Chapter 278: If Only Life Were as It Was at First Sight
Xiao Clan, Training Ground.
Xiao Yan half-squatted in a horse stance, the Dou Qi robe around him gradually becoming more intense. As his Dou Qi surged, his momentum steadily increased until it reached its peak. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked toward the wooden post in the distance.
"Low-level Xuan-grade Dou Technique—Wild Lion Explosion!!"
With a low shout, Xiao Yan's body suddenly lunged forward. His fists, covered in dark red Dou Qi, struck the wooden post with tremendous force.
"Boom!"
With a violent explosion, the wooden post, bound by thick ropes, was shattered by the force, breaking into pieces that flew in all directions, creating an impressive scene. The clan members who had been watching around the field were stunned, marveling at the sight, envious of the young man at the center.
"Low-level Xuan-grade Dou Technique! What terrifying power! It even blasted apart a tree post the size of a half-grown man! If that had hit us, our organs would have been shattered!"
"Truly worthy of Young Master Xiao Yan. He's mastered even this kind of Dou Technique! He could probably even face a Six or Seven-Star Dou Shi head-on!"
"I envy him. I wonder when I'll be able to break through to Dou Shi!"
...
Under the gazes of everyone, Xiao Mei's delicate figure fluttered toward Xiao Yan like a butterfly. She tilted her head back, her eyes filled with a slight flirtation, looking at him with concern. She handed him a towel she had prepared earlier and gently said, "Xiao Yan, big brother, wipe off your sweat... Take a rest. You've been practicing for an hour already."
"Thank you~" Xiao Yan said with gratitude as he took the towel. His gaze lingered on the shattered wooden post he had just destroyed, a satisfied look in his eyes.
The Wild Lion Explosion, which his father had taught him, had already been mastered. This was a low-level Xuan-grade technique. When perfected, it could summon a wild lion to smash out with terrifying power, enough to split mountains and rocks. Even opponents with a few more stars in strength would not dare to take this blow lightly.
Feeling the progress in his power, Xiao Yan smiled. Though his cultivation speed wasn't as fast as before, he was confident he would break through to Great Dou Master within two years and even reach Dou Ling before he turned twenty!
At that time, even in the Gama Empire, he would be a figure of importance.
Once he reached Dou Wang, he could soar through the skies and witness a broader world.
"Big brother Xiao Yan, when do you plan to go to the Canaan Academy?" Xiao Mei hesitated for a moment before asking. She knew that not long ago, Xiao Yu had sent a letter, hoping that Xiao Yan would go to the Canaan Academy to develop.
With Xiao Yan's talent, entering Canaan Academy was clearly not difficult.
"In a year or two," Xiao Yan replied, clenching his fist slightly. "However, the competition at Canaan Academy is fierce. According to cousin Xiao Yu, only those above Great Dou Master can enter the inner academy... If I can, I plan to go straight into the inner academy!"
Xiao Yan's eyes showed both anticipation and caution. This world wasn't particularly safe, and the clan's business sometimes led to casualties. Therefore, without sufficient strength, he didn't want to leave his father's protection.
Currently, his own strength made studying at the outer academy of Canaan Academy pointless; only the mysterious inner academy could attract him.
"Then I'll work hard this next two years to join you at Canaan Academy, big brother Xiao Yan. When that happens, you'll have to protect me!" Xiao Mei smiled sweetly, her eyes turning into crescent moons as she spoke.
"Of course. Even if we go to Canaan Academy, I'll protect you, Mei'er," Xiao Yan said as he looked at the charming young girl before him, nodding in assurance.
This was actually why he planned to delay his departure to Canaan Academy for a year or two. As the most talented member of the younger generation in the clan, it was his duty to protect his sisters, like Xiao Mei and Xiao Xun'er. With their looks, trouble was bound to find them, and without sufficient strength, how could he protect them at Canaan Academy?
The outside world was far from as peaceful as the clan; conflicts would surely be frequent.
It was better to be cautious.
At that moment, a young man suddenly ran over from the entrance of the training ground, his voice hurried as he said, "Something... something's wrong! Miss Xun'er's fiancé has come!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the once lively atmosphere in the training ground instantly quieted. Many looked at each other in disbelief, unsure if they had heard correctly. Even Xiao Yan was taken aback.
