Siblings Together

As dawn broke, the light streamed through the carved wooden windows into the spacious and solemn Council Hall of the Xiao Family.

A solemn atmosphere, unlike any other, filled the air.

The main seat in the hall was empty. Xiao Zhan sat to the lower left of the main seat, while the three elders sat in order, their faces showing respect and restraint.

Hai Bodong sat at the lower right, where tea had already been prepared on a small table next to everyone's seats.

The people serving them were not maids, but members of the Xiao Clan responsible for core industries. Within the clan, they were usually served by others, but now, beside the seated individuals, they could only act as attendants, pouring tea and water, and occasionally eavesdropping.

Xiao Yan led Ya Fei into the hall, hand in hand.

Today, Ya Fei changed into a more dignified deep purple dress with gold patterns, and her face was adorned with a gentle and dignified smile. She was completely different from the charming and languid woman in Xiao Yan 'Xiao Yan last night. Only when she looked at Xiao Yan did a deep tenderness and affection well up in her eyes.

Xiao Yan was dressed in the classic black robe with red fire patterns of the Xiao Family. He stood tall and composed, and although he deliberately concealed his aura Seven-Star Peak Dou King, the invisible pressure still made the core clansmen standing in the hall hold their breath.

"Father, Elder Hai."

Xiao Yan, accompanied by Ya Fei, nodded slightly to the two of them.

Although Xiao Zhan is the Clan Chief the Xiao Clan and Hai Bodong is the Supreme Elder of the Mittel Family and Ya Fei's master, today's matter is Xiao Yan's priority, so there is no need to perform overly formal etiquette towards the two of them.

"Yan'er, Ya Fei, please sit down."

Xiao Zhan wore a gratified smile, his gaze lingering for a moment on their clasped hands.

Hai Bodong forced a smile onto his usually indifferent face, nodded, and took a sip of tea.

After everyone took their seats, Xiao Yan sat in the main seat without hesitation, while Ya Fei sat next to Elder Hai, her beautiful eyes fixed on Xiao Yan and unable to look away.

Xiao Yan glanced at the three elders and the uncles and elders in the hall, nodded slightly, and cut straight to the point without any further pleasantries.

"The reason we've gathered you all here today is to discuss a deeper level of cooperation and mutual benefit between the Xiao Family and the Mittel Family, and to unite the Misty Cloud Sect and other forces in the Imperial Capital, thereby changing the future landscape of the entire Jia Ma Empire." Xiao Yan's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable firmness. "The core of the plan is to use the Mittel Family headquarters in the Imperial Capital as a hub to integrate the empire's resources and expand outwards."

He first looked at Ya Fei and Hai Bodong, and said seriously:

"Elder Hai, the Mittel Family's extensive business network and connections throughout the empire will be the most solid foundation for this plan. I need the Mittel Family to accomplish two things in the shortest possible time:"

First, in the core area of Imperial Capital, purchase or build a sufficiently large and secluded mansion to serve as the future headquarters for communication and resource allocation among various forces. Ya Fei will discuss the specific location and scale with you later.

Second, utilize all intelligence channels to gather detailed information on key figures of the empire's major powers, their industrial distribution, potential conflicts, and available resource lists, without alerting any parties. This matter must be kept absolutely secret."

When the conversation turned to serious matters, Elder Hai's expression became solemn, and he immediately replied:

"Young Clan Chief Xiao Yan, rest assured! The Mittel Family will do everything in its power to help you with anything. As for the affairs of the manor, Ya Fei will handle them. I will personally select and arrange for professionals from within the family to handle intelligence gathering, and preliminary results will be presented within three days."

Although Xiao Yan was a junior, or even just a child, Hai Bodong still gave him a lot of face and treated him with utmost seriousness, completely regarding Xiao Yan as the core of the decision-making process.

Xiao Yan nodded and continued:

"There is one more thing I need to Elder Hai. In our integration process, the interests of many people will inevitably be affected, and there will inevitably be clowns or people who don't know what's good for them trying to obstruct us."

With your experience and expertise, I think I don't need to elaborate on how to proceed; this matter is entirely entrusted to you."

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Hai Bodong's eyes, his tone indifferent yet carrying a chilling intent:

"Hmm, I've been living in seclusion for many years, and these old bones of mine are starting to rust. It'll be good to get some exercise. Anyone who dares to lay a hand on me, just chop them off."

A simple sentence caused the temperature in the hall to drop sharply.

This renowned Ten Great Experts of the Jia Ma Empire has finally displayed the decisive and ruthless nature befitting a Dou Huang expert.

With him in charge, it would be enough to deter all the villains within the territory of the Jia Ma Empire.

