After resolving the troubles between the Lion Sect and the Pill Refining Hall, Xiao Yan found himself somewhat idle during the following days. Although the Flame Alliance was vast, it had been operating quite smoothly under the management of Cai Lin, Xiao Ding, and others. The aftermath of these major battles would naturally be handled by them, without any need for Xiao Yan to intercede. This arrangement, in fact, suited Xiao Yan perfectly, as he could take a break and enjoy time with his daughter, Xiao Xiao, savoring the feeling of fatherhood.
During this period, Xiao Yan also took the opportunity to use the space wormhole scroll that the Elder Pharmacist had given him. The Yellow-Gold Fortress was not far from the Jia Ma Empire, and it was a crucial strategic point. Therefore, the space wormhole leading to the Starfall Pavilion was connected here. In the future, should either side face trouble, both could rapidly send reinforcements to the other.
The establishment of the space wormhole would undoubtedly enhance the hidden strength of the Flame Alliance. With the support of the Starfall Pavilion, no other power in the northwestern continent could rival the Flame Alliance. The dominance of the northwest seemed just around the corner.
In these days, Xiao Yan also received intelligence on the development of the Flame Alliance over the years. What surprised him was that his second brother, Xiao Li, had integrated the Xiao Family he established in the Black-Corner Region into the Flame Alliance several years ago. It served as a strategic base for the Flame Alliance’s future expansion. With the combined support of the Inner Academy’s “Pan Gate” that Xiao Yan had established, the Xiao Family had rapidly grown and was on the verge of becoming a true titan in the Black-Corner Region.
With so many factions that he had established, once the time was ripe, the Flame Alliance, the Xiao Family, and the Starfall Pavilion would fully unite. It was not hard to imagine that this alliance would become a formidable force spanning three major regions of the Dou Qi Continent, with immense potential…
Deep within the Flame Alliance, in a secluded courtyard, the three brothers—Xiao Yan, Xiao Ding, and Xiao Li—rarely gathered here. Not far ahead, Cai Lin was playing with Xiao Xiao, whose crisp laughter filled the courtyard, exuding vibrant life. Xiao Yan had not enjoyed such a peaceful life in many years.
Watching Cai Lin, who usually had a cold and stunning face, turn into a loving mother figure when playing with Xiao Xiao, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but smile. In front of her daughter, the icy Deputy Chief of the Flame Alliance transformed into a warm and beautiful woman, a sight that moved the heart.
Recently, Xiao Yan and Cai Lin had a simple wedding in the presence of Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. Though the wedding was modest, with only Xiao Ding and Xiao Li attending, it was still a significant event. After all, they were the eldest and second eldest, and their presence made it special. Regardless, Cai Lin’s contributions to the Xiao Family and the Flame Alliance over the years left Xiao Yan with a sense of guilt, and this title was something he truly owed her.
In the courtyard, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li listened to Xiao Yan recount his various adventures, feeling a mix of shock and awe at the perilous situations he had faced. While they had their own struggles due to the Flame Alliance, Xiao Yan had often braved dangers, making his journey equally challenging.
Thinking of this, both brothers sighed, looking at the young man’s mature and resolute profile. The burden of the entire family rested on his shoulders. If anyone else had to bear this, they might have collapsed long ago. For the sake of the family and to save their father, Xiao Yan had truly been doing his best.
“Third Brother, you’ve really endured a lot these years,” Xiao Ding said suddenly.
Xiao Yan was taken aback, then smiled softly, “It’s fine. For the sake of our family’s reunion, how can a little hardship compare? Big Brother and Second Brother risked their lives to protect me. If I did not strive to improve, I would be too unfeeling.”
Upon hearing this, the three brothers shared a smile, their unspoken bond conveyed through blood ties.
Cai Lin, seeing the three brothers laughing and chatting, also wore a faint smile. This sense of family made her feel warm inside, reassuring her that her years of waiting and sacrifice were worthwhile.
“I never thought that the Xiao Family had such a background,” Xiao Ding and Xiao Li said in surprise after hearing Xiao Yan’s brief account about the Xiao Clan. They had not expected that the Xiao Family, which was once only known in Wu Tan City, was actually one of the ancient Eight Clans renowned across the Dou Qi Continent.
