Battle Through the Heavens: Flame Emperor, Please Restrain Yourself; Your Brother Is Truly Quite Simple

After teasing his future cousin-in-law a little more, Xiao Yan fled in a puff of smoke.

Once outside, his gaze became extremely resolute. "Teacher, Xun Er truly is extraordinary. She suddenly appeared in the Xiao Clan back then, and even Father treated her with immense respect."

For that very reason, he had wanted to test the Dou Qi he had just mastered on Xun Er. It had been both curiosity and a probe, only for Zhang Yuan, who had "happened" to pass by, to discover him and give him a thorough scolding, setting his values straight.

"Looks like I need to work even harder!" Xiao Yan said seriously.

"Hm?" Yao Chen was somewhat puzzled.

Xun Er's background was formidable, but what did that have to do with Xiao Yan?

"A woman that extraordinary won't be easy to marry," Xiao Yan said earnestly. "What if Xun Er's family looks down on Cousin when the time comes? What if they insist on a proper match in social standing? What if they don't value talent?"

"I, Xiao Yan, will become the support behind Cousin, so he can marry whoever he wants!"

If Zhang Yuan and Xun Er heard this, their thoughts would surely be: He really... I'm crying.

Old Yao was shaken. He once again thought of his old friend, Feng Xian (Gu Ling), and sighed at the bond between these two cousins.

Meeting the two of them could be considered a kind of redemption after being backstabbed by that beast Han Feng.

"Don't worry. This old man will definitely help you become one of the continent's foremost experts." A surge of bold spirit rose within Old Yao.

Xiao Yan nodded heavily.

He had to become stronger, but that did not stop him from finding rivals for Xun Er.

There might be many future sisters-in-law then, and how to balance them would be Zhang Yuan's problem. But he only had one cousin. (A blood relative.)

A mere Xun Er could never compete with him. Heh.

Xiao Yan laughed aloud.

Yao Chen:?

Meanwhile, in the Xiao Clan's inner hall.

Xiao Zhan took out a scroll and began assigning tasks.

Both the Jia Lie Clan and Ao Ba Clan had been destroyed, leaving their businesses without owners.

It was impossible to swallow everything whole. The imperial family was watching, and there were other clans in the surrounding area as well.

However, reclaiming the portions that had originally belonged to the Xiao Clan, while taking a little extra besides, would certainly not be a problem.

This scroll contained the suggestions Zhang Yuan had asked Lin Zhengqing to bring back to him.

But in Xiao Zhan's view, he only needed to follow them.

"With a nephew like this, what more could a man ask for?"

Xiao Zhan put away the scroll and touched his chest, making a certain decision in his heart.

Meanwhile, at the Mittel Auction House.

Ya Fei wore a black cheongsam as she sat at her desk with one hand supporting her chin, lost in thought. She lacked her usual charm, as well as the aloof protective mask hidden deep within her heart. Her jade-like legs were wrapped in black stockings, one crossed over the other and gently swaying without rhythm.

She was contemplating a question she had never considered before: how to make Zhang Yuan like her.

Before this, she had only thought about how to use her own advantages to empty men's pockets as much as possible through business, without letting those stinking men take advantage of her.

Having been pursued by Mu Zhan since childhood, she had an innate aversion to men.

Yet when it came to Zhang Yuan, she realized she did not dislike him.

She admitted that his talent and appearance had something to do with it, but there was no need to spell out matters between men and women so clearly.

"Ya Fei, what are you thinking about?"

Ya Fei had been so absorbed in thought that she had not even noticed Master Gu Ni returning.

"I was thinking about how much profit we can make from the fall of the Jia Lie Clan and Ao Ba Clan." Ya Fei revealed her signature smile. "Also, I'm considering whether to open an auction house in Qingyun Town."

If she wanted a man to like her, she first had to see him often and display her charm.

"That idea isn't realistic." Master Gu Ni shook his head. "The Meng family has a Yi Bao Pavilion in Qingyun Town, and they also hold auctions regularly. Even a mighty dragon cannot overpower a local snake."

Ya Fei's smile remained unchanged. "But in Wutan City, I'm afraid I won't be able to achieve enough."

Master Gu Ni frowned slightly, took out a scroll, and handed it to her. "Read this first. It's a way for you to make money alongside the Xiao Clan."

Ya Fei accepted the scroll. After reading its contents, a glimmer flashed in her eyes, but she still seemed uninterested.

It could indeed make money, but earning money was not the only reason she wanted to go to Qingyun Town.

"I'll think about it," Ya Fei said.

"You should." Master Gu Ni nodded. "This was Zhang Yuan's idea. He's too clever. What if there's some scheme we haven't seen through? Then—"

"I agree." Ya Fei shot to her feet.

Master Gu Ni:?

(End of Chapter)