evolved into the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python and was likely with Xiao Yan.

Considering this, it wasn't surprising that Snake Uncle reacted this way. The Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python had an even more prestigious bloodline than the Seven-Winged Purple Gold Serpent, so Snake Uncle's excitement was understandable.

However, this wasn't the right time to discuss the matter. Whatever Snake Uncle had in mind would have to wait until after the gathering.

As more guests arrived, the three of them ended their conversation and headed toward the hall.

As they walked through the door, the sounds of lively conversation filled the air. At that moment, Ya Fei slipped her slender hand into Mo Yu's, holding onto him intimately like a lover.

Seeing his cousin so close to Ya Fei, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. After all, Mo Yu was engaged to Xiao Yu, and here he was, openly affectionate with another woman. But Xiao Yan wasn't one to be overly rigid. On the Dou Qi Continent, strength was respected, and it wasn't uncommon for powerful men to have multiple wives, especially someone as exceptional as Mo Yu.

Shaking his head, Xiao Yan decided not to dwell on the matter and followed closely behind the two, weaving through the crowd.

Given Ya Fei's beauty, she naturally attracted attention, and soon enough, many eyes were drawn to her and Mo Yu holding hands.

When these onlookers saw Ya Fei holding hands with Mo Yu, they were initially surprised. Then their gazes turned curious, focusing on Mo Yu's handsome face.

Ya Fei had become quite well-known in Jia Ma Sacred City, especially since she had taken charge of the Mittel Auction House's headquarters at such a young age. It was an unprecedented move for the Mittel family.

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