The atmosphere in the hall was warm, filled with joy and approval.
But then, an elder suddenly stood up. His voice was sharp, filled with dissatisfaction.
"Patriarch! Ye Chen is indeed outstanding, but Yanran once annulled her engagement with the Xiao family without permission.
That matter shamed our clan. Should we not first settle that account before speaking of marriage?"
The hall fell silent.
All eyes turned to Nalan Jie. The old man's expression darkened.
He slammed his cane on the floor, his voice thundering.
"Enough! The annulment is already in the past.
From today onward, no one is to bring it up again. Do you understand?"
The elder trembled and quickly bowed his head.
"Yes, Patriarch…"
Nalan Jie's gaze swept across the hall like lightning.
"Remember this. Yanran is my granddaughter.
Whoever dares to slander her choice is insulting me directly. Does anyone still dare to object?"
Not a single voice answered.
Satisfied, the old man turned back to Ye Chen. His voice softened again.
"Child, since you and Yanran truly care for one another, I have no objections.
I only ask one thing...promise me you will never let her down."
Ye Chen met his gaze without hesitation.
"Grandfather, I swear on my life...I will protect Yanran with everything I have."
The old general nodded, finally at peace.
That night, the Nalan family estate was lit brightly with lanterns.
For the first time in many years, laughter and celebration filled its halls.
The marriage between Ye Chen and Nalan Yanran was no longer just a rumor....it was now an unshakable fact.
And for the Nalan family, it marked the beginning of a new era.
What did you just say?"
Ye Chen's grandfather froze for a moment, not believing what he had heard.
Grandfather, I know you never let go of the regret from years ago… the regret of not being able to seize the position of family head. That unfulfilled dream has weighed on your heart for so long. But…" Ye Chen's tone deepened, his eyes glowing with conviction, "what if I could give you another chance?"
The old man blinked, caught off guard by those words. His frown deepened, and he waved his hand impatiently.
"You rascal, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you think the family head's position is something that can be handed around like a child's toy? Do you think just because you've caught the eye of Yun Yun of the Yunlan Sect, you can dictate the fate of the Mittel Family?" His voice carried both irritation and disbelief.
Ye Chen, however, didn't flinch. He knew his grandfather would never believe him without proof. His lips curved into a faint smile as he dropped a name that shook the room.
"Grandfather, do you still remember the Ice Emperor, Hai Bodong?"
The old man froze. His cloudy eyes widened, instantly filled with memories of the past.
"Of course I remember!" he blurted out, slamming his palm on the table. "Hai Bodong was once the pride of our Mittel Family—the Taishang Elder himself! When he was around, our family stood at the very peak of the Jia Ma Empire. No one dared challenge us. Even the imperial family had to tread carefully!"
His voice grew wistful, tinged with regret. "But ever since the Ice Emperor vanished, our family has declined. Without a true powerhouse to guard us, we've been suppressed from all sides. Our businesses were weakened, our influence shrank, and in the end… we even had to rely on political marriages to survive. If Hai Bodong were still here, the Mittel Family would never have fallen so low."
The old man let out a long sigh, shaking his head.
Ye Chen watched him quietly before asking in a calm, steady voice:
"Then… what if I told you I could bring Hai Bodong back?"
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then the old man snapped his head up, his expression one of sheer disbelief.
"What did you just say?" His voice cracked, and he rose halfway from his chair.
"I said," Ye Chen repeated firmly, "I can bring Senior Hai Bodong back to the family."
The old man's face twitched. He stared at Ye Chen as if the boy had grown a second head.
"You… you're out of your mind! When Hai Bodong disappeared, you hadn't even been born yet! Even the family's vast intelligence network couldn't trace a single clue of his whereabouts all these years. And now you suddenly say you can bring him back? Do you even know what you're saying?"
His words carried anger, but also a faint hint of hope he tried desperately to suppress.
Ye Chen didn't argue further. Instead, his expression remained calm. "I know no matter what I say right now, you won't believe me. So I won't waste words. But mark my words, Grandfather—within three months, I will bring Ice Emperor Hai Bodong back to the Mittel Family."
The room fell into silence again. The old man's heart raced. He wanted to laugh at his grandson's audacity, yet the confidence in Ye Chen's tone made him hesitate.
After a moment, Ye Chen asked in a low, steady voice, "Grandfather, I only want to know one thing. If Ice Emperor truly returned and stood behind us… would you be willing to take the position of family head once more?"
The old man's breath caught. He had long buried that ambition deep within his heart.
Years ago, he had lost the competition for the position to Mittel Tengshan, who had broken through to the Dou Wang realm.
The loss had stung bitterly, and though he never stopped wishing for another chance, he eventually accepted his fate.
After all, in this world, strength was everything. Without the power to back it up, no amount of contribution could win him the seat of power.
But now, with Ye Chen's words echoing in his ears, the buried flame stirred again.
He snorted coldly and said, "Hmph! If Hai Bodong truly returned, do you even need to ask? Of course I would fight for the family head's position again!"
Ye Chen smiled faintly. That was all he needed to hear.
"Good. Then, Grandfather… just wait. The day will come sooner than you think."
The old man rolled his eyes. "You brat! Acting so smug as if it's already decided…"
Ye Chen stood, bowing respectfully. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave.
The sect tournament is approaching, and I need to focus on training."
The old man's irritation melted instantly at those words. He softened and said, "You're leaving already? Why not stay a few more days at home?"
Ye Chen shook his head. "No. Time is short. You told me yourself that cultivation must be my top priority. I won't waste a single day."
Hearing this, the old man's lips curled in reluctant approval. He escorted Ye Chen out of the courtyard, his mind still swirling with doubts and anticipation.
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