Settling in the Xiao Clan, First Meeting Xiao Yan

With the resurgence of Xiao Yan, the Xiao Clan, under his secret guidance, gradually monopolized the healing medicine business in Wutan City. They suppressed the Jia Lie Clan, and even the Aoba Clan dared not clash with them head-on. For a time, their influence was unmatched, and people visited daily, hoping to curry favor with the Xiao Clan.

Gu Shenge led his little beauty snake to the main gate of the Xiao Clan. The two guards at the gate saw that they were dressed in extraordinary attire and possessed an outstanding aura, unlike ordinary people, so the cliché of them being looked down upon did not occur.

One of the Xiao Clan disciples stepped down the stairs, cupped his hands in a salute to Gu Shenge, and asked in a deep voice, "Greetings, young master. May I ask what brings you here?"

"Nothing much. I am just passing through Wutan City on business. A friend of mine happens to be a member of the Xiao Clan named Xiao Ding. I have a letter from him here and am simply helping him deliver it."

A letter from Xiao Ding appeared in Gu Shenge's hand, which he handed to the disciple.

Upon hearing that the visitor was a friend of their young master, the disciple's expression turned serious. He hurriedly took the letter and, instead of making Gu Shenge wait outside, ushered him and Qing Lin into the Xiao Clan.

The disciple invited Gu Shenge and his companion to sit in the side hall while he went to deliver the letter to the clan head.

On the other side of the Xiao Clan.

Because the arrival of Jianan Academy was imminent, Xiao Zhan was discussing the matter with the Xiao Clan elders and the outstanding younger generation.

In truth, the main goal was to ask Xiao Yu if she could put in a good word with the instructors coming to Wutan City to recruit for Jianan Academy, hoping they would stay at the Xiao Clan to rest. This would build momentum for his clan and let outsiders know that the Xiao Clan had a close relationship with Jianan Academy.

"Clan Head, Yu'er understands."

Xiao Yu nodded. The instructor coming to Wutan City this time happened to be her own mentor. While she could not guarantee whether her mentor would be willing to stay at the Xiao Clan, she would do her best.

Just as they finished their discussion, the disciple who had received Gu Shenge walked into the hall with Xiao Ding's letter. He bowed respectfully to Xiao Zhan, who was seated at the head, and reported in a clear voice, "Clan Head, someone claiming to be a friend of Young Master Xiao Ding just arrived for a visit. He also brought a letter from Young Master Xiao Ding."

Having said that, he presented the letter to Xiao Zhan.

Hearing that it was a letter from his eldest son, Xiao Zhan hurriedly opened it, and Xiao Yan also leaned in, wanting to catch a glimpse of the contents.

The elders were quite puzzled that Xiao Ding had suddenly written home. They all knew that Xiao Zhan's eldest and second sons had formed a mercenary group called Mo Tie in Shimo City. Could it be that they had encountered trouble and were seeking help from the family?

A moment later, Xiao Zhan finished reading the letter, his face showing shock, followed by a burst of loud laughter.

"Good, good, good! Ding'er has truly planned a great benefit for my Xiao Clan!"

This left the elders even more confused. Xiao Zhan was so happy; judging by his tone, could it be that Xiao Ding hadn't run into trouble, but had instead secured something good?

Seeing the elders looking perplexed, Xiao Zhan passed the letter down for them to read.

When all three elders finished reading Xiao Ding's letter, they all wore expressions of surprise, their eyes filled with unconcealable joy.

They had expected that Xiao Ding had obtained some treasure, which was why the clan head was so delighted. They never imagined it was because Xiao Ding had befriended a Dou Huang powerhouse. Since that Dou Huang was coming to Wutan City on business, Xiao Ding had invited the expert to stay at the Xiao Clan. If they could gain the favor of a Dou Huang, it would be nothing but beneficial for the Xiao Clan.

"Where is that honored guest? Did you show any disrespect?"

