As Xiao Yan and the others entered the main hall, on the other side, Xiao Mingyuan walked out of the hall and headed east. He passed many pavilions and buildings along the way until he saw two figures rushing towards him from a distance. He then raised his eyebrows slightly, slowly stopped, and stood quietly in place.
Soon, two figures approached Xiao Mingyuan from afar. The two figures, who originally intended to quickly pass by, stopped and showed humility because of him.
The newcomers were a young man and a middle-aged man. These two had been heading west after leaving Xiao Chuhang's place, heading straight for the main hall of the Xiao Clan. If they hadn't seen Xiao Mingyuan, they probably wouldn't have stopped here.
"Third Elder!"
Upon seeing Xiao Mingyuan, the two hurriedly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
" Xiao Feng, what happened? Judging from your appearance, are you going to see the clan leader?"
Nodding slightly, Xiao Mingyuan said as if he didn't know anything.
"I heard that one of the two outsiders that the Third Elder found a few years ago has returned to the clan today, which has alarmed many elders. As the heir of the Xiao Clan, I should go and see him."
Upon hearing this, the young man chuckled softly, and as he lowered his head, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"Heh, your brother was severely injured in Xiao City, and instead of going to care for him, you're concerned about a foreigner. Xiao Feng, this isn't like you."
Xiao Mingyuan smiled calmly, looked at the latter's slightly gloomy expression, slowly shook his head, and said again:
"I originally intended to look for you, but since we've met here, I'll save myself the trouble of making the trip. I've come here only to deliver a message to you, so listen carefully."
"To pass on a message?"
Xiao Feng frowned and looked up at the person in front of him. There were very few people in the Xiao Clan who could order him to deliver messages.
Ignoring the change in Xiao Feng's expression, Xiao Mingyuan straightened his face and said in a stern tone:
"Effective immediately, Xiao Chuhang is confined to the clan for six months, with all his monthly allowance withheld. During this period, he is not allowed to leave the clan or cause trouble. Any violation of this rule will be dealt with according to clan regulations."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Feng's already gloomy expression instantly changed, and his emotions became somewhat agitated. He stared intently at Xiao Mingyuan before him, and said unwillingly:
"What does the Third Elder mean by this? It was clearly Xiao Yan who injured my brother, so why is he the one being punished? This is unfair!"
"Fair? Fighting is forbidden within Xiao City; that's a clan rule. Xiao Chuhang disregarded the clan rule knowingly and deliberately violated it—that's one point. He attacked first, was outmatched, and was simply less skilled—that's another. Do I need to say anything more?"
Xiao Mingyuan remained expressionless and spoke indifferently.
"But... but he hasn't made his monthly payments for six months, and he hasn't left the clan compound. Chuhang..."
"As the second young master of the Xiao Clan, he's been fooling around for far too long. I've only been too lazy to bother with him because of you. This time he's caused trouble, which is a lesson for him. Let him reflect on his actions for the next six months. As for Xiao Yan, you'd better forget about trying to cause him any trouble."
Xiao Mingyuan raised his hand slightly, interrupting Xiao Feng. The latter was about to retort when Xiao Mingyuan abruptly changed the subject, speaking sternly:
" Xiao Feng, I hope you understand this clearly: these words weren't sent to you by the clan leader, nor by the Grand Elder. If you continue to make this fuss, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
As soon as Xiao Mingyuan finished speaking, the latter's words caught in his throat. At the same time, as if he instantly understood something, the muscles at the corners of his eyes twitched slightly. After a long while, he gritted his teeth, suppressing his anger, took a deep breath with trembling hands, and slowly bent down, saying unwillingly:
Xiao Feng understands!
I hope you truly understand.
With a frown, he said something indifferently, and then Xiao Mingyuan leaped back in the direction he came from. Afterwards, Xiao Feng watched Xiao Mingyuan's departing figure, his fist under his sleeves clenched slowly, and the expression on his face became increasingly gloomy.
" Xiao Yan... don't even think about joining my Xiao Clan!"
"Young Master, please do not act rashly. The Third Elder just made it clear that if you go to find Xiao Yan now, you yourself will likely be punished!"
Seeing Xiao Feng's state, the middle-aged man whispered a word of advice to dissuade him.
"Hmph, you go back and guard Chuhang. I'll handle things here myself. You injured my brother and caused him to be punished. This matter isn't something that can be easily forgotten."
"Can..."
"Go ahead, I know what to do."
Before the middle-aged man could utter a word, Xiao Feng spoke indifferently, then stomped his foot on the ground, unleashing a burst of energy that shattered the bluestone. As he sped forward, he vanished at the end of the street in the blink of an eye.
Watching the figure speed away like lightning, the middle-aged man frowned and hesitated for a moment before shaking his head helplessly, letting out a soft sigh, and turning to quickly rush back in the direction he had come from.
On the other side, Xiao Yan and his companion had just left the main hall. Although Xiao Yuheng had said a lot, Xiao Yan did not waver in the slightest. As it stands, he does not have much goodwill towards the Xiao Clan. If Xiao Xuan had not been there, he would probably have turned around and left long ago. Why would he continue to stay here?
The two left the main hall one after the other, and then they encountered Xiao Mingyuan, who was returning.
"Hehe, so, has the little guy agreed to return to his clan?"
Upon seeing the two, Xiao Mingyuan's gaze immediately fell on Xiao Yan, and he said with a smile.
Now that Xiao Yan has returned, his mission is largely complete. If Xiao Yan is willing to join the Xiao Clan Xiao Clan and become a member, it will be a good thing for both him and Xiao Yan.
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I've disappointed the Third Elder."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan lowered his brows slightly and spoke slowly.
"Well..."
Xiao Mingyuan was slightly taken aback, not expecting this outcome. After a moment's hesitation, he changed his tone and smiled, saying:
"It's alright. After all, you've just returned, so it's understandable that you're not used to it yet. Let's wait a while. The Grand Elder is currently in seclusion. When he comes out, he might see you. We can discuss everything then."
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded in response. Xiao Xuan beside him also looked respectful. Xiao Mingyuan hadn't paid attention before, but now, looking at Xiao Xuan, he sensed something different. The usually low-key Xiao Xuan now seemed to possess a hidden sharpness...
Xiao Mingyuan frowned slightly, and as he was wondering what was going on, a whooshing sound suddenly came from behind them. In the blink of an eye, a figure appeared in front of the three of them. The sharp wind instantly enveloped Xiao Yan and Xiao Mingyuan, and their expressions changed slightly.
The old man frowned and turned around. Seeing the figure already approaching, his already furrowed brow deepened, and he said in a low voice:
" Xiao Feng, was what I said earlier not clear enough?"