Chapter 131

"Young Master Xiao, Mu Zhan is just a man of temper. He didn't mean to offend you or Ya Fei. I apologize on his behalf."

Inside the Reception Hall of the Xiao Residence, Mu Chen, the head of the Mu family, spoke with a warm smile.

Beside him, Mu Zhan stood with a restrained expression, his arrogance from yesterday now completely gone.

Although it was hard to believe, Mu Zhan wasn't really mentally unstable; he could still tell which was more important, a woman or the survival of his family.

Moreover, although Xiao Yuan seemed ruthless, the injuries he inflicted on him were only superficial, without damaging his meridians or completely crippling him. Furthermore, with Hai Bodong and the Mittel Family standing behind him, and his own talent being so terrifying that even Jia Xingtian suffered a loss, the Mu family naturally had no doubt that Xiao Yuan's statement about killing Mu Zhan was just a threat.

As a result, Xiao Yuan's leniency forced Mu Chen, the head of the Mu family, to personally pay a visit.

After all, Xiao Yuan had already given them face, so the Mu family naturally couldn't refuse to give face to a powerhouse who was destined to advance to the Dou Emperor level in the future.

Having survived in the Imperial Capital for so long, the Mu family would certainly not do anything foolish for the sake of saving face.

Moreover, Hai Bodong's identity can completely influence the Mittel Family's attitude towards the Mu family, which is also a price the Mu family is unwilling to bear.

"As the patriarch of the Mu family family, Chief Mu Chen, there's no need for such formality. Whoever made the mistake should admit it. Given Mu Zhan's personality, unless he truly suffers a loss, even you would find it difficult to discipline him on a regular basis. This time, he should learn his lesson."

Since Mu Chen in front of him was Dou Wang expert, Xiao Yuan wouldn't risk a falling out with him over a mere Mu Zhan. He responded with a gentle smile.

Hai Bodong, standing to the side, was playing with his teacup with a bored expression, showing no intention of speaking, clearly indicating that he wanted Xiao Yuan to handle it himself.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Yuan changed the subject and laughed:

"It's clear that Mu Zhan is a straightforward person, not one to overthink things. But I still have to remind you that if you meet a girl you like in the future, you'd better tone it down. Ya Fei has told me about all the things you did back then. She said that you gave her the feeling that you didn't respect her at all, and even made her feel disgusted and repulsed."

If nothing unexpected happens, Mu Zhan will be the pillar of the Mu family, and may even be the next patriarch. In other words, all potential collaborations between the Mu family and my Xiao Clan, including the Mittel Family, may be handled by Mu Zhan. I don't want to interfere in the Mu family's own affairs.

But I just hope that if that happens, the Mu family won't suffer a downfall because of some people's recklessness. After all, we don't have any deep-seated hatred between us.

"Young Master Xiao truly has a broad mind. Yesterday, Mu Zhan acted rashly because he was too arrogant and domineering, relying on the power of my Mu family. We should thank Young Master Xiao for teaching him a lesson, which made him realize that there are always people more capable than him."

Upon hearing this, Mu Chen's face lit up with a hint of joy, and he cupped his hands in a smile.

Immediately afterwards, his expression changed, and he looked at Mu Zhan beside him, scolding, "You good-for-nothing, why don't you apologize to Young Master Xiao?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Zhan stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to Xiao Yuan, and then bowed deeply, his upper body almost parallel to the ground.

After a moment, he straightened his back and said loudly, "Brother Xiao, I offended you last night. I hope you and your wife can forgive me."

"Um."

Seeing this, Xiao Yuan nodded indifferently. The fact that this unruly guy had called him "brother" proved that he had truly submitted to him.

As for whether Mu Zhan would be two-faced, Xiao Yuan wasn't worried.

After leaving the Imperial Capital, Ya Fei's safety will be guaranteed by Hai Lao. No one in the Mu family has the power to harm Ya Fei right under Hai Bodong's nose.

Moreover, the Mittel Family's Shadow Guards are not to be underestimated.

In addition, Xiao's decision not to engage in Mu Zhan was also to avoid conflict with a powerful family like the Mu family. After all, if the Xiao Clan wanted to return to the Imperial Capital and get a share of the spoils, they certainly couldn't afford to make any big moves. If they could destroy the Mu family today, then tomorrow there would be some discordant voices from the Nalan Family, the Imperial Family, and even the Mittel Family.