If he can't intimidate them, then they are no ordinary villains; Xiao Yan must strike them down with full force!

Elder Hai's attitude was exactly as Xiao Yan had expected. After rinsing his throat with his teacup, he turned his gaze to Xiao Zhan and the three elders of the Xiao Family:

"Father, Elders. Wutan City is the Xiao Family's stronghold, and its foundation must be solid. Under this premise, the family needs to quickly select a group of loyal, reliable, and capable members with potential or management skills, and divide them into two groups."

One group remained in Wutan City, responsible for managing local industries, protecting their ancestral land, and beginning to try to extend their influence to surrounding towns. However, they did not need to rush to expand their power; building good relationships was sufficient.

The other part will be deployed by Sister Ya Fei to the Imperial Capital. After establishing a foothold in the Imperial Capital, Father, you will personally lead a group of elites to the new headquarters to coordinate all parties, manage and allocate resources, and leverage the abundant resources of the Imperial Capital to cultivate our own core strength!

The family's stockpile of various medicines and other resources will be prioritized for supplying these family members heading to the Imperial Capital, ensuring their strength is enhanced in the shortest possible time.

Regarding Cultivation Methods and Combat Skills, a batch has been compiled for clansmen to choose from and practice. Wutan City is ultimately a small city, not suitable for the Xiao Family's rapid development. It's not too late to return here after the family has fully developed."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with excitement and a sense of responsibility.

"Rest assured, Yan'er! I will certainly arrange the family affairs properly. As for the people to go to the Imperial Capital, I will carefully consider them with the three elders to ensure that they are all capable of shouldering this important responsibility."

Several elders nodded in agreement, expressing their full support.

Xiao Yan's rise and the vast resources he brought back gave them a glimpse of an unprecedentedly bright future for the Xiao Family, and they were naturally united in their resolve.

"Very good." Xiao Yan nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Ya Fei beside him. "Sister Ya Fei, I entrust you with the entire responsibility for the initial construction of the Imperial Capital headquarters, the establishment of the resource allocation center, and the specific details of future negotiations with various forces. You are the young Clan Chief of the Mittel Family, and your business acumen is unmatched. I have the utmost confidence in you overseeing the entire region. When I'm not around, you will be my responsibility, but I will always support you in any difficulties."

Ya Fei met Xiao Yan's trusting gaze and Yanran, instantly displaying the confidence and composure befitting a business tycoon.

"Don't worry, Brother Xiao Yan. I will prepare a detailed document this afternoon for Elder Hai and Uncle Xiao to review, outlining the specific plan and budget."

Ya Fei's tone was calm and collected, yet it revealed a strong sense of control and execution.

The subsequent meeting proceeded smoothly.

Ya Fei then raised several key points: for example, the Imperial Capital headquarters needs to establish an independent communication and defense system; resource allocation needs to establish an efficient and transparent contribution and exchange mechanism as an incentive; and different plans need to be formulated for the initial contact strategies with the Alchemist Guild, the Nalan Family, the Mu Family, and even the Jia Ma Imperial Family.

Her thinking was clear and thorough, as if she had already done all of these things before. Hai Bodong's eyes showed approval, and Xiao Zhan and the elders felt even more reassured.

Xiao Yan mostly listened, occasionally adding a word or two at crucial moments, leaving the stage entirely to Ya Fei.

Watching her confidently and skillfully manage the complex situation in front of everyone, Xiao Yan's eyes were full of admiration.

Such a graceful and radiant Ya Fei is truly stunning.

The meeting lasted for nearly an hour.

Once the major directions and division of labor were basically finalized, Xiao Yan decisively chose to end the meeting.

To be honest, if it weren't for the development of his family, he wouldn't bother getting involved in these things.

Only those who have fallen into the sea of lust for power would consider holding meetings a pleasant thing.

Most of the time, Xiao Yan prefers to let strength and interests speak for themselves.

After the meeting, Xiao Yan left the Council Hall, while Ya Fei had some specific strategies to discuss with Xiao Zhan and the others. Hai Bodong, knowing he couldn't wander around like before, stayed in the Council Hall to see if there was anything he could add.

After being missing for so many years, he really needs to contribute to the development of the Mittel Family once again!

Although the ultimate goal is to help the Xiao Family, or rather, to help Xiao Yan, if he were to side with the Xiao Family that Ya Fei is wholeheartedly helping them, the Mittel Family would be in real trouble.

However, as soon as the door was pushed open and the corridor was stepped into, a pretty little head with two buns and chubby cheeks peeked in from around the corner of the corridor. That rosy little face belonged to my adorable little cousin Xiao Mei.

"Brother Yan..."

She called softly, her voice gentle and sweet.

