Chapter 15: Xiao Yulong's Testing

After finishing their breakfast, Xiao Che and Xiang Qingyue, Xiao Lie returned hurriedly, his face marked by an unprecedented solemnity, with a lingering shock that hadn’t fully faded.

"Grandfather, what happened?" Xiao Che stood up promptly, his voice tinged with urgency.

"A matter of great consequence, one that could be deemed momentous for the Xiao family," Xiao Lie said, his brows slowly relaxing. "Though, it may not concern us much."

"A momentous matter? What is it?" Xiao Che’s surprise deepened.

"The Xiao Clan."

"The Xiao Clan?" This time, not only Xiao Che but also Xiang Qingyue turned her head, her expression shifting.

"Just half a breath ago, the door master received a letter from the Xiao Clan. It stated that a group of people from the Xiao Clan would arrive here shortly, led by the current heir of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Ze Tian’s youngest son!" Xiao Lie spoke slowly.

"……"The news left Xiao Che silent for a moment. "If this is true, it seems unjust. Our Xiao family, though having branched off from the Xiao Clan over a century ago, has always been dismissed by them. For over a hundred years, there has been no contact, and the Xiao Clan would never have regarded our small Xiao family as significant. How could they suddenly send someone here? If it’s for conquest… the Xiao Clan’s power looms like the sky—could they seek to dominate us? If it’s for favor, that’s even more impossible."

Xiao Lie shook his head. "Not without reason. Our ancestor, Xiao Bie, was driven out of the Xiao Clan due to his incompetence, and his father, Xiao Fei, was a senior elder of the Xiao Clan’s enforcement bureau. Recently, Xiao Fei passed away in his final years. Before his death, he reflected on his past actions and felt remorse for exiling Xiao Bie. He hoped that after his death, the Xiao Clan would locate Xiao Bie’s descendants and select the most gifted among the younger generation to bring back and cultivate here, as a way to atone for his past neglect."

A human lifespan is but a century, yet those who reach a certain level of mystical cultivation can live for centuries. It is said that surpassing the King of Mysticism realm grants a lifespan of a thousand years. Upon hearing Xiao Lie’s words, Xiao Che paused, then nodded, understanding why the Xiao Clan would suddenly reach out. The deceased Xiao Fei still held some standing in the Xiao Clan, and they had honored his final wish. He also grasped why Xiao Lie said they had no relation to it. "To select the most gifted one to bring back to the Xiao Clan…" The most gifted one would have nothing to do with Xiao Che.

Yet, it was easy to imagine what the other elders must have felt upon receiving this news—overwhelming longing. To be chosen to return to the Xiao Clan? What a concept! If one of their sons or grandsons were selected, it would be like transforming overnight from a mere worm in the mud to a golden dragon in the heavens. Their lineage would soar to unimaginable heights. In the Xiao family, or even in the entire Liu Yu City, they could walk unopposed. Who would dare resist? Simply mentioning the "Xiao Clan" would make even the city lord flinch.

Xiao Lie’s face remained calm, though a deep sorrow flickered in his eyes, masked yet visible to Xiao Che. Within the Xiao family, no one harbored aspirations for the Xiao Clan, not even Xiao Lie himself. This time, the arrival of the Xiao Clan’s envoy was the closest they had ever come to genuine contact. The others, perhaps, harbored some hope, but Xiao Lie, unlike them, dared not even entertain such a thought. For the Xiao Clan would choose someone else—someone else entirely.

Xiao Che opened his mouth, intending to comfort his grandfather, but after much thought, could not muster a single word. His mystical energy was clearly evident, and no eloquent words could change that.

"Though this has nothing to do with us, it is perhaps for the best. The Xiao Clan, though vast as the sky, even if we went there, we would be but the lowest of the low. At least here in Liu Yu City, we can live in peace and tranquility." Xiao Lie smiled liberally, taking his seat at the table. "Come, let’s finish our breakfast together."

……………………………………

Upon exiting Xiao Lie’s courtyard, Xiao Che immediately sensed a marked shift in the atmosphere of the Xiao family. Normally, by this time, many would be practicing in the morning, but now, only a few scattered figures could be seen, most moving briskly with an excited glint in their eyes.

"Seems everyone wants to climb the ladder to the Xiao Clan, but rushing to the top in one leap—is that truly wise? Have they not considered that even if they make it to the Xiao Clan, they’d likely be mere lowly servants?" Xiao Che remarked casually.

