Xiao Yan and Xiao Lie pushed Xiao Ding, sneaking out of the Mithril Family’s estate, then turned onto the streets of the capital, slowly making their way through each place. After the earth-shattering battle that had taken place earlier, the entire city was now abuzz with fervent discussions. Some people, their faces flushed with excitement, gesticulated wildly, bragging to passersby about what they had witnessed up close. However, these people who were enthralled by the dazzling battle did not notice that the hero of their story was quietly passing by them.
They pushed Xiao Ding down a few more winding streets, and the clamor behind them gradually faded. The luxurious houses around them also began to diminish, indicating that they were heading to a somewhat secluded area in the city. Turning another bumpy street, an old and somewhat dilapidated courtyard came into view, where faint sounds of children playing could be heard.
“This is the place. Over the years, to avoid the Yunlan Sect’s search, even with the protection of the Mithril Family, we had to hide in such secluded areas,” Xiao Ding said with a soft smile as he looked at the courtyard.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, while Xiao Lie stepped forward and opened the courtyard gate. Inside the rundown courtyard, children were playing and laughing. There were also a few dozen ordinary-looking men, all of whom carried weapons and moved with caution. These years of hiding had made the members of the Xiao family shed their former opulence, giving them a more ruthless edge instead.
The sudden opening of the gate drew the attention of the men inside, who instantly changed their expressions. They swiftly gathered the children and drew their weapons, aiming them at the gate. “Ha ha, no need to be nervous…” Just as everyone was tense, the familiar laughter made them relax. Their gazes turned to the three figures at the gate.
Pushing Xiao Ding, they slowly entered the dilapidated courtyard. Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over the vaguely familiar faces—these people were, more or less, related to him by blood. “Everyone, see who’s back,” Xiao Ding said with a smile, looking at the crowd.
Hearing this, the Xiao family members were startled. They turned their gazes to the young man in the black robe. Looking at his youthful face, they were all stunned. Moments later, a wave of wild joy erupted in the courtyard.
“It’s Young Master Xiao Yan!”
“Really, it’s Young Master Xiao Yan! He has really returned!”
“Haha, the Xiao family finally has hope! Go call the Third Elder and the others!”
Seeing the Xiao family members, who had lost their composure due to their joy, Xiao Yan and Xiao Lie exchanged glances, smiling softly. After so many years of wandering, they finally felt like they were home.
Amidst the excited shouts, the doors of the houses in the courtyard quickly opened, and an elderly figure hurried out. His gaze quickly locked onto the young man in the black robe. Seeing the familiar face, the Third Elder, who had long lost his temper, couldn’t help but weep. They had finally reached this day.
“Third Elder, you’ve been through a lot these years…” Xiao Yan sighed softly, stepping forward and speaking in a low voice.
“Not at all, not at all. Young Master wandered outside for so many years, which was much harder than what we faced,” the Third Elder wiped away his tears, saying.
Seeing the emotional Third Elder, the Xiao family members around him also couldn’t help but tear up. Though the Xiao family wasn’t a noble household, they once held a respectable position in the Wu Tan City. Unfortunately, within a few short years, the family rapidly declined, and they had to flee constantly, always fearing that the tragedy of that night would repeat itself.
“The Yunlan Sect owes my Xiao family; I will make them pay double.” Tapping the Third Elder’s shoulder, Xiao Yan’s voice was filled with suppressed anger and malice. He felt responsible for the state of the Xiao family.
“Hehe, Young Master has great abilities. The Patriarch truly had a keen eye. You are much better than us three old fossils. Back then… hehe, the First Elder and Second Elder asked me to apologize to you for our foolish actions before they died…” the Third Elder said, his voice somewhat hoarse.
Pressing his lips together, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but feel a pang in his nose. In the heavy and mournful atmosphere, he thought about how disappointed his father would be if he saw the state of the Xiao family.
“Third Elder, don’t mention those things anymore. We share the same blood. From now on, avenging our grievances and restoring the Xiao family will be our goal.” Rubbing his nose, Xiao Yan spoke softly.
