Bargaining

Upon returning to the Xiao Family's reception hall, as the Clan Leader and elders gave their orders, many people gradually arrived in the spacious hall.

Aside from the Clan Leader and the three elders, who held the highest status in the family, there were also heads of branch families and other decision-makers. From heads of individual households to leaders of entire clans, as well as the most talented youths among the younger generation, they soon filled the reception hall with bustle.

Among them were quite a few peers Xiao Yan knew well.

Such as Xiao Mei, and Xiao Xun Er.

When Xiao Mei entered the reception hall and spotted Xiao Yan standing beside Xiao Zhan, she could not help but freeze. How had he gotten in here?

With Xiao Yan's current cultivation of merely the third stage of Dou Qi, he should not have been allowed into the reception hall to participate in family deliberations. Besides, only the elders on both sides of the hall had seats; they had none.

Xiao Yan merely stood beside his father, clearly observing every person who entered the reception hall.

Xiao Mei was naturally among them. Yet compared to Xiao Mei's astonishment upon seeing him, Xiao Yan showed not the slightest surprise upon seeing her, nor did his expression change in the slightest. It was as though he had merely seen a strange passerby—neither sorrowful nor joyful, not even worth mentioning.

Their gazes met for an instant, but Xiao Yan's indifference made Xiao Mei instinctively avert her eyes.

As Xiao Mei moved behind the guest seats, Xiao Xun Er entered the reception hall as well.

As the Heavenly Pride Daughter of the entire Xiao Family, Xiao Xun Er became the focus of everyone's attention the moment she appeared.

The young girl wore a long purple dress and drifted lightly past like a butterfly.

Yet unlike the attention she herself drew from all around, from the moment she entered the reception hall, Xiao Xun Er had been looking at the youth standing beside Xiao Zhan. Then, she revealed a faint smile.

Sigh... this girl.

Xiao Yan was helpless, but he could hardly pretend not to see her. He could only smile back at her.

Xiao Zhan noticed it as well.

However, he was not particularly flustered. Instead, he took a deep breath.

It seemed he no longer needed to worry about his Yan'er.

Or rather, Yan'er truly had no shortage of good fortune in this regard.

With nearly everyone assembled, the family meeting began.

In truth, many people did not know why the Clan Leader and elders had convened this meeting. Only some of them came to realize that it was most likely related to the Dou Qi tide from earlier.

Xiao Zhan exchanged glances with the three elders, then briefly recounted everything that had happened and everything they had witnessed.

Yet no matter how simply it was described, it could not lessen the sheer shock of the facts.

A young alchemist at the Dou Wang level had come to the Xiao Family, and had lived there for half a year.

Such a figure, someone capable of causing enormous upheaval across the entire Jia Ma Empire, had actually been staying in a guest room of the Xiao Family?

One had to know that even Alchemist King Gu He, renowned throughout the Jia Ma Empire, was only a Dou Wang. In other words, the person currently residing in the Xiao Family was undoubtedly someone of no lesser status than Alchemist King Gu He.

Some people in particular passed by the guest courtyard every day, yet knew nothing of what lay within. Looking back now, they were either regretful or deeply shaken.

When the elders very reluctantly mentioned that this influential figure had temporarily stayed with the Xiao Family because of Xiao Yan, and had bestowed this favor today as well, the entire hall erupted in uproar.

What?

Xiao Yan?

But hadn't he already become crippled? How could he know such an existence, let alone be close enough for her to stay here for half a year?

Though countless people were stunned, not a single one dared step forward to question it.

Xiao Mei stood among the crowd, secretly looking at Xiao Yan, who now seemed somehow different, beneath everyone's watchful gazes.

How could he...?

With the backing of an alchemist comparable to an Alchemist King, Xiao Yan could still soar to great heights even if his talent had truly fallen away.

Or perhaps that honored guest had some way to change his constitution, which prevented him from cultivating?

It was not as though such a possibility did not exist. It was simply rather difficult to imagine.

Compared to Xiao Mei's complicated feelings, Xiao Xun Er frowned slightly.

Unlike the other Xiao Family members present, she had actually known of that mysterious guest for quite some time and had been silently observing her.

However, that woman's Soul Power was simply too strong. Not only could she not approach her now, but even Ling Ying could not get close or gain any advantage.

Thus, they could only watch from the sidelines. Who would have thought that she would break through today and bring no small amount of upheaval to the Xiao Family?

She would likely take charge of the Xiao Family in the future.

At that thought, Xiao Xun Er's heart inexplicably sank.

What exactly does she want to do to Brother Xiao Yan...?

Xiao Zhan and the three elders had simple intentions, really. They merely wanted to warn the clansmen not to provoke trouble with her in their daily lives. It was already an immense blessing for the Xiao Family that such an expert was willing to temporarily reside here, let alone speak of offending or provoking her.

The clansmen understood the gravity of the matter as well. After returning home, they intended to inform their families, especially to strictly restrain certain unruly members of the family. They absolutely could not offend their honored guest.

The family meeting ended, and the clansmen gradually departed.

Only Xiao Zhan, the three elders, and Xiao Yan remained to decide how the twelve Shi Ling Pills would be distributed.

The three elders naturally believed they should all belong to the family, so that more Da Dou Shi could be nurtured and the Xiao Family could grow stronger.

Xiao Zhan, however, insisted that half be set aside for Xiao Yan himself. After all, this favor had undoubtedly been secured by Xiao Yan. Even if he took half of them, no one had the right to object.

Seeing that both sides were about to start arguing again, Xiao Yan could only step forward to make the final decision.

"Alright, elders, Father, stop arguing. Let me distribute these pills."

As he spoke, Xiao Yan picked up the jade bottle on the table and said, "Father and the elders both have valid points today. However, Miss Wan's original words were that these were gifts for both Father and the Xiao Family. Naturally, there is no need for me to be involved."

"Yan'er..."

Xiao Zhan wanted to speak, but Xiao Yan raised a hand to stop him.

"Xiao Yan, you mean..."

First Elder said with a slight frown.

"Distributing the pills is actually quite simple," Xiao Yan said. "My father gets three. The entire Xiao Family gets nine. Xiao Yan takes none. How about it?"

"Don't rush to refuse, elders. To put it plainly, Miss Wan only gave these pills because of me. I have already made concessions. The three Shi Ling Pills are only so that my father can break through to Dou Ling, with no selfish motives beyond that. It is all benefit and no harm to the Xiao Family."

"If the elders still want to bargain over even this, then I will have no choice but to go back and say a few words to Miss Wan. If she becomes displeased, then I am afraid it will all come to nothing."