Still, Xiao Zhan and several elders exchanged knowing glances. Their eyes gleamed with unspoken joy.
"Clan Leader, congratulations. With such talent in our midst, the Xiao family may finally produce a Dou Huang-level powerhouse."
"To have such a genius in our family—this must be the blessing of our ancestors!"
The hall split into two moods. Among the elder youths, there was quiet joy, the hope of sharing in Xiao Yan's glory.
But among the younger ones, hearts turned cold.....confidence now replaced with solemn awe.
Some elders' gazes lingered meaningfully on Xiao Yan.
His rise was not just personal.....it would elevate the entire Xiao family, cementing their place among the great clans of Wutan City, even the Jia Ma Empire.
The benefits to their branches would be immeasurable.
"Hahaha! Drink! Drink!" Xiao Zhan roared, raising his cup high.
Today had not been intended as anything more than a homecoming for his two sons. Instead, his youngest had brought an earth-shattering revelation.
Their gazes toward Xiao Yan no longer held challenge.
There was only respect… and a deep awareness of the chasm between them.
"You think breaking through to Dou Zhe is something to boast about? I could do it myself soon enough," Xiao Yu murmured, her pride wounded, her voice low.
"I would advise caution," Xiao Yan said softly, turning to her with calm resolve.
"Rushing a breakthrough could cause you to lose everything you've built."
Xun'er, sitting beside him, blinked, her autumn-like eyes shimmering. She followed his gaze to Xiao Yu.
"So what? I've broken through to Dou Zhe....does that mean you're not allowed to?"
Xiao Yu's eyes narrowed, voice sharp. "Don't think just because you're a Dou Zhe you can lecture me."
"Oh?" Xiao Yan's voice was even, tinged with a subtle challenge. "
Then forget I said anything if it's not important to you."
"What Qi dispersal?" Xiao Yu blinked, staring at him intently, but Xiao Yan merely continued cutting meat for Xun'er as if nothing had happened.
"Xiao Yan, speak!" Xiao Yu's voice rose slightly in frustration, though the hall's attention had already gathered around them.
She knew she could not afford to appear reckless.
The banquet went on.....some in joy, others in unease.
Only Xun'er remained calm, her gaze quiet but layered with unspoken thoughts.
As the evening waned, Xiao Zhan gave Xiao Yan a measured glance.
"Yan, we haven't had a proper talk in a long time. Take Xun'er home first.
Then come to my chamber. We need to speak as a family."
Xiao Yan smiled faintly and inclined his head.
There were matters he needed to discuss with his father and brothers.
Before leaving, he looked at Xiao Yu once more.
The vexation and curiosity in her expression drew a quiet smile from him.
"In seven days… come find me."
Without waiting for her reply, he took Xun'er's hand and departed.
Moonlight poured over the frosted earth, painting the world in crystalline white.
Xiao Yan and Xun'er walked together, her form wrapped in faint purple fox fur.
Her cheeks were tinged pink from the evening's events.
They walked in silence. At her door, Xiao Yan gently took her chilled hand.
"Xiao Yan…" she murmured, lashes trembling, cheeks deepening in blush.
"I wasn't joking tonight. Don't be nervous.....I will be with you as you grow.
From now until forever… we will always be together."
"Forever… together forever."
He smiled warmly and drew her close.
For the first time, Xun'er melted into his embrace, letting out a soft sigh.
"I've always believed in you," she whispered.
Beneath the moonlight, they remained locked in stillness until a chill prompted Xiao Yan to release her.
"It's cold....don't catch a chill. Go inside now. I'll speak with father."
Xun'er nodded, glancing back once before closing her door reluctantly.
"That girl…" Xiao Yan murmured softly, lingering by the door before heading toward Xiao Zhan's chamber.
From above, hidden in the branches near Xun'er's room, came a bitter whisper:
"She's already been bewitched by him… how will I explain this to the Clan Leader?"
Inside Xiao Zhan's room, Xiao Yan found his father flushed, the faint scent of wine lingering.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li sat beside him, similarly flushed from drinking heavily.
But Xiao Zhan's expression carried concern.
"Yan… I know you care deeply for Xun'er… but her family.
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