Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Both soft and hard tactics
Chenfeng had read countless "Battle Through the Heavens" fanfics in his previous life, and in many of them, protagonists attempted to steal the ring from Xiao Yan early on, hoping to take advantage of the Yao Chen within. But was this truly a viable path?
Who exactly was Yao Chen?
The illustrious Saint Yao Chen, revered across the Dou Qi Continent, earned his name for a reason. A man of profound strength and wisdom, his cautious nature was forged through betrayal—stabbed in the back by his own disciple, Han Feng. Such a traumatic experience left Yao Chen deeply mistrustful of others.
Even in the original story, Yao Chen didn't immediately place his faith in Xiao Yan. For three long years, he tested Xiao Yan's character through trials and close observation. Only after witnessing Xiao Yan's determination, resilience, and moral integrity did Yao Chen finally give him his full trust.
If Chenfeng were to rashly seize the ring now, he would accomplish nothing but inviting disaster.
Yao Chen's soul body, while in a weakened state, was still far beyond what Chenfeng could handle at his current level of strength. Any attempt to forcibly claim the ring could result in Yao Chen retaliating, possibly even killing him.
Moreover, Xiao Yan wasn't without protection. The unpredictable Xiao Xun'er, with her mysterious origins and hidden bodyguard, was a wildcard that could easily complicate things further.
All things considered, forcibly snatching the ring at this stage was not only reckless but suicidal. It was clear to Chenfeng that a different approach would be required—one that didn't put him at such high risk or alienate potential allies in the process.
'When I have enough strength in the future, I can consider taking Yao Chen's ring.' This thought secretly flashed in Chenfeng's mind.
"Young Master Chenfeng, how can you make me believe that the elixir you brought can restore my cultivation with just one promise?" After hearing what Chenfeng said, Xiao Yan was silent for a moment, but couldn't help but ask again.
Whether the Qi Gathering Powder is effective or not is extremely critical to him.
There was no room for sloppiness in this regard. He had to get a definite answer from Chenfeng.
"How do you want me to prove the elixir's effectiveness?"
Hearing Xiao Yan's skepticism, Chenfeng remained composed. He could see the lack of trust in the young man's eyes, but such doubts neither surprised nor irritated him. Instead, he asked calmly, as if testing the waters.
"It's very simple," Xiao Yan replied without hesitation. "Give me the Qi Gathering Powder first. If it really works, I'll naturally return and hand over the marriage certificate."
Chenfeng's expression turned cold, and a mocking smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Keep dreaming," he sneered. "What if you decide to go back on your word after recovering? Do you take me for a fool?"
His sharp tone and dismissive attitude made it clear that he wasn't someone to be trifled with. In his eyes, trust was a currency that Xiao Yan had yet to earn. This exchange wasn't about fairness; it was a negotiation, and Chenfeng held the stronger hand.
'If you don't trust me, do you expect me to trust you?'
That was utterly absurd!
Chenfeng had already gone out of his way to preserve Xiao Yan's dignity, doing everything he could to avoid provoking the young man excessively. He understood Xiao Yan's pride and position as the son of fate, but there were limits to his patience.
If Xiao Yan agreed obediently, Chenfeng would happily return to the Misty Cloud Sect, marry Nalan Yanran, and let their paths diverge without further conflict. It was an arrangement that benefited everyone—no unnecessary drama, no further hostility.
But if Xiao Yan continued to resist stubbornly, Chenfeng would no longer indulge him. He had extended enough goodwill, and Nalan Yanran's situation could not be delayed any longer. She was already pregnant, and the Misty Cloud Sect's prestige demanded he marry her yesterday.
And his teacher, Yun Yun, had made clear. When the time came, Chenfeng didn't need to waste further energy placating Xiao Yan. If necessary, he would openly announce to the world that the engagement was annulled.
And no matter how much the Xiao family protested, they would ultimately be powerless to do anything about it. The fate of this arrangement was in Xiao Yan's hands—but only for now.
"Young Master Chenfeng can rest assured. Our Xiao family has always kept our promises. Besides, with the strength of our Xiao family, we won't dare deceive Young Master Chenfeng."
Seeing the two of them confronting each other, Xiao Zhan hurriedly came out to smooth things over.
Chenfeng's expression remained calm, yet his words carried an unmistakable weight.
"So, are you implying that my Misty Cloud Sect doesn't honor its commitments, while only your Xiao family does?" He cast a sharp glance at Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan, his voice steady yet laced with subtle disdain. "If I intended to force your compliance, why would I even bother inviting you here?"
