"Greetings, Grand Elder Xiao Tao! Greetings, Grand Elder Xiao Yang!"
Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang nodded slightly in acknowledgment before returning their focus to the colossal ship hovering above.
The tension within Xiao Zhan and the other elders on the high platform began to ease at the sight of the Grand Elders' casual demeanor. Just as they prepared to form Dou Qi Wings behind their backs, a voice resonated across the Xiao Clan's residence.
"It has been quite some time since we last met, Cousin Xiao Tao, Cousin Xiao Yang."
Turning toward the source of the voice, they saw a young man appear as if out of thin air, standing proudly before the massive ship.
The young man was breathtakingly handsome, his striking appearance drawing countless eyes. Draped in a black robe with azure trim and intricate embroidery, he emanated an air of refined elegance and profound mystery. The faint, gentle smile on his lips captivated the hearts of many, leaving the young women of the clan spellbound and unable to look away.
His long, jet-black hair was tied into a flowing ponytail that reached the middle of his back, accentuating his noble aura. Most mesmerizing of all were his dual-colored eyes—one crimson, the other cyan—which shimmered with an almost otherworldly charm. Those who met his gaze felt as though their very souls were ensnared, unable to resist his magnetic presence.
Descending from the flying ship, which now hovered motionless above the Xiao Clan grounds, the young man strode confidently through the air. With each step, faint ripples spread beneath his feet. He walked forward unhurriedly, stopping only when he stood directly before Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang.
"Indeed, it has been a long time," Xiao Tao said with a nod and a smile. "You've grown so much that I almost didn't recognize you—if not for your distinctive eyes."
"That's right, Brother Tao," Xiao Yang chimed in with a hearty laugh. "You've not only grown, but you've also become exceptionally handsome. I dare say, the current you could easily charm any woman."
The crowd finally began to recover from their initial shock. Seeing Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang speak so warmly to the young man was truly astonishing. The Grand Elders, who were typically distant and aloof, rarely involved themselves in the affairs of the Xiao Clan unless absolutely necessary. Yet here they were, conversing with the young man in a friendly and familiar manner.
As the crowd's gaze returned to the young man, a detail they had initially overlooked became glaringly obvious: he was standing in mid-air without the support of Dou Qi Wings. While some among them were too ignorant to grasp the significance, others were not.
A wave of murmurs spread among the guests on the platform as they began to speculate about the young man's identity. Realization dawned on them quickly, and though their conclusions were based on conjecture, the subtle tension in the air revealed their growing certainty.
"Is there anywhere I could let them down?" the young man—Xiao Hua—asked, glancing briefly at the massive ship before turning his gaze to Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang.
Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang immediately understood that Xiao Hua was referring to the passengers aboard the ship. Their gazes shifted toward the training field.
"Those near the Magical Stone Monument, clear the area and make room for them to disembark!" Xiao Tao commanded, his voice calm yet carrying undeniable authority.
Although the central area of the training field—where the Magical Stone Monument stood—was spacious enough with empty spots further away, those nearby moved swiftly. The immense presence of the flying ship hovering above instilled a faint sense of apprehension, prompting quick compliance.
The only individuals around the monument were members of the younger generation and a middle-aged man diligently taking notes on their progress. It took only moments for the area to be cleared.
Satisfied, Xiao Hua gave a slight nod. Turning to face the massive flying ship, he raised his hand with a graceful motion. In response, the ship trembled lightly before its massive body shifted, turning sideways. A faint light appeared along the hull, stretching downward until it formed a radiant path leading directly to the central area around the Magical Stone Monument.
Moments later, Xun Er and the others began to disembark, their movements calm, orderly, and composed. Xun Er descended gently, cradling a peacefully sleeping Zi Yan in her arms.
As the group gathered at the center of the training field, Xiao Tao, Xiao Yang, and Xiao Hua exchanged glances and nodded in mutual satisfaction. Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang descended to the ground with calm precision.
Xiao Hua, however, turned his attention back to the ship. With a light wave of his sleeve, the ship emitted a faint glow and shrank rapidly before flying into his palm, where it disappeared into his Storage Ring. Nodding once more in satisfaction, he descended to the ground, coming to stand beside the others.
