Five days before the promised gathering for Xiao Hua and the others to return to the Xiao Clan, Xiao Ning sent a letter to inform the clan of a monumental development—Xiao Hua had successfully ended his long retreat and advanced to the Dou Zong level.
Xiao Ning had carefully timed the delivery of this news. If he sent the letter too early, his grandfather would bombard him with an endless stream of inquiries. On the other hand, delaying it too long—or worse, failing to send it at all—would earn him a severe reprimand. To strike a balance, he chose this precise moment, ensuring he avoided both excessive pestering and harsh scolding.
The letter reached the Xiao Clan in just one day, thanks to an artifact known as the Spiritual Bird Letter. This unique tool, obtained by Xiao Hua from the System's Gacha, allowed messages to be delivered at incredible speed, though it could only send one letter per day.
Before entering his retreat, Xiao Hua entrusted the artifact to Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang, instructing them to keep Ming Cheng and the others informed in case any major incidents occurred within the clan. After graduating from Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Tao handed the artifact over to Xiao Ning, so he could use it to notify the clan promptly when Xiao Hua emerged from his retreat.
Upon receiving the news, Xiao Tao immediately informed his brother, Xiao Yang, who then relayed the information to the entire clan.
The Xiao Clan erupted into a festive mood, with the elders swiftly gathering in the meeting room to discuss preparations for a banquet to celebrate Xiao Hua's return.
However, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang cautioned them against hosting an overly grand or formal event, knowing that Xiao Hua disliked such extravagant gatherings. After some deliberation, the elders agreed to organize a modest yet heartfelt banquet in his honor.
Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang didn't linger in the clan for long after delivering the letter. They promptly set out for Jia Ma Sacred City, intending to share this important news with someone there.
The journey to Jia Ma Sacred City was swift, taking only a few hours thanks to the Griffon Carrier graciously provided by the elders of Jia Nan Academy. By the time they arrived, the sun have passed midday.
After arriving in Jia Ma Sacred City, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang strolled leisurely through the bustling streets, weaving their way past the throngs of people heading in all directions. Their footsteps carried them steadily toward a specific destination.
Eventually, they came to a halt, their gazes rising to meet the sight of a massive building at the end of the street, its towering structure adorned with a distinctive and familiar symbol.
Xiao Tao shook his head, a melancholic sigh escaping his lips. "If we were the younger versions of ourselves, untouched by the Jia Nan Academy and unaware of the vastness of the world, we might have been awed by this auction house."
"Now, our wealth surpasses even that of the Primer Clan, once famed for their immense riches." Xiao Yang chuckled faintly, a wry smile forming on his lips.
"That's enough nostalgia, little brother. Let's proceed," Xiao Tao declared, his face growing serious.
"But Big Brother was the one reminiscing first…" Xiao Yang muttered under his breath, grumbling softly so Xiao Tao wouldn't hear.
Xiao Yang watched as Xiao Tao entered the building, letting out a soft sigh before stepping forward to follow. Walking along the spacious street paved with smooth bluestones, his movements were swift and unimpeded, seamlessly weaving through the bustling crowd as if the flow of people posed no hindrance.
As he stepped into the auction house, a gentle light bathed him, and the noise of the outside world seemed to vanish entirely. Though only a few meters separated the two, it felt as though he had crossed into an entirely different realm.
The vast interior of the auction house resembled a city of crystal, its grandeur both dazzling and imposing. The hall was heavily guarded by fully armed, expressionless sentinels, all under the direct command of the Primer Clan.
The moment Xiao Yang entered, numerous sharp and scrutinizing gazes fell upon him. Yet, as soon as his identity became clear, those hostile stares quickly retreated, replaced by a palpable fear.
Xiao Yang let out a cold snort, his expression indifferent. He knew all too well that the ones who averted their gazes in such haste were those he had personally taught lesson to in the past.
