"What? Able to bring down the Wang family and ensure they never rise again? Xiao Chen, what kind of wine are you brewing? Is it really that powerful?" Xiao Changfeng exclaimed in disbelief.
"No way, Xiao Chen. Can wine really be that powerful?" Xiao Yuntian also questioned skeptically.
Xiao Ling, dressed in a white gauze dress, approached Xiao Chen, slightly frowning and staring at him with her big, watery eyes. "Brother Xiao Chen, can I drink the wine you're brewing?"
"Of course." Xiao Chen smiled faintly. "As for its effectiveness, you'll see when the time comes. Right now, we don't know how long it will take Uncle Zhong to brew it, or if it will achieve the desired effect, so we'll have to wait."
"Rest assured, Uncle Zhong uses his true essence to brew wine, so it will only take a day, and the quality will be very high," Xiao Changfeng said hastily, confident in Uncle Zhong's brewing skills, as he had been enjoying his wine for the past three years.
"Oh? It only takes a day? That's faster than I thought. I assumed it would take several days. This is perfect!" Xiao Chen said happily, realizing this would save a lot of time.
Although no one knew what effect Xiao Chen's wine would have, they were all eagerly anticipating it. Since Xiao Chen claimed it could bring down the Wang family, it surely wouldn't be simple.
After some thought, Xiao Chen added, "During this time, everyone should avoid going out and not provoke any conflicts with the Wang family. Even if you don't provoke them, they will come after us. If we engage, we'll give them an opportunity."
"Yes, young master!" The Xiao family disciples responded respectfully, now holding Xiao Chen in high regard.
In the troubled Xiao family, Xiao Chen's return had ignited a spark of hope. Hearing that the Wang family could be brought down made them even more excited.
"Xiao Chen is right. The Wang family will stop at nothing for their benefit. We must be cautious," Xiao Yuntian agreed, nodding.
"Great Elder, what's the situation with the Yang family?" Xiao Chen asked, turning to Xiao Yuntian.
"The Yang family?" Xiao Yuntian paused, then snorted angrily. "Hmph! The patriarch once took a few blows for Yang Zhengxiong. Retiring the engagement was one thing, but the Yang family stood by and watched as we fell into trouble, letting the Wang family oppress us!"
"Not only that, but our business cooperation with the Yang family was also severed on Madam Yang's orders," Xiao Yunfeng added, sighing. "When the Heavenly Dao Sect was destroyed, you disappeared. The patriarch lost his focus on managing the family and cultivation, giving the Wang family an opening."
"Father, I'm sorry for making you worry," Xiao Chen said, looking at Xiao Changfeng with deep emotion.
Xiao Changfeng blinked his slightly reddened eyes and smiled, shaking his head. "It's okay. You're back now."
"Father, I'm going to visit the Yang family. Since our business cooperation has ended, I should make things clear with them," Xiao Chen said with a smile.
"Make things clear? The Yang family's attitude is obvious. There's no need to clarify. Going there will only make them look down on us more. Madam Yang calls the shots there," Xiao Yuntian said angrily, filled with fury at the mention of the Yang family.
"I want to hear it from Madam Yang herself. If she really says that, then I have no reason to give face to the Yang family," Xiao Chen replied calmly, turning to leave the hall.
Xiao Yuntian wanted to say more, but Xiao Changfeng stopped him. "Chen'er has grown up and is steady in his actions. He must have his reasons for doing this. What Chen'er thinks of, we might not. We need to trust and support him, not doubt him!"
"Since the young master's return, our family has had hope. I'll always support the young master!" a disciple said firmly.
"I also believe in and support the young master!"
The hall echoed with the voices of the Xiao family members expressing their support.
After leaving the Xiao family, Xiao Chen headed straight to the Yang family's residence. Although he hadn't been back for three years, he still remembered the way.
In less than the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, Xiao Chen arrived at the Yang family's gate. The two guards saw the young man in a black high-collared robe, carrying a sword on his back, and their faces changed simultaneously.
"Xiao Chen!" one guard exclaimed in shock.
The other guard ran inside, shouting in panic, "Not good! Xiao Chen is here! Xiao Chen is here for revenge!"
"Haha! Xiao Chen, those two guys are hilarious, being so scared of you!" The Ancient White Tiger laughed heartily from the storage ring.
"Sigh, do I look that scary? I haven't even said anything, and they're already terrified," Xiao Chen said with a wry smile, shaking his head. Since there was no one guarding the gate, he directly entered the Yang family residence.
As he entered the courtyard, the Yang family disciples surrounded him. A leading disciple shouted angrily, "Xiao Chen, the Yang family is not a place for you to cause trouble. Leave now, or don't blame us for being rude!"