"Hm… Is this your clan, Hua'er? Why are they so weak?" Mei Ling's sharp gaze swept across the Central Area of the Training Field. She sized up the members of the Xiao Clan, her expression tinged with disappointment as she failed to find anyone who piqued her interest.
"I expected this, but Sister Mei Ling, have you forgotten? This isn't the Black-Corner Region," Xiao Hua replied with a helpless smile, his tone carrying a mix of amusement and resignation.
Her blunt criticism, which trampled so easily on the pride of the Xiao Clan, was harsh but not entirely unfounded. Xiao Hua understood the reasons behind their weakness—limited resources, sparse treasures, and a less abundant energy environment in the North-West Region made it difficult for them to grow stronger.
Before their exchange could continue, a commotion arose. A group of old men, their faces lit with broad smiles, hurried toward them, their eyes focused on Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang.
"Grand Elder Xiao Tao, Grand Elder Xiao Yang," the Second Elder began, his voice tinged with both awe and tension. "I believe I have some idea of who he might be, but… could it really be…?" His voice trailed off, his eyes betraying a glimmer of excitement he could not conceal. His expression suggested he was barely able to contain his anticipation for their confirmation.
Xiao Tao chuckled softly before nodding with a smile. "Your assumption is correct, Second Elder. He is indeed the one and only genius of the Xiao Clan—our Cousin Xiao Hua."
Xiao Tao's voice was calm and soft, yet it carried clearly across the training field, sparking a wave of excitement and chatter.
"He's our Cousin Xiao Hua? The one who brought fame and glory to the Xiao Clan?!"
"I never imagined that time would turn him into such a strikingly handsome young man..."
"Indeed. If not for his unmistakable dual-colored eyes, I wouldn't have recognized him, nor would I believe this young man standing before us is truly Cousin Xiao Hua."
"We only received news of his emergence from seclusion four days ago. Who would have thought he'd arrive at the Xiao Clan so quickly? Could it be because of that artifact…?"
"Thank goodness we prepared the banquet in advance…"
Amid the growing commotion, Xiao Hua shook his head helplessly. Ignoring the murmurs, he approached Xiao Zhan and the elders, bowing respectfully.
"Clan Head, Elders, I apologize for disturbing the ceremony."
Before Xiao Zhan could respond, the First Elder stepped forward with a hearty laugh.
"There's no need for apologies, Xiao Hua! Your return is no disturbance—it's a joyous occasion for the Xiao Clan."
"Exactly!" added the Third Elder, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he stroked his beard. "It is thanks to you that the Xiao Clan has reached such heights. Your return only brings us pride and celebration."
The corner of Xiao Zhan's eye twitched, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. He shot a resentful glare at the First and Third Elders, who stood beaming. Inwardly, his heart was a tangle of vexation and disbelief.
'These sly foxes…' he thought, feeling utterly speechless at their quick-witted flattery.
Xiao Hua nodded thoughtfully, then turned to Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang with an impish smile. "By the way, Cousin Xiao Tao, Cousin Xiao Yang, I've heard that both of you have become elders. Should I start addressing you with honorifics now?"
Xiao Yang rolled his eyes at the teasing remark and snorted. "We've always spoken casually. If you suddenly start using honorifics, I think I'd get chills crawling up my spine from the awkwardness, cousin."
Xiao Tao chuckled at his younger brother's reaction before turning to Xiao Hua with a soft smile. "Besides, you've always been generous with us, gifting countless treasures and resources to aid our cultivation. It would feel unnatural for us if you suddenly became formal."
"Exactly," Xiao Yang chimed in, crossing his arms. "Besides, there's already talk of you becoming the Clan Head—or at least taking a position equivalent to one. That would make you higher-ranking than us anyway."
Xiao Hua sighed in exasperation, his expression slightly troubled. "I know I can't run from this…" he muttered, clearly upset at the thought of being unable to avoid a position in the upper echelons of the Xiao Clan.
"Just accept it, cousin." Xiao Tao patted Xiao Hua's shoulder with a helpless smile. He understood that his cousin felt downcast about the inevitable responsibility awaiting him.
Xiao Hua sighed again, his gaze drifting away. He knew it was futile to dwell on his disappointment, so he refocused his thoughts.
"Anyway, I have a gift for both of you," Xiao Hua said, turning back to Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang with a faint smile.
A faint light flickered on Xiao Hua's finger, and two jade boxes materialized, hovering briefly before he handed them to Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang.
