Chapter 120: A Political Marriage
"By the way, Elder Hai, now that I've arrived in the capital, I think it's time to head to the Nalan family and annul the engagement. But, well… my family isn't with me, and Nalan Jie is a Dou Wang. I'm a little nervous to go alone. Elder Hai, if you wouldn't mind, would you accompany me?"
Xiao Yuan suddenly said with a grin.
"You? Nervous?"
Hai Bodong raised an eyebrow, giving him a look that screamed, Who are you trying to fool?
This was the guy who stole a Heavenly Flame right out from under Queen Medusa's nose. In terms of guts, there weren't many in the Jia Ma Empire that could outmatch him.
"You know how it is, Elder Hai. I'm just a regular Da Dou Shi. A Dou Wang is way beyond what I can handle."
Xiao Yuan sighed dramatically.
Hai Bodong looked at him with an expression as blank as an old stone slab.
If anyone else said this, he might believe it. But Xiao Yuan? He didn't believe a single word.
And let's not forget that Xiao Yuan had a monstrous little brother who could erupt with strength rivaling at least a Five-Star Dou Huang. Even Hai Bodong was wary of that white flame. On top of that, Xiao Yan was a sixth-tier alchemist—worth more than even Gu He in influence.
And then there was Yun Yun, a powerful Dou Huang with obvious close ties to Xiao Yuan.
Add all that up, and Xiao Yuan essentially had two Dou Huang experts behind him. In the Jia Ma Empire, there were very few who could boast such a lineup.
That was why Hai Bodong had told Mittel Tengshan earlier that even if the Mittel Clan lost him, they couldn't afford to lose Xiao Yuan.
Being aligned with Xiao Yuan meant some level of alliance with Xiao Yan—a sixth-tier alchemist.
Standing against Xiao Yuan? That would bring more problems than a collapsing volcano.
And Xiao Yuan's own talent? Terrifying.
Not to mention, he had just helped Hai Bodong restore a significant portion of his strength.
So this "favor"? Of course Hai Bodong would agree.
"Hmph, fine. I'll go with you."
Seeing Xiao Yuan's hopeful gaze, Hai Bodong relented with a reluctant sigh.
"Heh heh, thanks in advance, Elder Hai!"
Xiao Yuan beamed, clearly having expected this outcome.
"Speaking of the Nalan family, I heard they're in a bit of a crisis lately. Things are pretty chaotic."
Ya Fei suddenly chimed in with a mysterious smile.
"Hmm? What happened?"
Xiao Yuan raised a brow.
"My sources tell me that a few years ago, Nalan Jie fought a deadly Tier 5 Magic Beast—the Branded Iron Poison Python. He killed it, yes, but he was injected with its terrifying toxin: Brand Poison."
Ya Fei's eyes narrowed slightly, her smile deepening.
"Brand Poison? That's a nightmare even for Dou Huang experts!"
Hai Bodong's face turned serious. Clearly, he was familiar with this.
"Exactly," Ya Fei nodded. "He's been suppressing the poison with his Dou Qi over the years, but a few days ago, the toxin rebounded violently. Nalan Jie, a Dou Wang, collapsed. Now the entire Nalan household is in chaos, scrambling to find an alchemist to help."
Xiao Yuan's expression turned thoughtful.
With the patriarch down, this would be the worst time to bring up annulling an engagement.
"I don't like kicking someone when they're down," he muttered. "Wasn't Nalan Yanran the Misty Cloud Sect's future master? Couldn't she just ask Gu He for help? He's no slouch."
"She did. But even Gu He couldn't purge the poison. It's branded deep in the bones and marrow—just like its name suggests. No known pill can completely remove it."
Ya Fei shook her head, clearly pitying the situation.
"If even Gu He failed, what's the point of looking for more alchemists?"
Xiao Yuan asked, though he already had a strong feeling that this was going to fall into his lap.
"No idea. I haven't heard more, but you could just go and ask them yourself. I doubt they'd spit on your good intentions."
Ya Fei's words were gentle, but there was an obvious distaste in her tone for the Nalan family.
"Oh, by the way," she added. "From what I've heard, Old Nalan wasn't actually behind Yanran's decision to break the engagement. In fact, he was furious when it happened and even kicked her out a few times—though not permanently."
