.
After thinking of his father, Xiao Zhan couldn't help but think of his son, Xiao Yan. Although his son's talent was compromised, Xiao Ling's intervention was certain to cure this strange illness.
Xiao Ling had written in a letter that after meeting Xiao Yan, he would personally examine Xiao Yan's condition and address his talent issues.
In Xiao Zhan's view, a sixth-grade alchemist was already omnipotent. A personal examination by Xiao Ling would undoubtedly reveal Xiao Yan's problem.
Xiao Zhan, therefore, believed that Xiao Yan's restoration of his talent was inevitable, and he never considered that Xiao Ling might not be able to discern Xiao Yan's condition.
With this in mind, Xiao Zhan decided to quickly complete his current tasks and later inform his youngest son of the good news.
Waving to the crowd, Xiao Zhan said, "This concludes my briefing. Return and gather your belongings."
Following Xiao Zhan's instructions, everyone left the meeting room and headed towards their own courtyards.
He had to pack his belongings quickly, as he would have to move to the Imperial Capital. Some of the clansmen who had grown up in Wutan City had never even visited the legendary Imperial Capital.
Seeing that most of the clansmen had left, Xiao Zhan addressed the three elders beside him, "Three elders, I will leave the sale of the Xiao family shop to you. I have some personal matters to attend to, so I won't stay any longer."
After receiving a positive response from the three elders, Xiao Zhan approached Xiao Yan, patted him on the shoulder, and said joyfully, "Yan'er, come with me. I have good news to tell you."
Just as Xiao Yan was about to leave, Xiao Zhan stopped him. Hearing the good news piqued his curiosity.
A moment later, the two of them arrived at Xiao Zhan's courtyard. The entire journey, Xiao Yan speculated on the possible good news. Although he suspected it might be related to the restoration of his talent, he didn't dare let himself dwell on it. If he had high hopes and the results weren't what he expected, it would be even more painful.
After the two sat down opposite each other, Xiao Zhan smiled warmly at Xiao Yan. Without intending to keep him in suspense, he spoke directly, "Yan'er, do you still remember your cousin Xiao Ling?"
Xiao Yan's heart skipped a beat when he heard his father inquire about Xiao Ling, further fueling his suspicions.
After a moment's thought, he replied, "I'm not very close to my cousin Xiao Ling. I sparred with him a few times when he was still a member of the family. I had some prejudice against him when I was younger, but as I grew older, I realized he's a very down-to-earth person."
Nodding, Xiao Zhan continued, "Actually, Xiao Ling has always cared about you. I didn't actually ask him for the prescription for Master Mitchell; he sent it to me after learning about your condition."
Xiao Yan, facing him, was also somewhat surprised to hear this hidden secret. Even he had assumed his father had secretly used the resources Xiao Ling had sent him to treat him, or perhaps had written to Xiao Ling to request them.
After all, he and Xiao Ling weren't close, so even if he knew his talent had vanished, he probably wouldn't care much.
Seeing Xiao Yan's surprise, Xiao Zhan smiled and, not wanting to keep him in suspense, said, "Actually, in the letter Xiao Ling sent back, he mentioned you. When we move back to the Imperial Capital, and Xiao Ling finishes his current tasks and returns to the Xiao family, he'll personally examine you. He also told me he probably has some understanding of your situation, and if nothing goes wrong, he can help you resolve your cultivation talent issue."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan nearly jumped up, his face unable to conceal the excitement. He clenched his fists so tightly that his flesh turned white, and even when his nails dug into his palms, he didn't even notice.
Xiao Zhan, watching from across from him, understood perfectly. After all, going from genius to worthless is not a feeling most people can handle. Xiao Yan, who hadn't given up on himself and was diligently cultivating every day, was something most people couldn't achieve.
Pubfuture Ads
Yao
Chen, in the Bone Flame Ring, overhearing the conversation between father and son, stroked his translucent beard and muttered to himself, a voice only he could hear. "This kid named Xiao Ling is incredibly arrogant! He's making such boasts without even checking him out. With my skills and the special properties of the Bone Flame Ring, no one without a Spiritual Realm soul would be able to detect me. I'm actually looking forward to meeting him."
In Yao Chen's eyes, it was impossible for a monstrous individual to reach the Spiritual Realm at the age of fifteen in a remote region like the Northwest Continent. Without exceptional talent or incredible luck, such a feat could only be found among the top prodigies of the ancient races. Thinking
of Xiao Ling returning home to check on Xiao Yan, Yao Chen formed a plan.
After a while, once Xiao Ling had examined Xiao Yan, if Xiao Ling was unable to help Xiao Yan regain his talent, Yao Chen would reveal himself and accept him as his disciple. Not only would he be able to leverage Xiao Ling's fame to bolster his image in Xiao Yan's mind, but he would also be able to assert his presence during Xiao Yan's most dejected moments. He could then fabricate a story about just waking up at that very moment, thus softening Xiao Yan's initial impression.
After all, Xiao Yan was his original goal. Unless there was a significant gap, Yao Chen wouldn't give up on Xiao Yan. However, if Xiao Ling's talent reached a certain level, Yao Chen wouldn't be afraid to abandon Xiao Yan and follow someone else.
Ultimately, Yao Chen hadn't spoken to Xiao Yan yet. Even if they could become a model disciple, sacrificing themselves for each other, they didn't have that experience, let alone a relationship.
Furthermore, Yao Chen's primary goal now was to find someone to practice the Burning Technique with, to forge the most perfect physique for himself. Finding a capable follower also suited his own desires.
Rather than Xiao Ling examining Xiao Yan, Yao Chen saw this as a test of Xiao Ling.
...
After calming down, Xiao Yan finally felt the slightest warmth in his palm, but now he couldn't care less.
Xiao Yan asked impatiently, "Father, when are we leaving for the Imperial Capital?"
Xiao Zhan walked up to Xiao Yan, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Don't worry. We've already waited two and a half years. What's the difference between a few days and a half? Just pack up what you need and don't practice for a few days. Relax and walk around Wutan City. This is where you grew up. Unless something goes wrong, we won't be coming back."
Xiao Yan's impatience subsided, and his clenched fists loosened.
A few days wouldn't be a big deal, so he might as well just adjust his mindset. The past two and a half years had been a bit too depressing.
Xiao Yan bowed to Xiao Zhan and said, "Okay, father. I'll go pack my things first."
He then scurried out. He had been a little excited and hadn't paid much attention, but now Xiao Yan felt the pain in his palm. With his current level of cultivation, he couldn't ignore such an injury.
Watching Xiao Yan's departing figure, Xiao Zhan felt relieved and whispered, "Even though you've been through two and a half years of lows, I believe you can still become a strong man. My son, Xiao Zhan, is no loser."
(End of Chapter)