A Late-Night Talk Between Father and Son
"Yes, they're very good friends."
When Xiao Zhan heard Xiao Tian say that the women were his wives, who were also his daughters-in-law, his hand, which was about to pick up the teacup, froze instantly.
My son hadn't been home for over a year, and his return brought such a wonderful surprise.
The five girls stood up nervously, smiled and gave a slight bow, "Hello, Uncle."
"Okay, okay," Xiao Zhan said with a smile, his voice filled with cheerfulness and joy. "Please sit down, make yourself at home, don't be shy."
Although Xiao Tian introduced the last person as a friend, Xiao Zhan, who had been through many trials and tribulations, still realized that the relationship between the two was definitely not so simple.
This son is a real asset; there's no need to worry about our lineage dying out.
The five women sat back down gracefully, behaving like ladies from noble families. Medusa was no exception; while she was satisfied with Xiao Tian's introduction, she was also somewhat dissatisfied.
"Third Young Master, we heard you're back. We've been waiting for you for so long!"
The Grand Elder and the Second Elder walked over and looked at Xiao Tian warmly with smiles.
Xiao Tian was completely bewildered by the Grand Elder's behavior. Was the old man Ghost Possession?
Xiao Zhan explained to Xiao Tian in a low voice that the news of his winning the Alchemist Convention had already reached the Xiao Family, which led to the current situation. He had become an idol for all the young people in the family and a treasure in the eyes of the elders.
"Grand Elder, Second Elder."
Xiao Tian stood up with a smile, performed a junior's greeting, and called out.
Who are these people?
The Grand Elder and the others entered, looked at the women sitting next to Xiao Tian, and asked them questions.
Xiao Tian introduced Yun Yun and the others to them.
Upon hearing Yun Yun's name, the three Grand Elder immediately sat up straight in their chairs, for she was a top figure in the Jia Ma Empire.
If they knew that Queen Medusa was among them, they would probably be extremely uncomfortable.
Afterwards, Xiao Zhan arranged a family banquet. Fortunately, Xiao Tian's courtyard had enough rooms, so a simple tidying up was all that was needed.
The night was bright with a clear moon and few stars.
After saying goodbye to the women, Xiao Tian walked towards Xiao Zhan's Clan Leader's courtyard.
Arriving at the courtyard, he walked through the front hall and saw that Xiao Zhan's study was lit up. He knocked on the door.
"Come in, the door's unlocked."
Xiao Zhan's voice came from inside, as if he already knew Xiao Tian would come.
Xiao Tian pushed open the door and entered the study, where Xiao Zhan sat behind a desk.
"Father, it seems you knew I would be coming tonight."
Xiao Tian sat down opposite Xiao Zhan and said with a hint of respect.
"You are my son, we've been father and son for over ten years, I know quite a bit about what you're thinking, you must have something to say about coming back."
Xiao Zhan stroked his chin and chuckled.
"I did come back this time to discuss some family matters with my father."
Xiao Tian lowered his head and pondered for a moment before continuing, "Does Father know anything about Xun Er's background?"
Why are you suddenly asking this?
A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Zhan's eyes.
"When her father brought her to our Xiao Family, he claimed to be from an extremely powerful family in Central State, with some connection to our Xiao Family. He said that Xun'er Xun'er stay here for a while and then someone would pick her up."
"But more than a decade passed in that time, and the little girl grew into a graceful young woman."
"But what I didn't expect was that you and Xun'er would get so close, even..."
"You met someone from Xun'er's family?"
Xiao Tian shook his head and said.
"No, when I broke through to the Dou Zhe, a figure suddenly appeared in my mind. He said he was the ancestor of my Xiao Clan and told me about the history and origin of our Xiao Clan."
"What are the origins of our Xiao Clan? Who was our ancestor?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan sat up straight instantly, asking with a surprised expression.
"He didn't say which ancestor it was, but only told me that our Xiao Clan was once one of the Ancient Eight Clans Xiao Clan that dominated the Central State Plains, and that Xun'er also came from the Gu Clan of the Ancient Eight Clans, and was the current Young Clan Leader of the Gu Clan."
"He also told us to keep a jade tablet safe, as it was one of the keys to the Cave Dwelling of the last Dou Di on the continent."
Upon hearing Xiao Tian's words, Xiao Zhan was stunned for a moment, muttering to himself, "I didn't expect Xun'er to have such a powerful background."
Then Xiao Zhan realized what was happening, stood up, went to the bookshelf, opened a hidden compartment, took out a box, opened it, and said, "Is this the jade piece you were talking about?"
Xiao Tian picked up the emerald green jade piece. In the very center of it was a point of light that was slowly moving, as if it were full of spirituality.
"That's right, based on what that ancestor showed us, that's it."
"He told me that this jade piece is called the Tou She Ancient God Jade, one of the eight keys to unlock the Dou Di Cave Abode, and that each of the Ancient Eight Clans initially possessed one."
Xiao Zhan also looked at the Clan Leader Succession Treasure, never expecting that this small jade piece had such a great origin.
"You mean this jade piece might pose a danger to the Xiao Family? Xun'er is also from Ancient Eight Clans; she came here for this jade piece?"
"However, over the years I've never seen her pay attention to or even hint at this thing."
Xiao Zhan stared intently at the jade piece in Xiao Tian's hand, suddenly realizing that this jade piece was a hot potato, and might even bring about utter disaster.
"Yes and no. Xun'er came here initially under pressure from the family Elder Council, and her father, wanting Xun'er to have a carefree childhood, readily agreed. However, Xun'er was later turned against us because of our good relationship..."
"The Gu Clan's approach is relatively benevolent. The biggest threat is another Soul Clan. This clan has gone almost insane for this jade piece, searching the world for our clan's whereabouts. If they find out, they will only resort to cruel methods to seize it, and may even wipe out our entire clan."
Xiao Zhan's hand trembled involuntarily when he heard that his entire clan would be wiped out because of this.
So you mean we've already been exposed?
"No, but the Soul Clan's minions, the Soul Hall, have already appeared in the Jia Ma Empire. I fought with them before and captured them alive. I also learned that their goal is to find the whereabouts of my clan."
"Although the crisis has temporarily subsided, there is still a risk of exposure at any time, so I want to discuss the family relocation with my father."
Xiao Tian put the jade piece back into the box and said in a serious tone.
"So you're not hurt, are you?"
Upon hearing that Xiao Tian was fighting against the forces of Central State, Xiao Zhan asked with concern.
"I'm fine. My ancestors left me with many methods to deal with them."
Xiao Tian shook his head slightly, and Xiao Zhan was relieved to hear this.
"Migrate? Where can we migrate to?"
Xiao Zhan was aware that the Xiao Family was in danger at any moment, but he had no idea where they could go.
"I've already decided on the location; it's just a matter of whether you, Father, are willing."
Xiao Zhan laughed and scolded, "Your father isn't the kind of stubborn old man who'd rather die than stay and wait for the clan to die. If I can save the Xiao Family, I don't care if the clansmen gossip about me behind my back. I'll go and negotiate with the three Elder right now."
"Father, there's no need to be in such a hurry. You haven't even asked me where we're moving to yet."
Xiao Tian felt Xiao Zhan's trust in him and was deeply moved.
"Oh, right, right, I got a little too excited, haha."
Xiao Zhan had just stood up, but he sat back down in his chair, looking rather dejected.
"I know Father is worried about the family. Father, don't resist. I'll take you somewhere."
Xiao Zhan nodded upon hearing this, indicating that he was ready. Xiao Tian waved his hand, and the two disappeared from the spot.