He straightened his posture, slowly standing up as he exuded an air of authority that filled the room. "Clan Head Xiao, Brother Xiao Yan," he continued, his tone measured yet firm, "you should recognize my intentions. I invited you both privately, not to humiliate you but to preserve the dignity of your Xiao family. If this issue were to become public, it would do no good to either your Xiao family or my Misty Cloud Sect."
Chenfeng began to step forward slowly, his tone gaining an edge of pressure. "I came here today out of respect and sincerity. I trust that you can see that. But let me make one thing clear—this visit is a courtesy. Should there be a next time... it will not be."
The final words lingered in the air like an unspoken challenge, underscoring the gravity of his stance.
"You ..."
Xiao Yan could hear the threat in Chenfeng's words, and he suddenly became angry, but he quickly calmed down.
A conflict with Chenfeng would do him absolutely no good. It might even bring disaster upon the Xiao family.
Moreover, he didn't not push Chenfeng too much.
In this world where the strong are respected, the weak Xiao family has no dignity at all when facing the powerful Misty Cloud Sect.
This time the other party was able to bring the Qi Gathering Powder as compensation, which was a good thing to persuade and showed sincerity.
If they really fall out with the other party, not only will he not get the Qi Gathering Powder, but he may will also cause great disaster to the family.
Thinking of this, the anger in Xiao Yan's heart quickly extinguished. In the past three years, he has learned nothing but tolerance.
Xiao Zhan, who was on the side, felt his heart skip a beat when he saw Chenfeng's angry expression.
Only now did he recall the identity of the other party. If he wanted to force the Xiao family to submit, it is not difficult to do.
Whether it is the Miteer family or the Misty Cloud Sect. They are not something that the current Xiao family can provoke.
If he really made the other party desperate enough to take action at all costs, it will be a disaster for the Xiao family.
"Yan'er, you should agree." Xiao Zhan looked at Xiao Yan who was struggling and sighed slightly.
"As Young Master Chenfeng said, he didn't came to play tricks on us."
"Father, I..." Hearing this, Xiao Yan was stunned, with a complicated expression.
Xiao Zhan patted Xiao Yan's shoulder and said seriously: "Yan'er, look at it clearly. For you, this engagement is already in name only. Whether you agree or not, there will be no relationship between you and Nalan Yanran. It's impossible..."
Perhaps he was not publicly humiliated in front of the entire clan like in the original work, but Xiao Zhan saw the situation for what it was very quickly at this moment.
The fact that Nalan Yanran would ask her senior brother to come to break off the engagement made Xiao Zhan no longer care about this engagement.
If he agreed to break off the engagement this time, he might still be able to get the Qi Gathering Powder.
If he refused and provoked Chenfeng, not only would he gain nothing, but he might also invite unnecessary trouble upon himself and his family.
Which approach to take is clear.
Xiao Yan was silent for a moment, glanced at his father beside him, and finally nodded.
"Okay, I agree to break off the engagement." In the end, he chose to bow his head.
'I, Xiao Yan, will remember today's humiliation in my heart! If I become a powerful cultivator in the future, I will set foot on the Misty Cloud Sect to demand justice!' Xiao Yan looked at Chenfeng and swore secretly in his heart.
After hearing Xiao Yan's words, Chenfeng finally showed a smile on his face.
'Sure enough, using both soft and hard tactics is the way to go!'
Then, he took out a jade bottle from his storage ring and handed it to Ya Fei on the side: "Sister Ya Fei, please hand the Qi Gathering Powder to Brother Xiao Yan."
Ya Fei nodded though ahe was a little doubtful in her heart, did the Misty Cloud Sect would really come up with such a magic elixir to compensate the Xiao family?
She hailed from the Miteer family and had managed an auction house for many years, witnessing countless miraculous pills and rare treasures. Naturally, her experience far surpassed that of the Xiao family father and son.
She also knew a lot about Xiao Yan's situation.
Over the years, Xiao Zhan also asked her about some treasures to cure Xiao Yan. But in the end, it was to no avail.
From Ya Fei's point of view, it is extremely difficult to cure Xiao Yan's problems, and she is afraid that only a rare tier 6 medical pill may be effective.
But would the Yunlan Sect be willing to give out a tier 6 medical pill?
At this moment, the Xiao family father and son also focused their eyes on the jade bottle in Ya Fei's hand.
Xiao Yan's eyes were a little hot. 'Can the Qi Gathering Powder in this bottle really bring back my cultivation talent?'
What no one noticed was that when Gu Ni saw Chenfeng take out the jade bottle, the expression on his face suddenly became extremely wonderful.
...
A/N: This book will not lick Xiao Yan, so don't worry about this.