Oba Pa's shout echoed through the Xiao Estate. Many clan members were startled, but their expressions quickly hardened.
Oba Pa had clearly come to take advantage of the situation.
The three major families had long-standing tensions, and this time, the Oba family was certainly not coming in peace.
There was no way they would let them off lightly.
There was only one choice: fight.
Inside, Xiao Jian narrowed his eyes at the sound of the shout.
Oba Pa had arrived even faster than he had anticipated.
Still, this wasn't a major problem.
After all, Yao Lao had always been inside Xiao Yan's ring. The excuse to "bring the teacher" was just a reasonable pretext.
The Xiao family was still weak, and neither he nor Xiao Yan had fully grown.
If news of Yao Lao were leaked, and the Soul Hall found out, trouble would be catastrophic.
Another reason Xiao Jian had predicted Oba Pa's arrival was that the old fox wasn't just taking advantage of the situation.....he wanted to eliminate two extremely dangerous geniuses: Xiao Jian and Xiao Yan.
A double win, perfectly executed. Oba Pa would have relished it.
Unfortunately for him, he had no idea that within Xiao Yan's ring was Yao Lao.....a formidable figure whose strength was even just a fraction of his prime, yet still capable of overturning the Gama Empire.
Sister Xiao Yu set down her empty jade bowl, frowning.
"Xiao Jian… that sounded like Oba Pa," she said, worry crossing her brows.
"Yeah, it's him. Don't worry—I expected him to show up eventually."
Xiao Jian stood, clenching his fists.
His Dou Qi was still thin, offering no sense of security. He needed to grow stronger. He couldn't rely on Yao Lao every time.
With a slight furrow of his brows, he stepped outside calmly.
The clan leader, the three elders, and the influential uncles were all absent. For now, Xiao Jian was the acting head of the Xiao family.
Sister Xiao Yu hurried to his side, looping her arm through his.
Feeling her soft warmth, Xiao Jian turned and smiled knowingly at her.
Hand in hand, they walked out. Many clan members who had seen them followed, their eyes filled with determination.
Xiao Jian nodded slightly to them, his steps firm.
Oba Pa thought he could take advantage? Then he was about to get burned.
At the Xiao Estate gates, Xiao Jian saw two guards lying on the ground, their fates uncertain, and Oba Pa's face stretched into a shameless, disgusting grin.
Behind Oba Pa were three elders and a host of Oba family members.
"Well, if it isn't young Xiao Jian, nephew of the Xiao family," Oba Pa said with a fake smile.
"Shut up, you shameless old dog! Who's your nephew?" Xiao Jian shouted.
The Xiao clan members straightened their backs, glaring at Oba Pa and the Oba elders beside him.
Oba Pa's fake smile froze instantly. His face darkened into a stormy scowl.
"Who do you think you're showing that old face to? Taking advantage of fire and yet laughing with me?"
Xiao Jian sneered.
Moments ago, he had sensed Yao Lao's subtle yet overwhelming spiritual presence. Now, he was fearless.
"Good, good! You've got guts!"
Oba Pa sneered and released his Dou Qi. A powerful pressure surged toward Xiao Jian.
"Hmph!"
Xiao Jian's thin Dou Qi barely allowed him to resist the Da Dou Shi–level pressure.
But he didn't retreat.....he feigned weakness, grunting as he planted himself firmly, shielding Sister Xiao Yu behind him.
"You little brat, refused a toast and must drink the penalty!"
Oba Pa's face grew even darker. In the next instant, he lunged at Xiao Jian.
"Stop!"
A familiar voice barked sharply.