“However, the bloodline power of our Xiao Clan has already dried up. The last bit was inherited from our ancestor, Xiao Xuan, to me,” Xiao Yan sighed, slouching in the spacious chair.
“It was because of the Xiao Clan’s heritage that the Soul Society targeted the Xiao Family,” Xiao Yan explained.
“But if the bloodline power of the Xiao Family is completely exhausted, why did the Soul Society make such a big move recently?” Xiao Ding mused, frowning.
“According to the information I have, the experts of the Soul Society want to take back the bloodline power of everyone in the Xiao Family,” Xiao Ding continued.
Xiao Yan tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, a hint of puzzlement in his eyes. What were these people from the Soul Society up to? Most of the Xiao Family members no longer had any bloodline power. Even if they were captured, what use would they be? Could they be held as hostages to force the return of the Ancient Emperor’s Jade? But using just his father as a hostage was enough; capturing others seemed unnecessary.
“I don’t know what the Soul Society is planning,” Xiao Yan shook his head, but he was becoming increasingly wary. The Soul Society wouldn’t act without a reason. If they were interested in the Xiao Family, they must have a goal.
“Rest assured, the Xiao Family has been developing steadily and is now scattered throughout the Flame Alliance. It’s impossible for the Soul Society to capture everyone. Once our forces grow stronger, we will gather the dispersed family members,” Xiao Ding reassured him.
Xiao Yan nodded, acknowledging his brother’s wisdom. After the trials of the past, they would not let history repeat itself.
“Second Brother, here is a scroll of secret techniques. You and some of the more promising family members can practice it,” Xiao Yan handed the Heavenly Fire Three Profound Transformations to Xiao Li.
Created by their ancestor, Xiao Xuan, it could allow the family to cultivate clan symbols through a special method. Although the other family members no longer had any bloodline power, it could still significantly enhance their abilities. The flame required for the Heavenly Fire Three Profound Transformations didn’t need to be a heavenly fire; an ordinary beast flame would suffice.
Xiao Li accepted the scroll without hesitation, knowing that anything Xiao Yan deemed useful must be of high quality.
“The Flame Alliance is now stable, and I won’t be much help with other matters. In two days, I will return to the Central Plains,” Xiao Yan said, having seen Xiao Li store the scroll.
“So soon?” Xiao Ding and Xiao Li asked, somewhat reluctant.
“Hehe, the space wormhole between the Flame Alliance and the Starfall Pavilion is now complete. It won’t take long to travel between the two, and if you have time, you can visit. I’ll speak to the Starfall Pavilion about it,” Xiao Yan smiled, thinking that the upcoming spatial trade fair was about to begin. He needed to get there quickly since the Mysterious Lotus Demon Flame was incredibly important to him. If he could obtain it, he might break through to the peak of the Dou Zun level. Facing a terrifying force like the Soul Society, only reaching the Dou Sheng level would be sufficient.
“Leaving the day after tomorrow?” Cai Lin, who had heard the conversation, approached with Xiao Xiao.
“Yes. This time, you should come to the Starfall Pavilion and meet my teacher,” Xiao Yan said, smiling. He regarded the Elder Pharmacist as a father figure, and now, Cai Lin was his wife. It was only right for her to meet him.
“The old master you mentioned before?” Cai Lin asked, her eyes twinkling. If it weren’t for her fear of Xiao Yan’s teacher, the Medusa Queen would have killed him many times over.
Xiao Yan nodded, crouched, and patted Xiao Xiao’s head, “Also, take Xiao Xiao to the Starfall Pavilion. It’s the safest place, and my teacher can guide her training. She’s ready to begin cultivating now.”
Cai Lin’s eyes showed a tinge of reluctance but she nodded, understanding that Xiao Yan was thinking of Xiao Xiao’s best interests.
With everything settled, Xiao Yan smiled, gazing in the direction of the space wormhole. The Mysterious Lotus Demon Flame… after more than a decade, he was finally closing in on it.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage