BTTH: Many children bring more blessings, I will build strongest clan

**Chapter 21: First Meeting with Xiao Yan**

"Master Chen Feng, why are you inviting the Xiao family father and son to dinner?"

Master Gu Ni was puzzled and slightly displeased upon hearing that Chen Feng had personally invited the Xiao family to a banquet.

"What is the Xiao family, after all? They're just a small clan in Wutan City."

To Gu Ni, Chen Feng's status and position far outweighed the worth of the Xiao family.

"Why bother with them?"

If anyone deserved such a gesture, it should be someone like him—a second-rank alchemist with a respectable standing in the Mittel family. Even Xiao Zhan, the head of the Xiao family, would bow respectfully upon seeing him.

"Is something going on, Master?"

Gu Ni's curiosity grew as he watched Chen Feng leisurely sip his tea in the pavilion of Ya Fei's courtyard, a table laden with fine wine and delicacies beside him.

"Master, do you need something from the Xiao family?" Gu Ni confidently added, "That's easy. There's no need for you to go out of your way; I can handle it personally."

"I'll speak to Xiao Zhan. It'll be an honor for them to serve you."

Gu Ni's chest swelled with pride. In Wutan City, his influence was unmatched.

As a second-rank alchemist, he enjoyed respect throughout the Jia Ma Empire. Who would dare refuse him?

Chen Feng narrowed his eyes, smirking slightly.

"Master Gu Ni, you seem rather full of yourself. I take it you abuse your status quite often, don't you?"

The smirk on Chen Feng's face made Gu Ni pause, his confidence wavering.

"Ah… well…"

Gu Ni chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head.

"Young Master, as a second-rank alchemist, I do command a bit of respect in this small city."

Puffing out his chest, Gu Ni continued, "If you need anything from the Xiao family, just leave it to me. I'll make sure they handle it perfectly."

To Gu Ni, bending the Xiao family to his will was a trivial task.

The idea of Chen Feng personally entertaining Xiao Zhan irked him.

"Even I haven't received this kind of treatment. Why should the Xiao family?"

Chen Feng's gaze sharpened as he interrupted Gu Ni's ramblings.

"Are you teaching me how to handle things?"

Gu Ni stiffened. After a brief silence, he laughed nervously.

"I wouldn't dare, Young Master… not at all."

Chen Feng's eyes remained cold.

"The Xiao family will arrive shortly. Keep yourself in check. If you ruin this for me, there will be consequences."

Chen Feng had meticulously planned for this engagement annulment and would not let Gu Ni interfere.

He had only involved Gu Ni because of his influence in Wutan City—someone who could smooth things over if tensions rose.

Moreover, Gu Ni's strength as a high-level Dou Shi made him the most formidable person in the Wutan City branch of the Mittel family. If Xiao Zhan reacted poorly to the annulment, Gu Ni could provide support.

"When dealing with uncertain situations, it's best to tread carefully."

Chen Feng was not about to risk everything in a minor city like Wutan.

"Rest assured, Master Chen Feng. I won't disappoint you."

Gu Ni's tone shifted to one of deference, sensing Chen Feng's seriousness.

If it were anyone else from the Mittel family, Gu Ni wouldn't be so humble.

But Chen Feng's status as the Yunlan Sect's true disciple placed him far above others. Gu Ni had no choice but to tread carefully.

"By the way, do you still have that 'good stuff' from last time?"

Chen Feng's eyes glinted as he remembered something.

Gu Ni blinked in confusion.

"Good stuff?"

It took him a moment to realize what Chen Feng meant. His face lit up in amusement.

"Ah… you mean that. Why the sudden interest?"

"Just hand it over if you have it," Chen Feng said impatiently.

Gu Ni laughed, recalling Chen Feng's previous dismissive attitude.

Still, he retrieved a jade bottle from his storage ring and passed it to Chen Feng.

"Of course, I always keep some in stock."

Chen Feng tucked the bottle away with a serious expression.

"It's not for me. Don't get the wrong idea."

"I understand, Young Master."

Gu Ni nodded knowingly, though his mind raced.

"Miss Ya Fei must be something special. It's only been two days, and the young master already needs this."

Gu Ni chuckled to himself, recalling Chen Feng's previous arrogance.

"Young men… they always overestimate themselves."

In Gu Ni's eyes, Ya Fei was a force to be reckoned with.

"A woman like Miss Ya Fei can't be easily handled. No wonder the young master needs a little help."

Suddenly, Ya Fei's melodious voice drifted from nearby.

"Master Xiao, Young Master Xiao, this way please."

Chen Feng's focus sharpened as he looked towards the entrance.

Ya Fei approached gracefully, leading two figures.

Behind her walked a middle-aged man and a teenage boy.

Chen Feng's gaze lingered on the younger of the two.

The boy wore black robes and had striking features, but there was a faint trace of gloom in his expression.

"So, this is Xiao Yan."

Chen Feng's eyes narrowed in evaluation.

"Hmm… not bad. But not nearly as handsome as me."

As the three approached, Chen Feng straightened his robe and adjusted his posture. A faint, composed smile appeared on his face.

Gu Ni stood quietly behind him, as instructed.

Though Gu Ni found this arrangement demeaning, he complied.

"Presentation matters. Appear confident and unshakable."

Chen Feng's meticulous attention to detail left nothing to chance.

As Xiao Zhan neared, his eyes instinctively flicked to Chen Feng.

A slight flicker of surprise crossed his face.

"This young man…"

(End of Chapter)