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

**Chapter 22: Xiao Yan's Anger**

"Who is this young man?"

"Master Gu Ni seems to hold him in high regard!"

Xiao Zhan's eyes narrowed as he studied Chen Feng, who sat calmly in the pavilion. A sense of unease settled in his heart as he speculated about Chen Feng's identity.

"Brother Chen Feng, this is Clan Leader Xiao and Young Master Xiao."

Ya Fei's voice broke the silence as she led the father and son toward the pavilion with a charming smile.

"Clan Leader Xiao, Brother Xiao, please take a seat."

Chen Feng didn't rise but simply nodded with a faint smile, gesturing for them to sit.

Xiao Zhan hesitated for a moment, surprise flashing across his face. It became clear that this gathering was not hosted by Ya Fei, but by the young man before him.

"Oh, I forgot to introduce him."

Ya Fei's red lips curved into a graceful smile.

"This is Master Chen Feng, a direct descendant of the Mittel family."

"A direct descendant of the Mittel family?!"

Xiao Zhan's eyes widened in shock.

He knew all too well the weight of that name. The Mittel family's influence far surpassed that of his Xiao clan, and offending them was out of the question.

"It's an honor to meet you, Master Chen Feng!"

Xiao Zhan hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting, although confusion lingered in his mind.

"Why would a young master of the Mittel family seek out my Xiao clan?"

"Yan'er, greet Young Master Chen Feng properly."

At his father's urging, Xiao Yan stepped forward, but before he could speak, Chen Feng's voice interrupted.

"There's no need for formalities, Clan Leader Xiao, Brother Xiao. I invited you here because I need a favor."

"A favor?"

Xiao Zhan's brows furrowed in suspicion.

What could someone of Chen Feng's status possibly need from the Xiao family?

"Master Chen Feng, please speak. If it's within our ability, the Xiao clan will gladly assist."

Xiao Zhan maintained a humble demeanor, though his mind raced with questions.

"I'm here on behalf of my master. I'd like to discuss canceling an agreement."

Chen Feng's tone was calm but direct.

Xiao Zhan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Your master?"

His voice carried a hint of doubt.

Ya Fei stepped in smoothly.

"Master Chen Feng is a direct disciple of the Yunlan Sect's leader."

"What?! Yunlan Sect?!"

Xiao Zhan's face instantly paled.

Even Xiao Yan's eyes widened in disbelief.

Though Xiao Yan had never ventured far from Wutan City, he was well-read. The Yunlan Sect wasn't just powerful—it was the dominant force in the Jia Ma Empire.

In comparison, the Xiao family's influence barely registered, even within Wutan City.

"The Yunlan Sect rules the empire. Why would they concern themselves with our small clan?"

Xiao Zhan's hands tightened unconsciously as the weight of the situation dawned on him.

"So… Master Chen Feng is a disciple of Sect Leader Yun Yun? I apologize for my earlier disrespect."

Xiao Zhan quickly lowered his posture, though his mind churned with questions.

"Why would someone of his background personally seek us out?"

"Clan Leader Xiao, you're too polite. Perhaps you recall my junior sister, Nalan Yanran?"

Chen Feng's gaze met Xiao Zhan's, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

Xiao Zhan's eyes flickered with recognition.

"Nalan Yanran… the granddaughter of Old Nalan?"

His expression shifted from confusion to cautious optimism.

"So, Master Chen Feng is Senior Nalan's brother disciple? I recall Nalan Yanran well. We haven't seen her in years. I heard she became a disciple of Sect Leader Yun Yun, but I assumed it was just a rumor. Her talent must be exceptional."

"Junior Sister Yanran is indeed remarkable," Chen Feng replied with a nod.

"In fact, the favor I ask today involves her."

Xiao Zhan's smile froze.

A faint premonition crept into his heart.

"Sect Leader Yun Yun is a powerful figure… but why involve us?"

