Suppression and Execution

The strange phenomenon appearing at the Xiao Clan instantly alerted every cultivator in Wutan City.

Although most residents of this novice village did not know what it meant, that did not stop them from coming over to watch the excitement.

Consequently, a large number of strangers began to gather in the streets and buildings near the Xiao Clan.

Some who considered themselves highly skilled even attempted to sneak inside to investigate.

However, these people were basically all captured by the elders of the Xiao Clan and then hung directly in front of the main gate.

"Everyone, I believe you all should know by now that my Xiao Clan has been favored by an alchemist."

Xiao Zhan stood at the main gate of the Xiao Clan and said loudly.

With the help of wind-attribute Dou Qi, his voice was able to drown out the noise generated by the large crowd near the Xiao Clan.

In this way, almost everyone heard Xiao Zhan's words.

Subsequently, the noisy street instantly fell silent.

"It seems you have all guessed correctly; yes, this phenomenon was caused by this alchemist refining pills."

Xiao Zhan spoke nonsense with a serious expression on his face.

Back when the Xiao Clan still had a Dou Wang, they had also spent time in the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, so he naturally knew that the phenomenon produced by alchemy would be accompanied by a strange medicinal fragrance.

He said this only to shake those who were uncertain of the truth.

Even if he could only reduce the number of enemies by less than ten percent, it was still a gain.

"This is the critical moment of pill refinement; if anyone trespasses again, do not blame the Xiao Clan for being heartless."

When Xiao Zhan reached the end, a murderous aura naturally emerged from his body.

It seemed to be a reminder to everyone present that he was not joking.

"Hehe, we were just curious as to what kind of pill would cause such a phenomenon; Clan Leader Xiao need not be so agitated."

Ya Fei, the person in charge of the Mittel Auction House in Wutan City, stepped forward to take over the conversation.

With her background from the Mittel Clan, she naturally knew that Xiao Zhan was talking complete nonsense just now.

But the second-grade alchemist from the auction house had previously confirmed that the level of this alchemist in the Xiao Clan was likely above the fifth grade.

A fifth-grade alchemist, whether due to his own strength or his terrifying influence, was not someone Wutan City could afford to provoke.

Therefore, it would be better to do a favor for the Xiao Clan and the alchemist behind them.

"That is not something we are at liberty to know."

Xiao Zhan said with an inscrutable expression.

"I heard that he took Xiao Yan as his disciple in passing; I fear he is firing up the furnace to refine pills for that lucky brat, right?"

The First Elder of the Xiao Clan easily displayed the expression that a sinister villain should have on his old face.

"I don't know what kind of dog-shit luck he had to be treated so well by that person."

The Second Elder's face was filled with jealousy and disgust.

"Hmph, if these resources could be given to others, who knows how many outstanding juniors could be cultivated."

The Third Elder said resentfully.

"You..."

Xiao Zhan turned his head and looked at the several elders of the Xiao Clan in shock. It seemed he had not expected to suffer betrayal from members of his own clan.

"It seems the physical condition of the young master of your clan can finally be resolved; Ya Fei congratulates Clan Leader Xiao in advance."

A slight smile appeared on the corners of Ya Fei's mouth.

These old men of the Xiao Clan were truly interesting.

"So that's how it is; then we shall congratulate Clan Leader Xiao Zhan."

Voices of congratulation also came from the crowd.

The onlookers did not notice where the person who spoke had emerged from.

Xiao Zhan glared fiercely at the three elders.

The three elders snorted coldly and turned their heads away, ignoring Xiao Zhan entirely.

"Fine, since it has been exposed, Xiao Zhan will tell the truth: today, that person did indeed take action, preparing to resolve my son's physical condition."

Xiao Zhan sighed deeply.

The helplessness on his face was tinged with a hint of joy, as if he were verifying the previous statement.

"Such a joyous occasion, yet Clan Leader Xiao actually wanted to hide it; that is really not giving everyone here any face, is it?"

The person who had offered congratulations at the very beginning continued to speak.

"Sigh, it is Xiao Zhan's fault."

Xiao Zhan sighed again, a flash of hesitation in his eyes, as if he were considering how to deal with the current situation.

The jeering from the crowd grew louder, finally forcing Xiao Zhan to make a decision.

With a pained expression, he addressed the crowd:

"Since that is the case, all purchases at the Xiao Clan Market today will be ten percent off, as a way for me to share the joy with everyone."

"Clan Leader Xiao is generous."

A ragged chorus of voices rang out, and shortly after, people in the crowd began to head toward the Xiao Clan Market.

Led by these few, the others naturally followed suit.

After all, the spectacle belonged to others, but the benefits offered by the Xiao Clan were something they could actually get their hands on.

In this way, the focus of the crowd's discussion began to shift, and the previously tense atmosphere gradually returned to normal.

