Gathering at the Xiao Family, Night Banquet

"Xiao Ming?" The girl was clearly surprised to hear this name.

"So it was him who returned from the Jia Nan Academy. No wonder the Xiao Family was so lively today."

As someone sent by the Ancient Clan to the Xiao Family to steal the Tou She Ancient God Jade, Gu Xun'er was very familiar with the Xiao Family's development over the years.

Over the years, she has searched almost every hidden corner and important location of the Xiao Family.

Aside from the fact that the Tou She Ancient God Jade had not yet been found, she knew everything about the Xiao Family's treasures, and she could easily detect any extra items they had.

She had sneaked into the most heavily guarded Technique Pavilion of the Xiao Family countless times, and she knew more about the extra Cultivation Methods and Combat Skills than even the ordinary members of the Xiao Family.

Those things were all given to the Xiao Ming Xiao Family by Xiao Ming. Now that Xiao Ming has returned, in order to show how much they value him, the Xiao Family will naturally hold a grand welcome banquet to celebrate.

"A year ago, the Xiao Family claimed that he had broken through to the Dou Wang level. Elder Ling, is this really true?"

It's no wonder Gu Xun'er had doubts. It's truly unbelievable that Dou Wang could be so young, especially in a small place like the Jia Ma Empire, where the probability of a genius of this caliber appearing is extremely low.

Gu Xun'er is alright; at least she has a much broader perspective and still believes in this matter. Right now, she's just asking to confirm it.

Some people from the Jia Ma Empire, upon hearing about a teenage Dou Wang, simply dismissed the news as a rumor, because it was truly beyond their comprehension and too difficult to accept.

In response to her mistress's question, Ling Ying replied respectfully:

"He didn't deliberately conceal his Aura; he was indeed at the Dou Wang level, but it was difficult to sense his exact level. I felt he was at least Five Star Dou King. Moreover, perhaps because Alchemist, his soul perception was extremely strong. If my Dou Qi Attribute hadn't been suitable for concealment, he might have discovered me."

Towards the end, there was a hint of admiration in Ling Ying's voice, whether she was admiring her own superb concealment skills or Xiao Ming's keen perception.

Gu Xun'er's voice trembled with surprise upon hearing this, "I didn't expect this to be true. Such a young Dou Wang, even in the genius-filled Central Continent, there aren't many like him."

"Hmm, I never expected that such a golden phoenix could emerge from the humble abode of the Jia Ma Empire. Perhaps the Xiao Family, which has been in decline for a thousand years, will rise again because of this."

Compared to Gu Xun'er, who spends most of her time at the Xiao Family, Ling Ying, who is already an old woman, actually understands Central Continent better.

He had traveled to the Central Continent when he was young and knew that Xiao Ming's talent was top-notch even in the Central Continent. He was very optimistic about the future of Xiao Ming and the Xiao Family. As long as Xiao Ming did not perish, although it was impossible for him to lead the Xiao Family back to the peak of the Xiao Clan, it would not be a problem for them to occupy a place in the Northwest Continent.

Before the two could continue their conversation, a voice rang out from outside the door.

"Miss Xun'er, are you there?" A young girl dressed as a maid asked respectfully from outside the door.

"Come in."

The maid pushed open the door and went in. There, she saw a girl with a serene and elegant demeanor, like a lotus flower, sitting alone in a chair. There was no one around, so it was clear that Ling Ying had once again concealed herself.

The maid didn't show any unusual reaction, because she hadn't heard Gu Xun'er and Ling Ying's conversation at all.

She bowed slowly, inwardly admiring Miss Xun'er's beauty, before the maid said, "Young Master Xiao Ming has returned to the family from the Jia Nan Academy and has been elected as the family's Supreme Elder. To welcome Young Master Xiao Ming back and celebrate his appointment, the family will hold a banquet tonight. The Clan Leader specifically instructed me to invite Miss Xun Er to the banquet."

"Supreme Elder, a banquet?" To be honest, Gu Xun'er wasn't interested in these things, but remembering something Xiao Ming had done when they were children, she nodded and said, "I understand, I'll go. You may leave."

"Yes."

Night soon arrived amidst much anticipation. The Xiao Family's house was brightly lit and filled with laughter and joy.

Normally, the Xiao Family's gates would be tightly closed at this time, but now they are bustling with activity, filled with constant noise.

In the past, people who were considered important figures in Wu Tan City would bring gifts and vie to greet the gatekeeper with somewhat ingratiating smiles.

A fat middle-aged man carrying a sharp red sword shouted:

"I am Dali from the Dali Weapon Merchant Guild. I heard that the Supreme Elder of the Xiao Family has returned, so I have come to pay a visit. This Three-Tier Magic Core Treasure Sword is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."

