"Clan Leader, Grand Elder Xiao Tao, and the esteemed Elders of the Xiao Clan have arrived!"
After a few moments, the Xiao Clan's leader, Xiao Zhan, entered the hall, accompanied by Grand Elder Xiao Tao and a group of jovial elders. Xiao Zhan and the elders wore radiant smiles, their cheerful demeanor lighting up the room, while Xiao Tao maintained a calm and serene expression, his composed presence standing out.
Xiao Yang, having gone to Xun Er's residence to summon Xiao Hua and Xun Er, was notably absent from the gathering.
As Xiao Zhan and the elders made their entrance, the crowd surged forward, greeting them with enthusiastic smiles. Many quickly gravitated toward elders with whom they shared connections, engaging in animated conversations.
Yet, no one dared to approach Xiao Tao. His formidable strength and towering prestige created an air of reverence that deterred most. However, there were always exceptions to the rule.
"It has been some time, Grand Elder Xiao Tao," Ya Fei said as she approached with a calm and collected demeanor, unfazed by the curious and envious gazes of the surrounding onlookers.
"Only four days have passed since our last meeting, Lady Ya Fei," Xiao Tao replied, a faint wry smile playing on his lips.
Ya Fei chuckled softly. "So it seems." Turning gracefully, she gestured to an older man standing nearby. "Allow me to introduce him. This is Primer Tengshan, the head of our Primer Clan."
"Oh?" Xiao Tao raised his brows and shifted his gaze to Primer Tengshan, who stood beside Ya Fei.
Primer Tengshan, noticing he had caught Xiao Tao's attention, smiled and cupped his hands respectfully. "Grand Elder Xiao Tao, I have heard much about you from Ya Fei over the years, but circumstances always seemed to conflict with a proper meeting. Today, I am truly pleased to finally make your acquaintance."
"It is I who should feel honored to meet one of the top ten strongest men in the Jia Ma Empire," Xiao Tao replied, laughing heartily.
He had long heard of Primer Tengshan's reputation while learning about the Jia Ma Empire's history from Ya Fei and had desired to meet him. Yet, as Tengshan had mentioned, their paths had never crossed—until now.
"That title holds little weight these days," Primer Tengshan said with a faint, wry smile, shaking his head. "If Grand Elder Xiao Tao desired it, you could easily take such a title from us old men."
"Ke ke, how could we?" Xiao Tao chuckled lightly. "The title isn't merely about strength—it also signifies influence. Unlike the Primer Clan and others among the top ten, the Xiao Clan is still a fledgling when it comes to influence, even if we possess strength."
As the two men continued their conversation, Xiao Tao suddenly turned and offered a respectful bow to Yao Ye.
"Good evening, Princess Yao Ye. My apologies for not addressing you sooner."
"There is no need for apologies," Yao Ye replied, shaking her head gracefully. "It is no surprise that the ranking of strong individuals in the Jia Ma Empire has piqued your interest."
However, a trace of curiosity flashed in her eyes. "That said, I do have a question. Why has the Xiao Clan remained in Wu Tan City instead of moving to Jia Ma Sacred City?"
Xiao Tao's expression turned thoughtful. "The simple answer is that Clan Leader Xiao Zhan and the elders have no desire to move just yet. After all, rapid growth isn't always a good thing."
"I see…" Yao Ye murmured, nodding in understanding. She grasped the underlying meaning of his words: sudden and unprepared growth could harm a clan more than help it. The Xiao Clan had chosen to wait, meticulously planning and laying a proper foundation before attempting to establish themselves in Jia Ma Sacred City.
This explanation satisfied Yao Ye's curiosity, as she understood that without a solid foundation and heritage, it would be nearly impossible for any clan to comfortably ascend to greater heights.
To her, this was a favorable development. It meant she could serve as a bridge or leverage for the Xiao Clan when the time came for them to transition to Jia Ma Sacred City.
'Of course, the main reason lies deeper than that,' Xiao Tao mused silently, his expression unchanging. He was well aware of the elders' true concerns—that Xiao Hua might lose his attachment to the clan if they relocated to the capital of the Jia Ma Empire.
After all, Wu Tan City was the place where Xiao Hua and Xun Er first met and formed their bond. The elders feared that moving the clan might weaken this emotional connection, leaving Xiao Hua indifferent to the clan's future and perhaps even prompting him to drift away.
Thus, the Xiao Clan had chosen to remain in Wu Tan City, anchoring themselves to the site of Xiao Hua and Xun Er's blossoming relationship. They hoped that by preserving this emotional tie, they could maintain at least a small foothold in his heart.
