"Haha, big brother is indeed clever!"
Xiao Li gave Xiao Ding a thumbs-up.
This wasn't the first time they had done something like this. When Xiao Yan joined the Jia Ma Mercenary Group, they arranged for Qing Lin to serve him, knowing of Xiao Yan's particular fondness for youthful girls.
However, Xiao Yan, being from the modern world, remained reserved and took his time winning over Qing Lin's affection.
"Captain, Vice Captain, Captain Xue Lan has returned. But with her is a mysterious young man and a young woman. They're currently waiting outside, requesting an audience," a mercenary from the Jia Ma group reported to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
"Oh, they've arrived?"
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged a glance, their eyes brightening with anticipation.
"Let's go greet this mysterious young master together," Xiao Ding stood up and motioned for the other senior members of the Jia Ma Mercenary Group to follow him.
Before long, under the leadership of Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, the group reached the front gates of the mercenary camp.
"Haha, who do we have here? Could it be Gu Changqing?"
Both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li recognized Gu Changqing. After all, it had only been two or three years since they left the Xiao family, right after Xiao Yan's talent had started to deteriorate. Naturally, they were familiar with the people of the Xiao family, including Gu Changqing.
"Brother Xiao Ding, Brother Xiao Li, it's been a while."
Gu Changqing greeted them with a faint smile. He held no strong feelings toward Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, neither good nor bad. His impression of Xiao Zhan, their father, was favorable. As long as Xiao Ding and Xiao Li didn't act against him, he had no intention of causing trouble for them.
"You know each other?"
Xue Lan looked dumbfounded. She felt as if she had been played. If they knew each other, what was the point of her efforts in negotiating with Gu Changqing? Hadn't she just let herself be taken advantage of for nothing?
"Haha, so it's you, Changqing! My brother and I were just wondering who could be stealing away our lovely Captain Xue Lan. It turns out it's you!"
Xiao Li teased, looking at Xue Lan with a grin.
"Xue Lan, let me introduce you. This is Gu Changqing, a young genius of the Xiao family. Though his last name isn't Xiao, he's one of us. He's only just come of age, but he's already a one-star Dou Practioner. He's one of the few young talents from our family and quite the handsome one too."
Xiao Li chuckled as he introduced Gu Changqing to Xue Lan.
The news of Gu Changqing breaking through to the rank of Dou Practioner had already been conveyed to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li by Xiao Zhan through letters. He had specifically advised them to be respectful toward Gu Changqing and not to hold a grudge over Xiao Yan's circumstances. Both Gu Changqing and Xiao Xun'er were crucial to the Xiao family's resurgence. No matter how much they favored Xiao Yan, they had to be careful not to act against Gu Changqing or his sister.
Xiao Zhan, as head of the family, showed his wisdom in prioritizing the future of the family over personal grievances.
"Wha-? You're really from the Xiao family, and you..."
Xue Lan trailed off, her face filled with guilt. Had she unwittingly corrupted a bright young talent from such a prestigious family?
Even though it was Gu Changqing who had instigated things, even going so far as to demand she serve as his concubine, knowing he was such a talented figure made her feel like she had taken advantage of a rising star.
Even Liu Mei, another girl present, blinked in surprise. She was the first to experience Gu Changqing's antics and felt a strange satisfaction. She had gotten close to him before anyone else, and now, she saw it as an opportunity. As long as she pleased him well, her position as his female servant was secure.
"Haha, so Gu Changqing took Xue Lan as well? Now I can rest easy. Xue Lan, stay with him. My younger brother is quite remarkable. You won't regret it."
Xiao Ding laughed and patted Gu Changqing on the back. "Come, Changqing, bring your... companions. Let's head inside and catch up. Tell us how the Xiao family has been these past two years."
Xiao Ding's warmth and hospitality didn't surprise Gu Changqing. Though the Xiao brothers had some grudges due to Xiao Yan's issues, they were smart enough to see Gu Changqing's potential and the mysterious power behind Xiao Xun'er. For now, they wouldn't risk crossing him.
"Haha, sounds good! But, Brother Xiao Ding, you misspoke. One is my female servant, and the other is my concubine. Though calling them sisters-in-law wouldn't be too far off!" Gu Changqing laughed, leading Liu Mei and Xue Lan inside.
The Purple Crystal Winged Lion King followed close behind.
"Hah, the kid's a sly one, after all!" Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged knowing looks, both pleased with what they saw.
If Gu Changqing were too disciplined, it would be harder to form a close relationship with him. But as long as he indulged in such pleasures, they could use it to bind him to both the Xiao family and the Mercenary Group.
"Hmph, you sly fox," Xue Lan muttered quietly as she followed Gu Changqing, feeling uneasy. Just his gaze made her nervous, like he was planning something.
Liu Mei, on the other hand, wore a look of pride. She saw her decision to serve Gu Changqing as her ticket to success. Even as a servant, she believed she had made the right choice, and her position by his side would only elevate her.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li made sure to treat Gu Changqing generously, even calling several beautiful maids, including the petite and delicate Qing Lin, to serve him.
Though Xue Lan and Liu Mei were present, the maids weren't bold enough to openly seduce Gu Changqing. Still, they tried to make themselves noticeable, hoping to catch his eye. If he were to summon one of them to his quarters, that would secure the Jia Ma Mercenary Group's hold over him.
Gu Changqing didn't hide his interest, indulging in the company while chatting with Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
They discussed the state of the Xiao family and apologized for Xiao Yan's behavior, hoping Gu Changqing wouldn't hold a grudge.
Gu Changqing graciously accepted their apologies, but his gaze eventually landed on Qing Lin, who was quietly serving tea.
"Brother Xiao Ding, Brother Xiao Li, this girl looks quite nice. She's petite, graceful, and has a delicate face—clearly a budding beauty. How about giving her to me? In return, I'll offer you two cultivation techniques suitable for you to train with."
At his words, Qing Lin's face instantly turned pale, and the teapot in her hands slipped, crashing to the ground.