But just as the members of the Xiao Clan breathed a sigh of relief, a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd:

"Don't be fooled by their performance."

Before the Xiao Clan members could react, another voice came from a different direction.

"Whenever a high-level medicinal pill is born, the fragrance of the pill must overflow from the medicine cauldron. Looking at the scene here at the Xiao Clan, heh heh."

No sooner had the second voice finished than a third began.

"I fear there is some high-level treasure being born, and the Xiao Clan is making up lies to deceive you all so they can keep it for themselves."

Although the three voices came from different directions, judging by the way they followed one after another, it was clearly a carefully prepared act.

The previously flowing crowd came to an immediate halt.

Many people, after rational thought, decided to head to the Xiao Clan Market after all.

But since Wutan City was relatively close to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, its geographical location meant there was no shortage of desperate outlaws willing to gamble their lives.

Therefore, a significant number of people remained hidden nearby, preparing to take a gamble depending on the situation.

"Friends from the Jialie Clan, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

A trace of imperceptible killing intent flashed deep in Xiao Zhan's eyes.

"Clan Leader Xiao, you need evidence to speak like that. I have been standing right here."

Jia Liebi, the leader of the Jialie Clan, stepped out from a direction other than where the three voices had originated, wearing an amiable smile.

"Heh, if it isn't you, then who could it be?"

Xiao Zhan said to Jia Liebi with a look of disdain.

"In Wutan City, who doesn't know about the grudge between you and my Xiao Clan? If you want to use this to incite others to attack my Xiao Clan, you'd better save your daydreaming for another time."

"I haven't even said a word. Isn't Clan Leader Xiao being a bit too aggressive?"

Jia Liebi tried hard to distance himself from the matter.

His goal for this trip was to make the Xiao Clan bear the label of incompetence in the eyes of the alchemist who was collecting the treasure, not to get himself killed.

For the sake of this treasure, that alchemist had first used a large number of Tier 1 medicinal pills to bribe the Xiao Clan, and then had the Xiao Clan go all out to purchase medicinal herbs, causing other forces to misjudge his true strength.

It was enough to show how much he cared about this treasure.

If they really ruined the man's plans, it was likely that not only the Xiao Clan but the Jialie Clan would have no way out.

Being able to provide such a scale of high-quality Tier 1 medicinal pills, that alchemist's skill was likely in the top ten of the Jia Ma Empire.

The consequences of truly angering such a person were something the entire Wutan City might not be able to bear.

Therefore, the Jialie Clan could only incite others to take action.

When these outlaws attempted to invade the Xiao Clan, the Jialie Clan would personally help to repel them.

Family members mixed into the crowd would ensure they could never reach the location where the alchemist was staying.

At the same time, they would personally dispose of the three people responsible for inciting the crowd.

This would completely clear the Jialie Clan of suspicion.

However, even after making so many preparations, Jia Liebi still felt uneasy.

But the Jialie Clan had been pushed to the limit by the Xiao Clan and had no other choice.

"Heh, you know exactly what you're thinking."

Xiao Zhan couldn't be bothered to argue with Jia Liebi.

"Everyone, I won't say much else, but I will remind you of one thing: the influence of a high-level alchemist is not something people like us can imagine."

"Exactly, exactly. You should think clearly about what can be done and what cannot."

Jia Liebi stood firmly by Xiao Zhan's side.

However, the words of the two men failed to dissuade many of the guys watching from the shadows.

Those capable of making a rational judgment had already headed to the Xiao Clan Market to pick up bargains while the two were confronting each other.

Now, those remaining here, apart from a very few onlookers, were all gamblers with clear targets.

The only difference was that some of these gamblers were aiming for the potentially existing treasure, while others were more realistic, setting their sights on the large quantity of medicinal pills the Xiao Clan had obtained from the alchemist.

Time passed bit by bit.

As time went on, the strange phenomenon in the sky grew increasingly intense.

The gamblers gradually became restless.

However, they were all aware of the danger of such an action, so they used their words to incite others, attempting to trick a few cannon fodder into testing the waters.

Yet, cannon fodder was not so easily fooled.

Everyone knew that whoever made the first move would absolutely become the primary target of the Xiao Clan.

Surviving on the spot would be considered a sign of great skill, and as for gaining any benefits, it was almost no different from a pipe dream.

The scene remained in a stalemate just like that.

Until a certain moment, when the phenomenon in the sky seemed to reach its limit and began to weaken bit by bit.

A few individual gamblers could no longer wait.

They darted out from the nearby buildings, lunging straight toward the Xiao Clan compound.

Once someone took the lead, the rest immediately followed.

In an instant, a massive crowd of people surged toward the Xiao Clan like a flood.

Even though Xiao Zhan and several elders joined forces to forcefully kill several of the leaders, they could not stop the frenzied crowd.

The remaining members of the Xiao Clan also struck out repeatedly, fighting bravely against these intruders.