'If only they knew that the place they consider home lies at the heart of the Spiritual Chaos Forest, hidden behind the Chaos Gate's headquarters.'
Xiao Tao couldn't help but find the elders' efforts to keep Xiao Hua tied to the Xiao Clan slightly pitiful. To him, it was a futile struggle. He had long realized that Xiao Hua had already made up his mind—to pass the leadership mantle to Xiao Yan and forge his own path, creating a family and force of his own.
'There was no other plausible reason for him to demand that we focus so intently on shaping Xiao Yan's character and mindset—this must have been his true goal.'
Unlike Xiao Yang, Xiao Tao had discerned the deeper intentions behind Xiao Hua's request. If two individuals from the same clan rose to prominence, even if one chose to leave, the clan's survival would still be secured through the strength and influence of the other.
Xiao Tao had made his own decision. When the time came for Xiao Hua to leave the Xiao Clan, he intended to follow him and join the force Xiao Hua would inevitably establish. This wasn't a decision he made lightly. He had already discussed the matter with his wife, and to his relief, she was entirely supportive of his choice.
As his thoughts drifted to his wife, a faint smile tugged at his lips. Her unwavering understanding and willingness to follow him on this uncertain path filled him with a quiet sense of gratitude and resolve.
'I should discuss this with Yang'er afterward. It might place him in a slightly difficult position, as unlike Cousin Xiao Hua and me, his loyalty to the clan runs deep...' Xiao Tao mused silently, his expression unreadable.
His gaze shifted, settling on Yun Yun and Gu He. A faint smile crossed his lips as he raised his hand subtly. The surrounding energy stirred, condensing in an instant to form a soundproof barrier, enclosing the space and sealing all sound within.
The sudden change in the atmosphere sent a ripple of unease through the group. Ya Fei and the others instinctively tensed, their bodies growing rigid as the palpable shift in energy heightened their nerves.
Sensing the anomaly, Yun Yun and Gu He furrowed their brows and stepped forward, their movements deliberate and protective. They positioned themselves in front of their disciples, shielding Nalan Yanran and Liu Ling from potential harm.
Their actions only served to amplify the unease among the younger generation. Nalan Yanran and Liu Ling exchanged uneasy glances, their tension visible as they clutched their robes tightly.
Yun Yun and Gu He were fully aware that Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang had likely heard about Nalan Yanran's bold declaration. Naturally, they remained vigilant, their sharp eyes fixed on Xiao Tao, scrutinizing his every move and missing not the slightest gesture.
"You need not worry, Ms. Yun," Xiao Tao said, sensing the tension radiating from Yun Yun and the others. His tone was calm and reassuring as he sought to ease their unease.
"May I know the meaning behind your words, Grand Elder Xiao Tao?" Yun Yun replied, her sharp gaze fixed firmly on him, her narrowed eyes gleaming with fierce intensity.
Xiao Tao met her gaze with an unbothered smile. "We have already discussed the matter of the engagement annulment with the Supreme Elder," he said evenly.
Yun Yun flinched slightly at his words, her eyes narrowing further, now carrying a dangerous edge. However, as she observed Xiao Tao's demeanor, she noted the lack of malice or ill intent in his expression. This realization prompted her to ease, if only slightly.
"As expected, his answer aligns with what my brother and I anticipated," Xiao Tao continued, his voice steady, unfazed by her sharp glare. "We are in agreement with his decision. As long as this matter is handled properly, we have no intention of interfering."
His calm declaration struck like thunder. With the exception of Ya Fei—who had already anticipated Xiao Hua's stance—everyone in the room was visibly shocked.
Primer Tengshan, having been informed beforehand, managed to recover swiftly from the revelation. However, the others were left stunned, their minds racing as they struggled to process the weight of Xiao Tao's words.
Still, they were highly influential and powerful individuals, so it only took a brief moment for them to recover.
"Isn't Xiao Yan under Xiao Hua's protection? Why would the Supreme Elder not take offense to this?" Yun Yun asked, her tone measured but cautious. Despite her composed demeanor, unease flickered in her heart. She watched Xiao Tao warily, skeptical that they would let such a matter pass without any hidden conditions.
Xiao Tao, understanding her apprehension, took no offense at her guarded behavior. Maintaining his calm demeanor, he offered an explanation, one carefully prepared to address any lingering doubts.
"Xiao Hua and Xun Er are lovers who have endured countless trials together. Naturally, they hold strong opinions about matters like a betrothal arranged without the consent of the involved parties."
Of course, Xiao Tao deliberately omitted the deeper truth behind their stance. He knew Xiao Hua's true intentions and thus keeping it hidden from them.
