Xiao Dongcheng

When Xiao Lin returned to the Xiao Household, he was immediately greeted with a warm welcome by the clansmen!

After all, although Xiao Lin is not yet the patriarch of the Xiao Household, he is the backbone of the Xiao Household!

This was something that the Xiao Household members had already deeply understood during the six years that Xiao Lin had been away from the Xiao Household to gain experience.

Especially in the two years after Xiao Lin disappeared from public view, someone spread the unfounded rumor that Xiao Lin might have already perished.

As a result, many forces within the Jia Ma Empire have become more ambiguous in their attitude towards the Xiao Household.

Even though the Xiao Household came forward to explain in various ways, they still couldn't stop the rumors spread by some people with ulterior motives.

It's important to understand that without Xiao Lin, the Xiao Household would be considered by most forces within the Jia Ma Empire as just an Ordinary Dou Ling- level power, and they wouldn't be as prestigious as they are now!

Within the Jia Ma Empire, there are still quite a few forces at the Dou Ling level.

It can be said that without Xiao Lin, the Xiao Household is not enough to make all parties pay attention to the Xiao Household.

Furthermore, Xiao Lin has only been away training for six years. If something unexpected really happened as those rumors suggest, the Xiao Household might be swallowed up by various malicious forces immediately!

The Dou Ling family, having been promoted to the Dou Wang Family, will be met with awe and reverence from all sides.

However, if Dou Wang Family were to fall into the Dou Ling family, it would definitely attract the attention of greedy people.

The former Mu Family is a prime example.

Despite the fact that after the betrayal at Intel Moyai, the Xiao Household, Mu Household, and Nalan Families divided it up, it's still a story.

In fact, even if Grand Marshal Intel Moyai had not betrayed the country and had simply died in battle, the Mu Family would still have become a piece of fat meat in the eyes of various forces in the Imperial Capital.

This is the stark reality!

It is precisely because they have experienced the difference in life without Xiao Lin that the Xiao Household family members are now so enthusiastic about him.

While the clansmen did respect Xiao Lin in the past, it wasn't as exaggerated as it is now.

It is precisely because of the changes that have occurred over these six years that we are in this situation today.

"Young clan leader, you're finally back!"

"Great! The young clan leader is back! Let's see who dares to be arrogant now!"

"That's right, those guys who spread rumors that the young clan leader is in trouble, let's see what they have to say now!"

"Those bastards from the Li Household have been provoking us lately. I wonder if they still have the guts?"

"And the Wang Household family, they've become so slow and hesitant to do business with us lately, isn't it because they believed those rumors?"

"Now that the young patriarch is back, let's see who dares to mess with the Xiao Household!"

Xiao Lin's return means that the backbone of the Xiao Household has returned.

No sooner had Xiao Lin stepped into the Xiao Household's gate than a group of clansmen surrounded him.

Some tried to curry favor, some complained, and others simply wanted to catch a glimpse of Xiao Lin up close.

After all, Xiao Lin has been away from the Xiao Household for six years. Some of the younger generation have grown up and had only heard his legends before, but had never seen him in person. It is perfectly normal for them to be curious about him, the person who led the Xiao Household to rise to prominence.

Looking at these people, Xiao Lin responded with a smile.

At this moment, the clansmen became so dear to Xiao Lin.

Perhaps this is the connection that comes from blood ties!

After finally getting rid of these clansmen, Xiao Lin was able to see his son Xiao Zhan and clan chief Xiao Dongcheng!

However, compared to his son Xiao Zhan, who appeared calm on the surface but was actually incredibly excited inside, Xiao Lin focused more on the clan leader Xiao Dongcheng.

Because, at this moment, Xiao Lin suddenly realized that the old man who had silently dedicated his life to the Xiao Household looked so much older!

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they're on their deathbed!

His hair was completely white, his skin was wrinkled, and his face was covered with wrinkles.

These are all traces of time.

"Chief!"

Upon seeing this, Xiao Lin immediately went to greet him.

"Father!"

Seeing Xiao Lin approach, Xiao Zhan finally couldn't help but let out an excited shout.

"Zhan'er!"

Looking at his son, who was already over fifteen and about to Coming-of-Age Ceremony sixteen, Xiao Lin also had a lot he wanted to say to him.

However, now is clearly not the time.

Therefore, Xiao Lin simply patted the boy Xiao Zhan, who had grown to shoulder height, and then kept his gaze on the clan leader Xiao Dongcheng.

Xiao Zhan was quite sensible. Although he also had a lot to say to his father, at this moment, he chose to leave the time and space to the patriarch of the Xiao Household family!

"Father, you and the clan chief have something to discuss first. I'll go back to the courtyard now and come find you again this afternoon."

"Okay, go ahead."

As the father and son finished their conversation, Xiao Zhan left first.

In the end, only Xiao Lin and the clan leader Xiao Dongcheng remained on the spot.

However, Xiao Dongcheng did not speak at first, but quietly observed Xiao Lin.

Xiao Lin also remained silent, standing with his back straight, allowing the clan leader Xiao Dongcheng to look him up and down.

After an unknown amount of time, a barely concealed smile finally appeared on the face of clan leader Xiao Dongcheng.

"Good, very good! As expected of a son of the Xiao Household, you've become even more outstanding than before!"

Although he looked incredibly old, Xiao Dongcheng's voice still sounded strong and energetic.

It was clear that he was very happy to see Xiao Lin return safely.

"Of course! I promised the clan chief, and besides, don't you know who raised me!"

Faced with the praise from clan leader Xiao Dongcheng, Xiao Lin accepted it without the slightest hint of embarrassment.

Furthermore, he even made a sarcastic remark at the end, mocking the clan leader, Xiao Dongcheng.

It could be said that Xiao Lin, only ahead of the clan leader Xiao Dongcheng, still occasionally showed his immature side.

Of course, most people probably feel the same way.

You can always be a child in front of your elders!

Hahaha, you!

As expected, Xiao Lin's display of this side made the clan leader Xiao Dongcheng, burst into laughter.

At this moment, the two looked exactly like a father and son!

Then, the two sat facing each other in the courtyard, brewed a pot of tea, and began to chat.

What Xiao Lin said was all about his experiences and trials over the years.

Although some of it was fictional, Clan Chief Xiao Dongcheng listened with great interest.

To him, it was like listening to his son recount his life after being away for many years.

To the average person, these things might seem insignificant, but to the elderly, they were the most exciting adventures imaginable!