Two Families Arrive

"Then I must thank the Xiao Clan Leader for your hospitality." Unable to refuse such warm treatment, Gu Yuan found it difficult to decline.

He actually understood clearly that Xiao Zhan probably had no idea how profound his cultivation was and was worried that he might suddenly erupt with power, bringing danger to everyone.

Before coming, Xiao Zhan had even sent a message to Yi Huang and the others, who were still halfway there.

If Senior and the others were suddenly caught in the act, everything they had done before would come to nothing.

"This is going to be troublesome!" After receiving the news Xiao Zhan had sent about the suspected arrival of that family's people, Yi Huang's brows furrowed slightly, and she felt a headache coming on.

"Shifu's wife, what's wrong?" Xiao Wu noticed Yi Huang's reaction and asked in confusion.

At that moment, he was caught in a tangled mess of emotions at the thought of meeting members of his clan. He was happy, but also somewhat worried. After all, they were complete strangers, and he had no idea how to interact with them.

Moreover, after passing through that Space Wormhole, Xiao Wu had already begun to piece things together. His master and Shifu's wife had probably made arrangements long ago.

They hid it so deeply! Xiao Wu silently exclaimed inwardly.

After all, not everyone could use an alias from the moment they first entered the world like Xiao Han did. He was simply too cautious... Ahem, too prudent!

"We may be in some trouble this time." Yi Huang had no intention of hiding anything from Xiao Wu, so she told him everything about the message Xiao Zhan had sent.

After hearing Yi Huang's words, Xiao Wu also realized that he would probably have to turn back this time.

If they still stubbornly rushed over, the identities that his master and Langya Pavilion had painstakingly concealed would become a laughingstock.

All their arrangements would be completely disrupted.

Sure enough, after pondering for a while, Yi Huang said somewhat dejectedly, "It seems we won't be able to go this time. Let's head back first."

"All right, Shifu's wife." Xiao Wu naturally had no objections. The two simply returned the way they had come.

There was still plenty of time ahead. He refused to believe that person would really settle down there permanently.

Back on the other side, Xiao Zhan was chatting merrily with Gu Yuan.

"I never expected the Gu Clan Leader to possess such rich experience in managing a clan. I truly admire you." Xiao Zhan spoke with admiration.

Yet inwardly, he was already somewhat panicked.

We're done for. What this man said is probably true. With the identity of a clan leader, could he be the Gu Clan Leader?

Xiao Zhan had naturally heard Xiao Han specifically mention information about the Gu Clan Leader. Back then, Xiao Han had suspected that the Gu Clan or Gu Yuan should have some way to locate the Xiao Clan's whereabouts.

Otherwise, they could not possibly have been better informed than the Soul Hall, whose intelligence network covered the entire continent. They had actually found the Xiao Clan more than ten years in advance and even sent their own princess into the clan.

Therefore, he had specifically educated Xiao Zhan about Gu Yuan's background.

Peak Dou Sheng, Gu Clan Leader.

Those eight words had left an extremely deep impression on Xiao Zhan.

"Xiao Clan Leader, you flatter me." Gu Yuan spoke humbly. "I've merely held the position of clan leader for a slightly longer time. Just a tiny bit longer."

Really? A tiny bit?

Gu Yuan then continued, "May I ask whether the Xiao Clan Leader would allow me to meet the Third Young Master?"

"Of course." Xiao Zhan agreed very readily. Even if he refused, there was nothing he could do; he could not stop him.

Besides, he believed that a peak expert like the Gu Clan Leader naturally would not harm a child.

Of course, if Gu Yuan knew that Xiao Yan would one day make off with his beloved daughter, that would be another matter entirely.

"Please follow me."

After arriving at the rear courtyard of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Zhan asked Gu Yuan to wait first before entering the room.

Before long, Gu Yuan saw Xiao Zhan carefully carrying a swaddled infant out of the room on tiptoe.