A flash of realization crossed Yun Yun's mind, mirrored by the others. The explanation made sense. Given the deep bond between Xiao Hua and Xun Er, it wasn't surprising that they would be apprehensive about such an arrangement. The absence of consent, particularly in matters of such personal importance, was enough to draw their disapproval.
Yao Ye and Primer Tengshan could sense that Xiao Tao was withholding something. However, recognizing that he had no intention of divulging it, they chose to remain silent, refraining from any further inquiry.
Meanwhile, Yun Yun and the others let out a collective sigh of relief. The tension that had gripped their hearts eased, as if a heavy stone pressing down on them had been suddenly lifted. The assurance that Xiao Hua would not take offense was truly welcome news.
"Although the method was somewhat spontaneous and, frankly, insulting," Xiao Tao remarked, his tone calm but firm. His gaze shifted briefly to Nalan Yanran, who visibly twitched at his words. "As long as you handle the matter appropriately, there will be no need for further concern on our part."
A helpless yet relieved smile spread across Yun Yun's lips. She knew the situation had escalated due to her disciple's recklessness, but she was grateful that it had not led to outright enmity.
"Thank you, Grand Elder Xiao Tao. I will also ensure that heartfelt gratitude and an apology are sent to the Supreme Elder and the Third Young Master."
Xiao Tao nodded but added, "Then you might need to wait a little longer."
With that, he turned and dismissed the sound barrier that had enveloped the space. Returning his attention to the other guests, he resumed his role as host, patiently awaiting Xiao Hua's arrival.
...
Meanwhile, Xiao Hua was in the backyard of Xun Er's residence, making final preparations for the evening's celebration.
Xun Er had excused herself to another room to change into proper attire, ensuring her appearance would not bring any embarrassment to Xiao Hua.
Hearing her words, Xiao Hua snorted lightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. To him, her concerns were entirely unnecessary. Xun Er's beauty was unparalleled, a radiance that could not be concealed, no matter how simple or elaborate her dress.
Suddenly, a lively voice rang out, echoing through the backyard.
"Xiao Hua! Please give me more medicinal pills!"
A small, purple-haired girl came rushing toward a specific room, her urgency evident in her tone.
As she flung the door open, she froze in place. Her wide, astonished eyes were fixed on the young man before her. Xiao Hua's appearance seemed to transcend mortal elegance, leaving the little girl momentarily mesmerized and speechless.
The young man stands tall and lean, his broad shoulders adding a commanding presence to his otherwise elegant frame. His long, black hair cascades down his back, with a single bang perfectly framing his neat and handsome face, lending him an air of quiet sophistication.
His most striking feature is his dual-colored eyes: the left gleams with a fiery crimson, exuding intensity and passion, while the right glows with a serene cyan, evoking calm and allure. He is dressed in a regal blue robe adorned with intricate golden patterns and ornaments, giving him a noble and refined aura that matches his enigmatic appearance.
Despite his appearance, which could easily captivate the hearts of many, his face bore a weary, resigned smile. He addressed the purple-clad little girl before him with a gentle, yet faintly reproachful tone.
"Zi Yan, how many times must I tell you? I cannot give you those pills because of your current condition. It will cause a severe backlash."
Zi Yan's brows furrowed, and she crossed her arms, pouting indignantly. "That's your fault for giving me those ridiculously potent medicinal pills in the first place! Who does that just to make someone go to sleep? Aren't you just a brute, Xiao Hua?!"
The corner of Xiao Hua's lips twitched. The accusation of being a brute, coming from this little girl who always approached matters with brute force herself, was almost laughable.
'This damn little lass sure knows how to make noise after waking up from her sleep,' Xiao Hua thought with a bitter sigh.
When Xiao Hua returned to Xun Er's residence early afternoon, the lively sound of Zi Yan's voice immediately reached his ears, signaling that she had woken up. Slightly surprised by her early awakening, he stepped inside and instinctively began assessing her condition.
'It's astonishing that she hasn't advanced despite the absurd amount of energy she's consumed. No wonder she's constantly searching for and devouring heaven and earth treasures relentlessly...'
Xiao Hua's thoughts swirled with disbelief. The energy Zi Yan had absorbed could have easily propelled any other Magical Beast of her rank to advance—or even caused them to explode from overloading their limits.
'Is it because she's of the dragon race? Or perhaps it's her Royal Bloodline as part of the Ancient Haven Dragon tribe? Could there be another unique factor at play?'
He understood that Magical Beasts varied greatly in their evolution requirements. Even so, the sheer magnitude of energy Zi Yan had consumed was beyond comprehension. For any other Rank 5 Magical Beast, it would have been enough to ascend to Rank 6—or self-destruct in the process.
