area51novel 176. Inviting someone to a contest
176. Inviting someone to a contest
Looking at Xiao Yan, who was only twenty years old but already a distinguished guest of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion, a super power in the Northwest Region, and whose combat strength was astonishing, Gu He hesitated and said, "Elder Xiao, please speak."
Ya Fei, who was also in the council hall, clenched her hands tightly upon hearing what Xiao Yan said, appearing extremely nervous.
"I heard that you have an engagement with Ya Fei, the auctioneer from the Mittel family. I want to cancel the engagement," Xiao Yan replied calmly.
When Xiao Yan asked this question, most of the people in the hall showed understanding on their faces. After all, Xiao Yan had left with Ya Fei yesterday. Ya Fei's beauty was undeniable, absolutely top-tier, and she and Xiao Yan had known each other for a long time. It wasn't surprising that Xiao Yan, who had achieved fame at a young age, would fall for her. Moreover, Ya Fei had only been at the Mittel family headquarters for a short time and had already demonstrated considerable skill; her fame had long surpassed mere appearance. It wasn't incomprehensible that Xiao Yan would be attracted to her.
Of course, those who were interested looked somewhat dejected. Jia Xingtian and Nalan Jie were both filled with regret. They shouldn't have acted rashly without understanding Xiao Yan's preferences. They never expected that Xiao Yan truly liked this type of person!
Gu He clearly hadn't expected Xiao Yan to make such a request. Although Ya Fei was good, he didn't really care about her and wasn't willing to marry her formally. However, since the Mittel family proposed that she be a concubine, Gu He didn't think it was a big deal.
To risk antagonizing the elders of the Heavenly Serpent Palace for the sake of a woman like that, in all fairness, is not worth it for Gu Heju!
Although it's not very respectable for Xiao Yan to make such a request directly, it still depends on who is making the request.
Just as Gu He was about to agree, his gaze swept over Yun Yun and he found that Yun Yun's gaze was completely fixed on Xiao Yan, and that her gaze clearly contained a hint of jealousy!
Although Gu He was unmarried, he had been in contact with many women since childhood, and at this moment he could already understand the relationship between Yun Yun and Xiao Yan!
Moreover, after he arrived, he already knew that Xiao Yan's initial appearance was to save Yun Yun, who was about to be killed!
An anger welled up in Gu He's heart, and he snorted coldly: "Originally, I was not qualified to negotiate with Elder Xiao, but I really dare not agree to forcibly break the engagement."
Before arriving here, Xiao Yan had briefly explained to Yang Lingyan his intention to help Ya Fei. Yang Lingyan was confident that this was a piece of cake and was more concerned about the relationship between Xiao Yan and Ya Fei. Little did he expect to run into a snag right here at Gu He's place!
Yang Lingyan frowned and said, "Gu He, do you know what you're saying?"
"Young Master, Gu He dares not offend the Heavenly Serpent Manor, but this is a matter of mutual affection, please forgive him!"
Standing nervously to the side, Ya Fei's usually dignified and elegant face showed a rare expression of anger upon hearing Gu He's words: "Gu He, what nonsense are you talking about? When did I agree to marry you?"
Mitteltenshan tried to stop Yafei, who was acting impulsively, but Yafei was acting out of character and wouldn't budge an inch.
Teng Shan was surprised that Xiao Yan was actually willing to stand up for Ya Fei, as his investigation revealed that Ya Fei and Xiao Yan's relationship wasn't particularly close. Gu He was even more surprised that Ya Fei refused to marry him. Being refuted by Ya Fei in this situation meant that even if this matter passed, Gu He would have no chance of marrying Ya Fei again.
Teng Shan's feelings were extremely complicated at this moment. After all, Xiao Yan said he wanted to cancel their engagement, not that he wanted to marry Ya Fei. If Xiao Yan left immediately after resolving this matter, the Mittel family would not only lose a powerful ally, but also offend Gu He, the number one alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire!
Yang Lingyan sneered twice: "Since she doesn't want to marry you, Gu He, are you still going to continue this engagement?"
At this moment, Gu He instantly became the center of everyone's attention. Normally, if someone offended Gu He, none of the powerful figures present would ignore it. After all, getting Gu He, the Pill King, to owe a favor was a rare opportunity.
However, no one in the Gama Empire can afford to offend these two individuals, so most of the powerful figures are waiting to see Gu He make a fool of himself.
Seeing the scene before him, Gu He was somewhat embarrassed, but he still forced a smile and said, "Since Miss Ya Fei has no such intention, let's dissolve this engagement!"
Xiao Yan nodded simply, finding it somewhat absurd. Back then, Nalan Yanran had used the power of the Yunlan Sect to forcibly break off their engagement. And now he was going to have to rely on the power of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion to break off Ya Fei's engagement.
As for offending Gu He, neither Xiao Yan nor Yang Lingyan took it too seriously. Ya Fei becoming Gu He's concubine was something done without her permission. While a sixth-grade alchemist was valuable, she wasn't powerful enough for the Heavenly Serpent Mansion to be afraid of. No matter how strong an alchemist's influence or ability to rally support, it couldn't possibly rival the current power of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion.
Gu He glanced at Yun Yun again, and he was displeased to find that from the moment Xiao Yan appeared, Yun Yun's gaze had almost never left him. This discovery fueled Gu He's jealousy, as he had always admired Yun Yun. After obtaining the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame, he was convinced that he was worthy of Yun Yun, and he could say that his feelings for her were deep and unwavering. He wouldn't even marry Ya Fei.
Seeing Xiao Yan and Yun Yun's current state, he was extremely dissatisfied. His initial awe of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion vanished with this change in mood.
"I am unworthy to ask Elder Xiao for some guidance," Gu He said.
Xiao Yan and his companion, who were just about to leave, were stopped in their tracks by these words. Yang Lingyan's face showed impatience: "Gu He, you..."
But before he could finish speaking, Xiao Yan grabbed his shoulder and asked, "What are you planning to compete in?"
"Although I've only just arrived at Black Mountain Fortress, I've already heard about Elder Xiao's fierce battle against several powerful Dou Zong masters. Gu He's strength is far inferior to Elder Xiao's." Gu He then changed the subject, saying, "I've heard that Elder Xiao is a master of fire. I, Gu He, would like to challenge Elder Xiao to a contest of fire control techniques!"
"Heh," Xiao Yan chuckled calmly, "Even if I win with the fire control technique, I'm afraid you won't be convinced."
"Let's test your skills, what you do best: alchemy!"