A Visit to the Xiao Clan

On the streets of Xiao Family Market, a young man in a distinctive outfit walked along carrying two exquisitely wrapped boxes.

The young man was Xiao Cheng, wearing the Baker's Outfit. Naturally, the boxes in his hands contained the Cream Cakes that Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Ning had reserved.

"Since I'm visiting the Xiao Clan, I wonder what I should bring."

He had originally wanted to bring some pastries, but upon further thought, pastries could be bought anytime. As for other gifts, none seemed particularly valuable, so he decided to just go empty-handed.

More than ten minutes later, Xiao Cheng arrived at the entrance to the Xiao Clan's gates.

The Xiao Family Guard at the entrance went inside to report to Xiao Zhan.

When Xiao Zhan, who was in his study, suddenly received word that Shop Owner Xiao from Ruyi Zhai had come to visit, he was overjoyed. He immediately got up and headed for the Xiao Clan gates to welcome him.

Before long, Xiao Cheng heard a rough yet familiar voice.

"Shop Owner Xiao has come to visit the Xiao Clan. It is an honor for our Xiao Clan."

The speaker was none other than Xiao Zhan.

"Clan Head Xiao, you came personally to welcome me. I'm truly flattered."

"Quick, please come in."

Xiao Zhan hurriedly invited Xiao Cheng into the main hall. His gaze inadvertently swept over the boxes containing the Cream Cakes in Xiao Cheng's hands, but he said nothing.

"Sure, sure."

The two chatted as they entered the hall. After a maid served them each a cup of tea, Xiao Cheng spoke.

"The Xiao Clan is certainly quite wealthy. The decorations in this room are elegant, and the scenery outside is quite nice too."

Hearing Xiao Cheng's praise, Xiao Zhan chuckled.

"If Shop Owner Xiao likes it, you may stay in the Xiao Clan for a few more days. Haha."

"That won't do. I still need to return to run my shop. By the way, how is the Xiao Clan's overall strength these days?"

"The Xiao Clan's overall strength is already vastly different from before. Everyone's cultivation has been improving rapidly, and the talented disciples are progressing even faster. It is all thanks to Shop Owner Xiao's pastries."

Xiao Zhan's words intentionally or otherwise praised him.

"This isn't my credit. It is their own fortune."

"By the way, Shop Owner, what are you carrying?"

Xiao Zhan looked at the two boxes containing Cream Cakes and asked Xiao Cheng.

"These boxes contain a new type of pastry that must be reserved a day in advance. One belongs to Xiao Xun'er, and the other belongs to Xiao Ning. I brought them along while I was here."

"So that's how it is. I'll have someone take Shop Owner Xiao to Xun'er and Xiao Ning later."

"Then thank you, Clan Head Xiao."

"If Shop Owner Xiao does not mind, just call me Uncle Xiao. There is no need to be so formal."

"This... all right, Uncle Xiao."

After hesitating for a moment, Xiao Cheng smiled and called him Uncle Xiao.

"That's more like it."

Then Xiao Cheng and Xiao Zhan began discussing Jia Lie Bi and Ao Ba Pa's clans.

"Uncle Xiao, you must be careful. Jia Lie Bi will definitely make a move against the Xiao Clan, so you need to be prepared."

"I have fought Jia Lie Bi for many years. I know what kind of person he is, and I have always been on guard against him."

Xiao Zhan's expression turned serious.

"You also need to watch Ao Ba Pa. Don't let them join forces, or things will become troublesome. However, when Jia Lie Bi joined forces with Ao Ba Pa to deal with me this time, he was betrayed by the Jia Lie clan instead. Their relationship must have developed a rift, which benefits the Xiao Clan."

"That is true. Recently, I have been watching Jia Lie Bi's every move, but he has not made any major moves."

"That's good. By the way, how has Xiao Yan's cultivation been lately?"

When Xiao Cheng mentioned Xiao Yan, Xiao Zhan's face revealed a proud expression as he smiled.

"Yan'er has already reached the seventh stage of Dou Qi. He should break through to Dou Zhe very soon."

Xiao Zhan had complete faith in his son's talent.

"The seventh stage of Dou Qi... and I'm only a One-Star Dou Zhe. Hehe."

Xiao Cheng gave a bitter smile, inwardly grumbling.

As expected of the Son of the Plane. Even heaven itself is giving him a push.

"With Shop Owner Xiao's talent, you will definitely become one of the Dou Zong powerhouses."

"Dou Zong... perhaps."

