Gift-Giving
Just as Xiao Han and Xiao Zhan were talking, the former suddenly frowned, and then, under Xiao Zhan's questioning gaze, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
"Looks like our Xiao Clan's daughter-in-law has arrived!"
"Hmm?" Xiao Zhan was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized, "Uncle, should we avoid this?" After all, Xiao Han's identity was a secret among the higher-ups of the Xiao Clan and should not be revealed to outsiders.
However, Xiao Han shook his head, contrary to his usual behavior. "Now that Cai Lin has become a daughter-in-law of the Xiao Clan, she is naturally considered family."
"The Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python..." Xiao Han's eyes gleamed. "Such a rare Magical Beast shouldn't be buried in this tiny place of the Northwest Continent!"
Xiao Zhan's eyes lit up, and he asked expectantly, "Uncle, what do you mean...?"
"I'll go meet that girl. If possible, I might be able to help her out," Xiao Han said casually.
"Then Zhan will go and call Cai Lin over right away!"
As soon as Xiao Han finished speaking, Xiao Zhan couldn't wait to leave. His daughter-in-law was actually able to receive guidance from her uncle, a top expert. That was an incredible opportunity!
Before long, Xiao Zhan appeared before Xiao Han with a charming woman dressed in Battle Armor.
"Cai Lin pays respects to the Ancestor!"
Since it was their first meeting, the former was obviously a little reserved, especially after learning that the young man in front of her was the highly respected ancestor of the Xiao Clan. Cai Lin dared not put on any queenly airs.
Xiao Han glanced at Cai Lin and smiled gently, "That kid Xiao Yan is quite lucky."
Including the woman in front of him, three stunning beauties with different styles were captivated by him. At least in this respect, Xiao Han felt inferior.
Upon hearing Xiao Han's praise, Cai Lin's expression became slightly unnatural, and she remained silent.
"Five Star Dou Zun, it's quite rare for a Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python that can only rely on itself," Xiao Han said with a smile.
"As Human Race, I have no right to comment on your Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python's cultivation methods."
Xiao Han wasn't pretending to be a big shot. Human Race and Magical Beast are two completely different systems, and it's difficult for them to communicate with each other.
"However, I do have something else that can help you." With that, Xiao Han's Storage Ring lit up, and several beams of light appeared out of Cai Lin.
"This is..." The latter's red lips parted slightly, her eyes revealing intense astonishment. The moment these things appeared, the blood in her body showed a strong desire.
"Nine-Colored Primal Stone, Eight-Colored Primal Stone, Seven-Colored Primal Stone, and some cold-attribute treasures that are beneficial to snake-type Magical Beast."
Xiao Han said calmly, "I think these things should be of considerable benefit to you."
"Take it!" Before Cai Lin could speak, Xiao Han had already put a bunch of treasures into his Storage Ring and handed them over.
"Thank you, Ancestor." Cai Lin was completely genuine, as these things were indeed more helpful than ordinary cultivation resources.
Xiao Han continued, "The Nine Netherworld Earth Python Clan's Nine Nether Yellow Springs would also be of great benefit to you. If you have the opportunity, you could ask that kid Xiao Yan to help you out."
"Xiao Yan..." Mentioning Xiao Yan, a gentle look softened Cai Lin's usually cold and aloof face. "Is he alright now?"
"That kid's pretty good!" Xiao Han shook his head, saying meaningfully:
"You should go and take a look this time; after all, there are some things that need to be explained eventually."
Although Xiao Han is Xiao Yan's ancestor, even he dares not touch the latter's emotional debts. He can only hope that the little guy will have good luck.
However, Cai Lin was not aware of the meaning behind Xiao Han's words. All her attention was focused on the first half of Xiao Han's sentence, and she murmured, "Xiao Yan, wait for my arrival!"
Behind him, Xiao Zhan wore a wry smile. His granddaughter's appearance had momentarily made him overlook the trouble hidden within. Now, all he could do was pray in his heart. "Yan Er, you must be careful."
At that moment, Xiao Yan, far away in the Starfall Pavilion, suddenly sneezed. He looked around and continued cultivating. He would soon be heading to the Gu Clan, and without some strength to protect himself, he didn't think he could safely get through this ordeal.
The scene shifts back to Xiao Han, who is holding a crimson bead in his palm. He says to Cai Lin, "Your daughter, Xiao Xiao, if I'm not mistaken, has a Fire-Wood physique and possesses exceptional talent Alchemist."
