Miss Xun, a distinguished guest is visiting today. The clan leader is summoning the members of the Xiao Family to gather in the hall. I was specifically instructed to deliver this message. However, the clan leader mentioned that whether to go or not is entirely up to Miss Xun's decision.
A maid stood in front of the courtyard where Xiao Xun'er was, as strict orders were given within the Xiao Family not to enter Xiao Xun'er's private territory without permission.
"I understand. Go back and tell Uncle Xiao that I will come in a while."
In the courtyard, Xiao Xun'er's graceful voice could be heard. The maid showed a slight surprise because, as usual, when there was any family meeting, Xiao Xun'er would typically decline. Everyone in the Xiao Family was accustomed to this. However, unexpectedly, the mysterious young lady had agreed to attend today for some unknown reason.
"Miss, shall I go and test the waters?" Ling Ying seemed to sense her young lady's interest in the Misty Cloud Sect and volunteered to probe.
"No need. I'll handle it myself." Xiao Xun'er finished the Red Lotus Holy Maiden Saliva in her cup. The Dou Qi in her body fluctuated, rising continuously from a 1 Star Dou Practitioner to a 9 Star Dou Practitioner. The advancement showed no sign of weakening and even seemed on the verge of breaking through to the Dou Master realm.
She formed several mysterious hand seals, and golden flames once again surged in the girl's eyes.
"Sizzle~"
The surging Dou Qi within rapidly contracted, retreating all the way back to the realm of a 1 Star Dou Practitioner.
However, as Xiao Xun'er felt the regression of Dou Qi, Ling Ying showed an expression of utmost awe. In his heart, he thought: It is rumored that the direct descendants of the clan, especially those with the bloodline of a Dou God, need to compress their Dou Qi multiple times to balance the domineering power of their bloodline. Although Xiao Xun'er currently only possesses the strength of a 1 Star Dou Practitioner, once she releases the Dou Qi compressed multiple times within her, she can instantly surpass two realms and kill a Dou Grandmaster!
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"Is this the Xiao Family?"
The group from the Misty Cloud Sect arrived at the front of the Xiao Residence, where the Elder, Second Elder, and Third Elder of the Xiao Family were already waiting.
"Welcome, esteemed guests from the Misty Cloud Sect, to the Xiao Family."
The Three Elders of the Xiao Family warmly welcomed them.
"Mmm."
Ge Ye glanced lightly at the three people, a trace of disdain crossing his face. A 1 Star Dou Grandmaster and two 9 Star Dou Masters—these three were considered the high-ranking members of the Xiao Family?
"Disciples of the Misty Cloud Sect, greetings to the elders of the Xiao Family."
Yun Tianming, leading Nalan Yanran, voluntarily showed respect as junior members. Originally, with Nalan Yanran's proud demeanor, she wouldn't bother with the Xiao Family members. However, under Yun Tianming's guidance, she chose to first show courtesy before confrontation.
Guided by the Three Elders of the Xiao Family, the group from the Misty Cloud Sect entered the hall of the Xiao Family.
"Haha! I just knew that esteemed guests would arrive today, but I didn't expect it to be none other than the renowned Misty Cloud Sect, the number one sect in the Jia Ma Empire. I am truly honored!" Xiao Zhan's hearty laughter echoed in the hall.
"Hmm?"
Ge Ye raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on the middle-aged man before him, a 5 Star Dou Grandmaster! Two levels lower in rank, but the man appeared significantly younger.
"I am Ge Ye, an outer disciple of the Misty Cloud Sect. I presume you must be Xiao Zhan, the head of the Xiao Family?"
Ge Ye restrained his disdain and offered a respectful salute to the man.
The Three Elders of the Xiao Family exchanged glances, feeling a sense of relief. Being astute individuals, they could sense the initial condescending attitude when Ge Ye first looked at them. Fortunately, with Xiao Zhan, a 5 Star Dou Grandmaster, they managed to uphold the dignity of the Xiao Family.
As Ge Ye assessed Xiao Zhan, Xiao Zhan, in turn, scrutinized the white-robed elder before him, feeling a sudden shock.
A 7 Star Dou Grandmaster! And he's just an outer sect manager of the Misty Cloud Sect?
"Mr. Ge Ye, and the outstanding members of the Misty Cloud Sect, please take a seat."
Xiao Zhan didn't dare to be negligent and proactively invited the guests to take their seats.
Both parties engaged in a round of friendly formalities, cautiously probing each other in their words.
