Chapter 93: Damn, Big Bro, Second Bro! What Took You So Long? Come, Cheers!
"This..."
Everyone looked at Xue Lan's reaction, exchanging bewildered glances.
Though the two commanders had mentioned recently that their younger brothers might arrive—officially making them the third and fourth commanders of the Mo Iron Mercenary Group—encountering one at this time and place was completely unexpected.
What's more, word was that the third and fourth commanders were both unable to cultivate Dou Qi—one completely talentless, the other stuck at the third level of Dou Qi for years.
But from the way the third commander had just performed… his strength might not be any weaker than that of the two actual commanders.
"Xue Lan, you've met... the third commander before?"
Danzi couldn't help but ask.
"Yeah. Two and a half years ago, the commander sent me to deliver goods to Wutan City. The third commander was the one I dealt with. Don't you remember Second Commander personally monitored and sun-dried fire stones for three months? Those were for Third Commander."
Xue Lan said with a bright smile.
"Oh! I remember now!"
Danzi and the others suddenly looked enlightened.
Back then, it had seemed odd, but since Second Commander said nothing, they didn't ask questions.
"Alright, lead the way back to Stone Desert City."
Xiao Yuan smiled and said.
"Got it!"
Xue Lan nodded and began organizing the team for departure.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yuan pulled out a white robe and put it on.
After all, he was about to meet his older brothers—he should at least look presentable and clean.
Once dressed, his scholarly and refined aura returned full force.
Now everyone understood why Xue Lan had reacted like that.
He had looks. He had power. What girl wouldn't be moved?
Half an hour later, the outline of a massive city emerged from the eastern edge of the Tagor Desert.
Seeing the distant city of Stone Desert, not only did Xue Lan and her team breathe a sigh of relief, even Xiao Yuan's smile widened. After ten days of bitter training and wandering in the desert—nearly losing his way more than once—it was refreshing to finally see a place to rest.
Cities in the desert carried a rugged simplicity compared to those deeper within the empire. Likely due to their proximity to the Tagor Desert, their defenses were much tighter, and armored patrols could be seen everywhere.
After entering the city, Xiao Yuan followed Xue Lan and her group toward the southern sector. After winding through several streets, a massive courtyard—nearly rivaling the Xiao Clan's estate in Wutan City—came into view.
Above the estate flew a banner that read "Mo Iron Mercenary Group" in bold characters, exuding a strong, militaristic aura.
"In Stone Desert City, our Mo Iron Mercenary Group ranks top three. Only the Sand Mercenary Group is clearly stronger—their leader is a Da Dou Shi, which makes their status unshakable. Other than them, only the Storm Mercenary Group is close to us."
Xue Lan said with a smile as they approached the courtyard.
Xiao Yuan nodded.
His big brother Xiao Ding had always been sharp and resourceful; his second brother Xiao Li was cautious, ruthless, and shrewd. Both were quite talented—already at Dou Shi level around the age of twenty. Though not considered "top-tier," they would still rank as super S-tier potential by Jia Nan Academy's standards.
Yet, for the sake of their two younger brothers—Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, both of whom had unusual cultivation circumstances—they had given up enrollment and set off to carve their own path. In this harsh desert, they built a foothold, hoping to create a safe haven for their siblings.
As elder brothers, they had gone above and beyond. Xiao Yuan was genuinely moved.
Following Xue Lan through a few more alleyways, they passed several mercenaries who, upon seeing Xiao Yuan, showed surprise and began whispering to each other.
"Hehe, the commanders talk about you and Young Master Xiao Yan all the time. Looks like the guy I sent ahead already spread the word."
Xue Lan said with a teasing smile.
Xiao Yuan nodded calmly and returned a warm smile to the curious mercenaries.
Turning one final corner, they arrived at a spacious hall. Inside, he could hear two familiar male voices. Xiao Yuan's smile deepened as he shouted:
"Big Bro! Second Bro! I've missed you both so much!"
Xue Lan had only ever seen Xiao Yuan as calm and composed, his actions decisive. To now witness this spirited, emotional side of him, she was quite surprised.
With his shout, the hall doors opened. A tall figure stepped out—clad in mercenary garb, with dark eyes that reflected a mix of laziness and fierceness. He smiled brightly, though beneath it was the cunning gleam of a wolf.
But the moment he saw Xiao Yuan, all the hidden menace vanished. What remained was a warm, radiant smile.
"Second Bro! Miss me?"
Xiao Yuan beamed, his eyes filled with undisguised excitement.
"Haha! Xiao Yuan! Didn't expect you to arrive so soon!"
