Chapter 12: The Inconstant Nature of People (2/2)

“… ”

Being in center of the square, Nie Xian was also surrounded by people who congratulated him. However, he kept calm and did nothing but politely express his gratitude. He didn’t appear to be very excited.

Nie Beichuan, however, continued to attempt to win over people’s hearts. “Nie Xian, although you are from an extended branch of our clan, due to your success, your mother and younger sister shall move into the Nie clan mansion, effective immediately. You only need concentrate on your cultivation in the Cloudsoaring sect. With regards to other matters, you don’t need to burden yourself, as I’ll personally make all the appropriate arrangements.”

Nie Xian had a mother and a younger sister. Being from an extended branch and women, they technically shouldn’t have the right to live in the Nie clan mansion.

“Many thanks, clanmaster,” Nie Xian said softly.

“You’re welcome. You’ve earned it.” Nie Beichuan filled his face with a smile, “I’ve already informed the Cloudsoaring sect of your successful breakthrough into the ninth level of Qi Refining. In the afternoon, your eldest brother Nie Han, together with others from the Cloudsoaring sect, will take you to the Cloudsoaring sect. Once you arrive there, all you have to do is follow Nie Han. He has already made all the arrangements for you.”

“I understand,” Nie Xian nodded his head.

Nie Tian stood by himself in a corner of the square as he watched Nie Xian, who was being praised by everyone, and Nie Beichuan, who was proud and full of ambitions.

In that moment, Nie Tian made a promise to himself. “The ninth level of Qi Refining! People from the Cloudsoaring sect will take me to their mountain too, one day!”

At some point, Nie Qian had appeared next to him. “Why are you here?” she said quietly. “This has nothing to do with you. If you want to enter the Cloudsoaring sect, you must work extra hard. You’re almost eleven. Although you’ve made a breakthrough recently, you’ve only reached the fourth level. You cannot waste too much time on irrelevant matters.”

“Auntie, I’ll catch up in the future,” he replied, full of confidence.

“It’s nice you have such confidence.” Nie Qian smiled. “You’ve already been distracted. It will be very noisy in the Nie clan today. People like us, who aren’t welcome here, shouldn’t stay in the clan and become eyesores. Come on, let’s take a walk in the city.”

“Alright.” Nie Tian nodded obediently.

Then he followed Nie Qian out of the Nie clan. They had lunch at a restaurant in Black Cloud City, and later in the afternoon, they went to the biggest jewelry shop in the city to purchase some jewels and accessories.

Just as Nie Tian and Nie Qian walked out of the jewelry shop, the sharp, mean voice of a woman entered their ears. “Yo! Isn’t this the Nie clan’s eldest sister who has been divorced by my husband Zhiguo?”

Nie Tian’s keen perception allowed him to notice that Nie Qian shivered upon hearing the words.

Nie Tian traced the source of the voice and found a man, a woman, and a boy about his age walking towards them. Clearly, they planned to enter the same jewelry shop.

The man was dressed in white, and his face was like a piece of warm jade. His overall appearance was rather elegant and handsome.

The woman had her long hair coiled up and wore a perfectly fit green overskirt. She looked elegant and extraordinary, with a face as pretty as a flower.

The boy, whose hands were held by the couple, seemed to have inherited merits from both his parents. Despite being so young, he was already very good looking.

The man looked a bit guilty when he saw it was Nie Qian, and he tried to pull his wife away.

“What’s the rush?” said young woman, glaring at the man. “What? Don’t tell me that you still have feelings for her!”

“Cut the nonsense,” the man retorted.

“That’s what I thought!” The woman snorted and focused on Nie Qian again. After a derisive laugh, she said, “You’re the Nie clan’s eldest sister, but I heard that your father has lost his position as head of the clan. How come you still have the kind of money to shop for jewelry? Hehe! What precious jewels have you bought? Can I have the honor to take a look?”

“Auntie, are they…?” Nie Tian said angrily.

He wasn’t a child any more. Even though neither Nie Donghai nor Nie Qian had explained the specifics, he had heard many rumors and gossip from other clan members about what happened to his aunt, Nie Qian.

Just like the Nie clan and An clan, the Yun clan was a big clan in Black Cloud City. The Yun clan and the Nie clan had once been close.

Because of that, both families decided to arrange a marriage for their mutual benefit and had Nie Qian marry the Yun clan’s Yun Zhiguo.

However, their marriage didn’t last long, as Yun Zhiguo met Yuan Qiuying while traveling.

Yuan Qiuying was the daughter of the head of the Yuan clan, the most powerful clan in Frost Stone City, who were much stronger than the Nie clan.

Because of the aggressive affections of Yuan Qiuying, and secret push of the Yun clan, Yuan Qiuying eventually became Yun Zhiguo’s wife.

Yun Zhiguo’s original wife, Nie Qian, was framed for a crime she didn’t commit, and they were divorced.

It was an utter humiliation to the Nie clan. Outraged, Nie Donghai had forced his way into the Yun clan over the matter, but was terribly wounded by the powerful experts of the Yun clan and the Yuan clan. After that, he was never able to recover from his injuries.

Both clans were backed by extremely strong Qi warrior sects, so even the Cloudsoaring sect was unwilling to go to war for the Nie clan. Eventually, the Nie clan reluctantly swallowed the bitter result.

Although Yuan Qiuying had successfully forced Nie Qian out of her way, she still couldn’t let go of Yun Zhiguo and Nie Qian’s past. Every time she ran into Nie Qian, she would mock and taunt her, without ever saying a single pleasant word.

Nie Qian grabbed Nie Tian by his arm and tried to pull him away from Yuan Qiuying. “Ignore them. Let’s go.”

“I won’t leave!” Nie Tian said, standing there as unmoving as an iron spear planted into the ground.