Seeing the little girl's adorable appearance, Xiao Yan smiled broadly and quickly walked over, picking her up in his arms.

"Haha, it's my cute little cousin! What brings you here to look for me?"

Xiao Yan reached out and gently tapped the girl's nose, asking with a smile.

Xiao Mei nodded vigorously, her small hands expertly hooking around Xiao Yan's neck. With a hint of trepidation, she said earnestly:

"Brother Yan, I've used the pills and medicine you gave me! I feel my Dou Qi increasing so quickly! But when I circulate my cultivation technique, sometimes I feel a slight swelling in my meridians. I don't know if there's something wrong..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan gently placed his hand on Xiao Mei's slender wrist, and a wisp of gentle soul power probed into her body.

After a moment, he withdrew his hand, gently patted Xiao Mei's head, and smiled reassuringly:

"Don't worry, that's just widening your meridians. Once your meridians expand, your cultivation speed will be faster. Don't worry, you'll get used to it. As long as you proceed step by step, you might have a chance to reach the Ninth-Stage Dou Qi within half a year. You have to work hard!"

"Thank you, Brother Yan!"

When Xiao Mei heard that her cultivation speed had improved so quickly, her face lit up with joy. She felt relieved and looked at Xiao Yan with even more admiration and affection.

Seeing the little girl's adorable, fangirl-like expression, Xiao Yan's heart softened, and he laughed heartily:

"That's right! In the path of cultivation, confidence and perseverance are both indispensable. But there's no rush to cultivate Dou Qi right now. Come on, your cousin will take you to the Back Mountain to learn some Dou Technique."

"Really? That's great!"

Xiao Mei looked up in surprise, her eyes sparkling with joy.

To receive personal guidance from Xiao Yan is an opportunity that many in the clan would envy!

Xiao Yan, holding her in his arms, turned around with light steps, preparing to leave the corridor Council Hall.

His gaze inadvertently swept across the tightly closed doors of the Council Hall, where he could faintly hear Ya Fei's clear and confident voice, as well as the low echoes of Xiao Zhan and the three elders.

Clearly, they are still discussing the specific details of the collaboration between the family and Mittel.

As expected of the Empress of Gold, Sister Ya Fei got into character so quickly...

Xiao Yan secretly praised him, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

With her and Elder Hai in charge, and with his father overseeing things on the Xiao Family's side, he could indeed feel much more at ease with these tedious but necessary arrangements.

"Brother Yan?"

Seeing Xiao Yan stop and look towards the Council Hall, Xiao Mei called out softly with some confusion.

"Hmm?" Xiao Yan snapped out of his reverie, looked down at Xiao Mei's clear and curious eyes, and gently pinched her rosy cheek. "It's alright, let's go. Let Sister Ya Fei and the others discuss important matters in peace. Right now, Brother Yan will focus on accompanying our little genius in his cultivation."

"I'm not some kind of genius at all..."

Xiao Mei blushed a little from the praise and buried her head back in Xiao Yan's shoulder, but she couldn't help but smile.

After all, they were just kids, not as shrewd as Xiao Yan. A few casual words from him were enough to make them fall for him.

"Xiao Yan! Oh, Xiao Mei is here too."

Before she had taken two steps, Xiao Yu came running towards her, greeting her with a smile. But when she saw Xiao Mei in Xiao Yan, her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

When did this little girl become so close to Xiao Yan?

"Xiao Yu."

Upon seeing Xiao Mei Xiao Yu acted like a cat caught stealing fish, timidly greeting him.

She and Xiao Yu had a pretty good relationship; their relationship was almost like that of sisters. Naturally, she knew about her cousin's feelings for Xiao Yan.

Now that she has secretly approached Xiao Yan obtained his resources, she is somewhat apprehensive when facing Xiao Yu.

"Hehe, did Xiao Yu need something from me?"

Xiao Yan smiled and changed the subject.

"Yes, I successfully switched my cultivation technique yesterday, but I'm still a bit confused about the Dou Technique. If you have time, could you give me some pointers?"

Xiao Yu nodded, then glanced at Xiao Mei before returning her gaze to Xiao Yan.

"No problem, I was just about to teach my cousin Xiao Mei some basic Dou Technique. Why don't you come along, Xiao Yu?"

Xiao Yan nodded, showing no concern whatsoever that the relationship between the two sisters might be affected.

"Okay!" Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu narrowed her eyes slightly, then nodded with a bright smile, walked over, and took Xiao Yan's free arm, saying affectionately like a sister, "Let's go then~"

Seeing Xiao Yu's affectionate manner, Xiao Mei couldn't help but secretly pout.

Snort!

Let's go then~

Even Xiao Yu wasn't this gentle with her cousin Xiao Ning!