After taking out the wooden plaque, Xiao Shaojun didn't linger and casually tossed it to Xiao Yan, who, while feeling suspicious, caught the wooden plaque that had been shot at him.
Upon first contact, a faint warmth emanated from the wooden plaque and entered Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow; this warmth emanated from within the wooden plaque, which only intensified his curiosity.
"What's this?"
Xiao Yan glanced at the wooden plaque in his hand with surprise, then turned his gaze back to Xiao Shaojun, who smiled faintly and said:
"This is the Fire Banyan Token, the key to enter the Fire Banyan Ruins. Only with it can you enter smoothly. However, since I am of the metal element, this thing is not very meaningful to me. I originally planned to give it to Xiao Tian, but now it seems that you are more suitable."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's suspicions deepened, clearly indicating he was unaware of what they were saying. Xiao Xuan, on the other hand, silently pondered the so-called Fire Banyan Ruins, thinking for a long time before suddenly exclaiming in surprise:
" The Fire Banyan Ruins refer to the ancestral home of the Fire Banyan Clan?"
"Good."
Xiao Shaojun nodded slowly and said.
Upon hearing the name of the Fire Banyan Clan, Xiao Yan's mind suddenly snapped back to reality, and he immediately understood why Xiao Shaojun had said it wasn't very meaningful. The Fire Banyan Clan was renowned for cultivating fire-attribute Origin Qi.
The Fire Banyan Clan, like the Ginseng Spirit Clan, belongs to the Spirit Tree Clan. They have been descended from ancient times and were once so powerful that they were no less powerful than the three major clans or even the two clans of today. However, a thousand years ago, the once prosperous Fire Banyan Clan disappeared completely overnight. It was as if the entire clan had vanished into thin air, leaving not a single one behind.
It was shortly after that incident that the equally renowned Ginseng Spirit Clan resolutely migrated away from the Central Region. However, after experiencing various upheavals, the Ginseng Spirit Clan was plagued by internal strife, internal strife, and external threats, eventually becoming the Ginseng Spirit Clan that Xiao Yan knows today.
As for the Fire Banyan Clan's territory, which was tragically wiped out, it gradually evolved into the Fire Banyan Ruins over the course of history. Although it is now deserted, the residual power left by the Fire Banyan Clan's former prosperity is still beyond the reach of ordinary people. The various treasures within have attracted countless people to compete for them. The Fire Banyan Token was originally an invitation card distributed by the Fire Banyan Clan to some major powers in the Central Region. Now, it has evolved into a key to enter the Fire Banyan Ruins, and after experiencing various changes, it has been constantly changing hands across the continent.
The world changes, both lamentable and laughable.
Hearing all this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but sigh. Such a large clan had ended up like this after its destruction. No wonder the Ginseng Spirit Clan migrated as a whole. Although it was no longer prosperous, it had survived. The Central Region, which seemed calm on the surface, was actually churning with astonishing undercurrents!
Seeing the change in Xiao Yan's expression, Xiao Shaojun seemed to be deep in thought. Now that the Fire Banyan Clan was mentioned, he couldn't help but think of the Northern Remnant Stone Clan not long ago. His hand under his sleeve slowly rubbed against his skin, and his eyes couldn't help but change slightly.
Both are ancient races that have survived since ancient times, both possess powerful foundations, both were within their own clan territories, and both suffered a devastating massacre overnight. Combined with similar incidents that have occurred in the Central Region in recent years, this only makes people more uneasy.
If things continue like this, when will it be the Xiao Clan's turn?
"Oh, right, there's one more thing I think I need to tell you."
Coming to his senses, Xiao Shaojun suddenly said with a hint of mockery.
Xiao Yan raised his eyes and looked at the former with curiosity.
"As the champion of the clan competition, and with Prince Xiao Feng defeated by you, according to clan custom, you will succeed him as the new prince."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression immediately turned to astonishment. His battle with Xiao Feng was, at most, a contest between the two of them, a chance for him to prove himself to the Xiao Clan. As for the position of heir apparent, he had no interest whatsoever. Now, Xiao Shaojun's words had given him a real headache.
The title of heir apparent might be seen as an honor by others, but for Xiao Yan, once he accepted it, he would have to be involved in many matters outside the family. Even if he didn't take the lead, he still had to be present. This was undoubtedly a burden for someone as free-spirited and unrestrained as him.
"Hehe, no need to overthink it. The position of heir is not something imposed upon you. If you are unwilling, you can simply abdicate. The family will not make things difficult for you. Besides, it is you. Not to mention others, even Elder Xiao Dingtian would certainly not refuse."
Xiao Shaojun smiled faintly, and the latter immediately breathed a sigh of relief. If he were to stay in the family for this status, it would be no different from imprisonment.
"As for now, now that you have recovered, I believe the family will arrange the ' Clan Ritual ' in two days. At that time, the two of you will be officially included in the family genealogy. I would like to offer my congratulations in advance."
Looking at the two people in front of him, Xiao Shaojun slightly clasped his hands in greeting and said with a warm expression.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on the former with a hint of curiosity, and hesitantly asked:
" Clan Ritual? What's that?"
"Well..."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Shaojun was stunned and speechless, secretly cursing in his heart.
"This guy... Xiao Dingtian is targeting you so much, don't you even know why?"
He glanced at Xiao Xuan beside him, seeing that the latter also looked dejected, before nodding hesitantly. After a slight pause, he said:
"Very well, let me explain it to you... The Clan Ritual is a major event for the younger generation of the family, besides the clan assembly, and it's something most of the younger generation will experience. Participants must be young members of the family whose cultivation has advanced to the Yuan Zong level. Of course, some older family elders with higher qualifications but only Yuan Zong cultivation will be exceptionally selected to participate..."
At this point, Xiao Shaojun couldn't help but glance at Xiao Xuan beside him, who nodded silently, clearly aware of the matter.
"And the main purpose of the ' Clan Ritual ' is to..."
Just as Xiao Shaojun was about to explain the details of the Clan Ritual, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door, followed by Lian'er's anxious shout.
"Something terrible has happened! Bai... Bai Hua, he..."
Something's happened!
These startling words caused a dramatic shift in the emotions of Xiao Yan and his companion in the room. Xiao Shaojun was stunned for a moment, his words abruptly cut off. As he came to his senses, the two beside him flashed out the door, their faces grim as they stared at Lian'er, who appeared at the doorway.
"What's going on? Bai Hua hasn't woken up yet!"
Xiao Yan's expression was extremely solemn. Ever since he heard the hurried footsteps, he had felt uneasy, but the girl's words had turned that feeling into reality.
"He's awake, just woken up, but... but for some reason, he suddenly changed again. If it weren't for the protective array, he probably would have already broken out!"
Lian'er's face was flushed with nervousness. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan and the other man's emotions plummeted, and their hands clenched involuntarily beneath their sleeves.
"What happened?"
At this moment, Xiao Shaojun looked completely bewildered, but the three people present had no time to explain. Xiao Yan and Xiao Shaojun exchanged a glance, nodded, and their figures disappeared from the courtyard. Only Xiao Shaojun was left, looking at the girl in front of him with suspicion. After hesitating for a moment, he moved and quickly followed the aura of Xiao Yan and Xiao Shaojun.