Xiao Li strode forward and wrapped him in a strong hug, patting his shoulder hard. His voice brimmed with joy.
"Well, I missed you two, didn't I? Haha!"
Xiao Yuan laughed, hugging him back tightly.
"Heard you're a Dou Shi now? Heh, I guess those three months of sun-drying fire stones weren't wasted!"
Xiao Li grinned and teased.
"All thanks to your help, Second Bro!"
Xiao Yuan nodded seriously, sincerely grateful.
"Come, come! Let's go see Big Brother—he's been talking about you nonstop!"
Xiao Li grabbed Xiao Yuan and, without even greeting Xue Lan, dragged him into the hall.
Inside, Xiao Yuan saw his eldest brother Xiao Ding seated at the head. Dressed in white, he smiled as Xiao Yuan entered. His eyes—sharper than most—carried both wisdom and subtle cunning.
"Xiao Yuan, you've grown so much in just a few years!"
Xiao Ding stood and embraced him, eyes filled with warmth.
"Big Bro."
Xiao Yuan stepped forward and hugged him. Then, with a playful grin, said, "You're looking more handsome every year—how many girls are swooning over you now?"
Xiao Ding laughed and shook his head. "Now you're teasing me? What about you and Xiao Yu? She's liked you since childhood—don't tell me you haven't noticed?"
"Uh… hehe, we're doing well."
Xiao Yuan rubbed his head sheepishly.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged a knowing glance. They understood clearly.
"Weren't you traveling with Xiao Yan? Why didn't he come with you?"
Xiao Li suddenly asked.
"He's been taken as a disciple by a high-tier alchemist. Don't worry, he's safe."
Xiao Yuan replied with a reassuring smile.
"An alchemist, huh?"
Xiao Li looked shocked.
After years of experience, he understood what that meant. He was relieved.
"Xiao Yuan, Father told us when you and Xiao Yan left that you'd broken through to Dou Shi. But the scout just reported that you're a full Dou Shi now. What's your actual level?"
Xiao Ding asked curiously.
"Five-star."
Xiao Yuan answered calmly.
Hiss!
Xiao Li's eyes widened in disbelief. He gasped. From having no Dou Qi to becoming a five-star Dou Shi in less than two years—he'd even surpassed Xiao Li by one level!
Xiao Ding blinked in shock.
This kid had caught up already?
After a moment, Xiao Ding shook his head and chuckled. "Your talent would scare people to death if they heard about it!"
"Yeah, you're already on Big Bro's level!"
Xiao Li exclaimed, staring in amazement.
"I've got a little over a year until I head to the Nalan Clan to annul the engagement. I can't go underprepared. What if I can't beat Nalan Yanran? That would shame the family."
Xiao Yuan said lightly, smiling.
"Annul the engagement?"
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li paused. Xiao Li's smile faded into a cold scowl.
"Father mentioned it briefly, but what exactly happened? You'd better explain. I heard she even brought people from the Misty Cloud Sect to our house?"
"Hehe, it's nothing much..."
Xiao Yuan smiled and told them everything.
"She came just to annul the engagement? Fine. But bringing the Misty Cloud Sect to pressure Father? That's just stupid. Still, on the Dou Qi continent, the strong are respected. Hoping people act out of kindness or sentiment is naive.
Luckily, my talent's decent. If she doesn't want to marry a 'waste,' well, I don't want to marry someone who humiliated my father either. This continent is vast—there are many women better than her."
Xiao Yuan concluded calmly.
"You've got a good head on your shoulders."
Xiao Ding smiled approvingly.
"If it were in the past, I might've disliked the Misty Cloud Sect. But recently, I met a woman from their sect who's way better than Nalan Yanran."
Xiao Yuan grinned knowingly.
His brothers instantly picked up the vibe.
"Details?" Xiao Li grinned and threw his arm around him.
"Ahem, Second Bro, not so fast. Let's wait until we're official. But trust me—she's a hundred, no, a thousand times better than Nalan Yanran."
Xiao Yuan said with a wink.
"Haha, now I'm curious. Still, don't forget Xiao Yu."
Xiao Ding chuckled, then grew serious. "Don't let her down."
"Of course, Big Bro. You know me."
Xiao Yuan thumped his chest with pride.
"I've always trusted you."
Xiao Ding nodded with a smile.
"Enough chatter. We've been waiting forever for you. Let's drink till we drop tonight!"
Xiao Li laughed heartily, pulling Xiao Yuan close.
"Alright! Let's drink to our hearts' content!"
Xiao Yuan laughed loudly.
(END CHAPTER)
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