Xiao Yang's gaze swept across the countless crystal counters scattered throughout the grand hall. Displayed on them were an array of rare and precious items, each tagged with a price—the cheapest starting at a staggering thirty thousand gold coins.
For most, such exorbitant prices would evoke hesitation, if not outright discouragement. Yet, with Xiao Yang's immense wealth, he could easily purchase every item in the hall. However, not a single one managed to pique his interest, no matter how rare or valuable it appeared.
"If there's anything worthy of catching my eye, it would be in the Tian-Class auction area," Xiao Yang murmured with a sigh of disinterest. "But that one rarely opens…"
The Primer Clan's auction house was strictly categorized into four classes: Tian, Di, Xuan, and Huang—similar to the ranking system for Qi Methods. Among them, the Tian-Class was the highest tier, reserved for only the rarest and most extraordinary treasures. However, it opened infrequently, sometimes only once every few years.
When the Tian-Class auction did open, it signified that the Primer Auction House was about to showcase an item of unparalleled value. Such an event would draw the strong and influential from across the Jia Ma Empire, filling the hall with a sea of powerhouses and faction leaders.
For Xiao Yang, anything below Tian-Class wasn't worth a second glance. Di-Class auctions occasionally offered items of mild interest, but their rarity rivaled that of Tian-Class events. Xuan-Class auctions were the most common, though their offerings often failed to impress him. As for the Huang-Class, open daily, its contents were far beneath his notice.
"Forget it, let's just focus on the task at hand," Xiao Yang muttered, shaking his head. He prepared to move forward but was abruptly stopped by a sudden commotion.
His gaze shifted toward a corner of the hall. It was the entrance reserved for the upper echelons of the Primer Auction House. Moments ago, the area had been quiet, with only a few stoic guards stationed there, unmoving.
Now, a striking figure stood at the doorway. She wore a black outfit adorned with intricate golden patterns that seemed to shimmer under the hall's gentle light. Her warm smile was directed at Xiao Tao, who stood beside her at a respectful distance. Her expression held no hint of the superficial politeness often seen in such settings, instead radiating genuine respect and sincerity.
"It seems she heard of our arrival and waited for us," Xiao Yang murmured to himself before nodding. Without further hesitation, he stepped forward, making his way toward them.
As he drew closer, kindly parting the crowd with a polite yet firm demeanor, the conversation between the two halted, and they turned their attention toward him.
"You're late," Xiao Tao chided, his tone sharp yet familiar.
"Sorry, sorry, elder brother," Xiao Yang replied with a sheepish grin. "It's been a while since I've been here, so you can't blame me for getting distracted."
Turning to the charming lady beside Xiao Tao, Xiao Yang cupped his hands respectfully. "I apologize for keeping you waiting, Lady Ya Fei."
The person they had come to meet was, surprisingly, Ya Fei, the renowned Top Auctioneer of the Primer Auction House branch in Wu Tan City.
Thanks to Xiao Hua's assistance, Ya Fei had successfully completed the critical assignment given to her by the clan, accomplishing it without any difficulties. With her task finished, she returned to the Primer Clan's headquarters, where she was assigned a prominent role with partial control over the Primer Auction House's central operations.
However, it wasn't until Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang sent her repeated gifts on behalf of Xiao Hua that the Primer Clan began to realize the depth of her connection with him. Acknowledging this, they elevated her to the position of manager of the headquarters' auction house, a role of significant power and prestige.
Under Ya Fei's capable leadership, the enormous auction house was brought into impeccable order. Her remarkable management skills silenced those who had once dismissed her as merely a "flower vase," a decorative figure with no real capability.
Her success left many stunned, and from then on, no one dared to underestimate the charming and alluring woman standing before them.
Whether it was her background, deep connection with Xiao Hua, or exceptional talent in management and leadership, none among the younger generation of the Primer Clan could compare to Ya Fei. Acknowledging her unmatched abilities, the Elder Council ceased their complaints and held no further dissatisfaction regarding her overseeing the auction house headquarters.
