Chapter 24: Xiao Yan: "Bro, Tell Me Everything!"
"I don't accept rewards without merit. Such generosity from the Grand Elder… I must ask, what are your terms for offering me these techniques?"
Xiao Yuan wasn't blinded by Miteer Tengshan's extravagant gift. He took a deep breath to steady himself and then asked seriously.
"It's simple. With your current talent, advancing to Dou Huang doesn't seem difficult. Consider this our Miteer family's investment in you. Ya Fei thinks highly of you, and now, so do I.
Our family thrives on discerning people and opportunities, and making swift, bold decisions. Based on what I've seen, you have excellent character, remarkable talent, and decisive judgment. If we don't invest in you now, we'd be losing a golden opportunity.
This set of techniques holds special meaning within the Miteer family. Now that they are yours, don't let me down."
Miteer Tengshan's response surprised Xiao Yuan. Rather than making demands, he behaved like an angel investor.
"Since the Grand Elder places such trust in me, I will train with all my heart. I won't let you down. When I reach Dou Wang—or even Dou Huang—I, Xiao Yuan, and the entire Xiao family will stand alongside the Miteer clan. Your matters will be mine."
Xiao Yuan nodded solemnly, giving his word.
Miteer Tengshan smiled and nodded in return, then said, "Good. Now for the second matter—I need you to find someone."
He handed the scrolls to Xiao Yuan, signaling him to put them away, then brought out a jade slip and activated it. A slightly aged figure appeared within it.
"Who is this?"
Xiao Yuan asked as he finished stowing the techniques.
"One of the former top ten powerhouses of the Jia Ma Empire—Hai Bodong, the Ice Emperor. He once carried the Miteer family on his back. During a long vacancy in our leadership, it was Elder Hai who kept the family strong and united.
Over twenty years ago, he fought Yun Yun, the then-sect leader of the Yunlan Sect, atop Yunlan Mountain. Though he lost, it was a close match. And during the last Jia Ma–Chu Yun Empire summit, he battled one Dou Huang and one Dou Wang simultaneously—and didn't lose. He amazed everyone."
Tengshan's tone was filled with deep respect. Clearly, Hai Bodong held a very special place in his heart.
But then his voice changed.
"After that summit, Elder Hai disappeared. I used all my resources but never found a trace of him."
"You're asking me to find Elder Hai?"
Xiao Yuan asked seriously.
"I've been searching for years without success, and honestly, I'm beginning to lose hope. The techniques I gave you once belonged to Elder Hai. I hope that if fate allows you to meet him, the resonance from these techniques will help you confirm his identity.
But don't feel pressured. If you find him, wonderful. If not, the Miteer family will still fully support your growth. I believe you'll remember this favor. In the Jia Ma Empire, a Dou Huang's value is far greater than you might imagine."
Tengshan sighed, then looked at Xiao Yuan with a serious gaze.
"Don't worry, Grand Elder. I'm not someone who forgets kindness. The Xiao and Miteer families won't just be two major powers in the empire—they'll be bound together.
And as for Elder Hai—I will make it a personal mission to find him, as long as he's still in the empire."
Xiao Yuan replied with firm conviction.
"Good! I look forward to that day."
Tengshan smiled warmly and nodded.
"Oh, and about you and Ya Fei—I support it. But as you know, in big families like ours, political marriages are common. Ya Fei may be recalled to the capital at any time, and she'll face pressure. But if your strength is enough, that pressure will ease. You understand what I mean, right?"
Tengshan added with a meaningful smile.
"I understand, Grand Elder. In two years, I'll go to the Nalan Estate to dissolve the engagement with Nalan Yanran. By then, I will be a Da Dou Shi!"
Xiao Yuan replied with confidence etched across his handsome face.
"Two years from Dou Zhe to Da Dou Shi?"
Tengshan mused.
From nothing to Dou Zhe in eight months had clearly made this boy brimming with confidence.
Still, his youthful ambition was admirable.
"If you really manage that, then perhaps we can begin discussions about deeper cooperation between our two clans."
Tengshan finally said after a long pause.
Xiao Yuan's face lit up with joy.
While he and Xiao Yan could surely support the Xiao family alone in time, having a powerful ally like the long-established Miteer clan in the early stages of growth would be a tremendous advantage.
"Well then, I'll take my leave. Keep our conversation secret for now. I'm sure you know how to handle it. I look forward to seeing you in the capital."
Tengshan glanced subtly at the woods nearby, then took off with Dou Qi wings, soaring into the sky.
Xiao Yuan bowed toward the direction he departed and began heading down the mountain.
He had received his cultivation method. Time to get back to training!
"Xiao Yan?"
As he entered the woods, he spotted his younger brother, looking hesitant.
Xiao Yuan was briefly surprised, but quickly realized—
Right, Tengshan might have hidden his presence from Father and the three elders, but he couldn't hide from Yao Lao in Xiao Yan's ring.
Not to mention the Dou Huang bodyguard following Xun'er!
"Big Brother… that man earlier was a Dou Wang, wasn't he?"
Xiao Yan asked after a moment's thought.
"Yeah, someone from the Miteer family. You wouldn't know—Ya Fei and I are on good terms. Thankfully, now that I've regained my talent, there won't be a second engagement-breaking drama."
Xiao Yuan chuckled and threw his arm around Xiao Yan's shoulders.
"Wait—Bro! Tell me everything!"
Xiao Yan, who had initially been worried that Xiao Yuan was being coerced by a high-level expert, immediately relaxed. But then his gossip senses flared, his eyes blazing with curiosity.
(END CHAPTER)
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