The Pillar of the Xiao Family

His deep conversation with Xiao Yan gave Xiao Chen a clear understanding of everything his younger brother had experienced over the years. He felt both heartache and pride. At the same time, he had established an initial bond of trust with Yao Lao, which would be crucial for helping Yao Lao recover in the future and dealing with the Soul Hall.

When the two brothers left the room, the fading light of the setting sun bathed the Xiao Family courtyard, draping the residence that had just weathered a storm in a warm golden glow.

"How do you feel?" Xiao Chen asked with a smile as he looked at Xiao Yan, whose complexion had already improved greatly.

"Better than ever!" Xiao Yan clenched his fist tightly, feeling the surging Dou Qi within him and his completely renewed condition. His eyes shone brightly. "Brother, your methods are incredible. I feel like my meridians are even tougher and wider than before I was injured."

"Only with a solid foundation can you go farther in the future." Xiao Chen nodded slightly. "Come on. Father and the others should still be waiting for us."

When the brothers reappeared in the family hall, everyone's eyes instantly turned toward them. Seeing that not only had Xiao Yan fully recovered from his injuries, but his aura had even risen to a higher level, the crowd's admiration for Xiao Chen's abilities deepened further.

"Chen'er, Yan'er, come quickly!" Xiao Zhan beamed with heartfelt delight as he hurriedly beckoned them over.

Several elders also stepped forward, their attitudes even more respectful than before, even carrying a hint of restraint. The power Xiao Chen had displayed had already surpassed their understanding. It was the sort of existence capable of deciding an empire's fate.

Xiao Chen naturally sensed the change. He sighed inwardly, knowing it was an inevitable result of the gap in strength. Yet he did not wish to become estranged from his clansmen. After all, this was his root in this world.

He walked beside the seat of honor but did not sit down. Instead, he stood at Xiao Zhan's side, his calm gaze sweeping over every core member of the family present.

"Father, Elders, clansmen." Xiao Chen spoke, his clear voice reaching every ear. "I have been away for fourteen years, and now that I have returned and seen that the family is well, I am deeply relieved. During this time, I must thank all of you for assisting Father and supporting the family."

His tone was sincere, without the slightest air of superiority, allowing the initially nervous clansmen to relax somewhat.

"Young Master, you give us too much credit. It is simply our duty!" the elders hurriedly replied with bows.

"Now that I have returned, there is no need to dwell on the past." Xiao Chen continued, his tone gradually taking on an unquestionable authority. "From this day onward, the Xiao Family shall be under my protection."

It was a simple sentence, yet it invigorated every clansman, igniting unprecedented brilliance and hope in their eyes. With a Dou Zun expert standing guard, the Xiao Family would no longer be a minor family tucked away in a corner of Wutan City. They now possessed the right to soar into the heavens!

"However, there are a few matters I must make clear to everyone." Xiao Chen changed the subject. "First, the matter of the Misty Cloud Sect has been settled. Ninety percent of its resources will be delivered to the Xiao Family shortly. Father and the elders will discuss how to handle those resources, and they must be used to enhance the family's overall strength and nurture the younger generation."

"Ninety percent of their resources?!" Everyone sucked in a sharp breath, before overwhelming joy surged through their hearts. Ninety percent of the Misty Cloud Sect's accumulated resources over a hundred years—what an enormous fortune that would be! It would be enough to multiply the Xiao Family's strength several times over in a short period!

"Second," Xiao Chen said, looking at the elders and the core clansmen, "I have observed that the cultivation of the family's disciples is generally quite low. Dou Shi and Da Dou Shi are already considered the backbone of the family. Starting tomorrow, I will establish a Spirit Gathering Array within the family, drawing in the energy of heaven and earth to aid everyone's cultivation. At the same time, I will leave behind cultivation methods and Dou Techniques suitable for different stages, which Father will distribute according to merit."

A Spirit Gathering Array! High-grade cultivation methods and Dou Techniques!

One bombshell after another fell upon them, leaving the clansmen present on the verge of passing out. Happiness had come far too suddenly! They could practically see the glorious future in which Xiao Family disciples advanced by leaps and bounds, with powerful experts emerging one after another!

"Third, and most importantly." Xiao Chen's voice lowered slightly, and an invisible pressure spread through the hall, instantly calming the excited crowd. "My existence, as well as the Xiao Family's acquisition of the Misty Cloud Sect's resources, will inevitably draw the attention of the empire and even the surrounding powers. Where there is fortune, calamity lurks; great opportunities are accompanied by risks."

His sharp gaze swept over the crowd. "I hope that everyone in the family remains humble and diligent in cultivation. Do not use strength to bully the weak, but neither will we tolerate humiliation from outsiders! If enemies come to attack us, no matter who they are, I will bear it alone! But if anyone in the family uses this to commit evil and tarnish the family name..."

Xiao Chen did not finish his sentence, but the fleeting coldness in his eyes made every clansman's heart tremble. They all bowed and answered, "We shall obey Young Master's command!"

They understood that this returned Young Master was not merely the family's guardian deity, but also a sword hanging above everyone's heads, guiding the direction of the family's future.

As Xiao Zhan watched his eldest son speak eloquently and arrange everything in perfect order—bestowing favors while establishing rules—his eyes filled with pride and relief. He knew that the Xiao Family had truly found its pillar, and it was a towering pillar capable of holding up the heavens!

"All right, everyone has worked hard today. Go and rest for now. We will discuss the details tomorrow." Xiao Zhan spoke, and only then did the clansmen leave one after another, their hearts filled with excitement and reverence.

Only Xiao Zhan, Xiao Chen, Xiao Yan, Hai Bodong, and Ling Ying remained in the hall.

Hai Bodong stepped forward and solemnly cupped his fists toward Xiao Chen. "Xiao... sir, I will remember today's favor in my heart. If you ever have need of me, the Mite'er Family will spare no effort to assist!" He had originally intended to address him as "young friend," but after considering Xiao Chen's strength, he changed it to the more respectful "sir."

Ling Ying also bowed slightly. "Young Master Xiao Chen, I will report this matter to Miss in full detail."

Xiao Chen nodded in return. "Old Hai, there is no need to be so polite. You have helped Brother Yan many times; it is the Xiao Family that should thank you. Mr. Ling Ying, please convey my greetings to Miss Xun'er as well."

After settling these matters, Xiao Chen looked at Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan, and the most relaxed smile he had shown since returning home appeared on his face.

"Father, Brother Yan, the family matters have been temporarily settled. Next, it is time to deal with our own 'family matters.'"

The "family matters" he spoke of naturally referred to thoroughly removing any hidden dangers that might remain within his father's body, as well as planning Xiao Yan's path of cultivation from here on.

With him here, no one would ever be allowed to bully this family again.