These words caused some onlookers outside to exclaim in surprise. Three-Tier Magic Core Treasure Sword is not cheap; in Wu Tan City, it represents the annual revenue of some small families. Dali is really willing to spend so much.

The middle-aged man had just finished speaking and was about to hand over his sword when, before the gatekeeper could say anything, he was pushed aside by an old man in yellow.

The old man in yellow robes held a crystal box in his hands. Inside the transparent crystal box, a palm-sized Little Huo, translucent medicinal mushroom shimmered in the darkness.

"Huang Zhong, from the Medicinal Herb Merchant Guild, has come to visit the Xiao Family. Hearing that the Supreme Elder is of the Fire Attribute, he brings me Thousand Year Fire Spirit Ganoderma, which he has treasured for many years. He hopes the elder will not find it unsuitable."

"Thousand Year Fire Spirit Ganoderma!"

The name caused another gasp. This Fire Spirit Ganoderma was formed by absorbing a lot of Fire Attribute Energy and has the effect of increasing one's cultivation level. It is a very precious medicinal material.

While the Thousand Year Fire Spirit Ganoderma doesn't literally refer to a medicinal Fire Spirit Ganoderma that has grown for a thousand years, the one Huang Zhong presented was clearly quite old, judging by its size. It was obviously very valuable, several times more expensive than the sword from before.

Huang Zhong must have some ulterior motive for bringing out this Fire Spirit Ganoderma. The onlookers glanced at the timid, pretty girl in yellow beside Huang Zhong and a sense of understanding flashed through their minds.

"Yunyan Tea House..."

This lively atmosphere continued, but the number of people at the gate never decreased, because the Xiao Family's guards neither allowed Xiao Family to enter nor accepted any gifts.

Only after a person dressed in the clothes of the Xiao Family walked out of the gate and nodded to them did the guards begin to collect the gifts and release the people.

In an instant, the crowd surged into the Xiao Family's gate. Perhaps out of fear of the Xiao Family's power, the crowd moved quite quickly, yet there was a sense of uniformity in their movement.

"Ya Fei and Master Gu Ni from the Mitel Auction House have come to pay a visit to the Xiao Family."

A sweet, alluring voice rang out, freezing many people in their tracks. Many turned to look at the person who spoke, and upon seeing them clearly, they felt their Qi and Blood boil and their mouths go dry.

Tonight, Ya Fei was still dressed in her usual red attire, only this time she had changed from a cheongsam to a luxurious long dress. Her full Linglong figure, partially hidden beneath the red dress, was extremely alluring.

Ya Fei's Yan Ran face, adorned with light makeup, made her already perfect features even more stunning, clearly showing that she had put a lot of thought into her appearance tonight.

Beside him, Master Gu Ni had changed into the robes of Alchemist from the Jia Ma Empire, with Alchemist Badge hanging on his chest. The arrogance that was usually always on his face had long since disappeared.

Ya Fei was already used to such gazes. Ignoring the intense stares from those around her, Ya Fei and Gu Ni handed the gifts to the Xiao Family's Xiao Family before stepping through the gate.

After entering the Xiao Family compound, led by guards, Xiao Family arrived at a rather spacious hall, which was filled with banquets, with various wines and foods laid out on the tables.

Many maids carrying trays moved among them.

As soon as Ya Fei and Master Gu Ni stepped into the venue, they spotted many familiar faces.

Gu Gui

"Huang Zhong, the big medicinal herb merchant in Wu Tan City, Dali monopolized the weapons industry in Wu Tan City... Hehe, it seems that Xiao Ming's return has brought a great shock to these former big shots in Wu Tan City." Looking at those people, Ya Fei covered her rosy lips and said with a smile.

Master Gu Ni, standing nearby, glanced at the crowd and nodded slightly, saying, "Even the Jialie Family, who have always been at odds with the Xiao Family, have come. Heh, it seems they've come to beg for mercy. No wonder they're like this, they're Dou Wang experts..."

Ya Fei and Gu Ni saw those people, and those people naturally saw them. Ya Fei was stunningly beautiful today, making it hard not to notice her.

Upon seeing Ya Fei, many people quickly went to curry favor with her.

The Mitel Auction House is now the second largest power in Wu Tan City after the Xiao Family, so maintaining a good relationship is essential.

Upon seeing them arrive, Ya Fei put on a practiced fake smile and began to deal with them.

I had barely dealt with it when I heard a commotion outside.

Patriarch Xiao Zhan the Xiao Family, and a group of elders walked in.

Upon seeing Xiao Zhan and his group, these people, who had only exchanged a few perfunctory words with Ya Fei, turned around and squeezed next to Xiao Zhan and his group.

They rushed to speak, each time revealing a hint of obsequiousness on their faces.

