The Xiao Clan, Wutan City.
After finishing his words, Xiao Yan turned and walked back to his room, utterly despondent, then shut the door.
Watching his retreating figure, Xiao Xun'er felt an indescribable ache in her heart. Xiao Zhan, Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and the others felt mostly worry and heartache.
The other clansmen each had their own thoughts about Xiao Yan's condition. Whatever those thoughts were, they lacked a measure of sincerity.
Hidden in the void, Xiao Yin saw everything clearly. He sighed, then thought to himself, Had our clan leader not led us back then, would our Xiao Clan have been just like the Xiao Clan here, each harboring our own motives?
At that thought, he quietly departed without causing the slightest disturbance.
Meanwhile, at the Xiao Clan's old residence in the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire.
After listening to Xiao Yin's report as he knelt on one knee, Xiao Tian Ce nodded and smiled. "Good. Pay it no mind. Just continue watching over and protecting the Xiao Clan. You needn't concern yourself with anything else. Act as though you know nothing."
Xiao Yin was puzzled by these words. What purpose did it serve for the clan leader to have him monitor Wutan City for ten years without fail?
Seemingly aware of Xiao Yin's thoughts, Xiao Tian Ce shook his head and smiled. "Don't overthink it. The time hasn't come yet. Everyone has their own path to walk, and we cannot interfere too much. But you must continue your mission. In a few more years, you can return to Heaven Beyond to cultivate.
"I grant you special permission to cultivate within the Spirit Gathering Array after you return to the clan, until you wish to come out."
"Yes, Clan Leader. I understand," Xiao Yin said, bowing