Wu Tan City, Xiao Clan.
As the sun began to set, golden rays of light fell upon the bustling city, casting a warm glow over everything.
The streets were crowded with people, full of life and activity. Merchants' calls rang out from every corner, while the air was filled with the delicious aroma of various foods.
In the heart of the city, a sprawling estate stood proudly.
Though it had been many years since his departure, everything in sight still felt familiar to him.
The estate was even grander than before, with towering walls and an impressive gate, all exuding the prestige of its owners.
"The Xiao Clan has certainly thrived over the years," Xiao Yan murmured to himself, a faint smile forming on his lips.
Just then, an elderly man quickly emerged from the estate.
The moment his sharp eyes caught sight of Xiao Yan, they lit up, and a joyous smile instantly spread across his face.
"The Third Young Master has returned!" the old man exclaimed excitedly, his voice filled with joy.
Before the echo of his words could fade, the estate burst into commotion. A sea of Xiao Clan members surged forward, their faces glowing with happiness.
"Third Young Master!"
"The Third Young Master has returned!"
Cheers erupted one after another, and the entire Xiao estate was filled with excitement.
Seeing the warm welcome from those around him, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel deeply moved.
Though he had been away for many years, the people here still greeted him with such warmth, a testament to the deep bonds they shared.
Just then, three figures stepped forward from the crowd.
Leading them was an elderly man with white hair and a long beard, none other than the Xiao Clan's Grand Elder.
Behind him were two other elderly men with equally kind faces—most likely the second and third elders.
"Third Young Master, you've finally returned!" the Grand Elder said eagerly as he stepped forward. His old face was full of joy, and his eyes glistened with tears.
"Yes, we've been waiting for this day, looking forward to your return!" the Second Elder chimed in, his smile uncontainable.
The Third Elder stepped up, taking Xiao Yan's hand and examining him carefully.
"You're too kind, Elders. It's been a long time- how has your health been?" he asked warmly, returning the gesture of respect.
"Thanks to you, these old bones are still holding up!" the Grand Elder replied with a hearty laugh.
After a few words of pleasantries, Xiao Yan looked toward the deeper parts of the estate, his gaze turning contemplative.
"Father, the Xiao Clan has prospered greatly. If only you could be here to see this," he murmured softly, his voice tinged with emotion.
A trace of sorrow flickered in his eyes. Although he smiled, the bitterness hidden deep within his gaze was unmistakable.
His father's whereabouts remained unknown. Despite all these years, he had found no clues, leaving him with an overwhelming sense of guilt and regret.
As he was lost in thought, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly echoed from afar.
"Xiao Yan!"
A deep, magnetic voice broke his reverie.
He looked up to see two figures approaching quickly.
At the front was a tall, well-built young man with sharp brows and bright eyes, exuding an extraordinary aura. Beside him was a handsome middle-aged man with eyes that gleamed with intelligence.
These were none other than his two older brothers, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
"Big Brother! Second Brother!"
A smile of joy spread across his face as he hurried to greet them.
"Haha, you're finally back!"
"We heard you were returning, so we rushed back just to see you," Xiao Li said with a grin, slinging an arm around Xiao Yan's shoulders.
"That's right, you've grown quite a bit since we last saw you," Xiao Ding added with a smile.
The three brothers laughed heartily as they reunited.
Both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li had now reached the rank of Dou King, making them prominent figures within the Jia Ma Empire.
However, Xiao Yan did not dwell on this for long, instead turning to the true reason for his return.
"Brothers, I've returned this time for an important matter," he said, his expression growing serious.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged puzzled glances, seeing the gravity in each other's eyes.
"What matter could be so serious?" Xiao Ding asked.
"I want… to meet our ancestor, Xiao Chen," he said, taking a deep breath.
His words left everyone present in stunned silence. They stared at Xiao Yan, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"Meet the ancestor? What do you mean?" Xiao Li asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"This is a matter of great importance. Perhaps we should discuss it in a quieter place." he suggested, glancing around before speaking in a low voice.
Inside the study, a peaceful atmosphere prevailed, with the faint scent of sandalwood lingering in the air. Xiao Yan sat at the head of the table, while Xiao Ding and Xiao Li sat on either side of him. The three elders stood respectfully by, waiting for him to speak.
"Although our ancestor has remained hidden from the world, I believe he has always kept an eye on the Xiao Clan. I plan to summon pill lightning by refining a seventh tier pill and use the opportunity to call our ancestor," Xiao Yan explained slowly after a moment of reflection.
Upon hearing his plan, everyone present gasped in shock. They understood well the significance of a seventh-tier pill. Such a pill was so rare and valuable that even major powers might not possess one.
"You… you can already refine a seventh-tier pill?!" Xiao Li asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
"I've been fortunate enough to reach the peak of seventh-tier alchemy," he replied with a modest smile.
His words left the study in dead silence.
Everyone looked at him in shock, as though they were seeing him for the first time.
A peak seventh-tier alchemist- such a person was a rarity, even across the entire continent!
"If that's the case, then let's follow your plan. The entire clan will give its full support!" Xiao Ding said, finally breaking the silence with a deep breath.
The others nodded in agreement.
Seven days later, on a quiet morning, the previously clear sky suddenly darkened.
Clouds gathered, and thunder rumbled. The entire Wu Tan City was thrown into chaos by the sudden change in the weather.
But the Xiao Clan knew exactly what was happening.
They watched as Xiao Yan slowly rose from the ground, floating in mid-air. In his hands, he held a translucent pill, his body glowing faintly with golden light.
Boom!
A deafening clap of thunder rang out, followed by a massive bolt of lightning streaking down towards him.
Yet, he remained unafraid. He took a deep breath, raised his head to the sky, and shouted:
"A descendant of the Xiao Clan wishes to meet the ancestor!"
Xiao Yan's voice, infused with powerful Dou Qi, echoed throughout Wu Tan City.
If Xiao Chen had been watching, he would surely hear him now.
(TL/n: Early release as promised. Please lmk if there are any translating errors in the comments- I'm always trying my best to correct them asap.
Thanks a lot for your support and don't forget to leave a review if you haven't yet.
I'll catch you all on the next episode~)