After leaving the Fire Banyan Ruins, the four of them naturally headed back to the Xiao Clan. Needless to say, Xiao Xuan's purpose for this trip was to bring back Xiao Yan. Even if it was just to find a place for Huo Xing and Huo Xin to stay, the Xiao Clan was the most suitable place at the moment, even though the people there were a bit difficult.
During the journey, Xiao Yan learned about the duel between the Second Elder Xiao Yitian and the Orchid Sword Saint through the Orchid Sword in Xiao Xuan's hand. Judging from the tone Xiao Xuan used when mentioning the two, one of them must have perished.
Of course, compared to the outcome of the duel between the two, Xiao Yan was more concerned about the Heaven Inquiry Pill. After all, it concerned Bai Hua's life. If he could obtain the pill through this opportunity, it would undoubtedly resolve a major knot in Xiao Yan's heart. However, the outcome of things often seems to go against people's wishes. Xiao Xuan's answer made Xiao Yan feel disappointed, and his brows furrowed deeply.
Since neither of those two possesses the Heaven Inquiry Pill, the only hope for Bai Hua's fate lies with the third Heaven Inquiry Pill or the Pill Tower Ancestor!
However, both of these points made Xiao Yan feel that they were unattainable. Not to mention the third missing Heaven Inquiry Pill, even figures like the Pill Tower Ancestor were enough to make him look up to them.
Amidst a jumble of conflicting emotions, the group wandered aimlessly for nearly two months before finally returning to the Xiao Clan's sphere of influence.
Tianyang City.
The group of four left the teleportation array and headed straight for Xiao City, but on the way, they encountered An Nan, the head of the An Clan family of Tianyang City.
"Hehe, Young Master Xiao Yan, it's been over two years since we last met, and your cultivation has improved so rapidly! It truly makes this old man feel ashamed!"
An Nan approached with a beaming smile, bowing deeply to Xiao Yan with an obsequious demeanor. This caused astonishment among the surrounding strangers. Upon hearing An Nan's address, Xiao Yan felt a chill run down his spine, frowning and pursing his lips.
" An Clan, please just call me 'Sir'. I can't accept being addressed as 'Young Master'."
Upon hearing this, the young girl Huo Xin beside him almost burst out laughing. For someone Xiao Yan's age to be addressed as "Young Master" was truly like an autumn leaf trying to appear as a new bud. Even An Nan awkwardly pursed his lips, then chuckled dryly before turning to Xiao Xuan and respectfully saying:
"Hehe, Elder Xiao Xuan has just been appointed to head the inner cabinet. I paid a visit to congratulate you some time ago, but I didn't expect you to be away from the clan. I never expected to meet you today, especially with Mr. Xiao Yan."
"Cabinet in charge?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression froze for a moment, followed by astonishment. He looked at Xiao Xuan beside him in disbelief, surprised that the latter had not mentioned this matter at all in all these days.
Seeing Xiao Yan's shocked expression, Xiao Xuan raised an eyebrow and chuckled, then shrugged indifferently. But just as Xiao Yan was about to press for an answer, Xiao Xuan turned his gaze directly to An Nan and said calmly:
" An Clan, we've been traveling for two months. If there's nothing else, I think we should return to the clan to rest first."
"Uh... in that case, I do have something to report to Elder Xiao Xuan."
Upon hearing this, An Nan was slightly taken aback, hesitated for only a moment, and then quickly spoke.
"Three months ago, the An Clan applied within the clan to temporarily take over part of the streets and markets of Liyang City, and they have already received a reward."
Xiao Xuan lowered his eyes and chuckled faintly, his tone slightly cold as he said:
"You should report this directly to Elder Li of the Ancient Chen Hall. There seems to be no need to come to me, right?"
An Nan shook his head slightly and said:
" Elder Li has long resided in the Ancient Chen Hall, and has no authority to interfere in most clan affairs. Although he is in charge of this matter, the Zhao Clan is, after all, under Elder Xiao Dingtian's command. Even though Elder Xiao Dingtian has now retired to the back mountains, this matter is a hot potato no matter who handles it, and moreover..."
As An Nan finished speaking, his expression became increasingly cautious and hesitant. His next words caused Xiao Xuan's expression to change instantly.
According to An Nan, the Zhao Clan's influence extends far beyond Liyang City. They control over a dozen cities belonging to the Xiao Clan, as well as nearly a hundred other large and small family territories...
"I never imagined the Zhao Clan's power was so great; they even control a city..."
After a long while, once Xiao Yan and his group had left Tianyang City, Xiao Xuan finally murmured something solemnly, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes as he coldly said:
"It seems it's time for a proper overhaul."
For the rest of the journey, everyone fell silent. Xiao Yan pondered to himself. When he left Tianyang City earlier, Xiao Xuan told him that the three leaders had been personally deposed by the Xiao Clan's patriarch. After learning this, Xiao Yan was surprised and couldn't help but recall the mysterious expert he had met when he left the Xiao Clan. He remained lost in thought all the way until Xiao City finally appeared before him.
The Huo Rong siblings stared in astonishment at the magnificent and bustling city before them, their eyes revealing a hint of amazement. Although they had visited many cities while wandering around the Flowing Fire Plain, compared to this one, they were nothing.
Seeing the two suddenly become excited, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuan chuckled softly, temporarily setting aside their thoughts, and led the two into the city. Their originally hurried and heavy steps became much lighter.
Xiao Yan's gaze swept around the two people in front of him, looking at the city before him. He felt a little dazed. When he first came here, he encountered a lot of troubles. Now that he was here again, he couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy.
"Ha, last time I came here, someone tried to kick me out..."
Thinking of a certain unlucky fellow, a mocking smile slowly appeared on Xiao Yan's lips. However, just as the words echoed in his mind, a terribly astonished voice suddenly screamed from ahead on the street.
" Xiao Yan... you... you're back?"
Upon hearing the slightly familiar voice, Xiao Yan's expression froze for a moment. He looked over and saw a face filled with fear.
" Xiao Chuhang?"
Xiao Yan was taken aback, then a playful smile immediately appeared on his lips.
"And me."
Immediately afterward, Xiao Chuhang stepped in front of a figure who blocked his way, staring sharply at Xiao Yan and uttering cold words.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan looked slightly surprised, tilted his head, and scanned the two of them back and forth before slowly saying:
"It's quite surprising to see the two of you together."