"Xiao Gu, what nonsense are you spouting? Xiao Xun'er has a fiancé?!"
The young man continued, "It's true! Her fiancé is in the living room right now, and the clan leader is meeting him. If you don't believe me, go see for yourselves!"
The moment his words fell, the crowd instantly became restless. Xiao Yan's expression also shifted. He knew more than most people. He knew that Xiao Xun'er wasn't originally from the Xiao Clan, but rather a ward of an old family friend. He wasn't sure of all the details, but he knew that Xiao Xun'er had a lot of secrets, and every year, she would disappear for a period of time.
The sudden appearance of a fiancé was obviously plausible, especially since he too had a fiancée.
However, if Xiao Yan didn't feel anything at all upon hearing this, it would be impossible. It was like watching a little sister, someone he had grown up with, suddenly being taken away by some stranger.
This world truly loved the tradition of arranged marriages... Xiao Yan inwardly mocked.
"Big brother Xiao Yan, let's go take a look," Xiao Mei tugged at Xiao Yan's arm. She felt a little happy inside; without Xiao Xun'er around, there would be no competition for Xiao Yan. She was also very curious about what Xiao Xun'er's fiancé looked like. If he wasn't impressive, it would be interesting.
But even if he could be impressive, he wouldn't be able to compare to her big brother Xiao Yan.
Her Xiao Yan was a genius, someone even Yun Lan Sect had sent people to recruit!
"Mm!" Xiao Yan suppressed his inner frustration, nodded to Xiao Mei, and then headed with the others to the front yard's living room. By the time they arrived, many people were already standing by the window in the corner of the living room. When they saw Xiao Yan arrive, they all moved aside in unison, giving him the best spot.
The Xiao Clan's living room was not small. As one of the three major families of Wutan City, the living room was a place of family prestige, so the decor was naturally lavish and spacious.
At the moment, several people were seated inside. The head of the family, Xiao Yan's father, sat at the front. To his side were three elders of the clan, and further down were a few elders with some influence in the clan. They were all accompanying guests. Facing them sat a young man whose beauty almost bordered on the abnormal.
Xiao Yan had never seen such a handsome young man. He appeared to be in his early twenties, wearing a black robe with golden edges. His long black hair was tied behind him, and his presence was exceptional. He had an indescribable aura, as though he embodied the unity of heaven and man in a Daoist sense, giving off a deeply comforting feeling.
Xiao Yan had never felt such an aura in anyone.
His features were exquisitely delicate, and there was an air of heroism between his brows. A subtle purple mark on his forehead added a touch of nobility, making him seem like the centerpiece of the room, as if everyone else was simply in the background.
"This is Xun'er's fiancé? What a handsome man!" Xiao Mei's eyes widened, her face glowing with admiration.
"He seems a bit older," Xiao Yan casually replied. He had never liked pretty boys. Though this person didn't look like a scruffy young man, he still resembled a pretty boy. It was well-known that men didn't rely on their looks.
While the two whispered to each other.
The handsome young man in the room glanced over toward them, making the others who had been peeking instinctively shrink back. Only Xiao Yan stood still, meeting his gaze head-on with no hesitation, his eyes full of confidence and pride.
...
The spirited young man... Yao Yan glanced briefly before withdrawing his gaze, continuing to look at Xiao Zhan. He spoke softly, "Xun'er has troubled the Xiao Clan these years. This Three-patterned Qing Ling Pill is a small gift from my side, and I hope Clan Leader Xiao will accept it."
Three-patterned Qing Ling Pill?!
As soon as the words were spoken, Xiao Zhan tightly gripped the armrests of his chair. The three elders quickly stood up, gazing at the jade bottle that Yao Yan had taken out, their faces filled with disbelief. The Xiao Clan's eyes were sharp, and they recognized the pill immediately.
The Three-patterned Qing Ling Pill was a Fourth-grade pill, rumored to be on par with some Fifth-grade pills when crafted with three patterns.
Its effects were incredibly powerful, helping a Dou Shi breakthrough to Great Dou Master, and for a Great Dou Master, it could directly increase one to three stars in strength. Even for Dou Ling-level experts, it had considerable effects.
The value of this pill could buy the entire Xiao Clan.
The Xiao Clan members were stunned.