We can't just wipe them all out! Wouldn't that make us like the Third Brother next door?

"You've already met your demise. jpg" Of course, if Mu Zhan really loses his mind, then Hai Lao might act even faster. After all, in Hai Bodong's eyes, the Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan brothers are treasures worth betting everything on! "Then, I won't disturb you any longer and will take my leave! This Storage Ring contains a small token of my Mu family's sincerity. Young Master Xiao, please accept it. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope you can give this blockhead Mu Zhan a helping hand."

Mu Chen stood up, casually put down a Storage Ring, and then cupped his hands and said.

"Oh, I'll take it to Chief Mu Chen!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan extended his hand as if to see the guest out, but remained noncommittal about Mu Chen's offer of assistance.

"Hey, Young Master Xiao, your cultivation is the priority. There's no need to waste time on such formalities. My Mu family has some influence in the Empire's army. If you need anything, Young Master Xiao, just come and find me Mu Chen!"

Seeing that Xiao Yuan showed no intention of getting up, Mu Chen's eyes twitched slightly, and he quickly added a sentence.

"Haha, Clan Chief Mu Chen, you're too kind. I'm just a junior, how could I be so presumptuous? It's not that I'm bragging, but with my talent, I don't lack this much cultivation time!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan stood up with a smile and escorted the two members of the Mu family out of the mansion.

"Clan leader, Xiao Yuan is clearly saying one thing and doing another. Why do we..."

After leaving the Xiao Residence, Mu Zhan asked questions with a puzzled look on his face, but was interrupted by Mu Chen's gloomy face.

"Nonsense! If you hadn't acted recklessly, I wouldn't have had to be so humble, offering gifts and favors. I hope yesterday's incident is the last time. If it happens again, I won't need anyone else; I'll cripple you first!"

Mu Chen naturally wouldn't say that he vaguely sensed a terrifying aura from Xiao Yuan, similar to that he had faced Jia Xingtian. Although it was very faint, he was certain that Xiao Yuan probably had some unknown trump card. The best way to deal with such a person was not to provoke him. Even if they couldn't be friends, they should never become enemies! Moreover, judging from their interaction today, Xiao Yuan seemed easy to talk to. Someone who responds to gentle persuasion but not force is much better than someone who is stubborn and unyielding! Upon hearing this, Mu Zhan couldn't help but tremble. He then looked back at the gate of the Xiao Residence with some suspicion and uncertainty. Seeing Mu Chen's departing figure, he quickly followed after him.

Back in the Reception Hall, Hai Bodong's voice rang out. "I do have some impression of this Mu Chen. Logically speaking, given his personality, you shouldn't have been able to squeeze so many benefits out of him. It's really strange! But you're something else. Even without the talent for cultivation, you could probably manage the family quite well."

"Hehe, who cares what he thinks? With Hai Lao here, what waves can the Mu family stir up? As for managing the family, Hai Lao, please spare me. I feel that cultivation is much simpler. By the way, this is the Rejuvenating Spirit Purple Pill. Xiao Yan worked overtime last night to refine it and is still resting. Tomorrow is the Alchemist Convention. I will protect you. Tomorrow, let's open Jia Xingtian's eyes!"

Xiao Yuan took out a jade box of excellent quality, handed it to Hai Bodong, and said with a smile that the corners of his mouth turned up.

"Alright, alright! I won't say any more words of thanks. From now on, the affairs of you two little ones are my affairs. I will also take care of the Xiao Clan family's matters related to entering the Imperial Capital. You can go out and make your way in the world with peace of mind. I, Hai Bodong, will protect the Xiao Clan for you!"

Hai Bodong took the jade box and eagerly opened it. Looking at the purple pill inside, which was filled with medicinal energy, he was filled with excitement. He then made a solemn promise.

"I trust Hai Lao's character, and besides, I am your successor. In addition, given my relationship with Ya Fei, I won't stand on ceremony with Hai Lao! There's no need for formalities; I understand perfectly!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan smiled, patted his chest, and said earnestly.

"Good!"

Hai Bodong nodded and immediately set off to take the Rejuvenating Spirit Purple Pill.

The next day, the sky was azure and cloudless, the sunlight was warm but not scorching, and an occasional gentle breeze swept by, carrying away the heat of the city and making people feel refreshed.