Gu Ni and Ya Fei, who remained where they were, glanced at them in astonishment, then shook their heads. Master Gu Ni even whispered, "These people are too snobbish. No matter what, Xiao Zhan is Da Dou Shi just like them. Can't they at least tone down that fawning smile on their faces?"

If those who fawn over Xiao Zhan heard this, they would only be speechless.

To be honest, Xiao Zhan was Da Dou Shi just like them, and they didn't want to show such a fawning expression, but it was good that the Xiao Family had Dou Wang.

Xiao Ming didn't come out, and that Dou Ling expert Xiao Shan wasn't here either. Xiao Zhan is the current Clan Leader of the Xiao Family, so we should try to curry favor with him if we can.

Not only Xiao Zhan, but also the Great Elder and other members of the Xiao Family stepped forward to curry favor with him.

In a secluded courtyard in the Back Courtyard of the Xiao Family, he handed the freshly refined pills to Zi Yan was eagerly waiting beside him.

He smiled as he glanced at Zi Yan, who eagerly stuffed the pill into her mouth, then looked up at the night sky.

Judging that it was about time, he said, "It's almost time; we should go to the banquet."

Having just eaten a pill and was beaming with joy, Zi Yan frowned upon hearing this and muttered, "I don't know what's so great about this banquet. We'd be better off going to find some medicinal herbs."

Zi Yan actually disliked that kind of scene very much, because she found it boring and noisy, especially with so many people.

Attending those kinds of banquets is a complete waste of time.

Xiao Ming understood Zi Yan's thoughts perfectly.

Actually, he didn't like this kind of scene either, but since people were so happy to welcome him and celebrate, he couldn't refuse as the main character.

After glancing at Zi Yan, Xiao Ming asked, "Don't you want to go?"

"Mmm." Zi Yan nodded her little head, blinked her big, bright eyes, and said, "Actually, as soon as I entered this city, I sensed a lot more medicinal herbs. Why don't you let me go find some?"

Wu Tan City is right next to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, so it's not surprising that Zi Yan could sense the medicinal herbs.

To be honest, Xiao Ming sensed it too. He glanced at the seemingly harmless Zi Yan, pondered for a moment, and then sighed:

"Alright, you can go out tonight. But you have to be back tomorrow, understand?"

With Zi Yan's current strength, apart from Yun Shan, no one in the Jia Ma Empire can keep her here, so Xiao Ming isn't worried about her getting into trouble after she leaves. He just reminds her to come back tomorrow.

"Mmm." Seeing Xiao Ming agree, Zi Yan's face lit up with joy. After putting the medicine bottle in her hand into the Na Ring on her finger, a pair of wings appeared on her back.

With a sudden flap of its wings, it soared into the air, its voice following: "Xiao Ming, I'm leaving now. I'll be back tomorrow."

Watching Zi Yan disappear in an instant, Xiao Ming shook his head and said to the snow-capped mountain beside him, "Come with me. I plan to have you take charge of the Xiao Family from now on. It's necessary for you to show your face."

Upon hearing this, Xue Tian's face showed a hint of surprise, but it quickly disappeared. He then said in a low voice, "Understood, Master. I will protect your family from now on."

"Do your best. Tomorrow I'll find some suitable Cultivation Method and Dou Skill for you. Just focus on your cultivation at the Xiao Family; it will benefit you." Xiao Ming said with a smile, patting Xue Tian's arm.

"Cousin Xiao Ming, it's time for dinner."

Xiao Shan's voice drifted in from outside the courtyard.

"Let's go." Xiao Ming said to Xue Tian, and then walked out the door first.

Outside the courtyard, Xiao Shan was standing at the door waiting. When he saw Xiao Ming, a smile appeared on his face.

"Cousin, it's time. Let's go to the lobby together."

Let's go.

Chatting casually along the way, the three of them soon arrived at the venue where the dinner was being held.

As soon as Xiao Ming and his group stepped into the hall, there were quite a few people there.

The previously noisy hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were fixed on the trio standing at the door.

"That tall figure dressed in the Xiao Family attire is Xiao Shan, so the handsome young man next to him must be Xiao Ming, right?"

Although many people couldn't recognize Xiao Ming's appearance, they were already familiar with Xiao Shan's appearance, so it was easy for them to guess his identity.

With their objective right in front of them, the forces of Wu Tan City dared not approach Xiao Ming. Instead, they remained obediently in their positions, not daring to utter a single sound.

The reason is simple: although many people in the Xiao Family say that Xiao Ming has a good personality, that is ultimately just what others say.

We still need to observe carefully to see what's going on. What if we rush in and upset someone?

You should know that for Xiao Ming, crushing them was as easy as crushing an ant.

The silence didn't last long.