At dawn.

  The grand hall of the Nan Gong residence was filled with several esteemed elders. Sitting in the main seat was the family patriarch, Nan Gong Jieming.

  Elder Nan Gong Jingtian, Nan Gong Qian’er’s grandfather, sat to the side, with Nan Gong Qian’er standing behind him. A confident smile played on her lips, her heart brimming with triumph.

  "Big brother, I know Xiao Huan is your granddaughter, but she can’t cultivate. What’s the use of her contracting a divine beast? Why not let Qian’er have it? Only her ninth-grade talent can truly harness its power!" Nan Gong Jingtian spoke with a hint of aggression, straightening his posture.

  Nan Gong Qian’er also puffed out her chest. She had specifically informed her grandfather about this last night, asking him to seek justice for her. Today, that ugly freak would have no choice but to hand it over!

  Nan Gong Jieming’s eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists, his voice cold. "I won’t allow it!"

  He had just learned about Nan Gong Huan’s contract with the divine beast. While he was happy, he also worried that others might covet it.

  "Big brother, don’t be stubborn!" Nan Gong Jingtian snorted. "Our Nan Gong family has a solid foundation. Xiao Huan can live a life of luxury, but what’s the point of her having a divine beast? To keep it as a pet? Qian’er is the top genius of our family. She is our hope!"

  As for that waste, she’s lucky she hasn’t ended up as a beggar!

  "We also agree with Qian’er. Big brother, please agree. Letting Qian’er contract the divine beast is the most suitable choice," the other elders chimed in.

  After all, the divine beast could go to anyone—just not that waste, Nan Gong Huan!

  Nan Gong Qian’er secretly rejoiced. With so many elders speaking up for her, this matter was sure to succeed!

  "I won’t agree!" Nan Gong Jieming’s face turned grim as he released the pressure of his peak sixth-level cultivation, causing the elders to pale and their blood to churn.

  "Big brother!" Nan Gong Jingtian spoke again. "You may be the strongest in our family, but your cultivation has stagnated for years. People think our Nan Gong family is strong on the outside but weak on the inside. If you give the divine beast to Qian’er, she will bring great benefits to our family in just a few years!"

  The words "stagnated for years" were like a sharp thorn, piercing Nan Gong Jieming’s heart. His fists clenched tighter, trembling slightly.

  Nan Gong Qian’er also stepped forward, her eyes slightly moist. "Grandpa, I’ve always considered Sister Huan as my closest family. I just want to contract the divine beast so I can better protect her."

  Nan Gong Jingtian continued to persuade, "Yes, big brother. Many people covet the divine beast. You’re still strong now and can protect her, but what about later? Xiao Huan can’t stay under your wing forever."

  The other elders added, "Big brother, don’t be stubborn. You know how rare it is for our family to have such a genius."

  "Qian’er has a bright future. Don’t let your personal feelings cloud your judgment."

  "Many people covet Xiao Huan’s divine beast. It’s better to hand it over to someone who can protect it."

  Nan Gong Jieming’s gaze deepened, and he couldn’t help but feel angry. Over the years, his health had declined, and he feared he might leave this world at any moment.

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  They were right. He could protect Xiao Huan for now, but not forever.

  But at least for now—he wouldn’t let anyone bully her!

  "I still won’t agree!" Nan Gong Jieming said firmly. "As long as Xiao Huan doesn’t want to, none of you can force her!"

  His granddaughter—he would protect her no matter what!

  Nan Gong Jingtian was exasperated. Why was his brother so stubborn? What was so good about that waste, Nan Gong Huan? Besides being the legitimate daughter, she was utterly useless!

  Nan Gong Qian’er’s expression also darkened, and she couldn’t help but curse the old man in her heart.

  Just as the tension thickened, a commotion came from outside.

  Everyone turned to see Wei Yu Gong striding in with a row of guards, entering the grand hall.

  "Young Wei? What are you doing here?" Nan Gong Jieming’s alarm bells rang, and a sense of foreboding spread in his heart.

  Wei Yu Gong bowed to all the elders and gave Nan Gong Qian’er a reassuring look.

  "Patriarch Nan Gong, elders, I’m here to break off the engagement," his voice exploded like a firecracker in Nan Gong Jieming’s ears.