The two brothers didn't engage in any hypocritical refusals and accepted the gifts without hesitation. Yet, their focus wasn't on the contents of the boxes. For them, anything Xiao Hua gifted would be treasured regardless of its value or purpose.
Noticing their indifference to the actual contents, Xiao Hua shook his head slightly and decided to explain.
"These are Flame Demon Quiet Mysterious Pills. If someone cultivating fire-affinity Dou Qi consumes one, it offers a chance for their Dou Qi to undergo a transformation, greatly enhancing their combat strength."
Xiao Tao nodded in understanding. "I see. This pill will indeed be incredibly beneficial to both me and Yang'er." As cultivators with fire-affinity Dou Qi, the pill's effects were clearly tailored to their needs.
Xiao Hua chose not to mention the First Star Pill for now. That particular pill needed to be safeguarded until after the child's birth and maturation. If word of its existence spread, it would undoubtedly attract attention and attempts to steal it.
However, Xiao Hua had included a note within the jade box explaining the pill's effects and the appropriate timing for the child to consume it. This way, he wouldn't need to concern himself further.
As for the pill's potency, Xiao Hua harbored no worries. Once a medicinal pill reached tier-eight and endured the nine-colored Pill Lightning tribulation, its medicinal strength became remarkably stable, ensuring it wouldn't deteriorate over time.
Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang could sense that the jade boxes contained more than one pill each. However, they remained silent, understanding that Xiao Hua wished to keep the matter of the other pill a secret.
"Regardless," Xiao Hua began, turning to Xiao Zhan and the elders, "it seems the Xiao Clan has undergone remarkable growth." His gaze swept across the training field, observing the gathered clan members.
He noted with satisfaction that many had reached the ranks of Dou Shi and Da Dou Shi, with a few even advancing to Dou Ling. Such progress was unthinkable for the Xiao Clan of the past, where even a Da Dou Shi was considered the peak of their strength.
It was clear that his contributions had brought about a profound transformation, elevating the Xiao Clan to one of the most powerful factions in the Jia Ma Empire.
"At this rate, only the Misty Cloud Sect could rival us now…" Xiao Hua mused silently.
Of course, his assessment excluded Yun Shan, who was destined to ascend to the Dou Zong realm in the future. Additionally, he was only comparing the forces within the Jia Ma Empire, without factoring in the powerful factions from neighboring empires in the Northern-Western Region.
Xiao Hua cast a fleeting glance in the direction of the Misty Cloud Sect before withdrawing his gaze. He no longer held any interest in them.
If it had been the past him, he might have been captivated by Yun Yun. But after journeying through the Black-Corner Region and spending time with Xun Er and the others, his interest towards Yun Yun had diminished.
"Although I can't deny that I still feel a faint attraction to Yun Yun, it has become nothing more than a simple desire for friendship," he mused, a melancholic sigh escaping his lips. His heart felt slightly conflicted, caught between his past and present.
"Brother Xiao Hua, is something wrong?" Xun Er asked softly, her voice laced with concern as she noticed his momentary distraction.
Xiao Hua's expression softened, and he reached out to gently stroke her hair. "Don't worry, Xun Er," he replied with a tender smile. "I was just lost in thought. It's nothing you need to fret over."
"If you're feeling down, there's nothing like tonight's banquet to lift your spirits!" Xiao Yang said with a hearty laugh, sensing the atmosphere and attempting to lighten the mood.
"So, there's a banquet tonight…" Xiao Hua's gentle smile shifted into a weary grin. The thought of the gathering felt tedious and draining to him.
The murmurs of the Xiao Clan members didn't escape his notice. He silently prayed he had misunderstood their excitement. Formal parties were a source of great irritation to him, but he knew they were an inevitable part of his role and something he needed to grow accustomed to.
"Just accept it," Xiao Tao said, patting Xiao Hua's shoulder with a knowing smile. "Everyone wants to celebrate your successful advancement and return. Go along with it. After all, their joy comes from seeing you—our hero and legend—here among them."
Xiao Hua let out a resigned sigh, realizing he couldn't avoid the banquet, especially when it was in his honor.
"Now that I think about it, will you be staying with the Xiao Clan for a while?" Xiao Yang asked, curious about how long Xiao Hua intended to remain.
