A Small Show of Force

The next morning, early.

After cultivating through the night, Xiao Yan felt the Dou Qi within him grow stronger by several degrees without vanishing as it usually did. His face immediately lit up with wild joy.

His uncle really had not lied to him. He truly could cultivate again!

With his talent restored, Xiao Yan's face regained some confidence. As long as his talent was back, breaking through four stages of Dou Qi within a year and reaching the seventh stage before the coming-of-age ceremony would not be difficult!

"Third Young Master, the Patriarch asks that you go to the reception hall!"

"Alright, I understand. I'm coming."

Joyful at heart, Xiao Yan answered with a smile. After changing clothes, he pushed open the doors, left the rear courtyard, and followed the old steward toward the Xiao Family's reception hall.

The moment he reached the outside of the reception hall, Xiao Yan spotted a black-robed young man standing in the distance. His tall, upright figure, his slender yet not delicate waist outlined by a tightly fastened belt—just from his back alone, he looked like a peerless beauty.

Xiao Yan instinctively thought of the uncle he had met only once yesterday. In his impression, his uncle was an incomparably handsome man, and his uncle had also said that he would return his mother's ring today.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Xiao Yan saw the man turn around, revealing a face stunning enough to enthrall all living beings. A gentle, warm smile hung at the corners of his lips.

Yang Chen did not speak. He even made a silencing gesture toward Xiao Yan before beckoning to him.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan immediately swallowed the "Uncle" that had nearly left his mouth. Smiling brightly, he hurried over and asked with a grin.

"Why did you come so early?"

"I came to visit your family. What, am I not welcome?"

Yang Chen smiled. Perhaps because of the blood relation between them, he almost instinctively reached out and smoothed the rumpled corner of Xiao Yan's shoulder. Then, smiling, he raised the ring.

"This is something your mother left for you. Keep it safe."

"Mm!"

Xiao Yan nodded firmly. For a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old boy, the feeling of being cared for and cherished was something he longed for deeply.

"Come, let's go in and take a look together. I heard your family has some remarkable guests today."

Yang Chen patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder and half-embraced him as he gently urged him forward. Xiao Yan glanced at Yang Chen in confusion and asked curiously.

"Really? How did you know, Uncle?"

"I heard it. I heard it."

With a soft chuckle, Yang Chen released him when they reached the reception hall. He gently pushed open the doors with his left hand, then gave Xiao Yan a light push inside.

Creak!!

The instant the doors to the reception hall opened, everyone who had been speaking fell silent. Almost everyone instinctively turned to look toward the entrance.

A handsome, dignified young man strode in. He stood tall and straight, and his eyes carried the confidence of youth without losing their calm reserve.

At a single glance, a trace of surprise appeared on Nalan Yanran's face.

In Nalan Yanran's impression, her fiancé had inexplicably lost his talent three years ago and become a cripple.

Yet Xiao Yan's current appearance was nothing like the rumored good-for-nothing. Instead, he seemed calm and composed, with an outstanding bearing. Nalan Yanran could not help feeling astonished.

It was not only Nalan Yanran who was surprised. The Xiao Family members were even more astonished, especially Xiao Zhan and Xiao Xun'er. Looking at Xiao Yan, who seemed completely reborn after only one night, both of them had wonder in their eyes.

Xiao Xun'er's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She keenly sensed that Xiao Yan's aura had grown stronger by several degrees, making her think of the mysterious expert Ling Ying had mentioned to her yesterday.

Hmph. I hope you bear no ill will toward Brother Xiao Yan. Otherwise...

Just as this thought crossed her mind, Xiao Xun'er, seated in the lowest corner, felt a gaze fall upon her from outside. Turning her head, she saw a young man smiling and nodding at her with a kind, amiable gaze, as though greeting her.

For a brief instant, panic stirred in Xiao Xun'er's heart. But the next second, she calmed down and expressionlessly looked away.

Yang Chen could not help smiling. This young lady of the Gu Clan was quite interesting. It seemed the meeting gift he had prepared overnight had not been a waste of effort.

After withdrawing his gaze, Yang Chen followed behind Xiao Yan into the hall. The instant he stepped inside, the smile vanished from his face, replaced by sternness and majesty, like an unreachable god looking down upon all living beings.

While everyone in the hall was still focused on the transformed Xiao Yan, they suddenly felt an imposing aura sweep over them. Shock appeared on their faces as they looked up and saw a figure striding forward behind Xiao Yan.

Behind the dignified young man emerged a peerless beauty. His face was flawless and handsome, his brows concealed a sharp edge, and his gaze carried heaven-descending majesty. With every step like a dragon's stride or tiger's prowl, it was as if he were treading upon everyone's hearts.

The moment they saw the young man approach, nearly everyone instinctively rose to their feet, afraid that even the slightest delay might show disrespect or offend him.

Yang Chen's gaze swept across the seats on the right reserved for the Xiao Family's direct line. Then his eyes narrowed slightly as a trace of anger rose in his heart.

Sure enough, the Xiao Family had not even left a corner seat for his nephew!

But the next moment, Yang Chen withdrew his aura and sat down in a seat on the left, calmly watching Xiao Yan.

Yang Chen wanted to see how his nephew would handle the situation next. At the same time, he wanted to see whether Xiao Xun'er would still step in to help his nephew out.

As Yang Chen withdrew his majestic presence, everyone unconsciously let out a breath of relief. They cautiously glanced at his seat, and only after seeing that he made no further move did they sit down again.

However, even after taking their seats once more, none of them felt at ease.

After catching sight of Yang Chen below from the corner of his eye, Xiao Zhan, seated at the head, felt his heart sink. Worry—and even fear—faintly appeared on his face.

The Yunlan Sect actually sent such an expert. They must have some major matter that requires the Xiao Family's assistance!

Yet Ge Ye and Nalan Yanran, seated above Yang Chen, were thinking:

The Xiao Family actually has connections like this. This trip may not be so easy after all!

With such strength, if we can recruit him into the Yunlan Sect, Teacher will surely be delighted. And with his extraordinary bearing and peerless talent, he would be a fitting match for Teacher as well!