"Stop!" A stern voice came from the hall. A middle-aged man in black silk came out. It was Yang Zhengxiong.
"Junior Xiao Chen greets the Yang family head. However, I'm surprised by the Yang family's hospitality," Xiao Chen said calmly, bowing slightly without any change in his expression.
"Everyone, step back!" Yang Zhengxiong shouted, glaring at the guards.
Looking at Xiao Chen, who remained calm despite being surrounded by dozens of guards, Yang Zhengxiong was secretly amazed. "To be so composed and calm at fifteen, surrounded by guards, is no small feat."
Thinking this, Yang Zhengxiong quickly smiled, "Haha, Xiao Chen, nephew, please come inside to talk."
Entering the hall, Xiao Chen glanced around and saw a beautiful woman sitting next to the main seat. She was Madam Yang, whom he had met once three years ago.
Xiao Chen bowed slightly and said, "Greetings, Madam Yang."
"Please sit, Xiao Chen. Serve tea," Yang Zhengxiong said warmly, signaling Xiao Chen to sit and a maid to serve tea.
"Thank you," Xiao Chen replied politely with a smile.
"How is your father?" Yang Zhengxiong asked with a big, accommodating smile.
"Thank you for your concern. My father is in good health," Xiao Chen replied calmly.
"That's good. I've always remembered how your father took a few blows for me back then," Yang Zhengxiong nodded, smiling.
Madam Yang, who had elegantly sipped her tea, now spoke coldly, "Say what you came here for. No need for unnecessary words."
Yang Zhengxiong's face showed a hint of embarrassment at Madam Yang's cold words. Despite being the family head, he dared not contradict her.
Xiao Chen glanced at the haughty Madam Yang, then smiled without a change in demeanor. "Indeed, I came to the Yang family for a reason, and I won't beat around the bush."
"If you're here to ask for the Yang family's help to get through your difficulties, there's no need. The Yang family won't get involved in your issues with the Wang family," Madam Yang cut him off, decisively blocking any possibility of Xiao Chen seeking help.
Xiao Chen hadn't come to ask for help, but seeing Madam Yang's resolute refusal, he wanted to know why. "Why?"
"Hmph! Just returning to Fengyue City and already rushing to the Yang family for help shows how desperate the Xiao family is," Madam Yang thought coldly.
She looked at Xiao Chen with disdain and slowly stood, gazing at the flowers outside. "This world is one where the weak are prey to the strong. The weak have no right to survive, only to be devoured by the strong. The current state of the Xiao family can't change its fate of being devoured. Even if you are no longer the waste you once were, you are still a weakling. Xiao Chen, you're a smart person; I'm sure I don't need to spell it out."
Her words, though not overly aggressive, were full of contempt and ridicule for Xiao Chen. Yang Zhengxiong's face grew more embarrassed, as Xiao Chen was just a teenager.
"Madam Yang's words will be remembered. But I didn't come here to seek help," Xiao Chen said calmly, unaffected by her scorn.
After a moment of silence, Xiao Chen said, "Actually, I came to get an answer. When my father took a few blows for the Yang family head, it led to an engagement between the families. But because of me, Madam Yang broke off the engagement, disgracing the Xiao family. Despite this, we never offended the Yang family. Now, with the Wang family oppressing us, not only did the Yang family not help, but you also severed all business relations with us. Can I understand that the Yang family is actively cutting ties with us? I came today to get the Yang family's stance on this."
Hearing this, Yang Zhengxiong was shocked. A fifteen-year-old boy speaking so calmly and steadily, and his last question worried him even more.
"Is Xiao Chen not asking for help? What is he planning?" Yang Zhengxiong wondered, feeling uneasy.
"You came just for this?" Madam Yang asked after a long silence, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Exactly!" Xiao Chen nodded calmly.
"What is Xiao Chen up to? This is not a simple statement, but how could a fifteen-year-old come up with it? No matter, the Xiao family won't last long anyway," Madam Yang thought to herself.
"Just as you said, it was the Yang family who severed all ties with the Xiao family," Madam Yang stated coldly.
Yang Zhengxiong watched Xiao Chen's expression for any reaction but saw none.
Xiao Chen smiled faintly and said, "In that case, the times my father took blows for the Yang family head will be considered null. From today on, the Xiao and Yang families will have no connections, and neither side will interfere in the other's affairs. Madam Yang, do you agree?"
"I agree," Madam Yang replied coldly.
Xiao Chen smiled slightly, cupping his hands in farewell. "I have my answer. Farewell."