And as he studied the Pharma Emperor Codex, his alchemy also began to evolve subtly....his control more refined, his understanding deeper.
Two days later, as Xiao Yan's soul power finally returned to its peak and he prepared to dive back into cultivation....
news arrived from Xiao Zhan that filled him with joy.
His two elder brothers, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, had returned home from the army.
The brothers had joined the Tagore Desert garrison years ago for tempering and experience.
After realizing the army's limited help in further advancement, they had both retired and come home.
In Xiao Yan's previous life, their return had coincided with his fall from genius to cripple.
To build a future for themselves....and to shield him.....they had later founded the Iron Desert Mercenary Corps.
Among the younger generation of the Xiao Clan, aside from Xiao Yan and Xun'er, the most gifted had always been those two brothers.
Xiao Ding, the eldest, was ten years older than Xiao Yan; Xiao Li, the second, eight years older.
Twenty-two and twenty years old respectively...yet their strength was remarkable.
One had just stepped into the Dou Shi realm; the other had reached the peak of Nine-Star Dou Zhe.
With such talent, barring disaster, both had a strong chance of reaching the Dou Ling realm in the future.
When Xiao Yan entered the clan hall, the place was bustling with laughter and chatter.
At the center stood two men....one refined and gentle, the other laid-back and cold-eyed. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
Hearing the door creak open, both turned their heads.
Their gazes fell on the youth standing there...shorter, younger, but with eyes that gleamed with calm fire.
Smiles bloomed across their faces.
Big Brother! Second Brother!"
The moment his eyes landed on the two young men, Xiao Yan's lips curled into a smile. He quickened his pace toward them.
At his approach, several of the younger generation of the Xiao family instinctively stepped aside.
Not long ago, Xiao Yan's Dou Qi had collapsed entirely, and during that time, many had quietly dreamt of surpassing the clan's century-old prodigy.
But reality had long since crushed such illusions.
Two months ago, during a minor family gathering, Xiao Yan's strength had already returned to the seventh Dou Qi stage.
Judging by his rapid recovery, he was likely now at the peak of the eighth stage...or perhaps approaching the ninth. In just a few months, his progress had far outstripped what most could achieve in years, filling the younger generation of the Xiao family with quiet despair.
"Haha, Xiao Yan, you've finally returned."
"If not, we'd have come over ourselves to give you a beating."
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li greeted him warmly, laughter in their voices as they looked at the boy who had grown taller since leaving home. Genuine joy shone in both their eyes.
"Big Brother, Second Brother, your strength has improved so much in the past two years," Xiao Yan said with a meaningful smile, studying them closely.
By nature, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li possessed talents even greater than Xiao Zhan's.
Even without awakening their Dou Emperor bloodline, their potential was extraordinary. Once awakened, their progress would accelerate beyond imagination.
"You're no ordinary boy yourself. Talent-wise, you may have surpassed us both," Xiao Ding said with a grin, exchanging a glance with his brother filled with pride.
Before Xiao Ding could speak further, Xiao Zhan entered the hall, accompanied by elders and clan members. Behind them followed Xiao Ning and Xiao Yu.
At the sight of Xiao Yan, both siblings' expressions shifted....Ning's eyes revealing unease, Yu's reflecting a mix of caution and embarrassment.
Xiao Yan ignored them, bowing slightly with his brothers toward Xiao Zhan.
"Father."
"Hahaha… good, so good. All three of you are my pride!" Xiao Zhan's voice was filled with joy and pride as he looked upon them.
A twenty-two-year-old Dou Shi, a twenty-year-old nine-star Dou Zhe, and Xiao Yan...whose return was even more extraordinary...such siblings were a rare treasure in any generation of the Xiao clan. Aside from Xun'er, none could match them.
For ordinary clan members, such a homecoming would pass without ceremony.
But with Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's return, unspoken respect filled the hall.
"Let's begin the feast!" Xiao Zhan waved his hand, laughter echoing warmly.
Behind him, elders exchanged knowing glances tinged with envy.
The feast was magnificent, seats arranged by rank.
By tradition, Xiao Yan should have taken the highest seat among the younger generation.
Yet with Xiao Ding and Xiao Li back, courtesy required him to yield precedence.
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