Members of the Xiao Clan moved through the hall, smiling as they poured wine and served dishes for the guests. Their manners were impeccable, though the pride in their eyes was impossible to hide.
In the banquet hall, Xiao Clan Head Xiao Zhan sat at the center, with core clan members such as Xiao Yao, Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and Xiao Yan seated on either side.
Enticing fragrances drifted over from the kitchens: golden, crispy roasted Magical Beast meat, rich and fragrant spirit soups, desserts adorned with rare spirit fruits...
One exquisite dish after another was brought to the tables by the maids. Amid the rising steam, the Xiao Clan's current wealth and grandeur were displayed in full.
Xiao Zhan rose with his wine cup in hand, his booming voice carrying throughout the hall. "Today, I have invited everyone here firstly to celebrate the Xiao Clan's integration of the various forces within the Jia Ma Empire, and secondly to thank you all for your wholehearted support in the days ahead!"
"The Xiao Clan is mighty!"
"Clan Head Xiao is wise!"
Thunderous cries of agreement immediately rang out across the tables. Everyone raised their cups in response, and the crisp clinking of glasses echoed without end.
Xiao Yao swept his gaze over the banquet. The joy and smiles on his clansmen's faces were sincere and fervent, and the heavy sense of responsibility in his heart transformed into an indescribable warmth at that moment.
Such peaceful and joyful days are truly intoxicating. Let me selfishly enjoy this brief moment of tranquility.
With that thought, Xiao Yao raised his cup and drained it in one gulp.
The wine flowed down his throat, carrying a warm, fiery intensity, much like the surging pride in his chest—the era belonging to the Xiao Clan had only