While his presence wasn't strictly necessary, Xiao Hua's participation in the upcoming Coming of Age Ceremony would undoubtedly ease the elders' concerns. Many feared he might leave the clan again after reaching his current heights.
Moreover, this year marked Xiao Hua's fifteenth year. By next year, he would turn sixteen, making him eligible to participate in the Coming of Age Ceremony—a tradition mandatory for all Xiao Clan members within the appropriate age range.
Though everyone already knew of Xiao Hua's extraordinary strength, his attendance was still highly anticipated. His mere presence would undoubtedly elevate the ceremony's atmosphere, making it more vibrant and memorable.
"I'll be in the Jia Ma Empire for at least a year, so don't trouble yourself over it," Xiao Hua said, understanding the subtle plea behind Xiao Yang's words. He sighed lightly, shaking his head to dismiss the worry and reassure him of his plans to stay.
"That's a relief." Xiao Yang exhaled deeply, his expression lightening with happiness. It was clear Xiao Hua had grasped the underlying concern in his statement.
Standing behind Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang, Xiao Zhan felt a surge of joy upon hearing Xiao Hua's words. If Xiao Hua was staying, it meant he might be able to ask him to examine Xiao Yan's condition—a matter weighing heavily on his mind.
"Now, let's discuss one of the reason behind my return," Xiao Hua announced, his tone carrying a subtle weight. His gaze shifted, locking onto a certain young man in the crowd.
From the moment Xiao Hua had approached the Magic Stone Monument, he had felt an intense and unwavering gaze directed at him. Now, his eyes met those of the young man—a delicate, youthful face framed by jet-black hair and a pair of piercing black eyes that stared at him with unyielding intensity.
The young man's expression was complicated, a mix of emotions flitting across his face. Yet, Xiao Hua didn't miss the deep hope brimming in his gaze. It was a fragile kind of hope, one so dense and desperate that Xiao Hua instinctively knew a single wrong word could shatter it, plunging the young man into despair and self-doubt.
"Greetings, Third Young Master." Xiao Hua smiled gently, his tone respectful as he greeted the young man.
As an avid reader of Battle Through the Heavens, it was only natural for Xiao Hua to immediately recognize Xiao Yan. His sharp eyes also caught sight of the black ring resting on Xiao Yan's right hand—the source of his suffering.
Xiao Yan's eyes trembled slightly, betraying a flicker of emotion. A moment later, he shook his head, clearing the complex feelings stirring within him. With a calm demeanor, he offered a small smile and greeted, "Welcome back, Cousin Xiao Hua."
Xiao Yan's composed response immediately drew the crowd's attention. All eyes, both from the Xiao Clan members and those seated on the Guest Platform, shifted toward him. Some watched with nervous anticipation, while others exhaled in quiet relief.
Under the weight of so many gazes, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel tense and awkward. He forced a wry smile, dismissing the attention with a subtle shake of his head, doing his best to ignore their scrutiny.
"I've heard of your predicament from Xun'er," Xiao Hua said, his expression soft and reassuring. "It's unfortunate that I was in seclusion during those trying times, but now that I'm here, I will do my utmost to cure your condition. As for payment, you need not worry—I seek nothing in return."
Xiao Hua's soft voice reverberated throughout the entire training field, his words stirring a wave of restless and heated commotion among the crowd.
"What?! Cousin Xiao Hua is going to treat him personally?!"
"This is a privilege even the major forces can't dream of!"
"And did I hear correctly? He's doing it without asking for anything in return?! What kind of luck does Xiao Yan have?!"
"That damn Third Young Master of ours is truly enviable! A cripple like him doesn't deserve such luxury!"
The field was alive with countless murmurs of disbelief, envy, and thinly veiled hatred. Most of these came from the younger generation of the Xiao Clan, whose jealousy was now on full display.
At that moment, Xiao Yan had become the focus of everyone's envy. To receive personal treatment from Xiao Hua was a privilege unimaginable even for the most powerful forces of the Jia Ma Empire.
And this time, unlike when Xiao Zhan had hired an outsider to treat Xiao Yan, there was no cost involved. The thought of Xiao Yan soaring in strength after being cured filled the crowd with a mixture of admiration and resentment.