Xiao Cheng said so, but inwardly he was shouting.

I'm going to become the first Dou Di to run a shop!

After chatting for a while longer, Xiao Cheng used delivering the Cream Cakes to the customers as an excuse to leave.

Xiao Zhan then had a maid take him to Xiao Ning's residence.

At that moment, Xiao Ning was still cultivating diligently in his room.

Since Xiao Ning had received help from the pastries, the course of events for Xiao Ning in the original storyline had changed. Still, it had allowed his strength to increase much earlier.

After a while, Xiao Ning opened his eyes and said happily.

"The cultivation speed boost from Peanut Candy really is terrifying. In such a short time, my Ninth Stage of Dou Qi strength has increased again."

Just as Xiao Ning was feeling excited over his growing strength, there came a knock at the door.

"Young Master Xiao Ning, Shop Owner Xiao from Ruyi Zhai has arrived."

The maid's voice entered Xiao Ning's room. He was first stunned, then surprised, and finally delighted.

He hurriedly opened the door and saw Xiao Cheng carrying a Cream Cake. Smiling, he said, "Shop Owner Xiao, I never expected you to personally deliver the Cream Cake."

"It's fine. I had wanted to visit the Xiao Clan for a long time, so I brought it along while I had the chance. Here, your Cream Cake."

After handing the box to Xiao Ning, Xiao Cheng entered his room. Seeing the pastries on the table still wrapped in paper, the corners of his lips curled up.

This Xiao Ning was a cultivation maniac too.

Xiao Ning smiled and asked, "Shop Owner, why is there another Cream Cake?"

Only then did Xiao Ning notice the other box in Xiao Cheng's hand and ask curiously.

"This one is for Xiao Xun'er."

Upon hearing it was for Xiao Xun'er, Xiao Ning's eyes shifted as he said, "Shop Owner, let me deliver this Cream Cake for you. There's no need to trouble yourself."

As he spoke, Xiao Ning reached for the box, but Xiao Cheng stopped him.

"That won't do. I have to protect Ruyi Zhai's reputation. What if you damage the Cream Cake? I'd rather deliver it myself. Only then can I rest easy."

Although Xiao Cheng was not angry, his words still conveyed a message to Xiao Ning.

The meaning was obvious: stop trying to use my pastries to win Xiao Xun'er's favor. Just stay where you are.

"All right, then. Hehe."

Xiao Ning awkwardly smiled and withdrew his hand without saying anything more.

Xiao Cheng did not linger long with Xiao Ning. He asked where Xiao Xun'er lived.

Xiao Ning originally wanted to lead Xiao Cheng there, but he was refused. He could only regretfully tell Xiao Cheng where Xiao Xun'er lived.

After thanking Xiao Ning, Xiao Cheng began searching the Xiao Clan alone for Xiao Xun'er's residence.

At that moment, Xiao Yi Xian was selling pastries in Ruyi Zhai, drawing quite a bit of interest from the customers who came to buy them.

Just then, Xiao Lu hurried inside and shouted.

"Shop Owner Xiao, I..."

After shouting those four words, Xiao Lu was captivated by Xiao Yi Xian's appearance and bearing behind the Glass Cover. He could not help swallowing.

"You are?"

"Hello, I am Xiao Yi Xian, Shop Owner Xiao's newly hired clerk."

Xiao Yi Xian introduced herself with a smile.

"A clerk? Oh, I see."

Xiao Lu smiled.

"Where did you work before?"

Xiao Lu began trying to get friendly with Xiao Yi Xian.

"I used to work as a physician at Myriad Medicine Hall in Qingshan Town."

"Qingshan Town is near the Monster Mountain Range. It's quite dangerous there. Still, you really are lucky to be a clerk here. I'm a little jealous."

Xiao Lu truly envied Xiao Yi Xian for being able to work as a clerk in Ruyi Zhai.

"What would you like?"

Xiao Yi Xian merely smiled without saying anything.

Only then did Xiao Lu remember why he had come and hurriedly said, "Give me five pieces of Peach Pastry, ten pieces of Peanut Candy, and one jin of Honeyed Shortbread."

"Certainly. Please wait a moment."

Xiao Cheng had taught her how to wrap pastries. Though her movements were not yet very practiced, she did quite well.

After handing the pastries to Xiao Lu, she smiled and said, "Please come again."

"No problem."

After Xiao Lu left, Xiao Yi Xian looked out at the pedestrians flowing along the street. She could not help sinking into her memories. Who knew what she had recalled, but she seemed faintly saddened.