Ya Fei Pays a Visit

The atmosphere in the Xiao Family's main hall was solemn. Xiao Zhan had summoned every elder in the clan, and only after confirming they were all present did he speak.

"Everyone, our chance to turn things around has come. My son Xiao Yan has brought a great figure back to the Xiao Family.

"He also awakened a special power in Xiao Yan called a Martial Soul. A Martial Soul comes with its own power. Xiao Yan's Emberfire, for instance, was born with the ability to burn his enemies. He can unleash attacks with a wave of his hand, without years of practicing Dou Techniques.

"I don't know much else myself. You can ask that lord when the time comes."

The moment he finished, the elders erupted. The hall, solemn and silent just a moment ago, burst into an uproar.

A white-haired elder slammed a hand against his chair's armrest. His eyes reddened, and his voice trembled with excitement.

"Is it true? Such a wondrous thing exists? The Oba Family and Jia Lie Family have kept us down for years. At last, the Xiao Family has a chance to rise!"

A middle-aged elder beside him shot to his feet, stumbling slightly in his excitement.

"Clan Leader, you've raised a fine son!"

The other elders began talking among themselves, their faces alight with joy. Some clenched their fists; others paced back and forth, too excited to sit still.

Every elder looked eagerly at Xiao Zhan. They could barely contain themselves and wanted to find Xiao Yan at once to see his miraculous Emberfire Martial Soul with their own eyes.

The first elder slowly stroked his beard, forced down his excitement, and asked, "Clan Leader, did you gather us all here because of the Martial Souls?"

Xiao Zhan nodded, his expression turning serious. "That's right. I've reached an agreement with that lord. For every Yellow Rank Dou Technique we provide, he'll awaken a Martial Soul for one clan member. I called you here today to hear your thoughts."

An elder sprang up as soon as he finished. "I agree!"

"So do I! This is an extraordinary opportunity. If we refuse, that lord could go to the other two families instead. Then the Xiao Family will have lost its chance for good."

The first elder nodded without hesitation and stroked his beard as he spoke.

"I agree as well. But we must choose the candidates carefully and give priority to the clan's most talented young people. In my view, my grandson Xiao Ning and granddaughter Xiao Yu are both excellent choices."

The second elder immediately cut in.

"You shameless old bastard! By that logic, Xiao Mei qualifies too! Her talent for cultivation ranks among the best of the younger generation. We can't leave her out."

"My grandson Xiao Shan would be a good choice too!"

"And my granddaughter!"

The elders argued endlessly over the limited Martial Soul Awakening slots, each of them red-faced and shouting.

Some loudly praised their own descendants' talent, while others listed the hours their youngsters had spent training. Neither side would yield.

The vast hall rang with their voices. Everyone wanted a place for a child from their own branch of the family.

Xiao Zhan, meanwhile, sat calmly on the raised dais and drank his tea.

By the time the elders had argued themselves hoarse, they finally settled on a list of young clan members. Only then did the hall gradually quiet down.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhan gave his orders.

"Now that the candidates are settled, send people to the Dou Technique Pavilion at once and make a copy of every Dou Technique inside. Then come with me to meet that lord."

All the elders bowed together. "Yes!"

Meanwhile, at the Oba Family residence.

Ouba Pa and Jia Lie Bi had met because of the strange phenomenon at the Xiao Family estate.

Jia Lie Bi frowned and spoke first. "Ouba Clan Leader, there's been quite a commotion at the Xiao Family today. We don't know what they're planning, but I fear someone powerful is involved."

Ouba Pa heaved a sigh, his face lined with worry.

"Ah... There's nothing our families can do. Judging by what happened at the Xiao estate, whoever stands behind them is beyond either of us. For now, we can only wait and see. The trouble is, we don't know how far that mysterious figure is willing to go for the Xiao Family."

Jia Lie Bi's face darkened. He tapped the tabletop lightly, deeply wary as he spoke.

"If that mysterious expert truly means to support the Xiao Family, there'll be no place for either of us in Wutan City. We have to find out what's really going on."

After a moment's thought, he made up his mind. "Let's bring generous gifts and pay them a visit to test the waters. If the Xiao Family really is about to soar, we'll sell everything and leave Wutan City while we still can."

Ouba Pa gritted his teeth and nodded. "Agreed! That's what we'll do!"

At the same time, beside a viewing railing at the Mittel Auction House in Wutan City.

Ya Fei, dressed in red, leaned against the railing. She gazed toward the Xiao Family estate, curiosity in her eyes.

After a while, she turned to the elder beside her. "Elder Gu, everyone in the city knows about the strange phenomenon at the Xiao Family estate today. What do you make of it?"

Elder Gu's expression remained calm, his voice even.

"What happens to the Xiao Family has no bearing on the Mittel Auction House. The ones who should be worried are the Jia Lie Family and the Oba Family. Their grudges with the Xiao Family run deep. If the Xiao Family rises, they'll be the first to suffer."

Ya Fei nodded, agreeing with him. After a moment's thought, she spoke again, her tone cautious.

"That's true. But a powerful outsider has suddenly appeared in Wutan City.

"Whatever that person's strength or purpose, we must pay a visit in person. Even if we can't win his friendship, we mustn't offend him and bring needless trouble upon the Mittel Auction House."

"Mm. I'll go with you to the Xiao Family estate later and see what we can learn."

Several hours later.

At the Xiao Family's Dou Technique Pavilion.

Xiao Zhan, the elders, and a few clan members with steady hands were carefully copying Dou Techniques.

Just then, a guard hurried in.

"Clan Leader! Miss Ya Fei and Grandmaster Gu Ni from the Mittel Auction House have come to visit!"

Every elder in the pavilion froze.

The Mittel Auction House?

It was the greatest power in Wutan City and rarely involved itself in family disputes. Yet it had come to the Xiao Family of its own accord?

Xiao Zhan's heart stirred. "Keep copying. I'll receive them!"

He set down his brush and headed straight for the main hall.

As soon as he entered, he saw Ya Fei in her red dress and the white-haired Elder Gu rise to their feet.

Ya Fei gave Xiao Zhan a courteous smile and dipped her head slightly. "Clan Leader Xiao, forgive us for dropping by unannounced. After the remarkable events here today, Elder Gu and I wanted to pay a visit and offer our goodwill."

Elder Gu cupped his hands in greeting. He was polite, without a trace of condescension.

Xiao Zhan was overjoyed.

In the past, the Mittel Auction House had barely spared the Xiao Family a glance.

But since that mysterious lord appeared, even the Mittel Auction House had come to seek friendly relations.

Xiao Zhan held back his excitement and returned their greeting. "Miss Ya Fei, Grandmaster Gu, you're too kind. It's an honor for the Xiao Family to welcome you both."