The sun burned high above Wu Tan City as the Xiao family's courtyard buzzed with life, resplendent in the grandeur of the Coming-of-Age Ceremony. Guests from major clans and merchants across the Jia Ma Empire gathered in honor of the Xiao Family youths stepping into adulthood. At the center of it all stood three shining stars—Xiao Yan, Xiao Chen, and Mu Lie—each already causing waves in the empire with their abnormal talent.
However, the festive atmosphere froze the moment a group of white-clad figures descended like drifting clouds.
The Mist Cloud Sect had arrived.
At their head stood Nalan Yanran, cloaked in the sect's regal robes. Her presence was radiant, composed, yet undeniably cold. Beside her were Elder Ge Ye and several other Mist Cloud elders, their eyes sweeping across the Xiao clan with indifferent scorn.
Just as the ceremony reached its peak, Nalan Yanran stepped forward, her gaze sharp as a blade, and addressed the crowd:
"Today, I come not only as a representative of the Mist Cloud Sect… but as one whose future was once bound to the Xiao Clan.
For the honor of both houses… I must dissolve that future."
Her words crashed through the courtyard like thunder. Guests gasped. Xiao Zhan's expression darkened, fists clenched at his side. But before outrage could swell, a subtle tremor pulsed through the void.
Ding! Sign-In Goddess System Activated!
Target: Nalan Yanran
Status: Eligible for Sign-In
Conditions Met: Host's destiny intersects with goddess due to ancestral betrothal.
Xiao Chen, standing not far from the central platform, felt the familiar vibration ripple across his soul. His Sign-In Goddess System, silent for days, had suddenly awakened again—and this time, with a blinding golden glow.
A virtual interface blinked before his spiritual eyes.
Would you like to sign in with Goddess Nalan Yanran?
[YES]
He accepted.
Sign-In Complete! Rewards Granted!
Phoenix Ice Vein Cleansing Pill (1x)
→ A 6th-grade pill capable of cleansing the marrow and awakening latent bloodline potential. Strengthens internal Qi channels, raising cultivation efficiency drastically.
Nine Sun Profound Essence Pill (3x)
→ A set of 7th-grade breakthrough-supporting pills that compress Dou Qi into denser forms, giving the user triple the energy during bottlenecks.
Heavenly Dao Foundation Elixir (1x)
→ An 8th-grade pill, designed to stabilize the foundation after multiple rapid breakthroughs. It merges elemental affinities and bolsters spiritual resilience.
Pharmacopedia of the Nine-Colored Flame Doctrine (1x)
→ A legendary alchemy codex rumored to be compiled by ancient Pill Emperors. Contains formulas from ungraded medicinal powders up to 9th-Grade Nine-Colored Pills, detailed furnace techniques, soul control, and pill spirit refinement.
Xiao Chen's breath hitched. These rewards… they weren't just powerful—they were legacy-tier. No wonder the system had remained dormant. It had been waiting for this moment.
Eyes glowing faintly with power, he stepped forward.
"You've come to dissolve an engagement. But I think there's a misunderstanding."
His voice was calm but carried the weight of pressure—one that made even Ge Ye's expression shift subtly.
"The ancestral engagement was not with Xiao Yan. It was with me. Xiao Chen."
Gasps echoed again. Nalan Yanran's eyes widened, flickering with confusion, then realization… and then indignation.
"Even so, I will not marry someone I do not recognize or respect."
Ge Ye nodded sharply. "As per Mist Cloud customs, such contracts must be decided by strength. If you wish to keep this engagement alive, you must prove yourself worthy!"
Even the Mist Cloud Sect Leader Yun Yun, who had watched in silence from the side, did not interfere. She understood that the Mist Cloud's pride wouldn't allow simple annulment—especially after Yanran's public declaration.
Then, another figure emerged—the famed General Nalan Jie, Yanran's grandfather. His aura was thunderous, his presence commanding.
"If you wish to uphold the contract, boy, you must match my granddaughter. In three years, defeat her in a duel before the empire's eyes. Only then can you claim her hand."
Nalan Yanran smirked coldly, confident in her path of cultivation.
But Xiao Chen looked straight at her, eyes burning with resolve. His voice resounded before the crowd:
"Three years? No. I'll give you four.
If you defeat me by then, you will be free—no ties, no obligations.
But if you lose… you will become my concubine. Not even my main wife."
The words fell like meteors, drawing shocked stares from everyone present.
Even Nalan Yanran, renowned for her composure, stumbled a step. Her pride flared—but something in her heart was stirred. Was it humiliation… or intrigue?
As the Mist Cloud Sect departed with fire in their steps, Xiao Chen turned silently toward his twin brother. Xiao Yan, smirking beside Xiao Xun'er, gave him a subtle nod.
"Looks like you found your path too, brother."
With powerful pills enhancing his foundation and a legendary Pharmacopedia now his to study, Xiao Chen's journey had just truly begun.
The countdown to four years had started.