The grandest event in the Jia Ma Empire, the Alchemist Convention held every eight years, will begin today!

From the moment the first ray of sunlight broke through the earth's constraints and shone upon this historic city, small groups of people dressed in alchemist robes began to appear on the quiet streets.

Alchemists, due to their noble status, are rarely seen by ordinary people. However, today, these alchemists, whose status is shrouded in mystery, are emerging from their lodgings in various parts of the Imperial Capital like ants. Although their routes are different, their destination is the same: the ancient Alchemist Guild that stands in the city.

Today, all the shops in the Jia Ma Holy City opened earlier than usual. Countless people got out of their warm beds and stood at the gate, looking at the large groups of alchemists walking hurriedly on the street with eyes full of fervor and awe.

On this special day, Xiao Yan, as a contestant, naturally got up early and adjusted himself to his peak condition before leisurely embarking on the road to the Alchemist Guild.

As for Xiao Yuan and Hai Bodong, although they did not participate in the competition, they were able to appear at the conference as VIPs.

However, to avoid suspicion, he did not travel with Xiao Yan, but instead went to the Mittel Family first to meet up with Mittel Tengshan and Ya Fei.

"I'm a little puzzled. With Xiao Yan's abilities, why would he even participate in the Alchemist Convention? It's like me participating in the Da Dou Shi competition—a complete annihilation, isn't it?"

On the way, Hai Bodong asked Xiao Yuan with some doubt.

"Hai Lao, putting everything else aside, the prize for the champion of this tournament is Sixth Grade Pill, the recipe for the Spirit Fusion Pill!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan responded with a smile.

"Hmm, not bad. With his skill level, this Sixth Grade Pill formula is indeed quite attractive." Hai Bodong nodded in understanding, but then added with a hint of helplessness, "But isn't this a bit unfair?"

"No, that's not it. Although Xiao Yan can refine Sixth Grade Pill, I think Hai Lao has seen through that. That's a hidden part of his strength. On the surface, he's only a third or fourth-grade alchemist, right? But I think he should be able to win this championship. Besides, it's a special kind of cultivation for him."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan calmly began to deceive him.

The matter concerning the Yao Lao must absolutely not be revealed at the moment.

A trump card is only a trump card when no one else knows it.

What's laid out is called "open cards"! As he spoke, Xiao Yuan's gaze swept across both sides of the street, and he was slightly taken aback.

The graceful young women were whispering and teasing, casting shy and adoring glances at the alchemists walking down the street. Clearly, for these young women in the prime of their lives and full of fantasies, the mysterious and profound alchemists were like magnets, drawing their attention.

Alchemists are indeed a profession revered by all! Xiao Yuan couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

Fortunately, he will be able to learn alchemy in the future, and then he will naturally be able to enjoy such attention. It seems that he doesn't have to wait until that time?

The Listening to the Wind's Whisper was activated quietly, and a series of sounds rang in my ears.

"Look, that young man in white robes is so handsome!"

"My goodness, whose young master is this!"

"The woman next to him seems to be an auctioneer from Mittel's headquarters. I've seen her before! I think her name is Ya Fei. It looks like she already has someone she likes. We have no chance!"

"Ah! What a pity!"

After listening for a while, Xiao Yuan's expression turned strange.

I initially thought these people were talking about alchemists.

I never expected they would be talking about me?

Outrageous!

"What's wrong?"

Seeing the change in Xiao Yuan's expression, Ya Fei asked with concern.

"Hey, it's nothing. I heard some people talking about us, saying we're a match made in heaven!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan snapped out of his reverie and said with a smile.

"Hmph, I think you said it yourself, didn't you?"

Upon hearing this, Ya Fei said with a touch of pride.

"Haha, it really is what they said!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan shamelessly replied.

"Why would they need to say that? We've always been who we are!"

Upon hearing this, Ya Fei smiled charmingly and took Xiao Yuan's arm as if asserting her ownership.

Hearing the sighs around him, Xiao Yuan's smile grew even brighter.

Seeing this, Hai Bodong and Mittel Tengshan, who were standing to the side, both nodded with smiles.

Seeing how passionate Xiao Yuan and Ya Fei were, they became even more at ease, feeling that the future of their family was bright!