"Your progress is not bad, son," Yun Lan spoke as Xiao sat in her room with Xuanyin in his lap. It had been a few days since he started cultivating, and he hadn't made any extraordinary leaps. He was still within the 3rd realm of body refining, though he made it seem like he was stuck there for now. Among the kids his age, he was currently the fastest, and he intended to stay that way.
"Thanks, Mom," Xiao happily replied to his mother's words. Xuanyin also nodded her head and silently praised him. Yun Lan looked at Xiao and asked, "So, you chose the sword as your main weapon, right?"
"Yes, mother."
"Have you started training with more extensive styles and techniques?"
"I have already chosen some sword techniques from the clan, and I have made some progress."
"That's good. Do you want any slaves to practice on? It wouldn't matter if you killed them, too."
"For now, no. I will ask when I need them."
"Sure, it's your wish, after all."
Yun Lan didn't ask any more questions. Xiao remained silent. When his mother asked about slaves for practice, he wasn't surprised. He knew his mother was ruthless, and without such a trait, one would never succeed in this world as a cultivator. He wasn't lying when he said the sword forms he used were from the family.
Unlike cultivation techniques, sword techniques and others needed to be used in combat. He couldn't use techniques that weren't from the family, but he did know some techniques outside the family. He had learned various types during his first life. Moreover, he had already learned the techniques in the family during his first life as well. So it didn't take him long to get used to them. Right now, his main focus was finding a way to cure his sister.
He knew of some treasures spread across the lower heavens, including a known treasure that could cure his sister's illness. However, the price for it was so high that even if the Yun family used up their entire fortune, they wouldn't be able to afford it. Xiao knew its location, but unlike in the past, he couldn't rely on others to get it for him. If news of it spread, the Yun family would undoubtedly claim it for themselves. The treasure he was searching for was rare even in the third heaven, and it would benefit everyone as it had the ability to enhance a person's talent.
No, he had to go for this treasure himself. Currently, there was no one he trusted with such a huge task, but that would need to change. Xiao didn't believe in the mindset of {I'll do everything by myself and be invincible alone.} Maybe he would have believed in it in the past, but now he knew better. Having a group to lead and use for oneself would be extremely useful. He already had a few candidates in mind. It was at this time that a high-level servant walked in after knocking. He gave a bow to Yun Lan and spoke.
"Miss, you and the family are requested by the family head to go to the family meeting room."
"Okay, you may leave."
Yun Lan spoke coldly with a frigid face. Hearing this, the servant shivered for a moment before walking out. After he left, Yun Lan looked at Xiao and nodded her head. He nodded back to her. They didn't take much time as they headed out of his mother's courtyard and made their way to the family meeting room.
"What do you think it will be about, Mother?"
"I don't know, but judging by how rushed he is, it must be important."
Xiao nodded his head at his mother's words. Holding his sister's hand, he and his mother walked toward a huge room where many important meetings took place. The Yun family manor was very large, with several family members and servants. It took a few minutes for them to reach the large hall.
Entering inside, he could see his father, grandfather, some elders, and other family members. He could even see Yun Yurou among the group, her cheeks faintly blushing as she looked at him. He could say that his current appearance was very suave, even for a ten-year-old. When he entered with his mother and sister, many eyes were focused on him.
At the moment, he was the best genius in the family, so many were interested in him, evaluating his worth. As they saw Xiao at the gathering, many nodded their heads in approval, recognizing his confident gaze and stance. It was clear that he would go far.
Meanwhile, Xiao's gaze was fixed on a nine-year-old girl standing beside a middle-aged man. Looking at the girl, a mix of complex feelings filled his heart. Just as he identified the girl, he understood the reason for the gathering. Taking deep breaths to regain his composure, he walked up to his grandfather with his family, and they all bowed.
"Greetings, family head."
"Good, you have arrived."
Yun Hao nodded his head in acknowledgment. At the same time, Xiao's father, Yun Qing, walked toward them with a calm smile on his face. Approaching Xiao, he ruffled his hair with a pat and spoke.
"You have really made me proud, son."
"Thank you, Lord Father."
Xiao responded respectfully, without displaying any excitement or happiness. Seeing this, Yun Qing's face twitched, but he didn't say anything. He looked at his first wife, who stared back at him coldly, devoid of any affection. A hint of hatred flashed through his eyes, but he refocused his attention on his daughter, attempting to pat her. However, Xuanyin hid behind Xiao, refusing his touch. Observing all this, Xiao spoke before things could escalate.
"Lord Father, don't mind my sister. You know she doesn't like anybody touching her, and her freezing might be uncomfortable for you. She was just looking out for Lord Father."
Everyone who heard this knew it was utter bullshit. The coldness of a mortal girl being uncomfortable for a high-level cultivator? But even though the crowd knew it, no one rebuked Xiao. Finding a way out, Yun Qing nodded his head and smiled.
"Indeed, I can see that. It's no problem. She was just being a loving daughter."
With that, he didn't say anything more as he walked away to his other wife and family. Xiao's eyes looked coldly at his father as he moved away. In his previous life, he would have been ecstatic to receive his father's approval, but now he didn't care if his father cared about him or not, he could go and die for all Xiao cares.