"Huh… sounds like he's not a bad guy after all. Maybe I'll swing by for a visit."
Xiao Yuan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Truth be told, he was more interested in the Seven Illusion Green Spirit Saliva they were rumored to have. With that, Yao Lao's soul recovery could accelerate. A restored Yao Lao would be a force even against a Dou Zong.
After all, Yao Lao was a peak Dou Zun with elite alchemy skills.
"I remember some dealings between the Xiao and Nalan clans back in the day," Hai Bodong mused. "Never thought it would come to this."
To him, Dou Wang-level affairs weren't too concerning.
"Sea Elder, the herbs are here!"
Mittel Tengshan's voice rang out before he even entered. Moments later, he rushed in, holding four exquisite jade boxes in his arms.
He placed them carefully on the table and opened each one.
"Mm. Excellent quality. As expected of the Mittel Clan."
Xiao Yuan nodded approvingly.
Hai Bodong also examined the herbs and gave a satisfied smile.
These would bring him one step closer to full recovery.
"Very good."
"Since it's for you, only the best will do. Is there anything else you need, Elder Hai? I'll dispatch people to gather it."
Before Hai Bodong could respond, Xiao Yuan handed Tengshan the prescription Xiao Yan had written.
"Grand Elder, would you mind helping us collect these? They're very important for Elder Hai's treatment."
Tengshan glanced over the list and realized most ingredients were for a Tier 6 pill. His expression grew serious.
"Don't worry. Within three days, these herbs will be delivered."
He put away the list and changed his tone.
"Elder Hai, would you consider returning to the clan estate? Your quarters have been maintained all these years."
Hai Bodong smiled gently but declined. "Not for now. It's been too long—I'd like to wander around the capital."
"Of course. Come back anytime. I'll have everything kept in top shape for your return."
"Mm."
Then Tengshan turned to Xiao Yuan.
"Your family's old residence? Ya Fei asked me to repurchase it. It's been cleaned—you can move in tonight."
Xiao Yuan blinked and turned to Ya Fei, surprised. She only nodded, her smile warm.
"Thank you, Ya Fei-jie. Thank you, Grand Elder. From now on, the Xiao and Mittel Clans are the best of allies. Heh, maybe in the future, we'll be in-laws. That'll need my father's approval, of course—but I promise you this: the Mittel Clan will one day be the strongest commercial clan on the continent!"
Xiao Yuan stood, his eyes sincere as he looked at Ya Fei and then Tengshan.
Both Tengshan and Hai Bodong smiled. Whether Xiao Yuan was exaggerating or not, one thing was certain: so long as he said it, the Mittel Clan's next hundred years were secure.
Ya Fei, meanwhile, was more focused on the marriage part. While technically a political union, they had genuine feelings for each other. It was a win-win.
"Tengshan, I'll let you handle this. I've been missing for twenty years, and I'm no longer fit to lead. You'll be the patriarch moving forward."
Hai Bodong nodded at Tengshan.
"No problem. Since our future matriarch is marrying out, we'll make sure the ceremony is grand."
Tengshan didn't know all of Xiao Yuan's secrets, but he trusted Hai Bodong's judgment.
Ya Fei, stunned, finally blurted out, "Wait—what?"
In just a few minutes, she'd gone from acting elder to future matriarch?
"B-but, Grand Elder, Elder Hai—"
Hai Bodong waved a hand, cutting her off.
"You've proven your worth. If you fail someday, the clan has every right to replace you. But I believe in your potential. Our clan's strength lies in recognizing talent. If you hadn't seen the value in Xiao Yuan early on, I'd still be in hiding. That alone qualifies you."
Tengshan laughed awkwardly. "Give her a break, Hai Lao."
Hai Bodong chuckled. "Fine, fine. You've done well too. You weren't always this capable, remember?"
Tengshan looked like he might cry from joy.
"I'll stay with Xiao Yuan a few days," Hai Bodong added. "We're practically family now. That brat inherited all my techniques—I might as well claim half a master's title."
He packed the herbs into his ring and turned to Tengshan.
"No need to clean my old quarters. I'll let you know when I plan to return."
"As you wish, Elder Hai."
"Alright, Xiao Yuan—let's head over to the Nalan estate."
(END CHAPTER)
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