"It's fine, Grand Elder Xiao Yang," Ya Fei replied with a faint smile, shaking her head slightly. "Has Little Brother Xiao Hua sent me any gifts this time?"
"Grand Elder, huh...?" Xiao Yang murmured, a faint, wry smile tugging at his lips as Ya Fei addressed him. "It'll take some time for me to get used to being called that..."
After graduating from Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang returned to the Xiao Clan and married their long-time sweethearts. During their wedding ceremony, Xiao Zhan and the clan Elders formally announced their appointment as Grand Elders of the Xiao Clan—a position above the First Elder and second only to Xiao Zhan, the clan head.
The declaration was met with neither complaint nor dissent. Everyone in the clan understood the significance of Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang's achievements. As Dou Wang powerhouses, they had reached a realm of strength that commanded immense respect and influence throughout the Jia Ma Empire. Only the foolish or utterly brainless would dare question their qualifications.
Yet, even as time passed, the title still felt somewhat awkward to the two young men. Being addressed as "Grand Elders" carried a weight that made them feel older than they truly were—a sentiment that lingered despite their youth and vigor.
"Well, you could say it's something along those lines," Xiao Tao responded with a teasing, enigmatic tone.
Sensing a deeper meaning behind his words, Ya Fei chuckled softly. "In that case, please follow me." She turned gracefully and led the two brothers toward a nearby staircase guarded by a few sentinels.
As Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang approached, the guards shifted slightly to the side, clearing a path without hesitation.
According to the auction house's rules, non-clan members were generally forbidden from entering restricted areas. However, as the current Manager, Ya Fei wielded considerable authority—second only to the current head of the clan. Even the elders had to show deference to her. Under such circumstances, none of the guards dared to question her decision.
Moreover, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang were well-known figures throughout the Jia Ma Empire. The Primer Clan's upper echelons had explicitly ordered that they be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.
Additionally, the two brothers had made frequent visits to the auction house to deliver Xiao Hua's gifts to Ya Fei. By now, their faces were so familiar to the guards that no one would dare obstruct them.
Without encountering any obstacles, the three continued onward, ascending several floors until they reached a large, imposing door guarded by a few fully armored sentinels. However, the aura surrounding these guards was vastly different from those stationed on the first floor—dense and heavy with killing intent.
These men were seasoned warriors who had climbed out from piles of corpses on the battlefield, hardened by countless life-and-death struggles. Their presence underscored the importance of the room they protected, a place off-limits to anyone without a verified identity or sufficient authority.
As Ya Fei and the two brothers approached, the guards remained silent, standing like unyielding wooden pillars. Their expressions betrayed neither curiosity nor suspicion; they simply stepped aside to allow entry.
Ya Fei pushed open the door, revealing a spacious, well-lit room. Rows of bookshelves lined the walls, neatly arranged and filled with thick tomes of various kinds, each radiating an air of antiquity and significance.
This room had become a familiar meeting place for the three of them ever since Ya Fei assumed the role of Manager of the auction house. It was here they often convened to discuss matters pertaining to Xiao Hua. In truth, their conversations rarely strayed from topics involving him, as his affairs were the sole reason for Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang's frequent visits.
"So, has something happened to Little Brother Xiao Hua?" Ya Fei asked, her gentle, warm smile belying the concern in her tone.
"Indeed, it has," Xiao Tao replied, his expression unreadable.
"What happened to Little Brother Xiao Hua?" Ya Fei's brows furrowed deeply, her sharp gaze locking onto Xiao Tao. Her heart pounded, a wave of worry and anxiety overtaking her. The mere thought that something might have happened to him filled her with unease.
Sensing her misunderstanding, Xiao Tao maintained his calm demeanor as he clarified, "Cousin Xiao Hua has ended his retreat."
Bang—!
