The next day, as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, dappling the ground with light, Xiao Yan, whose eyelids had been tightly closed, slowly opened his eyes and murmured softly:
"It seems we'll have to do some scouting in the city today. The Xiao Clan Zhao Clan, allowed to act so arrogantly and recklessly, is probably no saint either."
With a soft sigh, Xiao Yan got out of bed, washed up briefly, and then led Bai Hua and the other person out to the streets, heading towards some densely populated areas in the city center. Only there could they hear more about the Xiao Clan.
On the bustling street, Xiao Yan and his two companions walked slowly. The cool morning air, carried by a gentle breeze, rushed towards them, refreshing and invigorating, instantly giving them a sense of clarity and well-being.
Along the main street paved with thick bluestone steps, one could hear various shouts and calls. A dazzling array of goods were displayed in the shops on both sides, and a large number of people moved about like ants. Although it was early morning, Xiao City was already bustling with activity.
Ahead of Xiao Yan and his group, the street formed by the intermittent stone steps rose higher and higher. Looking into the distance to the north, there was an extremely high steep slope, standing there like a section of a mountain peak that had been diagonally cut off. The buildings and pavilions were like towering forests, rising and falling one after another. Every now and then, figures would fly by in mid-air, which made Xiao Yan and the others turn their heads.
As the main city of the Xiao Clan, Xiao City does not allow anyone to walk on air without permission. Those who do walk on air are mostly members of the Xiao Clan's guards stationed in the city, or powerful individuals with cultivation Yuan Zun. Regardless of their background, these are people that the rest of the city dare not easily provoke.
"Hey, I heard that yesterday in Tianyang City, that arrogant young master of the Zhao Clan got beaten up, and today he came to Xiao City looking all wronged."
"Oh? This really is karma. This guy has done a lot of outrageous things in the past, so this is his own fault."
"Why did he come to Xiao City instead of going to his father, Zhao Jin, after being dealt with?"
"Tch, of course he's come to find his real backer. With that person from the Xiao Clan around, how could he not stand up for him?"
"Haha, that's true. You have to consider the owner before you beat a dog. If the lackey gets beaten, and word gets out, isn't it the owner who loses face?"
Xiao Yan walked slowly forward with a distinctive rhythm, his gaze sweeping over the shops on both sides. He heard snippets of conversation, followed by bursts of laughter. Bai Hua and Lian'er exchanged a glance and couldn't help but lower their heads and chuckle. They wondered how Zhao Mingjie would react if these words reached his ears yesterday.
Xiao Yan shook his head slightly and frowned. Judging from the meaning of these people's words, it seemed that there were indeed some shameless people in the Xiao Clan. His already low opinion of the Xiao Clan was further diminished. Of course, he also knew that outsiders' opinions were just that—opinions. They were only seeing things with their own eyes. As for what the Xiao Clan was really like, he would have to experience it for himself to know.
As Xiao Yan and his companions were walking slowly forward, a somewhat familiar voice suddenly came from the crowd not far ahead. However, compared to the others, the owner of this voice sounded much more aggrieved.
"Young Master Chu, you have to stand up for me! That brat beat up my men in the street and broke several of my ribs. How dare he commit such a violent act in Tianyang City! It's one thing if he hurt me, but this is a blatant slap in your face!"
As the sound drew closer, Xiao Yan frowned and stopped, glancing back at Bai Hua and Lian'er, and sighed softly.
"What a small world!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd in front of him scattered. Then, Xiao Yan saw Zhao Mingjie, who had changed back into a white robe, standing around a young man, complaining with a wronged expression. After hearing the guy's exaggerated words, the young man's handsome face turned somewhat sinister.
"What does that kid look like, and where is he now?"
The young man's gaze was fixed straight ahead, then suddenly fell on Lian'er behind Xiao Yan. His eyes flickered slightly, but he spoke in an icy tone.
"This..."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Mingjie was speechless for a moment. Yesterday, Xiao Yan's attack was fierce, and they didn't even have a chance to fight back. In the end, they were all overwhelmed by Xiao Yan's aura alone. How could they have had time to pay attention to where he went?
"Hehe, Young Master Zhao, you're still as lively and energetic as ever after just one day. It seems I was too lenient with you yesterday."
Just then, a clear laugh with a hint of mockery suddenly entered Zhao Mingjie's ears. Instantly, the voice exploded in Zhao Mingjie's ears like a thunderclap. His expression changed drastically, and his gaze instantly fell on Xiao Yan. At this moment, the latter was looking at him with a smile, completely ignoring the young man beside him.
"You... you actually dare to show your face in Xiao City!"
When Zhao Mingjie came to his senses, the fear on his face vanished instantly upon thinking of the young man beside him. He stared venomously at the black-robed youth standing majestically opposite him and roared furiously.
Zhao Mingjie's roar instantly drew the attention of passersby on the street. Their gazes first focused on Zhao Mingjie and the young man beside him, then quickly shifted to Xiao Yan and the others standing opposite them. Many couldn't help but glance at them, wondering who this person was who could provoke such anger in Zhao Mingjie.
However, a few people who knew about yesterday's events immediately recognized Xiao Yan and his companions. As a murmur rang out, the expressions of the passersby changed once again, and surprised gazes fell on Xiao Yan once more.
"Since even you, Young Master Zhao, can come to Xiao City, why can't I?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled coldly, but his gaze slowly moved upwards and landed on the young man, his eyes calm.
"You..."
Zhao Mingjie was about to speak when the young man beside him stopped him. He then retreated sheepishly, his gaze shifting to Xiao Yan, and he slowly smiled:
"What a silver tongue you have! Today, I, this young master, will see who gave you the audacity to hit one of my men, Xiao Chuhang's men."
The young man smiled slightly, lifted his foot lightly, and as he stepped forward, an aura of power belonging to a powerful Yuan Zong expert swept outward from his body.