In the blink of an eye, the events that unfolded atop the Yunlan Sect spread like wildfire to every corner of the Jia Ma Empire, stirring a tremendous uproar across the land. The might and dread commanded by the Yunlan Sect in the empire was well-known, and in recent years, under the leadership of Yun Shan, their influence had only grown. Yet now, the shocking news that the sect would dissolve sent shockwaves through the hearts of all in the empire.
At the height of this gossip, the two central figures — the Xiao Family and Xiao Yan — were revealed to the empire at large. While many found the latter name somewhat unfamiliar and confusing, those with better memories remembered him as the meteoric rising star from three years ago. Back then, Xiao Yan’s prominence was notable among the younger generation, but to old terrors like Yun Shan, he was barely worth mentioning. Consequently, Xiao Yan was hounded out of the empire for provoking the Yunlan Sect. Now, after just three short years, he returned with such formidable strength that he could shatter the monstrous might of the Yunlan Sect. Such a rapid ascent left many speechless and in awe.
As the whole empire reeled from this revelation, the Yunlan Sect finally made public their intention to disband. This confirmation, naturally, sparked numerous shocked reactions. Shortly after, disciples of the Yunlan Sect began to depart, eventually concealing their identity and joining the common ranks of the empire. They could no longer flaunt their status as members of the sect.
Within half a month, nearly eighty percent of the Yunlan Sect’s disciples had left. Mount Yunlan, once viewed as a sanctum of training, was rapidly emptying, becoming an ordinary mountain chain. Over time, even the name Yunlan Sect would fade into the annals of history. Thus, the ancient, illustrious sect of the Jia Ma Empire quietly faded away.
With the dissolution of the Yunlan Sect, myriad sighs and exclamations echoed throughout the empire. Witnessing the decline of a major force, many began to whisper the name Xiao Yan. Any with a bit of insight realized that in the future, this young man would likely supplant the former glory of the Yunlan Sect, becoming a formidable power in the realm of Dou Qi cultivation!
———
In the imperial capital, Jia Ma Holy City, the Xiao residence, located in a prime central area, had become the most attention-grabbing place. Every day, a steady stream of visitors came, with leaders of influential factions in the capital personally bearing gifts to offer their congratulations. Many waited in long lines, even disregarding their status. Others, in their eagerness to show their regard, greeted the guardians of the Xiao residence with warm, amiable smiles. This adulation boosted the self-esteem of some of the Xiao family, changing their demeanor from once cowering, mouse-like caution to newfound confidence.
Inside the spacious and tranquil great hall of the Xiao residence, a young man in black robes sat peacefully, eyes closed. A pretty maidservant, walking softly, poured tea and couldn’t help but steal glances at this new and highly coveted leader of the Jia Ma Empire, her cheeks flushed with admiration. Few girls in their youthful bloom did not dream of love, and Xiao Yan, with his legendary combat prowess at such a young age, was the hero in many hearts, achieving what seemed impossible.
“Haha, so you’re finally up! How are your wounds?” The tranquility of the hall was suddenly shattered by a burst of laughter. Xiao Lie appeared at the door, followed by Xiao Ding, who was being wheeled in by a maidservant.
Hearing the laughter, the young man slowly opened his eyes, dark orbs flickering with a faint fiery glow. His fair face still carried a slight pallor, and on his forehead, a vivid, ghastly-white flame mark throbbed, almost lifelike, giving off a strange, eerie sensation. This visage, undoubtedly, was Xiao Yan.
Seeing Xiao Lie and Xiao Ding, Xiao Yan’s previously impassive face broke into a smile. He stood and greeted them warmly.
Xiao Lie approached and vigorously patted Xiao Yan’s shoulder, grinning. “Are your injuries all healed?”
“No, not yet,” Xiao Yan shook his head. The injuries he’d sustained were the most severe in his life, draining his dou qi, heavily damaging his soul, and leaving multiple fractures. If it had been any ordinary person, they would have either perished or lost half their strength. Thankfully, Xiao Yan’s body, tempered by celestial medicines, was far sturdier than most. As an alchemist, he knew how to treat himself with the best methods. Even so, despite spending nearly half a month recuperating, he was still far from full strength.
“Take your time, no rush. As long as there are no lingering effects, all is well,” Xiao Ding said with a reassuring smile. “You are the most important member of the Xiao family. We can’t afford any mishaps.”
Xiao Yan nodded, turned, and sat back down. After a moment’s contemplation, he asked, “What about the Yunlan Sect?”
“Most of them have dispersed, but with so many disciples, it will take another half-month to be completely dissolved. It’s a rather cheap ending for them,” Xiao Lie replied, his tone cold.
Xiao Ding shook his head, offering a mild smile. “Punishing the ringleaders achieved both vengeance and deterrence. However, wiping out the average disciples would harm our reputation more than help. It would instill fear in others, which wouldn’t bode well for the Xiao Family in the long run.”
Gazing at Xiao Ding, Xiao Yan remained silent, thinking of Yun Yun. Had it not been for her, he might have been more ruthless. In truth, he had shown restraint due to personal ties.
Sensing Xiao Yan’s thoughts, Xiao Ding smiled. “Brother, you’ve done nothing wrong. You gave the Xiao Family a chance to rise. Now, you are the pillar of support. Whatever you do, the Xiao Family will support you wholeheartedly.”
Xiao Ye crinkled his brow, casting a glance at Xiao Lie, who quickly responded, “Heh, I spent too much time in the Black-Corner Region, out of touch with the normal world.”
Feeling the warmth of his brothers’ support, Xiao Yan felt a profound connection. Whether right or wrong, they stood by him, a true testament to their fraternal bond.
“Speaking of Yun Yun, if possible, let us meet her. According to Elder Hai, you showed mercy to her. Given her past ties with our family, we wouldn’t mind too much,” Xiao Ding said, sipping his tea and smiling sardonically.
Caught off guard, Xiao Yan defended himself, “I just owe her some favors from my earlier years…”
Xiao Ding chuckled, deciding not to press further. “I’ve heard the message you sent. I’ve already dispatched someone to inform Elder Hai. He should be here soon.”
Nodding with a wry smile, Xiao Yan glanced at Xiao Lie, remembering the need to address the “Life-Eating Pill” within him. Any delay could lead to a dire consequence for the family.
Recalling the solution, Xiao Yan’s gaze fell on the pitch-black ring on his finger, a subtle sorrow filling his eyes.
“Oh, thanks to you, the Xiao Family’s reputation has soared. Gifts and guests pour in daily, something never seen before, even in Wu Tan City. If our father saw this, he’d be so proud. He always had the highest hopes for you,” Xiao Ding said gently, sensing Xiao Yan’s sadness and trying to lift his spirits.
Silently nodding, Xiao Yan clenched his fists. “I have a lead on our father’s whereabouts, but my current strength is still insufficient to rescue him.”
“We believe in you,” Xiao Ding said, recalling the many miracles Xiao Yan had brought them over the years.
Thankful for his brothers’ faith, Xiao Yan smiled. Just then, a clan member rushed in, announcing, “Elder Hai Bodong has arrived.”
Rising, Xiao Yan prepared to greet the elder, ready to consider the next steps for the Xiao Family in the Jia Ma Empire. Their rise was just beginning, and Xiao Yan was determined to fulfill his promise to his father: a stronger, more glorious resurgence of the Xiao Family.
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