  As soon as he spoke, several elders couldn’t help but show gleeful expressions.

  He took out the engagement letter and tore it into pieces, then pulled out a vermilion jade pendant and casually tossed it onto the table.

  "The engagement is null and void. I’ve returned the token. I hope Nan Gong Huan will also return hers," he said decisively, leaving no room for refusal.

  "Impossible. I won’t agree," Nan Gong Jieming crossed his arms, his expression fierce.

  There were eight branches in the family, and his branch only had Nan Gong Huan left. Whether she was a waste or not, he would protect her to the end!

  At that moment, another tall and shrewd old man walked in.

  "Old Ming, my grandson has tested with a ninth-grade spiritual root, a once-in-a-century talent. His entry into the academy is imminent. Look at your Nan Gong Huan—whether in talent or appearance, how could she possibly match him?" The old man was Wei Yu Gong’s grandfather, Wei Xuefeng.

  Everyone in the city knew that Nan Gong Huan had been ugly since childhood, with a black blemish on her face that even ghosts would scream at! This time, she even tested with zero-grade talent. It was laughable!

  "Wei Xuefeng! Do you want to try my fists?" Nan Gong Jieming narrowed his eyes. If he couldn’t speak properly, they might as well fight!

  At the mention of a fight, Wei Xuefeng backed off. He really couldn’t beat Nan Gong Jieming, who had peak sixth-level cultivation and was indeed one of the strongest in the city.

  Wei Yu Gong, however, was young and fearless. He clasped his hands and said, "Patriarch Nan Gong, I’ve actually developed feelings for Miss Nan Gong Qian’er. We’re deeply in love. I hope you can bless us!"

  He didn’t want to be dragged down by a waste. He glanced at Nan Gong Qian’er, his eyes softening.

  Nan Gong Qian’er blushed and shyly lowered her head.

  Nan Gong Jieming took a sharp breath, watching the two exchange loving glances. He was so angry he almost fainted!

  He summoned a red-tasseled spear and slammed it on the ground, his aura fierce. "If anyone dares to say another word today, don’t blame my spear for being blind!"

  Since she was a child, Xiao Huan had liked Wei Yu Gong, saying she wanted to marry him when she grew up. As her grandfather, he would do everything to fulfill her wish!

  "You—you’re unreasonable!" Wei Xuefeng was almost driven mad.

  At that moment, a soft chuckle came from outside. "Grandpa, what’s got you so angry?"

  Everyone turned to see Nan Gong Huan walking in gracefully, followed by a mysterious guard wearing a hood.

  The "guard" was still munching on something.

  "Xiao Huan, why didn’t you sleep more?" Hearing Nan Gong Huan’s voice, Nan Gong Jieming’s anger dissipated, replaced by a loving smile. He put away his spear and beckoned her over.

  "Of course, I missed you, Grandpa. So I came out to find you," Nan Gong Huan walked to Nan Gong Jieming’s side, standing on her tiptoes to pat his back and calm him down.

  Seeing Nan Gong Huan, Wei Yu Gong immediately spoke up. "Nan Gong Huan, stop clinging to me. Hand over the engagement token!"

  Without hesitation, as if afraid he might change his mind, Nan Gong Huan pulled out a green dragon jade pendant from her sleeve and tossed it at his face. It hit him with a crisp smack!

  "I think you’ve got it wrong. It’s me—who doesn’t want you anymore. Our engagement is null and void!" Nan Gong Huan waved her hand dismissively.

  Wei Yu Gong was stunned. The force of the jade hitting his face was not light, leaving a clear mark. Belatedly, his face turned black!

  Everyone was shocked. Didn’t Nan Gong Huan used to be infatuated with Wei Yu Gong? Why did she seem like a different person now?

  Nan Gong Jieming was sweating, unsure. "Xiao Huan, are you sure you want to break off the engagement?"

  Nan Gong Huan smiled brightly, her black blemish unable to hide her beauty. "Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ve moved on. And yesterday, I contracted a divine beast. Then I discovered I can cultivate now and even formed a spiritual root."

  As soon as she said this, everyone’s expressions changed again. The waste could cultivate now?