The moment Xiao Yan stepped out of the Palace, many people in the Yao Clan sensed his presence and came flashing over from afar.
"Little Yanzi, you're out of seclusion." Yao Lao chuckled.
During Xiao Yan's seclusion, not only had he engraved his parents' names on the Clan Stele, but even a Seven-Star Dou Saint like Yao Dan treated him with considerable respect within the Yao Clan.
In the past, he would never have dared to dream of such a thing.
Beside Yao Lao, Yao Dan, who had come with him, smiled and cupped his hands toward Xiao Yan. "Young friend Xiao Yan, after a month in seclusion, you must have refined the Nihility Devouring Flame and greatly increased your strength. Congratulations!"
Elder Wanhuo and the Bodhi Ancient Tree also offered Xiao Yan their congratulations.
"It was only a small breakthrough, nothing worth mentioning."
Xiao Yan responded with a smile, then asked about another matter.
"By the way, did anything major happen on the continent while I was in seclusion?"
At Xiao Yan's question, the expressions of Yao Lao and the others changed, and their smiles faded considerably.
Yao Dan said gravely, "During your month in seclusion, young friend Xiao Yan, the world of the Ancient Eight Clans was turned completely upside down."
"On the day you entered seclusion, I asked Miss Zi Yan to inform the Gu Clan of what the Hun Clan had done to our Yao Clan. Clan Chief Gu Yuan and Zi Yan even went to the Stone Clan personally to investigate."
"But they discovered that the Stone Clan's Stone Realm had already been reduced to shattered walls and ruins. Not a single member of the Stone Clan could be found."
"Clearly, the Stone Clan had already been completely overrun by the Hun Clan!"
"After this