Ya Fei abruptly stood, her palms slamming onto the desk with such force that several books scattered noisily onto the floor. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her lips trembling as her clenched fists betrayed the intensity of her emotions. The news had shaken her to her very core.
"Is that true?" she asked, her voice quivering with excitement and joy.
Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang exchanged a glance before offering her warm smiles. They didn't speak, simply nodding in affirmation.
It was clear to both of them that the clan's enthusiasm for Xiao Hua's return stemmed largely from the benefits he brought. But Ya Fei was different. Her reaction was sincere, untainted by self-interest or hidden agendas. The genuine smile she had shown earlier on the first floor was proof of that.
Ya Fei's smile was warm, but Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang couldn't miss the subtle sadness that came with it—a sign of her longing for Xiao Hua. It wasn't surprising—when Xiao Hua had returned to the clan last time, they had frequently seen the two laughing and sitting together as if no one else mattered.
If not for their knowledge of Xiao Hua's deep connection with Xun Er, they might have believed that Ya Fei and Xiao Hua were like two childhood friends who had once made a promise to marry in the future.
Despite her excitement, Ya Fei shot a fierce glare at Xiao Tao. His cryptic demeanor had caused her to assume something major had happened to Xiao Hua.
Xiao Tao pressed his lips into a thin line, acknowledging that his roundabout way of delivering the news had led to the misunderstanding. Meanwhile, Xiao Yang couldn't help but marvel at his cousin's charm.
'Cousin Xiao Hua only returned to Xiao Clan for less than three weeks, and at the time, he was just a six-year-old boy! How in the world did he manage to capture her heart so effortlessly? Unless her preferences are… rather unusual?'
Suddenly, a chilly voice cut through his thoughts like a blade. "Grand Elder Xiao Yang, are you perhaps thinking disrespectful thoughts about me?"
Ya Fei's frosty smile froze the air around them, sending a shiver down both brothers' spines.
"Of course not, Lady Ya Fei!" Xiao Yang hurriedly waved his hands in denial, his face pale. Despite his strength being leagues above hers, the cold menace in her smile made his knees feel weak.
During this exchange, Xiao Tao wisely kept his silence. He knew exactly what his brother had been thinking—after all, it mirrored his own thoughts—but he wasn't about to risk drawing Ya Fei's icy gaze back onto himself once more.
Eventually, Ya Fei broke the tense atmosphere with a quiet statement. "If he is returning, I will need to inform my grandfather." Her voice was soft, but her eyes carried a hint of inquiry as she glanced at them, seeking approval.
"As long as the gathering doesn't involve too many people, I doubt Cousin Xiao Hua would mind," Xiao Tao replied calmly, assuring her that such actions wouldn't offend Xiao Hua.
"Anyway, are you planning to visit the Nalan Clan to inform them as well?" Ya Fei asked, her expression calm yet curious about their next steps.
She was well aware of the engagement between the Xiao Clan and the Nalan Clan. Nalan Jie, the head of the Nalan Clan, had once promised the previous head of the Xiao Clan to marry their grandchildren. As a result, Nalan Yanran was betrothed to Xiao Yan.
"Well… we're not exactly oblivious to the opinions of Nalan Su, the current head of the Nalan Clan," Xiao Yang admitted with a sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "This is a matter that should be resolved between Nalan Su and Xiao Zhan, not us."
Unlike the Xiao Clan, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang had been gathering information about the Nalan Clan and were well aware of their stance on the engagement.
After Xiao Yan lost his talent and became known as a waste, whispers began circulating that Nalan Su was against the engagement. For him, the thought of his talented daughter being tied to someone with no future prospects was utterly unthinkable.
If the engagement had been with Xiao Hua, there wouldn't have been any objection—in fact, Nalan Su would likely have been eager to secure the union. Xiao Hua's unparalleled talent and bright future would bring great benefits to the Nalan Clan.
However, with Xiao Yan being dismissed as a mere ordinary member of the Xiao Clan, the engagement threatened to turn the Nalan Clan into the laughingstock of the Jia Ma Empire.
