Dawn broke over the Nangong residence, filling the grand hall with a soft light. Seated within were several respected elders, with the old patriarch, Nangong Jieming, occupying the main seat.
To his side sat the Second Elder, Nangong Jingtian, who was also Nangong Qian'er’s grandfather. Behind him stood Nangong Qian'er, a satisfied smile gracing her lips, filled with a sense of triumph.
“Elder Brother, I know that little Huan is your granddaughter, but she cannot cultivate. Even if she contracts a spirit beast, it’s useless. Why not let Qian'er have it? Only her ninth-level talent can truly harness a spirit beast!” Nangong Jingtian asserted, his tone aggressive.
Nangong Qian'er puffed out her chest, having informed her grandfather about this matter the night before. She was confident that the ugly girl had no choice but to comply!
Nangong Jieming’s expression darkened, his fists clenched tightly as he coldly replied, “I will not allow it!”
He had only just learned of Nangong Huan’s spirit beast contract. While he felt joy at the news, he was also worried that others might covet the spirit beast.
“Elder Brother, stop being so stubborn!” Nangong Jingtian snorted. “Our Nangong family is well-established; we can provide little Huan with a life of luxury. What good is her contracting a spirit beast? Is it just to keep as a pet? Qian'er is our family’s greatest talent; she is the hope of the Nangong family!”
As for that waste, it was a miracle she hadn’t ended up a beggar!
“We all acknowledge Qian'er’s talent. Elder Brother, please agree. Let her contract the spirit beast; it’s the most sensible choice.” The other elders chimed in, all in agreement.
After all, the spirit beast could be given to anyone, but not to that waste, Nangong Huan!
Nangong Qian'er secretly rejoiced, believing that with so many elders speaking for her, this matter was as good as settled!
“I will not agree!” Nangong Jieming said firmly, his face grim as he unleashed the pressure of his peak sixth-level spirit power, causing the elders to pale, their blood surging.
“Elder Brother!” Nangong Jingtian spoke again, “Though you are the strongest in our family, your cultivation has stagnated for years. Others think our Nangong family is merely a facade. If you give the spirit beast to Qian'er, in a few years, she will surely bring more benefits to our family!”
The words about his stagnation pierced Nangong Jieming’s heart like a sharp thorn. His fists clenched tighter, trembling slightly.
Nangong Qian'er stepped forward, her eyes slightly wet as she said, “Great-Granduncle, I’ve always regarded Huan as my closest relative. I just want to contract the spirit beast to better protect her.”
Nangong Jingtian continued to persuade, “Yes, Elder Brother, many covet the spirit beast. You are still in good health and can protect her now, but what about in the future? Little Huan cannot be sheltered under your wing forever.”
The other elders echoed, “Elder Brother, don’t be foolish. You must know how hard it is for our family to produce such a talent.”
“Qian'er’s future is bright. Elder Brother, don’t let your momentary selfishness blind you.”
“There are many who covet little Huan’s spirit beast. It would be better to give it to someone who can protect it.”
Nangong Jieming’s gaze deepened, unable to suppress his anger. Over the years, his health had deteriorated, and he feared he might leave this world at any moment.
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They were right; he could protect little Huan for now, but he couldn’t do so forever.
But at least for now—he would not allow anyone to bully her!
“I still disagree!” Nangong Jieming’s tone was resolute. “As long as little Huan is unwilling, none of you can force her!”
She was his granddaughter, and he would protect her!
Nangong Jingtian’s expression turned ugly. How could Elder Brother be so obstinate? What was so good about that waste, Nangong Huan? Apart from her status as a legitimate daughter, she was worthless!
Nangong Qian'er’s face also darkened, her heart unable to suppress a curse at the old man.
Just as the awkward atmosphere spread, a commotion was heard from outside.
Everyone turned to see Wei Yu Gong striding in confidently, flanked by a group of guards.
“What are you doing here, Wei family brat?” Nangong Jieming felt a warning bell ring in his mind, an ominous premonition creeping in.
Wei Yu Gong bowed to all the elders and gave Nangong Qian'er a reassuring glance.