After listening for a while and realizing they hadn't gotten to the main topic, Nalan Yanran found it rather boring and sipped her tea.
Yun Tianming, on the other hand, curiously surveyed his surroundings, attempting to locate the legendary "male protagonist."
At this moment, the various young members of the Xiao Family were also curiously appraising the handsome young man and beautiful woman dressed in moon-white robes.
"Such a handsome brother!"
"Such a beautiful girl!"
Boys looked at the girls, and girls looked at the boys, perfectly in line with the nature of young teenagers. However, in the face of the attention from the Xiao Family members, Nalan Yanran never cast a single glance their way. Her attention remained focused on Yun Tianming throughout.
Yun Tianming, in response, raised his tea cup to the Xiao Family members, smiling and acknowledging their gazes. This prompted shy responses from the Xiao Family women. One particularly charming girl even stood up, raised her cup in response, and even openly sent him flirtatious glances.
Is this girl Xiao Mei?
In the original work, Xiao Mei is Xiao Yan's younger cousin. They were very close during childhood, but after Xiao Yan's genius fell, Xiao Mei chose to distance herself.
Yun Tianming nodded in response, his gaze falling on the girl seated in a inconspicuous corner of the hall. Her delicate face adorned with no makeup radiated stunning beauty from the inside out, making it irresistible at first sight.
Xiao Xun'er!
Yun Tianming's pupils contracted slightly, immediately averting his gaze.
This is the true heiress!
Even peak Dou Emperor-level powerhouses can only serve as her subordinates.
Can you stop staring at me?
Relying on his late Mortal Realm Soul Perception, Yun Tianming keenly sensed a powerful aura lurking in the shadows of the Xiao Family's hall.
Unless there's an unexpected situation, that should be Ling Ying, a strong Dou Emperor of the ancient clan!
"This person is a bit interesting."
Xiao Xun'er seemed somewhat surprised by Yun Tianming's swift avoidance after glancing at her. It wasn't self-flattery; she had been adorable since childhood, and almost everyone, regardless of age or gender, tended to feel a fondness for her at first sight. The young man before her, however, had an attitude of avoiding her as if saying: absolutely cannot make any contact with her.
Of course, what truly caught Xiao Xun'er's interest was the strong Soul Power emanating from the young man.
"A peer with Soul Power stronger than Brother Xiao Yan's; this is the first time I've seen such a person."
A hint of curiosity flashed in Xiao Xun'er's eyes, prompting her to concentrate her Soul Power to probe and perceive the details of the young man.
Oh no!
Sensing that Xiao Xun'er had locked onto him with Soul Perception, Yun Tianming felt a sense of impending trouble. He hastily focused his attention and constructed a soul barrier to shield himself from her perception.
Hm?
Xiao Xun'er narrowed her eyes, staring directly at Yun Tianming. In her mind, she thought, "Blocking me? There's definitely something fishy!"
This rare sense of competition arose within Xiao Xun'er. With her naturally powerful Soul Power, even Dou Emperor-level experts would find it challenging to evade her perception. A mere Dou Practitioner like you, trying to slip through under my nose? That's impossible!
Therefore, Xiao Xun'er subtly increased the output of her Soul Power, attempting to forcefully break through the soul barrier around Yun Tianming.
Late Mortal Realm!
Yun Tianming couldn't help but feel bitter. He marveled at how the heiress of the ancient clan was indeed a natural talent. She wasn't an Alchemist, and she didn't possess the golden fingers of a transmigrator or a system, yet her soul was naturally powerful!
The clash of Soul Power was silent and invisible.
To onlookers unaware of the truth, Xiao Xun'er seemed to be staring intently at Yun Tianming, while Yun Tianming appeared to be "shyly" turning his head away.
"Damn it!"
"Even the goddess Xun'er is about to be enchanted?"
Witnessing this, the disciples of the Xiao Family lamented with pounding chests and stomping feet, their faces full of worry.
"Tsk! That Xun'er."
"She usually doesn't care about anyone, always acting like she's only infatuated with Brother Xiao Yan. Now, it seems she's just like me!"
Xiao Mei rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath.
Xiao Xun'er completely ignored the discussions of the Xiao Family members, seemingly indifferent or not bothered at all.
It wasn't until a familiar voice broke through the concentrated focus of Xiao Xun'er, who was manipulating Soul Power, that she was pulled back to reality.
"Xun'er, you..."
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