There were also people from the Mittel Auction House, the Aoba Clan, and the Jialie Clan, who all took action to help the Xiao Clan block these people.

But unfortunately, the number of people attracted by the phenomenon was simply too vast.

These people erupted simultaneously in a very short period, and the defenders simply could not block them in time.

A considerable number of people used others as shields and stepped into the Xiao Clan compound.

Although the vast majority were intercepted by guards and Xiao Clan members shortly after entering, a small number still managed to escape and headed toward the interior of the Xiao Clan.

Chaos began to emerge.

I didn't expect to encounter such a scene just after coming out of seclusion.

A soft yet powerful sigh echoed in everyone's hearts, causing them to subconsciously stop their attacks and look around.

"In the sky."

A voice of terror rang out, accompanied by the sound of weapons clattering to the ground.

Everyone looked up at the sky.

At this moment, the phenomenon in the sky had almost dissipated, making the figure draped in a black robe with pale fire wings on his back particularly conspicuous.

"It's actually a Dou Wang..."

Jia Liebi's body could not help but tremble.

How could it be a Dou Wang?

Even the number one alchemist of the Jia Ma Empire, Pill King Gu He, was only a Dou Wang.

At this moment, the black-robed figure snapped his fingers.

Ice-blue Dou Qi emerged from his side, then transformed into thousands of fine raindrops falling toward the ground.

The rain threads perfectly avoided all the defensive personnel and accurately struck the intruders.

In the next instant, vivid ice sculptures appeared on the ground one after another.

The Xiao Clan compound returned to order once again.

Subsequently, this black-robed person landed in front of Xiao Zhan and the others.

"Greetings, Senior."

Everyone respectfully bowed to the black-robed figure.

"Clan Leader Xiao, there is no need for such formalities. I am your son's senior brother; if we calculate by seniority, I am even a generation lower than you."

The black-robed figure personally helped Xiao Zhan up.

"I dare not accept such a claim."

Xiao Zhan did not dare to accept this statement.

"I am merely speaking the truth."

The black-robed figure did not care about Xiao Zhan's thoughts.

In any case, his words were meant for the people around them to hear.

"Please do not look down on this fire-attribute Xuan Tier high-grade cultivation method, Clan Leader."

The black-robed figure took out a scroll and tossed it to Xiao Zhan.

"My master sent me here with the original intention of having me protect his two newly accepted disciples while he was away. I did not expect to have an accidental epiphany, resulting in a great increase in my cultivation and even triggering such a phenomenon, disturbing your esteemed residence. I hope you will forgive me."

He explained (fabricated) the situation that had occurred previously.

"My Xiao Clan failed to provide adequate protection; how could I possibly accept such a generous gift?"

Xiao Zhan was deeply tempted, yet he returned the cultivation technique with both hands.

"It is merely an ordinary technique I created in my spare time; it hardly counts as a grand gift."

The figure in the black robe waved a hand dismissively.

"If the Clan Head is unwilling to accept it, could it be that you look down upon my offering?"

With the conversation having reached this point, Xiao Zhan felt that if he refused again, he would be failing to read the room.

He had no choice but to bow repeatedly in thanks before accepting the scroll.

"As for these few, they were the ones who stepped in to help just now, were they not?"

The figure in the black robe shifted his attention to Ya Fei and the others, and then, he "incidentally" discovered Jia Liebi's unusual behavior.

"Why is this friend so nervous?"

The figure in the black robe grabbed Jia Liebi and pulled him directly in front of himself.

"Upon witnessing the senior's heavenly might for the first time, I was truly terrified, which is why I am a bit tense."

Jia Liebi struggled to force the words out.

"That doesn't seem to be the case from where I'm standing."

The tone of the figure in the black robe shifted from its previous gentleness to something icy cold.

"These people's actions—could they be related to you?"

"Senior, please see the truth; I was just helping the Xiao Clan fend off the enemy, so it is impossible for me to have done such a thing."

The instinct to survive allowed Jia Liebi to barely finish his sentence under the intimidation of the figure in the black robe.

"Heh, having lived for so long, this is the first time I have encountered someone who dares to lie to me."

The figure in the black robe seemed to be amused by Jia Liebi's behavior.

"Very well, since you have amused me, I will give you two choices: your entire clan takes one strike from me, and regardless of whether you live or die, I will not strike a second time; or, serve the Xiao Clan for a hundred years."

A crimson fireball appeared in the hand of the figure in the black robe.

The terrifying high temperature stirred up rolling waves of heat, causing even Xiao Zhan, with his Grand Dou Master cultivation, to break out in a sweat.

Jia Liebi, who was closer, was drenched in sweat like rain.

At this moment, having already been seen through once, Jia Liebi no longer dared to gamble.

"I choose the second option."

Jia Liebi said, trembling with fear.

"A wise choice."

The figure in the black robe extinguished the fireball in his hand.