"Jealous?" Xiang Qingyue replied, her expression unreadable.

"Absolutely not!" Xiao Che quickly recovered, realizing the icy celestial master’s disciple beside him was no match for the Xiao Clan. "You and they are different… Never mind, I didn’t say that."

Xiang Qingyue ignored him, taking a step—slow and deliberate, yet her grace carried her seven or eight paces ahead. With another step, she left Xiao Che far behind. Xiao Che halted, staring in astonishment at the elegant, ethereal steps of the woman who seemed like a phantom. "Could this be the legendary 'Ice and Snow Dance Steps' of the Ice Cloud Celestial Palace? Her mystical energy truly surpasses even the Nascent Soul stage."

"Hey! That’s Xiao Che’s younger brother!"

A voice called from behind. Xiao Che turned to see Xiao Yang approaching. Normally, Xiao Yang looked down on him, but today, he greeted him with unexpected warmth. "Xiao Yang, early morning, huh?" Xiao Che smiled warmly.

"Indeed, I was looking for you. Xiao Yu Long asked me to fetch you. He said you’re the youngest among us but the first to marry. As fellow disciples, we should celebrate your union. Plus, yesterday’s banquet was too crowded, and we didn’t drink enough. Let’s have a drink and breakfast together. Got time?" Xiao Yang grinned.

The early morning request for drinks—Xiao Yu Long’s patience was clearly lacking. Xiao Che’s heart cooled into a sardonic smile. He knew exactly why Xiao Yu Long wanted him. With a surprised expression, he exclaimed, "Xiao Yu Long called for me? Of course! I’m honored. Let’s go now."

Xiao Che’s expression made Xiao Yang smirk and sneer. "Of course. Let’s go."

Xiao Yu Long’s courtyard was at least four or five times larger than Xiao Che’s, lavishly decorated with maids at hand.

In the center of the courtyard, a pavilion stood to the north, with a round table set with drinks and delicacies. Xiao Yu Long raised his cup, smiling warmly. "Xiao Che, younger brother, you’ve married the first jewel of Liu Yu City. I congratulate you again. As an elder, I must work harder."

"Thank you, Xiao Yu Long." Xiao Che bowed, his face flushed with excitement. "Actually… the marriage is nothing special. The true joy should go to Xiao Yu Long."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Xiao Yu Long frowned, smiling uncertainly.

"In earnest, Xiao Yu Long, do you not know that the Xiao Clan is about to send someone to select the most gifted among the younger generation to bring back? Among our Xiao family, who could surpass Xiao Yu Long in talent, status, appearance, or character? The one taken back to the Xiao Clan must be Xiao Yu Long, no one else. That is the true joy."

"Right! Exactly! The one chosen by the Xiao Clan will definitely be the eldest brother! With him, no one dares challenge us." Xiao Yang chimed in. His talent was merely average, and he knew he had a shot at the Xiao Clan but dared not dream of it. The most likely candidate was Xiao Yu Long, no doubt. And if Xiao Yu Long entered the Xiao Clan, it would be a boon to him too. He even began to think his years of supporting Xiao Yu Long were the wisest choice.

Xiao Yu Long, however, shook his head humbly. "You’re both too kind. There are many talented brothers and sisters in our Xiao family. In mystical energy, I might have been lucky to be first, but in talent, I can’t claim that. I’ll try my best. Come, Xiao Che, let’s toast to your recent joy."

Though his words were casual, Xiao Yu Long’s eyes held a fiery passion none could see.

After a sip of wine, Xiao Che’s face turned crimson. Xiao Yang leaned in, grinning. "Xiao Che, you married our city’s first beauty. What a tempting fate we envy! The night before… hehe, must’ve been quite the thrill, right?"

Xiao Yu Long lifted his cup, smiling, but his gaze fixed intently on Xiao Che’s face, waiting to see his flushed embarrassment. But the moment Xiao Yang finished speaking, Xiao Che’s eyes sparkled, a lascivious grin spreading across his face. He leaned toward Xiao Yang, lowering his voice. "Indeed! Hehehe… Xiao Yang, I’ll tell you, this woman—she’s just like any other. Qingyue might seem proud like a peacock, but in bed, she’s a slut. Her cries, her taste… it’s not just satisfying, it’s intoxicating! Hehehe…"

As he spoke, Xiao Che’s eyes narrowed, his face flushed, lost in bliss.

*Clink…*

Xiao Yu Long’s wine cup shattered in his hand, spilling across the table.