Xiao Zhan hurriedly asked the disciple, his tone anxious. He could not afford to offend the Dou Huang; if they lost this chance to build a connection, the Xiao Clan would suffer a great loss.

Upon hearing this, the disciple immediately realized that Gu Shenge's status was extraordinary—otherwise, the clan head wouldn't be so anxious. Fortunately, he hadn't turned the man away.

"Seeing that he held Young Master's letter, I assumed he was a friend, so I invited him and his maid to sit in the side hall. I did not show any disrespect."

Hearing this, Xiao Zhan and the elders breathed a sigh of relief and rose one after another to meet Gu Shenge.

The others had also finished reading the letter and, like Xiao Zhan, were shocked. A Dou Huang powerhouse—that was an existence standing at the pinnacle of the Jia Ma Empire. Now that one was in their Xiao Clan, they had to treat him with the utmost respect!

Even Xiao Yan was no exception; he had never seen a Dou Huang before.

Yao Lao sensed his disciple's excitement and spoke to soothe him, "It's just a mere Dou Huang, what is there to be excited about? With my help, your future achievements will definitely surpass a Dou Huang."

Hearing his teacher's comfort, Xiao Yan's excited heart gradually calmed down. Rather than envying others, it was better to work hard himself. One day, he too would become a Dou Huang, or even surpass one, reaching an even higher level!

However, that was a matter for the future. Now that a Dou Huang was visiting the Xiao Clan—and was his eldest brother's friend—he had to meet him at least once to get acquainted. It might even be useful to have someone to back him up when he eventually went to the Yunlan Sect.

After all, if he won against Nalan Yanran in the three-year agreement, the Yunlan Sect might not be willing to let him leave for the sake of their reputation. If he had a Dou Huang backing him, he might be able to leave unscathed.

He hurriedly followed behind Xiao Zhan and the disciple toward the side hall where Gu Shenge was waiting.

East Courtyard side hall.

Gu Shenge was tasting the clear tea brought by the maid. His ears twitched as he heard a chaotic sound of footsteps. The footsteps of the first four were steadier than those following, though their breathing was slightly hurried—it must be the clan head and the three elders.

He set down his teacup lightly and looked toward the hall entrance. A middle-aged man with a bold appearance walked in quickly, followed by three old men and several youths.

When Xiao Zhan saw Gu Shenge's true face, he was startled. He had expected the Dou Huang mentioned in his son's letter to be a middle-aged man or an elder of similar age to himself, but he hadn't expected him to be so young and handsome, appearing to be no more than twenty.

But on second thought, if the man were truly his age, the age gap alone would likely have prevented his son from becoming friends with him.

The three elders and the youths were also stunned to see that the Dou Huang was just a young man.

He was far too young!

Xiao Yan, who was following behind, was also dumbfounded. The man looked only three or four years older than him, yet he was already a Dou Huang.

Even Yao Lao couldn't help but take a few extra looks at Gu Shenge, but he quickly withdrew his soul perception because he sensed that the soul power radiating from the man's body was not inferior to his own current state. He was likely not just a Dou Huang, but possibly a Tier 5 or even Tier 6 alchemist!

Gu Shenge sensed a very subtle soul power sweep over him and couldn't help but glance at Xiao Yan behind the crowd.

Yao Lao secretly cursed, not expecting the man to be so sensitive. He hurriedly retracted his soul power to the minimum and began to play dead.

"You must be the friend Ding'er mentioned in his letter. I am Xiao Zhan, the head of the Xiao Clan. Xiao Ding is my eldest son. Since you are in Wutan City on business, if you don't mind, would you be willing to stay at our Xiao Clan?"

Xiao Zhan greeted Gu Shenge cautiously, fearing the man might be unwilling to stay. Gu Shenge smiled slightly and introduced himself:

"I am~ Juan Shoutian. Since Clan Head Xiao is so hospitable, I shall impose upon you."

~

PS: Once again, I declare that I will not take in Xiao Xun'er.