Still somewhat shaken, Xiao Zhan said to Gu Yuan, "I secretly carried Yan Er out while my wife was resting. Brother Gu, please don't make too much noise."

He looked every bit like a henpecked lackey, without the slightest trace of a clan leader's imposing air.

Gu Yuan naturally agreed wholeheartedly. His impression of Xiao Zhan became somewhat unique. This man is quite a character!

Then he began examining the Xiao Yan before him. The infant had been born only recently and had not yet developed his features. Although his skin was tender and fair, the folds of flesh were rather pronounced, so he could not exactly be called handsome.

Gu Yuan did not care about that, however. He merely checked Xiao Yan's aptitude out of habit.

His aptitude is indeed quite good. Gu Yuan nodded slightly inwardly.

Although it could not be called top-tier, it was still excellent. If he had sufficient resources and opportunities, becoming a Dou Sheng should not be too difficult.

Xiao Zhan also knew about Xiao Yan's aptitude. In fact, he was even more talented than his two older brothers, whose cultivation had been enhanced by medicinal pills.

Originally, Xiao Zhan had hoped to have Senior examine him during the Full Moon Banquet. If Xiao Yan could successfully become Senior's disciple in the future, that would be even better.

Unexpectedly, Gu Yuan had appeared halfway through. It seemed that life was indeed full of surprises!

After One Incense Stick's Time, Gu Yuan returned Xiao Yan to Xiao Zhan. After all, he was still only a child, so there was nothing that required particular attention. There was still plenty of time in the future!

Before Gu Yuan could say anything else, a member of the Xiao Clan suddenly entered.

"Clan Leader, the clan leaders of the Jia Lie and Aoba Families request an audience."

His tone was flat, even carrying a hint of disdain.

"Oh?" Xiao Zhan's expression turned somewhat impatient. "What do those two families want?"

They were merely clans from a small city, yet they actually thought they were important?

"They said they have important matters to discuss."

"All right, have them wait for me a while." Xiao Zhan was somewhat helpless. I'll put up with you bunch of fools who don't know your place for a little longer.

"Yes." The Xiao Clan Member respectfully turned and left.

"Brother Gu, I'm afraid I'll have to apologize this time." Xiao Zhan spoke with slight embarrassment, preparing to take his leave.

"Not at all." Gu Yuan magnanimously indicated that he understood. Although he did not know why a Dou Zun like Xiao Zhan was being so courteous to the leaders of two minor clans, he let the matter go.

He had no interest in meddling in the Xiao Clan's affairs.

At that moment, the atmosphere in the front courtyard of the Xiao Clan was far from pleasant.

Jia Liebi and Aobapa both glared at each other with unfriendly expressions. Cooperation was one thing, but their two families were sworn enemies. How could their relationship possibly be good when they met?

The representatives of the other clans huddled nearby, trembling and not daring to make a sound. When immortals fought, mortals suffered.

Many Xiao Clan Members wore indifferent expressions. Did these two idiots come here to make a joke? Why come to someone else's territory and throw their weight around?

However, the tense atmosphere was soon shattered.

"The arrival of the two clan leaders truly brings honor and splendor to my Xiao Clan!"

Hmm...

After several years of growth, Xiao Zhan had finally become shameless, no longer as honest and straightforward as he had been in his youth.

At least, his ability to speak differently to different people had grown increasingly refined.

Although he wished he could simply wipe out the two fools who had failed to recognize their place, he continued smiling cheerfully on the surface.

Upon hearing Xiao Zhan's words, Jia Liebi and Aobapa also turned around and greeted him.

"May I ask what brings the two clan leaders here?" Xiao Zhan narrowed his eyes, looking every inch the smiling tiger.

Jia Liebi and Aobapa exchanged a glance, then looked at the people around them. Lowering their voices, they said to Xiao Zhan:

"Would the Xiao Clan Leader be willing to step inside for a private discussion?"

"Oh?" Xiao Zhan was puzzled, but he did not say anything more. "Please, come in."

Then the three of them headed toward the reception hall under everyone's watchful eyes.