Chapter 48: The Mysterious Third Brother
That night, with bountiful gains behind them, the Xiao family held a rare family banquet.
As the mastermind behind their success, Xiao Yuan received overwhelming praise.
Many clansmen tried to get closer to him, hoping to curry favor.
But Xiao Yuan wasn't particularly enthusiastic. Managing a clan was a complex and tedious job—something he had time for when he couldn't cultivate.
But now, nothing mattered more than training.
Besides, he had something more important to do that night.
After barely enduring the flood of toasts and praise, Xiao Yuan finally slipped away with Xiao Yan under the guise of some brotherly bonding.
Inside Xiao Yan's room…
Xiao Yuan sat calmly at the table, eyes fixed steadily on Xiao Yan.
The latter rubbed his nose, then asked inwardly, "Teacher?"
As soon as the words fell, the ring on his hand shimmered slightly, and a ghostly, aged figure quietly appeared.
"A soul form?"
Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes and asked with a smile, observing the figure's ethereal body.
"Hmm, not bad, kid. You've got a sharp eye,"
Yao Lao replied, stroking his beard with a grin.
"Brother, this is my teacher. You can call him Yao Lao."
Xiao Yan introduced respectfully.
Xiao Yuan nodded, stood up, gave a junior's bow, and added sincerely:
"Senior Yao, about today—I must apologize. This was something our Xiao family should have handled on its own. That you helped in your current state to wipe out the Aoba family must've cost you dearly in soul power."
Surprised by Xiao Yuan's thoughtfulness, Xiao Yan looked over at Yao Lao.
"You're quite the insightful young man,"
Yao Lao said, eyeing him with fresh curiosity.
"Hehe, I've always been curious myself. Our Xiao clan's surviving ancient texts contain fragments of knowledge like this. But considering our family has remained in the Jia Ma Empire for over a hundred years, it's odd such records even exist."
Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow and explained with composed clarity.
Having been unable to cultivate for years, he had read every bit of the family's archives and truly uncovered fragments of their ancient heritage.
Still, those insights weren't especially useful. Everyone in the clan focused on training and ignored the old scrolls.
Even Xiao Zhan only vaguely knew such ancestral records existed—he'd never actually studied them.
"Senior must not be from the Jia Ma Empire, right? Have you ever heard of Central Plains?"
Xiao Yuan continued calmly.
"Central Plains?"
Yao Lao's aged face showed deep surprise. Then he asked:
"You learned of that from your family's records as well?"
"Exactly. Supposedly, our Xiao family migrated from Central Plains long ago."
Xiao Yuan nodded.
"Central Plains is the center of the continent—home to its greatest powers and resources. But for you two right now, that's a distant dream."
Yao Lao's eyes flashed with nostalgia, but he quickly returned to a neutral tone.
"So, Brother… your plan to strengthen the family, you mean—"
Xiao Yan caught on and quickly asked.
"Mm. Since our ancestors once thrived, and we both have such strong talents, why shouldn't we lead the family to revival?"
Xiao Yuan responded seriously and solemnly.
Yao Lao didn't immediately respond.
Family, huh…
A shadow crossed his eyes, as if recalling a bitter past. But he didn't say more—after all, becoming strong always begins with having a goal.
Those without ambition never rise.
"Still, thanks to Senior Yao, the Xiao family has unified Wutan City far earlier than expected. With steady development and support from the Mittel family, I can now leave the family with peace of mind."
Xiao Yuan added with a bow to Yao Lao.
"You're leaving already?"
Xiao Yan asked, surprised.
"Yes. The Magic Beast Mountain Range is a great place. Wutan City only exists because of it. I plan to develop power there. Someday, it will become the Xiao family's back garden—and from there, we'll rise from the Jia Ma Empire and make our name known across the northwest."
Xiao Yuan's eyes gleamed with firm ambition.
"Bold vision!"
Yao Lao nodded approvingly at Xiao Yuan's grandeur.
"So, while I'm gone, you'd better handle the marketplaces seriously. For the rest of Wutan City, it doesn't matter who manages them—as long as they can still buy Coagulation Powder."
Xiao Yuan handed Liu Xi's spatial ring to Xiao Yan as he spoke.
"This is Liu Xi's ring. There are some decent herbs in it. The pill formulas aren't great, but they might be useful for your early practice."
Xiao Yan accepted the ring and nodded with a smile. "Thanks, Brother!"
"Xiao Yuan, your talent really is impressive. It's a shame your Dou Qi is ice-type. While I can't help you as much as I do Xiao Yan, it's still better than leaving you to figure things out alone. Would you be willing to take me as your teacher?"
Yao Lao hesitated, then finally spoke.
Xiao Yuan was taken aback. He hadn't expected such a proposal now.
"Hehe, you've got the same fiery drive I once had. Both of you are gifted. It would be a shame if you lost your way without proper guidance,"
Yao Lao said with a warm smile.
"Haha, I appreciate the offer, Senior. Becoming your disciple would indeed benefit me—but your time is limited. Xiao Yan still needs your full support for his alchemy training. I don't want to slow his progress.
"As for me… well, you've seen my breakthrough speed these past days. If I ever need help, I'll come to you. After all, you'll be with Xiao Yan for quite a while yet."
Xiao Yuan waved his hand and smiled.
He had his own secrets—there was no need to monopolize Yao Lao's attention.
"You've clearly mapped out your path."
Yao Lao nodded with admiration.
"Brother…"
Xiao Yan looked a bit guilty. Deep down, he knew Xiao Yuan was doing this for his sake.
"Everyone has their own road. That girl Xun'er isn't simple. If you want to be with her, you'll need to reach at least the Dou Zun level. Your journey will be harder than mine."
Xiao Yuan smiled and gave a pointed reminder before standing up to leave.
"Well, that's enough for tonight. You go train. Senior Yao, I'll take my leave!"
With that, Xiao Yuan pushed the door open and walked out casually.
"…Your third brother… he's something else."
After a moment of silence, Yao Lao let out a heartfelt sigh.
Even with his vast life experience—he could no longer see through Xiao Yuan.
(END CHAPTER)
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