Seeing the worry etched deep on Xiao Zhan's face, Xiao Yan's lips curved into the faintest of smiles...calm, almost imperceptible.
"Father, I understand what you wish to say," he began softly, his voice steady with certainty. "You fear that Xun'er's family is one the Xiao clan cannot afford to provoke."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "The Gu clan… they are indeed powerful."
At the mention of the Gu clan, Xiao Zhan stiffened. His sharp eyes narrowed, betraying unease.
"How do you know about the Gu clan? Did Xun'er tell you?"
Even Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, tipsy though they were, could feel a flicker of tension.
Xiao Yan let out a soft chuckle. "I know more than you think. Perhaps far more than you, Father."
With a faint snap of his fingers, an invisible spiritual force—the presence of Yao Lao—spread through the room like a shroud.
Xiao Yan stepped closer to his father, his gaze lingering on the ancient jade pendant hanging around Xiao Zhan's neck. A quiet smile appeared on his lips.
"Father, tonight is the right moment to speak openly with my brothers—about the origin of this jade and the true legacy of our clan."
Xiao Zhan's expression darkened. Unease replaced the warmth brought by drink. His voice came low and hoarse.
"What are you talking about? There is no secret in the Xiao clan. This jade is nothing more than a keepsake—an heirloom."
Xiao Yan's smile deepened. His next words fell like a blade wrapped in silk—calm but carrying the weight of a storm.
"The Xiao clan is the remnant of an ancient Dou Di lineage. This jade you wear is the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade.
Xun'er's family—the Gu clan—remains a dominant Dou Di family. Any member they send to guard their gates could destroy the Xiao clan."
Those words struck Xiao Ding and Xiao Li silent. Such names and terms felt distant, almost incomprehensible to them. But Xiao Zhan went pale instantly, his intoxication disappearing like mist under the morning sun.
"Yan… where did you learn this? This is a secret that could destroy the Xiao clan!"
Xiao Yan placed a hand lightly on his father's shoulder. His tone was gentle, but firm.
"Father, rest assured. Only the four of us...our family....will know this secret. Tonight, I intend to bring back knowledge of things long lost to our clan."
He began to weave a tale, one he had long prepared.
According to his story, Yao Lao was the guardian of the Xiao clan's ancient legacy.
After centuries of searching, he had found the remnants of the clan....and upon seeing Xiao Yan, had been astounded.
Yao Lao had insisted on taking him as a disciple to pass on the ancient traditions of their bloodline.
Beyond that, Yao Lao had recognized Xiao Yan's exceptional talent in alchemy and vowed to train him into a master alchemist.
Xiao Yan carefully omitted any mention of his reincarnation. Some truths, he knew, were best kept buried.
When he finished, Xiao Zhan, Xiao Ding, and Xiao Li sat in stunned silence. Slowly, realization began to dawn.
Though unsure of many details, pride softened their expressions.
"You possess the talent of an alchemist," Xiao Zhan murmured, his eyes bright with rare joy.
Xiao Yan inclined his head. "My progress over the past six months was thanks to a vast supply of spiritual herbs provided by my teacher.
They enabled me to recover to Dou Zhe so quickly."
His tone blended truth and fabrication, carrying enough sincerity to convince.
"And this teacher of yours…" Xiao Ding asked, curiosity shining through.
"This matter is too great," Xiao Yan replied calmly. "Father, you know who our clan's enemies once were.
My teacher chose to conceal his identity, keeping contact only with me for now.
When the Xiao clan grows strong enough to defend itself, my teacher will reveal himself."
His story was a careful weave of fact and deception. Yet it swayed them. Even Xiao Zhan...though wary—was moved, for the truth of their clan's greatness had been passed down for generations.
Tonight's revelation left Xiao Ding and Xiao Li stunned, their minds reeling.
"These matters I share are the deepest of secrets," Xiao Yan continued, his tone grave. "Should they be exposed, the Xiao clan would face annihilation.
Father… brothers… this must never be spoken of to anyone."
Both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of what had been said.
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