Nalan Su didn't voice these thoughts aloud. Xiao Hua was part of the Xiao Clan, and Nalan Jie, as the true patriarch, usually had the final say in such matters. Thus, Nalan Su kept his opinions buried, unwilling to risk offending either side.
Nevertheless, Nalan Su's dissatisfaction had not gone unnoticed by seasoned observers. Naturally, this news had reached the ears of Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang. However, they chose not to inform their clan, understanding that it was natural for a father to have such concerns about his daughter's future.
Ultimately, whether Nalan Su wanted to dissolve the engagement or not was a matter to be settled between Xiao Zhan, Xiao Yan, and the Nalan Clan. As far as Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang were concerned, they were mere bystanders to this delicate issue.
"I agree with your assessment, Grand Elder Xiao Yang," Ya Fei said, nodding thoughtfully. "This engagement is their business. We're better off staying on the sidelines and cleaning up whatever mess arises afterward."
"However," Ya Fei added, a trace of hesitation creeping into her voice, "there is a slight problem."
"Two days ago, there was a ceremony of ascension for Nalan Yanran to officially be named the Young Lady of the Misty Cloud Sect," Ya Fei began, her voice tinged with concern. "However, during the ceremony, a disciple stepped forward and revealed that Nalan Yanran was betrothed to someone from the Xiao Clan of Wu Tan City."
Xiao Tao's brows knit together in frustration. "Someone must have pulled the strings from behind the scenes!"
It was common knowledge that the Misty Cloud Sect had a strict rule: the Young Lady of the sect must remain uninvolved with anyone of the opposite gender. Naturally, the disciple's revelation caused an uproar among those present.
Caught between her ambition and the weight of the moment, Nalan Yanran made a bold and impulsive declaration. She stated that the engagement had been arranged before her birth and without her consent, and that she would officially dissolve the arrangement between the Nalan and Xiao Clans.
Her public announcement further complicated matters. By declaring it in front of so many high-ranking members of the Misty Cloud Sect and their esteemed guests, the engagement had become the focus of widespread attention. The involvement of Xiao Hua, a rising figure in the Xiao Clan, added another layer of complexity to the situation.
Fortunately, the elders of the Misty Cloud Sect worked tirelessly to contain the matter within the boundaries of the ascension ceremony, preventing it from spreading further.
"While I understand her perspective, that little girl is far too reckless," Xiao Tao muttered, rubbing his temples in frustration.
"If this matter is handled poorly," he said grimly, "the Xiao Clan will suffered public embarrassment, and our relationship with the Misty Cloud Sect will be severely strained."
"How could the Misty Cloud Sect allow her to act so selfishly?" Xiao Yang rubbed his chin, his brows furrowed tightly in thought. A slight frown deepened as he pondered Nalan Yanran's actions.
"As one of the long-standing sects, I can't see why they'd give up such a strong connection with Cousin Xiao Hua," he mused.
"It's precisely because they are a long-standing sect, Yang'er," Xiao Tao responded with a sigh. "If it were the Third Young Master from before, they might have accepted the engagement—even if it meant bending the sect's teachings. But the current him…"
"I see…" Xiao Yang nodded, comprehension dawning on his face. "If the Third Young Master fails to reach the seven-star Dou Disciple rank at his Coming of Age Ceremony, he'll be nothing more than an ordinary member of the Xiao Clan. His status may not be low, but it certainly wouldn't be high either."
"Exactly," Xiao Tao agreed. "For a sect of their standing, marrying Nalan Yanran to Xiao Yan wouldn't be worthwhile. The connection between them and Cousin Xiao Hua would become vague at best and meaningless at worst—hardly worth the trouble."
"How could they not know that Xiao Yan is under Cousin Xiao Hua's protection?" Xiao Yang asked, a flicker of frustration in his voice. "With all the spies and disciples the Imperial Family and Misty Cloud Sect have planted in Wu Tan City, they must have caught wind of the grumbling from our clan's dissatisfied members."