“Nangong family head, esteemed elders, I’m here to annul the engagement,” he declared, his voice booming like thunder in Nangong Jieming’s ears.
At this, several elders couldn’t help but show expressions of schadenfreude.
He produced the marriage contract and ripped it into shreds, then tossed a vermilion bird jade pendant onto the table carelessly.
“The engagement is void, and I return the token of our betrothal. I hope Nangong Huan will also return her token,” he stated firmly, leaving no room for refusal.
“Impossible! I will not agree!” Nangong Jieming crossed his arms, his expression fierce.
Their family had eight branches, and he had only one seedling left in Nangong Huan. Regardless of whether she was a waste, as her grandfather, he would protect her to the end!
At that moment, another tall, shrewd old man entered the hall.
“Old Ming, my Gong’er has tested a ninth-level spirit root, a once-in-a-century occurrence. He’s about to enter the academy. And then look at your Nangong Huan—her talent and appearance are nowhere near worthy of Gong’er!” The newcomer was Wei Yu Gong’s grandfather, Wei Xuefeng.
Who in the city didn’t know that Nangong Huan had been ugly since childhood, with black spots on her face that would scare even ghosts? And now she had even tested as a zero-level talent—what a joke!
“Wei Xuefeng! Do you want to test my fists?” Nangong Jieming’s eyes narrowed, ready to fight!
When it came to fighting, Wei Xuefeng was somewhat intimidated. He truly couldn’t match Nangong Jieming, who was at the peak of the sixth level and one of the strongest in the city.
Wei Yu Gong, however, was fearless and clasped his fists. “Elder Nangong, Qian'er and I are truly in love. I hope you can bless us!”
He didn’t want to be held back by a waste. He glanced at Nangong Qian'er, and his eyes softened.
Nangong Qian'er’s face flushed, and she shyly lowered her head.
Nangong Jieming inhaled sharply, nearly fainting from anger as he watched the two gazing into each other’s eyes!
He brandished a red tassel spear, slamming it onto the ground, exuding a fierce aura. “Anyone who dares to speak another word today will face my spear!”
Little Huan had always liked Wei Yu Gong and had said she wanted to marry him when she grew up. As her grandfather, he had to fulfill his precious granddaughter’s wish!
“You, you, you! You’re unreasonable!” Wei Xuefeng was nearly driven mad.
Just then, a delicate laugh echoed from outside, “Grandfather, what’s got you so angry?”
Everyone turned to see Nangong Huan entering gracefully, followed by a mysterious guard wearing a hood.
The “guard” was munching on something.
“Huan'er, why didn’t you sleep a little longer?” Hearing her voice, Nangong Jieming’s anger dissipated, replaced by a loving smile. He sheathed his spear and waved at her.
“I just wanted to see Grandfather, so I came out,” Nangong Huan said, walking over to him with a smile, tiptoeing to pat his back and soothe his temper.
Seeing Nangong Huan appear, Wei Yu Gong immediately called out, “Nangong Huan, stop bothering me! Hurry up and return that betrothal token!”
Without a word, Nangong Huan pulled out a green dragon jade pendant from her sleeve and, as if discarding trash, tossed it at his face with a crisp sound.
“I think you might have misunderstood something. It’s I who don’t want you anymore. Our engagement is void!” Nangong Huan waved her hand.
Wei Yu Gong was momentarily stunned, the force with which the jade pendant hit him felt like a slap across his face, leaving a clear mark! Realizing what had happened, his face darkened!
Everyone was astonished. Wasn’t Nangong Huan madly in love with Wei Yu Gong? Why did it seem like she had become a different person?
Nangong Jieming wiped his forehead, uncertainly asking, “Huan'er, are you sure you want to annul this engagement?”
Nangong Huan beamed brightly, her black spots failing to conceal her beauty. “Grandfather, don’t worry. I’ve come to terms with it. I contracted a spirit beast yesterday and discovered that I can cultivate now. I’ve even condensed my spirit root!”
At her words, the expressions of everyone in the room changed once again. A waste could cultivate?