As realization dawned, Xiao Zhan's hands trembled beneath his sleeves.

"Master Chen Feng… please continue."

"The Yunlan Sect holds its disciples to high standards, and my master has great expectations for Nalan Yanran. For this reason, she cannot have ties to any man until she reaches a certain level of strength."

Chen Feng's tone softened, but his words cut deep.

"Upon learning of Junior Sister Yanran's engagement to the Xiao family, my master instructed me to request… the annulment of the engagement."

CRACK!

The stone table beneath Xiao Zhan's palm shattered, sending dishes clattering to the ground.

Chen Feng's eyes twitched as he watched the banquet scatter.

"Such a waste… that was expensive wine."

Xiao Zhan's face darkened, struggling to suppress his rage.

"So you've come to break off the engagement… in Nalan Yanran's name?"

Xiao Yan's fists clenched tightly at his side.

His pride shattered as realization struck.

"She thinks I'm worthless… so she sent her senior brother to end it?"

Xiao Yan's eyes burned with anger.

"Using the Yunlan Sect to humiliate my father… Nalan Yanran, how far will you go?"

Biting back his fury, Xiao Yan swallowed the bitterness welling up inside him.

"If I had strength, this wouldn't be happening."

But strength was the one thing he lacked.

Chen Feng's calm demeanor only fueled Xiao Yan's frustration.

"Chief Xiao, I understand this may seem unfair, but I ask for your cooperation."

Chen Feng's voice broke the silence, attempting to ease the tension.

"This is outrageous!"

Xiao Zhan's fighting spirit flared to life, manifesting as a spectral lion's head.

The Xiao family's signature technique—Mad Lion's Roar!

Before Xiao Zhan could act, Gu Ni's cold voice rang out.

"Xiao Zhan, stand down!"

The pavilion trembled under Gu Ni's oppressive aura as his own fighting spirit surged.

"Strike him, and your Xiao clan will cease to exist by dawn."

Ya Fei's gentle warning followed, further dousing Xiao Zhan's fury.

His body trembled before the lion's head dissipated, leaving him slumped in his chair.

"The Yunlan Sect… truly merciless."

"Clan Leader Xiao, my master instructed me to bring a gift to apologize for this."

Chen Feng's words barely left his lips before Xiao Yan's voice, firm and sharp, rang out.

"There's no need. I refuse to accept this!"

A tense silence fell over the pavilion as all eyes turned to Xiao Yan.

"Xiao Yan, how dare you—"

Master Gu Ni, standing behind Chen Feng, could no longer contain himself.

A mere failure daring to raise his voice in front of Young Master Chen Feng? Unacceptable.

His expression darkened as he prepared to reprimand Xiao Yan.

"Enough. Stand down."

Chen Feng's cold interruption cut through the air like a blade.

Gu Ni's face stiffened, his anger swallowed by surprise. Though reluctant, he lowered his gaze and stepped back without another word.

Chen Feng's eyes lingered on Xiao Yan, calm but sharp.

"Brother Xiao, I didn't come empty-handed."

His voice carried a persuasive warmth, laced with the confidence of someone holding all the cards.

"Take a moment. See the treasures I brought. You may find your decision easier after that."

Despite Chen Feng's disarming smile, Xiao Yan's expression remained dark, his gaze unwavering.

"There's no need. No matter what you've brought, my answer will not change."

His words were resolute, a rare glint of steel in his eyes.

Without waiting for further persuasion, Xiao Yan turned and tugged at his father's sleeve.

"Father, let's go."

Xiao Zhan hesitated but allowed himself to be led away.

They were halfway out of the pavilion when Chen Feng's calm voice echoed behind them.

"What if the treasure I brought can solve the issue with Brother Xiao's body?"

Xiao Yan's steps faltered.

For a brief moment, silence stretched across the courtyard.

Xiao Yan stopped.

His back remained to Chen Feng, but tension radiated from him, as though struggling against invisible chains.

(End of Chapter)