Night fell, under a myriad of starlight, in a secluded mountain forest. Xiao Yan sat cross-legged before a blue stone, facing an old man. Not far away, a petite figure squatted listlessly on the ground, her delicate chin resting on her two fair hands. Her lively eyes occasionally swept back and forth between the two men before her. When she looked at Xiao Yan, she couldn't help but mutter a few words under her breath. The two men before her, however, seemed oblivious to her presence.
"Hehe, this girl is indeed a bit unruly; even her father can't handle her. Don't take what happened earlier to heart."
Xiao Zhen looked at Xiao Yan, who was sitting upright in front of him, with a smile on his face, and said with a smile.
The old man's smiling face was quite different from his slightly astonishing demeanor before. His full head of white hair, reflected in the silver moonlight, resembled a waterfall of silver. His deep eyes shone brightly in the darkness, and his dark pupils seemed to see through the world, giving people an intangible sense of awe.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan quickly shook his head with a smile and said:
"Elder, you flatter me."
The old man nodded with a smile, but the little girl beside him huffed and puffed, seemingly unwilling to give up:
"Hmph, if he dares to bully me, I'll tell my father to kick him out of the family."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was speechless for a moment. He looked at Xiao Zhen opposite him with a strange expression. This girl was a bit too spoiled. Although her cultivation talent was good, her personality was a bit too much.
"Hehe, don't worry about it. Although the clan leader spoils her, it's not to that extent. If this girl goes too far in the future and gets punished, it's only natural."
Xiao Zhen stroked his beard and smiled, but Xiao Yan almost choked on his breath upon hearing this. Only then did he realize that this girl was actually the daughter of the clan leader, Xiao Yuheng. No wonder she was so willful and capricious.
"Pfft..."
Seeing the change in Xiao Yan's expression, the girl couldn't help but chuckle, a hint of smugness appearing in her beautiful eyes.
"Remember, my name is Xiao Ling'er. If you dare to bully me again, I'll have the clan leader deal with you!"
Xiao Ling'er raised her head and gestured towards Xiao Yan with her lips, as if she were showing off, which made Xiao Yan both amused and exasperated. Who would have thought that this seemingly crazy girl was actually the daughter of the Xiao Clan Chief?
Xiao Zhen maintained his gentle expression and continued:
"The reason I summoned you here today is not only to see you, but also to hear a clear answer from you: whether you are willing to join the Xiao Clan."
Coming to his senses, Xiao Yan hesitated slightly upon hearing Xiao Zhen's words, glanced at Xiao Ling'er who also had a curious look on her face, and smiled:
"As long as the clan leader doesn't expel me from the clan, I will always be a member of the Xiao Clan."
Upon hearing this, a fierce glint flashed in the young woman's beautiful eyes, while the old man chuckled with satisfaction, nodded, and said:
"If that's the case, then I can rest assured. From now on, if you have any needs within the clan, feel free to ask the clan leader and me. If it's within our power, we certainly won't hesitate to grant them."
Xiao Yan nodded respectfully, while the former pondered for a moment before continuing:
"As for Xiao Feng, I hope you won't take it to heart. What you saw wasn't his true nature; it's just... he values his younger brother too much..."
"It's just a friendly spar, Xiao Yan naturally won't mind."
Upon hearing this, the old man couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration. Such temperament was truly exceptional among the younger generation. Thinking of this, Xiao Zhen turned to look at the girl beside him again and said with a playful smile:
" Ling'er, Xiao Yan's character is something you should emulate."
Ling'er ignored the old man's teasing remarks, but made a face at Xiao Yan before turning away and ignoring the two of them. Xiao Yan smiled and felt a bit more favorably disposed towards the slightly playful girl in front of him.
"Also, what are your thoughts on the clan association?"
Xiao Zhen changed the subject, and at the same time, Ling'er turned her head slightly, glancing at Xiao Yan out of the corner of her eye, as if waiting for his reply.
"Elder, please rest assured, the clan gathering is a grand event for the family, and Xiao Yan will naturally not be absent."
Xiao Yan smiled, his words clearly placing himself in the position of a member of the Xiao Clan, which made Xiao Zhen's smile even wider.
"Yes, it's good that you're interested in participating in the clan meeting. However, there's something I must remind you of beforehand."
Xiao Yan is all ears.
He respectfully clasped his hands in a fist salute to the old man before him, who nodded and smiled, then frowned and slowly said:
"Although you and Xiao Xuan have both joined the clan, only a few elders, led by the clan leader, truly accept you. The rest are quite wary of your identities. Therefore, the obstacles you will face at this clan gathering will not be easy. Although Xiao Xuan proved his strength to the entire clan in his battle with Xiao Feng,..."
At this point, the First Elder couldn't help but pause, meeting Xiao Yan's gaze for a few seconds. Seeing that the latter showed no emotion, he sighed helplessly and continued speaking.
"Sigh... But he is still the Origin Emperor after all, that's an undeniable fact. If you want to gain the clan's approval and shut those guys up, then you must personally prove it to them with your strength. Otherwise, even if the clan leader steps in, it might not be effective."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan remained silent, then nodded slightly, keeping these words in mind.
Therefore, even if he were willing to join the Xiao Clan and gain a place here, it would ultimately not be an easy task.
"Since you want proof, then let this clan gathering be the answer!"
Taking a deep breath, a sharp glint flashed in Xiao Yan's dark eyes, and a surge of fiery emotion welled up in his chest. A silent roar lingered in his heart for a long time.
"Hehe, since you're so confident, then I won't worry too much. Also, there's a place I think you could visit sometime. There are things there that can help you improve your strength."
The old man nodded, and his subsequent words made Xiao Yan raise an eyebrow slightly.
" The Heaven-Nurturing Pavilion houses most of the clan's Cultivation Methods and Combat Skills. Among them is a scroll called 'Fire God's Wrath,' which, along with 'Wind God's Fury ' and 'Thunder God's Fury God,' is known as Three Gods' Wraths of the Xiao Clan. This is probably the greatest help I can offer you for participating in the clan gathering."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up. He had personally experienced the power of Wind God's Fury and naturally understood the strength of that Dou Technique. It was probably a high-grade technique even among the Intent Class Dou Technique. Since the so-called Fire God's Wrath could be compared to it, its power was not hard to imagine. If he could master Fire God's Wrath, it might become another major trump card for him!
As the moon rose high in the sky, Xiao Yan slowly rose and chatted with the old man for a long time. He gained a better understanding of the Xiao Clan and other forces in the Central Region. Although it was past midnight, he still looked refreshed. Xiao Ling'er, on the other hand, looked sleepy and had no idea what they had been talking about.
"Thank you for your guidance today, Elder. Xiao Yan will now take his leave!"
"Hehe, go ahead. If you need anything, just come and find me."
The old man nodded with a smile, and Xiao Yan responded with a word. He glanced at the sleepy-eyed Xiao Ling'er, then turned and quickly headed back the way he came.