The only reason Xiao Hua dared to give her Yaowans imbued with such immense energy was because of his trust in the Ancient Void Dragon's extraordinary physique, capable of withstanding such extremes.
Yet now, the results left him both amazed and slightly disheartened. He hadn't anticipated such an outcome, but he quickly brushed off the fleeting disappointment. After all, Zi Yan's potential was as boundless as the sky, and her evolution would undoubtedly occur when the time was right.
'Though now that she's awake, she's been relentlessly pestering me for medicinal pills…' Xiao Hua sighed inwardly, a trace of irritation flickering across his otherwise composed demeanor.
"If you feel guilty about it, just give me some medicinal pills!" Zi Yan demanded with a resolute tone, crossing her arms in defiance.
"Guilty, my ass!" Xiao Hua snapped, rolling his eyes and letting out a cold snort. "If I hadn't done that, would you have stayed put on the ship without sneaking off to invade people's homes and steal their medicinal herbs and fruits?"
Zi Yan clamped her mouth shut, her face scrunching in frustration. As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn't deny her own impatience and lack of restraint when surrounded by the allure of countless treasures.
Seeing her momentary silence, Xiao Hua continued with a smirk. "I'll give you some after tonight's celebration—if you behave and stay quiet."
"Really?! You promise?!" Zi Yan's frustration melted away in an instant, her face lighting up with a beaming smile that exuded pure innocence.
Xiao Hua chuckled softly and nodded, reaching out to gently ruffle her small, adorable head. His actions carried a warmth that softened his earlier sternness, silently affirming that he would keep his promise.
Xiao Hua suddenly raised his hand, and a cluster of five flames sprang to life. Each flame radiated a distinct hue—golden-green, crystal-blue, deep-purple, autumn-orange, and emerald-green—instantly causing the surrounding temperature to spike. The flames flickered vibrantly, gracefully wrapping and elegantly dancing around his hand like living entities.
Zi Yan flinched at the sight of the flames swirling around his hand. Instinctively, she scooted back in a panic, her trembling eyes reflecting a mix of extreme anxiety and deep fear. Her expression froze in terror, her small body trembling uncontrollably under the oppressive aura of the flames.
For Magical Beasts, fire was an inherently intimidating element—especially for those not of fire affinity. However, Xiao Hua's flames were no ordinary fire. They were a merger of the Primordial Heavenly Flame and Heavenly Lightning, a combination that exuded both terrifying strength and devastating destructive power.
It was only natural for Zi Yan to feel fear, even if she couldn't comprehend the full extent of their potency.
Xiao Hua's voice broke the heavy silence, his tone cold and menacing. "Of course, if you dare to cause trouble again, I won't hesitate to teach you that manners and ethics are very important in the human world."
Zi Yan froze, her gaze fixed on Xiao Hua's cold, dark smile. She quickly nodded with exaggerated urgency, her purple locks bobbing as she did. Deep down, she understood all too well—when it came to Xiao Hua, misbehavior was not an option. Even if it meant forcing herself to restrain her impulses at the cost of her own pride, she had no choice but to comply.
"Good." Xiao Hua nodded with a satisfied smile. His expression softened as he withdrew the flames back into his body. "If you want to go somewhere, make sure to inform me beforehand. That way, nothing will happen to you—or to others."
He paused for a moment, his tone growing firm. "That is, as long as the other party isn't evil and you have evidence to back your actions."
Zi Yan's tense body visibly relaxed, and she let out a long sigh of relief. The fear that had gripped her moments ago faded as Xiao Hua's extraordinary flames disappeared. She couldn't help but feel a sense of ease now that the overwhelming pressure was gone.
Watching her reaction, even Xiao Hua's hardened heart softened. It was no wonder the First Elder, despite his usually stern demeanor, always seemed helpless when dealing with her.
'Her appearance can stir guilt in anyone who treats her too harshly…' Xiao Hua thought bitterly, shaking his head.
He stepped closer to Zi Yan and retrieved a small jade bottle from his storage ring. Inside were several Danwans, their vibrant hues shimmering faintly. Handing it to her, he spoke gently, "There are twenty pills in here. Take these and bear with it for now."
"Okay!" Zi Yan's face lit up with pure joy. Without hesitation, she poured out a red-colored Danwan, popped it into her mouth, and began channeling her powerful physical energy to withstand the wild and potent natural force contained within.
"Anyway, you're not interested in the celebration, Zi Yan?" Xiao Hua asked casually.
"Not in the slightest." Zi Yan shook her head while munching on the pill with delight. Then, she looked up at him and tilted her head curiously. "Why? Is something interesting going on?"