The question of whether Xiao Hua was capable of curing Xiao Yan didn't even cross their minds. With his technique and his status as a tier-eight alchemist, none dared to harbor even a shred of doubt about his abilities.
"Quiet down, all of you!" Xiao Zhan's authoritative voice rang out, silencing the restless crowd. However, the joy and relief on his face betrayed the deep sense of gratification in his heart.
Ever since learning of Xiao Hua's return, Xiao Zhan had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to ask this favor—to request Xiao Hua's assistance in treating his son. Yet, he had never dared to imagine that Xiao Hua would bring it up on his own without any prompting.
Although Xiao Zhan knew little about tier-eight alchemists, he was well aware that Xiao Hua's techniques were leagues above most others. His abilities and expertise had long surpassed even those of Gu He, the renowned sixth-tier alchemist.
The memory of his son's plight still weighed heavily on his heart. Despite offering a high-grade tier-seven medicinal formula, Xiao Yan's condition had shown no improvement. Worse, his efforts had sparked outrage among the clan elders, many of whom had grown increasingly hostile toward him.
'If not for Grand Elder Xiao Tao and Grand Elder Xiao Yang's intervention, the Xiao Clan might have suffered a devastating rift.'
Xiao Zhan's gratitude toward the two elders was immeasurable. Their firm support and the weight of their words—backed by the assurance of Xiao Hua's protection—had prevented the elders from causing further trouble or engaging in scheming plots against his son.
'Now, I can inform my two sons in the Tageer Desert about this, so they no longer have to worry about Yan'er,' Xiao Zhan thought as his gaze softened.
His thoughts drifted to his two elder sons, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, who had left the clan to form a mercenary group, all in an effort to protect Xiao Yan's future. The brothers had made this sacrifice to ensure their youngest sibling wouldn't become a servant after losing his talent.
Though Xiao Zhan often worried about their well-being, he understood their unwavering resolve. They would stop at nothing to guarantee that Xiao Yan could live peacefully, free from the harassment of other clan members.
'If I recall correctly, they named it the Desert Metal Mercenary Company…' Xiao Zhan mused briefly before another matter surfaced in his mind.
"Moreover, there's still the engagement to consider," he murmured softly, his voice so low it barely reached his own ears.
His eyes shifted discreetly toward the Guest Platform, settling momentarily on the Misty Cloud Sect. The thought of Xiao Yan's arranged marriage brought a surge of cheerfulness to his heart.
"Now, there's truly no need to worry about Yan'er—neither his condition nor his future," Xiao Zhan concluded with a deep, contented nod. A smile of satisfaction spread across his face, brimming with relief and joy. In his current mood, even the sharpest criticism from the elders felt like nothing more than whispers in the wind.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan grappled with a storm of complex emotions, feelings he thought he had long accepted. Yet, after meeting Xiao Hua, he realized a lingering sense of unease still resided within him, sparking a complicated reaction.
Before losing his talent, the respect and admiration he had once enjoyed within the clan mirrored the reverence now showered upon Xiao Hua. But this resemblance wasn't the root of his conflicted emotions.
His past had been a crucible of humiliation, each blow tempering his will and fortifying his resolve. Through countless trials, Xiao Yan confronted the flaws of his youth—his baseless arrogance and reckless behavior that often caused needless trouble. Though he was a reincarnated adult in the body of a child, he couldn't deny the shameless acts of his younger self.
Now, with the clarity of hindsight, he felt a deep shame for his actions. He bore no resentment or hatred toward those who had mocked or ridiculed him; instead, he acknowledged that he deserved such treatment and quietly accepted it.
What truly complicated his feelings toward Xiao Hua, however, were the endless comparisons made between them during those years of torment. Those words, spoken again and again, had twisted his perception of Xiao Hua, leaving a knot of bitterness in his heart.
'So much for thinking I've matured. It seems I still have a long way to go,' Xiao Yan mused, a faint, self-deprecating smile gracing his lips.
But as he reflected, clarity began to dawn. Holding on to this is pointless. It's time to let go.'
Xiao Yan shook his head, and a small, satisfied smile appeared on his youthful face. It was as though he had finally lifted the heavy stone that had weighed upon his heart for so long.
The Xiao Yan of the novel counterpart—the arrogant boy who refused to acknowledge his mistakes—was gone. In his place stood someone humbled by hardship, ready to walk forward on a new, self-forged path.