The three elders had just opened their mouths to accept it when Xiao Zhan's glance stopped them. Though his excitement matched theirs, he understood the implications of accepting this pill. The pill was intended to repay a favor, and as the clan leader, he had to consider the long-term benefits.
"Cousin, you're too polite. I've always considered Xun'er part of our family. There's no need to thank us... And such an expensive pill, the Xiao Clan can't accept it," he politely declined.
The three elders' expressions changed, but due to the clan leader's authority, they could only swallow their words, reluctantly staring at the jade bottle on the table.
"Clan Leader Xiao, you misunderstand. This pill is simply a gift and not meant to repay any favors or sever ties. Moreover, this favor is Xun'er's private matter. I haven't married her yet, so it's not up to me to make any decisions for her," Yao Yan gently shook his head, understanding Xiao Zhan's concerns, and softly explained.
"Furthermore, our families have an old relationship, and I can't come empty-handed. If my elders knew, they would scold me."
Xiao Zhan didn't ask about Yao Yan's background. The Xiao Clan was no longer the prosperous family it once was. The family bonds from the past seemed worthless now, and the fact that Yao Yan said this showed he had good family values. If he tried to climb the social ladder, it would only cause awkwardness.
Leaving Xun'er with this favor was also for Xiao Yan's sake. He was the Xiao Clan's hope for revival, and this favor might help him in the future.
He was about to say something when a cool voice of a young girl sounded from the door.
"Uncle Xiao, just accept what he gives you."
With these words, the elegant figure of the girl appeared in everyone's sight. However, she seemed a bit flustered, her normally pale face now flushed red, her breathing a little rapid, as though she had been running. Clearly, Yao Yan's sudden arrival had greatly shocked her.
Xiao Xun'er blinked her long lashes, her cold eyes less innocent than before, quietly looking at Yao Yan. She didn't show any emotional reaction to his striking appearance. Her moist lips parted slightly, her voice serious, as if warning him.
"This is our private matter. Don't involve the Xiao Clan."
Xiao Xun'er took a deep breath, her chest gently rising and falling. "If there's something to discuss, let's go somewhere else."
"It seems you have quite a misunderstanding about me on our first meeting..." Yao Yan chuckled, then recalled the Hun Clan's reputation in the outside world. It was understandable for Xiao Xun'er to misunderstand him. He paused and turned to Xiao Zhan, bowing respectfully.
"I might need to stay at the Xiao Clan for a while. I hope Clan Leader Xiao will understand."
"No... no problem," Xiao Zhan replied with some confusion.
Xiao Xun'er looked at Yao Yan in surprise, then furrowed her brows. Clearly, she hadn't expected her fiancé, who was about to break through to Dou Saint, would be so calm about staying at the Xiao Clan. Was he that leisurely?
Or perhaps he had other motives, such as the Gu Emperor Jade of the Xiao Clan!
But in front of Xiao Zhan and the others, she said nothing. There were some things they were better off not knowing, or they would only end up causing trouble.
"Do as you wish. You know this place better than I do. Where would you like to talk?" Yao Yan asked Xiao Xun'er.
"Follow me," she replied softly, heading toward the back mountain.
The Xiao Clan members watched, and after they left, the three elders rushed over to the position where Yao Yan had sat. The eldest elder reached out to carefully pick up the jade bottle, opening it with great care. Inside was a pill with three golden-blue veins.
"Three... Three-patterned Qing Ling Pill!!" The words of shock escaped involuntarily.
Hearing this, Xiao Zhan's expression shifted slightly, his heart growing even more bitter. Although he had long known that Xiao Xun'er and Yao Yan's backgrounds were extraordinary—perhaps from a great family in Central State—seeing a young man in his early twenties casually offering a Three-patterned Qing Ling Pill as a greeting gift was beyond his imagination.
What had happened to the Xiao Clan hundreds of years ago, that they had been able to form ties with such a family?
Could Xiao Yan really restore the clan?
Xiao Zhan felt lost. The gap was simply too large, so large that it filled him with despair. As the clan leader, he knew Xiao Yan was their only hope, but as Xiao Yan's father, he didn't want his son to carry this burden.
It was too heavy, enough to crush a young man.
Compared to these elders, who were dazzled by a pill, he might be the only clear-headed person in the room! (END CHAPTER)
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