“Hehe, let’s not talk about it. According to the wishes of the First Elder and the Second Elder, Young Master is now the current Patriarch of the Xiao family. All clan members will follow your orders. If there are any who disobey, this old man will enforce the family rules!” The Third Elder’s eyes turned sharp as he said this.
“I think the position of Patriarch should still go to my elder brother…” Xiao Yan hurriedly said.
“Brother, don’t refuse. This is the wish of the First Elder and the Second Elder, and it cannot be changed. Only you have the ability to lead the revival of the Xiao family,” Xiao Ding shook his head and said with a smile.
“Indeed, Brother, only you can be the Patriarch. Don’t worry, I and our elder brother will assist you,” Xiao Lie also said with a smile.
Hearing their encouragement and seeing the earnest looks on the clan members’ faces, Xiao Yan could only stop pushing and said, “Since that’s the case, I will temporarily take over as the Patriarch of the Xiao family. In the future, we will discuss who is the most suitable for the role.”
Seeing Xiao Yan nod in agreement, the Xiao family members around him cheered. They had an inexplicable faith in Xiao Yan, and after witnessing the intense battle in the sky earlier, they had no doubt about his strength. They believed that under his leadership, the Xiao family could become even more powerful than before.
Silencing their cheers, Xiao Yan surveyed the surroundings and asked, “How many clan members are there now? And what is their strength?”
“There are two hundred and eight people. Excluding the non-combatant women and children, there are about one hundred and forty left. Most are fighters and warrior-levels. I am only a Four-Star Fighter Spirit…” the Third Elder said thoughtfully.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan sighed softly. The Xiao family, without powerful techniques and pills, had been slow to advance. Such strength was indeed insignificant compared to the Yunlan Sect.
“There don’t seem to be two hundred people here, do there?” Xiao Yan asked, surveying the courtyard.
“We secretly formed a mercenary group to earn some extra money and train the clan members, so most of them are usually scattered, completing missions,” the Third Elder explained quickly.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, turning to Xiao Lie, “Brother, the training of the clan members will be your responsibility. Inform me of any requirements, and we should consider moving to a new location. From now on, the Xiao family will no longer live in dire straits…”
“Alright, no problem. But my training methods are not something ordinary people can endure. I wonder if anyone is afraid?” Xiao Lie asked, his gaze sweeping over the clan members, speaking solemnly.
“Young Master Xiao Lie, my son was killed by the Yunlan Sect. For the sake of strength, what do I have to fear? Train us as hard as you can. If we die, it’ll be our fate!” One of the Xiao family men, his face filled with emotion, shouted.
Xiao Lie nodded, pleased with the spirit of the Xiao family. Those without strength could train, but those without spirit were cowards. The Xiao family needed people willing to risk their lives, not cowards!
“Brother, bring the Xiao Sect members into the city. The Xiao family needs more protection now,” Xiao Yan pondered for a moment and said to Xiao Lie.
“Okay, I and our elder brother will handle the affairs of the Xiao family. What you need to focus on is how to deal with the Yunlan Sect. That is the most important thing. If you can defeat the Yunlan Sect, the Xiao family will gain great fame. But if you fail, we will truly be doomed,” Xiao Lie said, patting Xiao Yan’s shoulder.
Xiao Yan smiled, “Don’t worry. I will deal with the Yunlan Sect. They will repay the blood debt to the Xiao family, and I will also find out about Father’s disappearance…”
“Now, you are the pillar of the Xiao family. As long as you stand strong, the Xiao family will stand tall. So, be very careful in everything you do!” Xiao Ding said softly.
Xiao Yan nodded, keeping Xiao Ding’s advice in mind. He surveyed the surrounding area. The faces of the clan members, once cautious and worried, were now filled with a different kind of expectation and confidence, all stemming from him.
This time, Xiao Yan felt the heavy burden on his shoulders. It was not light. “Father, rest assured. I will restore the Xiao family to its former glory!”
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