" Xiao Yan? Right, isn't that the guy who caused such a stir in the Xiao Clan back then? I heard he left afterward, but I didn't expect him to return now, and his strength has even increased. Even Xiao Yang is no match for him."
"Hey, what kind of information is this? I've heard it all before. Back at the Xiao Clan's clan meeting, Xiao Yang fought his way through all the obstacles, only to fall to Xiao Yan in the end. That's why he just said he wanted to avenge his defeat, but unfortunately, he still lost."
As memories from several years ago resurfaced in everyone's minds, a chorus of discussion about Xiao Yan immediately filled the streets. People eagerly recounted the events that had occurred back then, and although they had only heard about them, the way they spoke made it sound as if they had experienced them firsthand.
Whispers filled the street. Xiao Yan, having withdrawn his flames, looked at the two people opposite him, whose expressions were not good, with admiration. He slowly stepped forward and smiled:
"Very good Dou Technique. It's clear you were holding back."
"Hmph, no need to comfort me. If we're talking about holding back, didn't you also not go all out?"
Even so, Xiao Yang still maintained a cold expression, while the former chuckled indifferently and shook his head, saying:
"I must say, your technique, if used against an ordinary Seven-Star Yuan Zong, could put you in a fighting chance."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yang was taken aback. He was naturally surprised to be affirmed by his opponent, but Xiao Yan's words put him on the side of being able to fight.
Now that you're back, you should stay.
Suddenly, Xiao Chuhang said something that surprised Xiao Yan. In his memory, this guy was eager for him to go as far away as possible, but he never expected that he would say something like this to persuade him to stay.
"Um."
With a slight smile, Xiao Yan nodded heavily and, without saying another word, quickly headed towards the entrance of the Xiao Clan with Xiao Xuan and the other two, all under their watchful eyes.
After a long while, the group of four appeared in front of the familiar villa. As soon as they stepped inside, two figures rushed out from the depths of the courtyard. At a glance, they were Bai Hua and Lian'er.
Having not seen each other for a long time, Xiao Yan's return today naturally brought a joyful embrace. Afterwards, everyone entered the depths of the villa together. Along the way, Lian'er's gaze was filled with curiosity as she observed Huo Rong and his sister who were following Xiao Xuan. It wasn't until everyone was seated in the living room and Xiao Yan gave a brief introduction that Huo Xing and Huo Xin were able to blend into the joyful atmosphere.
Now that Xiao Yan has returned, and with Xiao Xuan making arrangements, the brother and sister naturally moved into Xiao Yan's villa.
As soon as Xiao Yan returned to the villa, the news of his return to the clan spread like wildfire, reaching the entire Xiao Clan in a short time, and immediately alarming many people.
The back mountain of the Xiao Clan.
In the dense forest, Xiao Zhen heard the report from the figure in front of him, and a look of surprise immediately appeared on his old face. He exclaimed:
"What did you say? That little guy actually advanced to the Seven-Star Yuan Zong level?"
"Exactly."
"Tsk tsk, they truly are a grandfather and grandson; their monstrous cultivation speed is simply phenomenal."
"In addition, even the combined attack of Xiao Yang and Xiao Chuhang was blocked by Xiao Yan single-handedly."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhen raised an eyebrow and, after a moment's thought, nodded. He had some idea of Xiao Yan's combat strength. Xiao Yang, a four- Four-Star Yuan Zong, when he Three-Star Yuan Zong. Now that his cultivation had improved to such a level, his true combat strength was naturally different from before. He took a deep breath, raised his finger, and the figure in front of him quietly disappeared. His cloudy old eyes then looked in the direction where Xiao Yan was.
However, at that moment, a streak of light suddenly shot out from the calm void behind the Grand Elder, striking Xiao Zhen directly in the back.
"Laugh..."
Under the bright daylight, the stream of light was almost hidden in the void, extremely difficult to detect with the naked eye. However, it mysteriously disappeared in the void about ten feet away from Xiao Zhen's body. Immediately afterward, a sigh of dejection rang out from the thatched hut not far away.
A figure appeared, with a delicate figure and a pretty face; it was none other than Xiao Ling'er.
"How boring. You were so engrossed in thinking, I thought we were going to succeed this time..."
The young girl, a hint of sullenness on her face, stepped forward and plopped down next to the old man. He wasn't annoyed; he simply composed himself, stroked his beard, and chuckled.
"You've made progress. Your control over the Power of the Great Dao is becoming increasingly skillful. Even I can hardly see through your attacks now."
"Pah! Pah! Pah! You're facing away from me, how could you possibly see me!"
Xiao Ling'er wrinkled her nose, unmoved by the old man's flattery. Xiao Zhen, however, was used to it, smiling indulgently as he continued:
"Hey girl, I just received a message, do you want to hear it?"
Upon hearing this, the girl gave a soft snort, pouted, and turned away, ignoring Xiao Zhen's words. However, she then...
" Xiao Yan is back."
The moment the words left her mouth, the girl immediately stood up from the ground, exclaiming in surprise:
"Real?"
Seeing the girl's sudden change, Xiao Zhen couldn't help but smile wryly. He then nodded and revealed Xiao Yan's current location. Upon hearing this, Xiao Ling'er's delicate body immediately moved, and she rushed down the mountain. However, Xiao Zhen quickly stopped her, saying:
"They just got back and haven't rested yet. Go again tomorrow!"
As the shout faded, the figures on the distant mountain path had vanished. After a long while, a response came. The old man sighed helplessly, feeling a pang of envy for Xiao Yan. The girl he had raised with such care had turned against him the moment Xiao Yan returned. It was truly something to be jealous of.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Dingtian and others also learned of Xiao Yan's return to the clan, causing a mix of joy and sorrow.
Inside the villa, after spending half a day together, the relationship between Huo Rong and her siblings and everyone else quickly became much more harmonious. Huo Xing and Bai Hua were, in a sense, from the same lineage, and besides, the two of them didn't talk much; just sitting together was enough to show their tacit understanding.
As for Huo Xin and Lian'er, compared to men, the feelings between women undoubtedly grew exponentially. In just a short while, the two girls became much closer, their laughter ringing out like silver bells as they talked. This scene surprised Xiao Yan, and a slight sense of bewilderment appeared deep in his eyes...
As night fell, the weary travelers returned to their rooms. Months of travel had indeed Huo Rong and her brother exhausted, while Xiao Yan lay alone on the rooftop, his eyes reflecting a hint of melancholy in the starlight.