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Yet, Xiao Zhan was in no mood to celebrate his son's recent accomplishment.
Before the coming-of-age ceremony even began, Xiao Yan had already confided in him about the matters concerning the Spirit Hall, as well as Shui Wuya's plans.
Because of this, he understood that the situation before him was far more complex and dangerous than it appeared on the surface.
"Elders, I thank you all for your congratulations," Xiao Zhan said, his voice calm yet resolute. "However, the reason for this gathering is to announce something very important."
The expressions of the elders grew somber; they could feel the weight and urgency in Xiao Zhan's words and knew that it was no trivial matter.
"What is it?" the Grand Elder asked, his voice tinged with a hint of tension.
Xiao Zhan began slowly, "The state of things in Wu Tan City is not as it once was. Through a certain source, I have learned that our Xiao Clan is on the verge of a great disaster."
At these words, the atmosphere in the hall froze, and the high-ranking members exchanged worried and bewildered looks.
"In the face of this catastrophe, our only option is to escape."
Xiao Zhan's voice remained cold as he continued, "In other words, we must relocate the entire Xiao Clan out of Wu Tan City immediately."
Hearing this, disbelief washed over everyone's faces; they struggled to accept this sudden news.
Finally, someone could no longer hold back and spoke up in protest.
"Clan Leader, surely you're joking?"
One of the elders spoke up, "This is the foundation our ancestors built for generations. How can we just leave it behind?"
The Grand Elder directly objected, "This is absurd! Clan Leader, what exactly is this disaster you're talking about?"
Xiao Zhan was silent for a moment, his face grave and resolute.
"No, I cannot tell you right now," he said firmly. "But we must prepare for immediate relocation of the entire clan."
Upon hearing this, everyone felt a storm of emotions brewing within. They neither dared to oppose nor readily agree, their eyes clouded with confusion and anxiety.
This sudden order left them in a state of extreme perplexity and helplessness.
Finally, it was the Grand Elder who broke the silence.
With a furrowed brow and a heavy tone, he said, "Clan Leader, this won't do. We can't just leave."
Xiao Zhan raised his head, casting a sharp glance at the Grand Elder, "I am the Clan Leader, and my word is final."
The Grand Elder was taken aback by this response but replied firmly, "But this concerns the very roots of the Xiao Clan. We cannot give it up so easily."
Xiao Zhan said no more, but a determined glint flashed in his eyes. With a wave of his hand, he issued an iron order: "I have already selected the relocation site. Go and prepare at once. We must complete the move within one week—the sooner, the better."
After a brief silence, everyone withdrew.
The Grand Elder, deeply anxious, immediately sought out the other elders to discuss Xiao Zhan's insistence on relocation.
"This is pure madness!"
One elder said furiously, "Has the Clan Leader lost his mind?"
The Grand Elder replied in a heavy tone, "We must convince him to abandon this reckless notion."
"come, follow me. Let's confront the Clan Leader together and apply some pressure."*
With that, the Grand Elder led the group of elders with determined steps toward Xiao Zhan, resolute in persuading him to abandon this absurd decision.
However, when they arrived at the courtyard, they witnessed a stunning scene.
"Clan Leader!" the Grand Elder exclaimed, prompting everyone to halt in unison, staring in awe at the center of the courtyard.
In the tranquil courtyard, Xiao Zhan sat cross-legged on the ground, surrounded by a soft, pale glow that seemed to envelop him in an aura of peace.
Then, suddenly, an enormous surge of energy erupted from him, like a volcano unleashing an overwhelming force.
The dou qi around him roared like a fierce wind, sweeping over the courtyard like an unstoppable army, carrying an unmatched aura of dominance.
Xiao Zhan's presence intensified, his aura solid and unshakable, towering like a mountain brimming with boundless power. Even the air around him seemed to tremble under the weight of his presence, casting an indescribable pressure across the courtyard, making it hard for anyone to breathe.
His dou qi shone like a meteor in the night sky, illuminating the courtyard with a brilliant radiance, as bright as daylight.
His aura surged and pulsed, a relentless torrent of power that awed everyone witnessing it. He seemed like a dormant beast, now awakened and exuding an unparalleled majesty.
"What... what level of dou qi is this?" stammered one elder, his face filled with shock.
"Wasn't the Clan Leader's strength at the Dou Master level? Why does it feel infinitely more terrifying than before?" another elder asked, his voice trembling in disbelief.
They all stood, utterly speechless, realizing that they had severely underestimated Xiao Zhan's true strength, which far exceeded anything they had imagined.
The Grand Elder stepped forward, his voice filled with a mix of astonishment and reverence. "Clan Leader, when did you break through? What level are you at now?"
Xiao Zhan gave a slight smile, a glint of calm confidence in his gaze. "Nothing too impressive—I've just reached the Dou Spirit level."
Hearing this, the Grand Elder and the other elders could hardly believe their ears.
Their eyes widened, and they appeared as if struck by lightning, staring at Xiao Zhan in stunned disbelief.
"Dou Spirit?!" the Grand Elder repeated, his voice trembling as if needing reassurance that he hadn't misheard.
Xiao Zhan nodded with a faint smile. "Yes, Dou Spirit level."
Everyone present was thrown into a state of shock. Exchanging glances, they were utterly dumbfounded.
It had never crossed their minds that their Clan Leader had been concealing such astonishing power all along.
Observing the awe on the faces of the elders, Xiao Zhan remained composed on the outside but was secretly delighted, savoring the thrill of impressing them.
He smiled and, feigning ignorance, asked the Grand Elder, "Grand Elder, why did you bring so many people here to see me? Is there something you want?"
The Grand Elder froze, a shiver running through him as his earlier confidence vanished.
Now, he wouldn't dare to apply any pressure on the Clan Leader.
Quickly, he changed his tone. "Clan Leader, didn't you ask us to speed up preparations for the relocation? I've gathered all the elders here, awaiting your orders."
"Yes, precisely! We're at your command, Clan Leader!"
"That's right! I've been saying we should have moved ages ago!"
The other elders joined in, eagerly affirming their willingness to follow the Clan Leader's every command.
Xiao Zhan, hearing the Grand Elder's reply, felt satisfied, sensing that they had now understood his intentions.
He gave a slight nod, his tone calm as he said, "Good. Since everyone is in agreement, let's immediately start preparations for the move."
(End of Chapter)