"This bead is called the Flame Heart Pearl. Wearing it for a long time can enhance one's Fire Energy. Consider it a gift from your ancestor to the little girl!"
"Thank you, Ancestor!" Cai Lin cared for her daughter even more than herself, so she would not refuse anything that would benefit Xiao Xiao.
Xiao Han smiled slightly, flicked his finger, and the Flame Heart Pearl transformed into a streak of crimson Flowing Light, mysteriously appearing on Xiao Xiao's wrist.
"Grandma, what's this?" Xiao Xiao asked curiously, her big, cute eyes gazing at the small beads that had suddenly appeared on her wrist.
Xiao Long already knew the origin of the bead and wasn't worried. She simply gently rubbed Xiao Xiao's chubby little face and said, "This is a gift for Xiao Xiao. Does Xiao Xiao like it?"
Feeling the comforting scent emanating from the beads, Xiao Xiao said crisply, "Thank you, Grandma, Xiao Xiao likes it very much."
Then he stood on tiptoe and kissed Xiao Long on the cheek, making the latter laugh heartily.
"Xiao Zhan, your uncle will be waiting for you in Central Plains!" After delivering the gifts, Xiao Han left with a smile, showing no intention of lingering.
"Respectfully seeing off Uncle!" Xiao Zhan and Cai Lin bowed in the direction Xiao Han had left.
The former was still clutching the jade Jade Bottle that Xiao Han had just given him; the contents of the bottle were the guarantee that the Xiao Clan could rise again.
"Central Plains, my Xiao Clan has returned!" Xiao Zhan thought to himself.
Langya Pavilion.
"Teacher, I'm back." As soon as Xian'er returned, she affectionately took Yi Huang's arm and rested her little head on the latter's shoulder.
This amused Yi Huang, who said, "Girl, how old are you? You're still acting like a little girl."
"It's been so long since I've seen my teacher!" Xian'er said, pouting, showing none of the aloofness she usually displays.
"You had fun playing with that kid Xiao Wu, didn't you!" Yi Huang patted Xian'er's head in an annoyed tone.
"They don't even come back to visit."
"As soon as the teacher called, Xian'er came back immediately!" Xian'er defended herself, saying that after spending so much time with someone, Xian'er had also picked up some strange traits.
"Alright, alright." Patting Xian'er's smooth, jade-like little hand, Yi Huang smiled and said, "I know you're a filial girl."
"I called you here today because I have something important to discuss."
Upon hearing this, Xian'er immediately composed herself and said with utmost seriousness, "Please instruct me, Xian'er, on what I need to do this time."
"Relax!" Yi Huang comforted her, but seeing that it had no effect, she had no choice but to give up. She then said in a serious tone:
"There may be some unexpected changes during this Gu Clan Coming-of-Age Ceremony."
"An unexpected turn of events?" Xian'er asked, puzzled.
"Hmm." Yi Huang nodded. "The Xiao Clan will probably cause some trouble at the Coming-of-Age Ceremony this time."
"When the time comes, you must not show any sign of supporting the Xiao Clan. Just observe from the sidelines and be a spectator."
Yi Huang said this mainly because Xian'er knew the relationship between the Xiao Clan and Xiao Han, and was worried that the other party might impulsively expose this hidden identity.
After hearing this, Xian'er understood Yi Huang's meaning and nodded, saying, "I will be careful then."
"Hmm." Seeing that the problem was solved, Yi Huang brought up other topics and said earnestly:
"Xian'er, girls should sometimes be careful not to be so forward..."
Xian'er was taken aback, then her cheeks flushed red, and a blush crept onto her earlobes. She said coquettishly, "Teacher, what are you saying?"
Yi Huang, with an expression that seemed to see through everything, said, "You were raised by your teacher since you were little. Don't I know what you're thinking?"
Changing the subject, Yi Huang continued, "The teacher didn't mean to stop you, she just wanted you to be more reserved and not let that brat take advantage of you."
"You know what?"
"Mmm." Xian'er blushed deeply and let out a barely audible moan.
After Xian'er ran out the door with her head down, Yi Huang shook her head helplessly. What a good girl she was, how could she have fallen for Xiao Wu?
Although the latter was as clever as a monkey, he was a carbon copy of Xiao Han in matters of the heart. Yi Huang knew all too well how long it had taken her to warm up such a dull heart.
"Sigh!" Yi Huang sighed softly, "That child is so pitiful!"