"The spies infiltrated Wu Tan City only two years ago," Xiao Tao said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "By then, the matter of Cousin Xiao Hua protecting Xiao Yan had rarely been mentioned. Additionally, it was us who declared it—not Cousin Xiao Hua himself."
"Without his confirmation, even those within our clan began to believe Xiao Yan was under our protection rather than his. The Misty Cloud Sect must think we were merely using Xiao Hua's name to get the rest of the clan to cooperate."
"I understand…" Xiao Yang crossed his arms, scratching his head. He looked at Xiao Tao with furrowed brows. "Brother Tao, what should we do? Should we visit the Nalan Clan and Misty Cloud Sect to resolve this matter peacefully?"
"No, that would be unwise," Xiao Tao replied firmly, shaking his head. "Our presence in Jia Sacred City has already drawn the attention of the major factions in the Jia Ma Empire. Approaching them now will only escalate tensions."
He sighed deeply, his tone reflective. "The best course of action is to leave and feign ignorance about the situation. We'll have to trust the Misty Cloud Sect elders to handle this matter discreetly."
Xiao Yang and Ya Fei nodded in agreement. They both wished for the issue to remain contained and hoped the Misty Cloud Sect's elders would manage it wisely.
After bidding farewell to Ya Fei, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang returned to their clan. As planned, they refrained from mentioning the matter to Xiao Zhan or anyone else, maintaining an air of ignorance to avoid unnecessary complications.
...
Over a dozen figures were seated around the spacious table in the grand meeting hall of the Misty Cloud Sect.
Most of them donned white robes that starkly differed from the light green attire worn by the sect's disciples. These robes marked them as individuals of high standing within the sect's hierarchy.
Among the seated figures, Pill-King Gu He lounged carelessly on one side of the table. Standing respectfully behind him was Liu Ling, his body slightly bent in deference.
Liu Ling's gaze occasionally flickered toward a young lady clad in a distinctive light-green robe, clearly custom-made and differing from the standard attire of the sect's disciples.
This lady was none other than Nalan Yanran, the source of Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao's recent headaches due to her impulsive and reckless public declaration.
Nalan Yanran's expression was dark and heavy, her mood as stormy as her demeanor. Seated in isolation, her mind drifted as she stared at the table before her, absentmindedly biting her lip. She could feel the weight of the room's tense atmosphere and knew all too well that this meeting was convened because of her actions two days prior.
'Even so, I'd do it all over again!' Nalan Yanran clenched her fists tightly, her inner voice defiant. 'That was my only chance to voice my feelings on this matter! I refuse to let my life and marriage be decided by others—to be tied to a stranger forever!'
Nalan Yanran's aspirations were clear: she wanted to emulate Yun Yun, her master—an aloof and powerful figure, unburdened by societal expectations or the opinions of others. It was this vision of freedom and strength that fueled her determination to reject the engagement her grandfather had arranged.
However, as one might expect for her age, her behavior bore the hallmarks of youthful immaturity and arrogance.
What Nalan Yanran failed to grasp was the broader impact of her actions. The current Xiao Clan was no longer the insignificant entity of seven years ago. Their growing strength and prestige allowed them to contend with the major powers of the Jia Ma Empire.
Her impulsive public declaration at the ascension ceremony—witnessed by the prominent figures of the empire—had cast a shadow of shame and embarrassment upon the Xiao Clan. If not handled delicately, her actions could ripple outward, bringing trouble not only to herself but also to her master and the entire Misty Cloud Sect.tend with the major forces within Jia Ma Empire.
Moreover, her declaration was heard by the major forces that attended the ceremony. Her spontaneous action has brought shame and embarrassment towards Xiao Clan. Depending on how this handle, it would bring even more trouble for her master and for Misty Cloud Sect…