"Well, you've been quiet since you arrived here, so I thought your body might be getting restless by now," Xiao Hua remarked with a teasing smile.
"I just want to spend time with Sister Mei Ling and Sister Xin Yu. They always give me something to eat!" Zi Yan replied with a bright grin and an innocent tilt of her head. She raised her large, shimmering eyes and noticed Xiao Hua gazing at her warmly.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her brows furrowing slightly as she gave him a puzzled look, feeling unsettled by the unfamiliar warmth in his eyes.
"Well," Xiao Hua said with a soft chuckle, rubbing her head gently, "I'm just relieved to see that you're not feeling lonely and that you've come to trust us."
Zi Yan's face flushed a deep shade of red, caught off guard by his words. While she had become comfortable around them and often displayed her trust and affection, hearing it acknowledged directly left her feeling self-conscious.
"Why is that?" Xiao Hua pressed, clearly amused by her reaction.
"It's because I know you're not trying to harm me." Zi Yan turned away slightly, murmuring softly with a faint pout.
"Even though you gave me those pills with such enormous energy, I know you were stabilizing the energy inside me while I was sleeping to ensure it didn't harm me."
Though asleep at the time, Zi Yan could still sense the flow of the wild natural energy within her body. The energy was violent and chaotic, yet she was confident her powerful physique could endure it.
The real challenge lay in the sheer, overwhelming amount of energy her body needed to refine. Without Xiao Hua helping to seal more than half of it, she might not have woken up this quickly.
Because of this, her current condition was slightly unstable. Consuming Danwans recklessly could have caused more harm than good.
The ones Xiao Hua gave her, while containing only a small amount of energy, were perfectly suited to her current state. They were just enough to satisfy her gluttonous appetite.
Ah… she's referring to that time…' Xiao Hua thought with a wry smile.
When Zi Yan fell into a deep slumber, Xiao Hua was initially shocked by her reckless decision to consume the Danwan, which was crafted from multiple medicinal ingredients and contained vast amounts of natural energy.
He knew that merely withstanding the violent and chaotic energy wasn't the same as fully refining it. It would take a long time for her body to gain control over it and begin the refining process. That's why he had to stabilize the energy, allowing her body to process it slowly and safely.
Even if she could refine it, her body's slow pace would have caused much of the energy to be released prematurely, wasting it in the process.
To prevent this, Xiao Hua sealed the energy within her lower abdomen, ensuring that it would be gradually released so her body could refine it efficiently, without wasting any of the precious energy.
"I only did it because of the reason I've already told you," Xiao Hua said calmly as he turned toward the door.
"Regardless, I'm glad to know you're not feeling anxious or distant from us," he added, a small smile on his lips.
He slid open the door and found a young lady standing in his garden, gazing up at the silver moon as its serene light bathed her in a soft glow. The moonlight illuminated the garden brightly, while fireflies twinkled like stars, and the flowers swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze.
The young lady's slender figure stood at the height of his chest, her every movement exuding an air of elegance and poise. Her red lips contrasted beautifully against her porcelain skin, which seemed to glow with a soft, gelatin-like luster under the moonlight. Her autumn-hued eyes, calm and clear like still water, added a serene charm to her delicate, enchanting face.
Her long, black hair cascaded down to her narrow, delicate waist, and green earrings sparkled with a touch of vibrant allure. She wore a lime-green silk gown adorned with azure patterns, paired with a fluttering white skirt that added to her ethereal appearance—like a fairy ready to take flight on the breeze.
The scene was breathtaking, an image of unparalleled beauty that left one utterly entranced by her presence in the garden.
Xiao Hua's expression softened as his gaze fell upon her. A gentle, warm smile spread across his lips, as though his heart found peace in this moment.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Xun'er," he said softly.
Xun Er turned toward him, her smile radiant and enchanting. "Don't worry, Brother Xiao Hua. I haven't been waiting long," she said gently.
Her eyes, filled with a deep affection reserved solely for him, sparkled under the moonlight. With a light, joyful bounce in her step, she approached him and slipped her delicate hand into his. "Let's go. Cousin Xiao Yan has arrived to inform us about the banquet. He's waiting for us at the entrance of the house."
"Alright," Xiao Hua replied with a warm smile, his voice calm and steady. He clasped her hand gently, and together, they walked toward the entrance where Xiao Yan was waiting.
Watching their figures gradually disappear into the distance, Zi Yan shook her head helplessly, a faint trace of exasperation flickering in her eyes.
"No matter where they are, they're always showing off their affection and love…" she sighed, her tone a mix of amusement and resignation.