" The Zhou Clan?"
Upon hearing Li Bingrui's words, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow and immediately thought of Zhou Tong, the previous owner of the Luo Heavenly Cauldron.
"Both of them share the surname Zhou, and they're rivals... Could it be... that this Zhou Clan is the family Zhou Tong belongs to?"
With a quick glance, Xiao Yan couldn't help but sigh and shake his head. If that were really the case, it would be far too dramatic. The two families had been fighting each other for a thousand years. Although the Futu Clan had won, the Zhou Clan's patriarch had, unfortunately, made Xiao Yan kill Futu Hao for him. As a result, the Futu Clan's power in the Nanlin City would be greatly reduced. When various forces came to attack, the Futu Clan would cease to exist.
In this sense, the conflict between these two families ultimately ended in mutual destruction.
Over the next two days, Xiao Yan and his group enjoyed the hospitality of Futu Hao quite well. During this time, Futu Hao repeatedly requested that Xiao Yan and his group stay longer. Xiao Yan naturally accepted the request politely, but he couldn't help but feel suspicious. The old man was indeed enthusiastic, but it seemed a bit too much. Moreover, his words seemed to have a probing meaning, and on several occasions, his attention was focused on Lian'er.
Xiao Yan remained cautious, not revealing anything, and simply waited quietly for the old man's performance. Originally, he didn't harbor much murderous intent towards the old man, but his behavior made Xiao Yan feel a sense of threat.
He didn't like the people behind him becoming targets of others, so no matter what the old man was thinking, Xiao Yan would definitely eliminate him completely before he could carry it out.
However, now is not the time. As Xiao Yan said before, it is, after all, someone's birthday banquet, and we should give them some face. As for taking their life, it is not unreasonable to talk about it later.
The spacious hall was bustling with people, and the entire Futu Clan was filled with a festive atmosphere. Today was the birthday of Futu Hao, the patriarch of the Futu Clan. At this moment, the powerful figures invited from all sides were either in the courtyard or in the hall, and everyone's face was filled with joy.
Although there were many among these forces who hated the Futu Clan to the core, they were extremely adept at putting on a show.
At this moment, in the head seat of the hall, an elderly man who looked as if he was about to die sat with a smile on his face, watching the guests below come and go and pay their respects. A look of pride appeared in his pair of cloudy old eyes. He especially enjoyed the treatment he received as the center of attention.
It wasn't until much later that Xiao Yan led Xiao Yi Xian and the others into the hall. He politely cupped his hands towards Futu Hao, who sat on the head seat, and the latter rose to greet him.
Upon seeing this scene, the expressions on everyone's faces in the originally lively hall paused slightly, and then all sorts of gazes fell on Xiao Yan and the others. Many people present had already heard of this young man who had been personally invited by Futu Hao, but upon seeing him now, they couldn't help but be a little surprised. Just who was this kid that Futu Hao, a powerful Origin Emperor, would treat him in such a way?
"Hehe, everyone, I'm sure you're all very curious about who this gentleman is."
Futu Hao smiled faintly, but the words he uttered immediately made everyone present perk up, and they all pricked up their ears, waiting for Futu Hao to reveal the answer to them.
"Hehe, speaking of which, I believe everyone is familiar with this gentleman's name. So, I would like to formally introduce him to you all. This gentleman is none other than Xiao Yan, who participated in the battle between the three sects in the Far Southern Land not long ago!"
"Whoosh!"
Upon hearing this, a commotion immediately erupted among those present. Incredulous gazes instantly fell upon Xiao Yan. It was hard to believe that this renowned figure from the Far Southern Land would appear before them, and even more shockingly, he would be at Futu Hao's birthday banquet. This was undoubtedly a form of support for the Futu Clan!
After this incident, the status of the Futu Clan in this Far Southern Land will likely be further enhanced. At that time, many more forces will probably join their ranks. Thinking about it this way, the future of the Futu Clan is probably unpredictable!
Looking at the changing expressions of the crowd in the hall, Futu Hao couldn't help but sneer inwardly. These fools probably don't know that after today, his Futu Clan will not only become famous, but will also produce a powerful expert at the Yuan Zong level. In the future, the Futu Clan will be more than just this small Nanlin City. From now on, even the Burning Flame Valley will have to give them some respect!
Afterwards, as everyone took their seats, the birthday banquet officially began. As everyone chatted, their eyes kept scanning back and forth between Xiao Yan and Futu Hao, and the atmosphere became increasingly lively.
The entire banquet lasted from morning till night, and the entire Futu Clan, and even the entire Nanlin City, was filled with a festive atmosphere. It wasn't until late at night that Xiao Yan and the others returned to the courtyard.
With a thought, Xiao Yan's internal Origin Qi rapidly circulated, and the misty complexion on his face vanished instantly. A glint of light flashed in his dark eyes, and a murderous intent quietly emerged.
After giving a few instructions to Xiao Yi Xian and the others, Xiao Yan leaped into the air and disappeared into the night sky in a flash. The group looked at each other, shrugged helplessly, and then sat quietly in the courtyard, waiting for Xiao Yan to return.
On the other side, Futu Hao was slowly returning to his room, about to close the door, when Xiao Yan's figure appeared in his courtyard like a ghost. Futu Hao immediately frowned, and the Origin Qi in his body quietly rose. Xiao Yan's arrival did not seem to indicate that anything good was about to happen.
"Mr. Xiao Yan, it's late, why don't you rest early?"
The old man's eyes flickered. He clearly sensed a killing intent in Xiao Yan's eyes. Had he discovered something?
Thinking of this, Futu Hao's unease grew even stronger. If he had discovered it, why hadn't he confronted him directly a couple of days ago, instead of waiting until now?
"Sir, your birthday has passed. Now, I'm here to collect something from you on behalf of someone else."
Xiao Yan's expression gradually turned indifferent. Futu Hao also stepped out the door, his cloudy eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, and said in a deep voice:
"Collect what? Collect lives? For whom?"
" Luo Heavenly Cauldron, Zhou Tong."