Several days later, a subtle tension hung over the Xiao Clan's council hall during its regular meeting. The clan's core members and several respected elders filled the seats on either side of the long table, while the mingled scents of sandalwood and tea drifted through the air. Clan leader Xiao Zhan sat upright at the head, listening calmly as the stewards reported on external affairs such as marketplace revenue and medicinal herb purchases. These were routine matters, and the proceedings passed without a ripple.
Once external affairs had been discussed, the conversation naturally turned to matters within the clan. The Third Elder slowly sipped his tea, his gaze drifting almost imperceptibly toward the head of the table before he spoke with apparent casualness. "Speaking of which, the younger generation's cultivation seems a little... impatient lately. Their foundations are unsteady, and one setback leaves them unable to rise again. That is hardly how the young men of our Xiao Clan should behave."
Although the Third Elder named no names, everyone present knew whom those barbed insinuations targeted. Several glances, some gloating and others probing, immediately slipped toward Xiao Zhan.
A warm smile remained on Xiao Zhan's face, as though he had not heard the sting in those words. He merely lifted his teacup and gently blew away the steam. "You are right, Third Elder. Tempering a young person's character is indeed important."
He set down his cup, then shifted the conversation as his gaze swept across the others. "Speaking of the younger generation, that reminds me of something. My two unworthy sons, my eldest Xiao Ding and my second Xiao Li, have been gaining experience away from home. Working together with one heart, who knows how many trials they have overcome? They truly embody that saying, 'When brothers share one heart, their edge can cut through metal.' But Yan... he keeps to himself, and now..."
After a well-timed pause, just the right measure of worry and helplessness appeared on Xiao Zhan's face. "Alone, he cannot help but have only his shadow for company. I was wondering whether we might find him another companion. If I adopted a son, the two young men could cultivate together, improve together, and look out for one another."
The council hall fell silent for a moment at those words, then filled with a low murmur of discussion. Everyone had different thoughts, and their expressions grew varied.
Some immediately thought of resource allocation. Is the clan leader trying to funnel more resources to Xiao Yan by another route? He talks of adopting a son, but that so-called adopted son will probably be nothing but a smokescreen, unable to reap any benefits. In the end, all the advantages will still go to Xiao Yan, doubled.
Others' eyes lit up as they began calculating. An adopted son with no roots or backing? If his aptitude is decent, couldn't we win him over, or... find a way to squeeze something out of him?
Those with even fouler minds could not resist muttering under their breath. "An adopted son? Where did this adopted son come from? Could he be someone the clan leader left behind in his younger days..."
Xiao Zhan took in every reaction and sneered inwardly, though his face betrayed nothing as he continued. "You may have heard of the candidate I have in mind. He is the youth who... caused a bit of a stir in the western part of the city a few days ago. Crazy Ghost."
He paused again to let everyone digest that. "Although his behavior is... well, a little unconcerned with propriety, and he has an unruly temperament, his fighting ability is decent, and he possesses a few unusual talents. From what I have seen, he also seems to care little for worldly status or position. Perhaps... he might get along with Yan."
At the mention of Crazy Ghost, the atmosphere in the council hall grew stranger still. That mad brat who drove off a group of burly men with filth? Adopt him as a son? Many frowned, finding the idea utterly absurd. Yet others' eyes flickered, thinking that a youth so "unconcerned with propriety" might be easier to control.
Xiao Zhan watched these clansmen, each harboring their own hidden schemes, and lightly tapped his fingers against the tabletop as he waited for their reactions. This was only the first step. Getting this proposal approved would require more maneuvering.
"Of course, this is merely a preliminary idea. It is a matter of considerable importance, and all the elders and clansmen must discuss it together. Take some time to consider it."
Having finished speaking, Xiao Zhan lifted his teacup. As for the youth waiting somewhere for news-or rather, considering whether to accept this "deal"-Xiao Zhan set him aside for the moment. Right now, persuading these old foxes was what mattered.
Sure enough, little time passed before something unexpected, yet seemingly reasonable, happened. The voices that had previously expressed doubts, openly or covertly, now began changing their tune.
The Third Elder was once again the first to speak. Stroking his beard, he wore a seemingly kindly smile. "You have considered this thoroughly, Clan Leader. After suffering such a reversal, Yan's spirits have taken a severe blow. He does indeed need someone his own age by his side to offer comfort and companionship. That child may be a little unruly, but young people's characters have yet to settle. He simply needs more guidance. In my view, this would be good for both Yan and the clan."
The Third Elder cleared his throat, then changed tack. "Only... resource allocation will require careful consideration. We must not favor one over another and chill the hearts of the clan's other young people." His words seemed fair, but in truth, he was reminding everyone to keep a close eye on these "extra" resources, while hinting that Crazy Ghost was, after all, an "outsider."
Several other stewards and clansmen who habitually stirred up trouble, fearing only that the world might remain peaceful, quickly chimed in. Some said, "Indeed, indeed. Another young person will bring more vitality to the clan. That youth seems fairly nimble, too. With proper training, he may well be able to contribute to the clan someday." What they actually thought was: This is the perfect chance to bring that little rascal in and see how he clashes with those youngsters whose eyes sit atop their heads. It is about time someone stirred this stagnant pool that is the Xiao Clan.
Others said, "The clan leader is benevolent and generous, willing to take in even a youth with no one to rely on. This is truly a blessing for our Xiao Clan. Naturally, we support your decision." Their eyes flickered as they calculated how to profit from this "adopted son" with a blank background, or use him as a pawn against their opponents.
For a time, the council hall overflowed with voices of "concern" and "approval," as though everyone had Xiao Yan's future and the clan's unity at heart. Xiao Zhan listened calmly, taking in each hypocritical or calculating face, his understanding as clear as a mirror. He knew what they were plotting-they simply wanted to introduce more variables, fish in troubled waters, and see whether they could seize some benefit, or further probe his limits as clan leader and how far he would go to protect Xiao Yan. Bringing in this unstable piece would undoubtedly add more chaos and conflict to the clan's already complicated internal affairs.
But so what? Xiao Zhan's fingertips tapped soundlessly against the table. For Yan's sake, what does this little risk amount to? The Xiao Clan's tangled roots run deep, and the whole place reeks of stagnation. Rather than let Yan sink beneath oppression and indifference, why not introduce a wild card and drag every conflict into the open? That boy behaves outrageously and never follows convention. Perhaps... he is just the one to keep those petty scoundrels in check.
His decision made, Xiao Zhan smiled faintly, carrying the authority of a clan leader and a trace of unquestionable resolve. "Since none of the elders or clansmen object, the matter is settled."
Xiao Zhan rose and looked around the room, his voice steady. "The adoption ceremony need not be extravagant, but the proper formalities must be observed. I believe... seven days from now will be an auspicious day. At that time, I will formally adopt the child as my son and enter his name in the clan genealogy. First Elder, I will trouble you to arrange the details."
The First Elder gave a slight nod in acknowledgment when addressed. "Very well, that concludes today's discussion. The meeting is adjourned." Xiao Zhan stood and was the first to leave the council hall. The others rose one after another and departed in twos and threes, exchanging meaningful glances.
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