Chapter 180: "Remember to Bring More Gifts"
"What's the point of being good at fighting?" Xiao Yan mocked, stepping on Zi Ran's head.
"In this world, it's about connections and power!"
"You coward! If you're so capable, don't call for backup!" Zi Ran roared, glaring furiously at Xiao Yan.
Only after being captured did Zi Ran realize the extent of Xiao Yan's influence not three Dou Saints, but a total of twelve.
Twelve Dou Saints! Such a force could overturn the entire Northwest Continent. Zi Ran, a mere One Star Dou Saint, couldn't fathom why he deserved such relentless pursuit.
"A wild nobody like you dared threaten me?" Xiao Yan sneered at him.
"You want a duel? You're an old snake who's lived for thousands of years, and you dare suggest fighting me one on one?"
He spat directly onto Zi Ran's face.
"You dare humiliate me like this?!" Zi Ran screamed, his bloodshot eyes glaring at Xiao Yan. "Just kill me already!"
"You think I won't?" Xiao Yan retorted coldly. "Kill him."
Stepping back a few paces, Xiao Yan gestured to the burly Dou Saint holding a massive blade.
"Leave it to me, Emperor's Son," the man said, grinning as he approached Zi Ran.
"You're really going to kill me?" Zi Ran's voice wavered, his bravado crumbling.
"You're just a One Star Dou Saint. Killing you isn't difficult," the man scoffed, raising his blade high.
"Wait! Don't kill me!" Zi Ran's face turned pale, and his tone softened. "I surrender! I can be your mount, your loyal spirit beast. Let me join the Xiao Clan!"
His sudden change in attitude left even Xiao Yan momentarily speechless.
"Xiao Yan, you cannot let him live!" a hoarse voice interjected it was Caiyu, the First Medusa.
She glared coldly at Zi Ran.
"This coward not only fears death but also betrays his masters."
"What do you mean?" Xiao Yan asked, confused.
Caiyu smirked, her gaze icy.
"Before pledging himself to my father, this beast was the mount of a Dou Venerate. But when his master was gravely injured, Zi Ran turned on him and devoured him alive."
"Not only that, our faction was ambushed by a fallen tribe because he betrayed my father's whereabouts. He's a coward and a traitor."
Her words carried a murderous edge, her hatred for Zi Ran clear.
"I see," Xiao Yan muttered, glancing down at Zi Ran in disgust.
"A triple faced servant... No wonder you hate him so much."
Xiao Yan turned to Caiyu and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Senior. I had no intention of sparing him."
"You can't kill me!" Zi Ran shrieked in panic. "I'm a Ninth Rank Magical Beast! I can be a mount for the Xiao Clan I would never dare betray a power as great as yours!"
"A Ninth Rank Magical Beast?" Xiao Yan sneered. "It took you thousands of years to reach that rank. You're not even qualified to be a dog for the Xiao Clan."
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Yan repeated, "Kill him."
"No! Please, no!" Zi Ran pleaded desperately, but his cries were cut short as the blade flashed.
The burly Dou Saint's strike was precise, severing Zi Ran's head from his body in an instant. If Xiao Yan had attempted the execution, it would've taken him days due to Zi Ran's durable Ninth Rank body.
As blood gushed from Zi Ran's neck, a small purple snake shaped soul emerged, only to be swiftly caught by the Dou Saint.
"Emperor's Son, what should we do with his soul?" the man asked, turning to Xiao Yan.
"Take it back to the clan and toss it into the Soul Nourishing Grounds. I won't need it for now," Xiao Yan replied with a smile.
"Jie jie jie, thank you, Emperor's Son!" The Golden Twelve Saints exchanged grins.
A Dou Saint's corpse was a treasure trove, and killing a Dou Saint contributed significantly to their clan. Wild Dou Saints were rare, and due to the Xiao Clan's power, most people wouldn't dare provoke them, making such opportunities few and far between.
With Zi Ran's soul collected, his body reverted to its original form a massive purple python resembling a mountain, its lifeless eyes dull and empty.
"Emperor's Son, can I take the snake gallbladder to brew wine?" the burly Dou Saint asked eagerly.
"You're welcome to take anything valuable from the body magic core, precious parts, whatever you want," Xiao Yan said cheerfully. "I only need the snake's head for a little project."
His generosity stunned the Golden Twelve Saints.
The Dou Saints were delighted. Xiao Yan's thoughtful demeanor, despite his youth, won their admiration. Even Xiao Lin, standing among them, smiled proudly.
"My grandson may be mischievous, but he never drops the ball when it matters most," Xiao Lin thought to himself.
Farewell
After the Dou Saints divided the spoils, they bid Xiao Yan farewell, visibly pleased with their rewards.
As the group departed, Xiao Lin pulled Xiao Yan aside, lowering his voice.
"How's everything with the Nalan family?"
"It's all handled. Very amicably," Xiao Yan replied.
"Good, then I can visit Nalan Jie without worries," Xiao Lin said, patting Xiao Yan's shoulder.
"So, how's his granddaughter?"
"She's quite pretty."
"You brat! I meant, have you arranged everything for her?"
"Don't worry. She won't be the main wife, but she can still be a concubine," Xiao Yan said with a sly grin.
Xiao Lin froze, then widened his eyes in disbelief.
"You canceled her engagement, only to make her your concubine?"
"Is there something wrong with that?" Xiao Yan asked innocently.
"Did the girl agree? You didn't force her, did you?" Xiao Lin's tone turned stern. "I swear, if you forced her, Emperor's Son or not, I'll break your legs!"
"Grandfather, you should know my charm by now." Xiao Yan rolled his eyes.
Only then did Xiao Lin relax, letting out a relieved sigh.
"Good. In that case, I'll pay Nalan Jie a visit."
"Make sure to bring plenty of gifts," Xiao Yan added with a mischievous smile.
"What do you mean by that?" Xiao Lin asked, confused.
"You might have more granddaughters in law over there than you expect. You'll understand when you meet Second Brother."
Xiao Yan clasped his hands behind his back and walked off, looking completely innocent.
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