Join my Patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel releases:
patreon.com/ZeroMoney
I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated.
******
"Son, what's going on? I feel like there's something different about you, but I can't quite put my finger on it," Xiao Zhan said, his eyes full of curiosity and concern as he noticed a subtle change in his son.
Xiao Yan smiled slightly.
"Father, I haven't told you yet. Under the guidance of that mysterious senior, I've successfully gathered my energy cyclone and become a Dou Zhe."
"A Dou Zhe?! You?"
Xiao Zhan was stunned. "How is that possible? How could you break through in such a short time?"
He couldn't believe it and immediately started examining his son carefully.
As the inspection progressed, Xiao Zhan gradually realized that his son truly had become a genuine Dou Zhe.
Upon confirming the breakthrough, Xiao Zhan felt utterly dazed.
It was like he was living in a dream.
Overwhelmed by shock and joy, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Xiao'er, your father once thought you were crippled and would never recover. But who could've imagined that fate would change, and the heavens would not abandon our Xiao family after all? Finally, we can stand tall again."
For Xiao Yan to become a Dou Zhe at such a young age...
His future was boundless!
Then, Xiao Zhan grasped Xiao Yan's hand with a serious expression and said, "Son, you must never forget that mysterious master. He's a great benefactor to our Xiao family. You must always remember his kindness."
Xiao Yan nodded, respect flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry, Father. I will always remember his grace in my heart."
Xiao Zhan continued, "If that master ever needs anything from the Xiao family, let me know, and I will do everything I can to help."
Xiao Yan smiled, his eyes filled with resolve. "Although our Xiao family might not be able to offer much help to such a powerful figure, I will remember your words and do everything I can to assist him."
As they conversed, Xiao Zhan's expression gradually softened. He believed his son would handle the matter well.
"Alright, son. Now, let's discuss how we'll deal with these treasures."
Xiao Yan nodded. He knew the situation wasn't entirely favorable. Although the two major families had scaled back their search efforts, they couldn't be underestimated.
"Yes, Father. We can't let the two families suspect the Xiao family."
Thus, they began to carefully plan how to discreetly dispose of the treasures.
After some thought, Xiao Zhan made a decision. "For now, let's not rush. We need to observe the situation a bit longer. Once the timing is right, we'll find a suitable channel to sell the treasures."
Xiao Yan nodded in agreement. "Understood, Father. I'll closely monitor the situation and find the best time to make our move."
The two exchanged a smile, understanding one another perfectly.
Before long, a day had passed.
In a tranquil spot in the back mountains, Xiao Yan sat on a large boulder, with a gentle breeze carrying a slight chill.
He closed his eyes, turning his focus inward, and communicated with the Bone Spirit Cold Flame inside him.
Under Xiao Yan's control, the Bone Spirit Cold Flame flickered and swayed, sometimes leaping, sometimes floating calmly, as though it were dancing alongside him.
Xiao Yan couldn't help but marvel at the flame's peculiar temperament. It required more time and effort to harmonize with it fully.
However, as he concentrated on his cultivation, an unease began to creep into his heart.
The Xiao family was currently in a precarious position. If the Oba and Jia Lie families discovered the theft of the treasure vault, the Xiao family would undoubtedly be in grave danger. Furthermore, there was no appropriate opportunity to sell the treasures yet, which only deepened Xiao Yan's anxiety.
At that moment, Yao Lao appeared beside him, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Disciple, what's troubling you?" he asked.
Xiao Yan furrowed his brow and explained his concerns to Yao Lao, sharing his worries about the Xiao family's safety.
Yao Lao pondered for a moment, his expression growing serious. "This is indeed a significant matter, and it's good that you're thinking ahead. But there's a solution. You must elevate your father, Xiao Zhan, the head of the Xiao family. Only by strengthening him can you ensure the family's safety. Even in the worst-case scenario, the Xiao family will still have the power to defend itself."
"Thank you, Yao Lao!" Xiao Yan's face lit up with excitement, deeply grateful for Yao Lao's guidance and care.
Xiao Yan immediately sought out his father, Xiao Zhan, and, full of excitement, explained everything in detail.
After hearing it all, Xiao Zhan's eyes shone with excitement. He gripped Xiao Yan's hand tightly, his voice filled with emotion and resolve. "Son, this is fantastic news! Tell that esteemed senior not to worry—I will do everything in my power to cultivate!"
Xiao Yan felt a surge of pride, seeing his father so determined.
Without hesitation, Xiao Zhan took out all the precious herbs the family had collected over the years and handed them to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan brought the herbs to Yao Lao.
"Excellent," Yao Lao said, scanning the herbs and smiling in satisfaction.
He then quietly began refining pills while Xiao Yan assisted him every day.
A month passed quickly, during which Xiao Zhan devoted himself entirely to cultivation. Thanks to the constant supply of Yao Lao's medicinal pills, Xiao Zhan's strength increased rapidly.
Finally, through Yao Lao's pills and his own hard work, Xiao Zhan successfully broke through to a seven-star Da Dou Shi!
Xiao Yan was overwhelmed with joy at his father's accomplishment.
"Master, I will never forget your immense kindness and generosity!" he said, bowing deeply, his gratitude palpable.
"This was my duty," Yao Lao replied with a faint smile, his tone calm, though he felt deeply gratified by Xiao Yan's sincere gratitude.
Then Yao Lao continued, "Next, if we can obtain the ingredients for the Sanwen Qingling Dan or Zixin Pozhang Dan, I can help your father break through to the peak of Da Dou Shi and reach an even higher level."
"That's amazing! I'll tell him right away!" Xiao Yan exclaimed with joy and immediately rushed to share the good news with Xiao Zhan.
When Xiao Zhan heard, he too was ecstatic. He hadn't expected to be able to advance even further.
The two discussed the matter and decided to head to Black Rock City to purchase the necessary ingredients.
To avoid drawing attention, they agreed to leave the city at night, ensuring their actions remained discreet.
As dusk fell, the setting sun cast a crimson glow over the horizon. Dressed in black, father and son quietly slipped through the city gates, embarking on their journey to Black Rock City.
Xiao Yan scanned the area, a sense of caution rising within him. He knew the current situation was far from ideal, and for the sake of the Xiao family's safety, they had to act with utmost care.
Xiao Zhan, walking ahead, wore a grave expression, his heart filled with unease. He knew that Black Rock City was no ordinary place, and this journey with his son filled him with a foreboding sense of danger.
Meanwhile, hidden at the outskirts of Wu Tan City, a spy from the Jia Lie family watched the city gates closely. As soon as he spotted two figures dressed in black slipping out of the city, his heart raced. Without hesitation, he relayed the information back to the Jia Lie family head.
(End of Chapter)