"Xun'er, has Changqing still not come back?"
In a corner of the Xiao Clan's square, a tall young woman dressed in sky-blue academy attire, leaning on a long sword, glanced over at a beautiful girl in a light purple dress, and asked softly.
The tall young woman was none other than Xiao Yu, who had just returned from her studies at Jia Nan Academy, while the beautiful girl was Gu Changqing's sister, Xun'er.
Hearing this, a trace of disappointment flickered in Xiao Xun'er's eyes. She shook her head lightly and replied, "No, he hasn't returned."
"Sigh, that mischievous little brother! He's too fond of playing around. I even took time off from the academy to attend your coming-of-age ceremony. When he gets back, I'll make sure to give him a good scolding!"
Xiao Yu gripped the hilt of her sword, looking determined.
"By the way, Xun'er, isn't it another year until your own coming of age?"
Xiao Yu turned to Xun'er with curiosity.
"Mm." Xun'er nodded gently. Without Gu Changqing around, she was usually reserved and spoke little.
"Wow, our Xun'er really is a genius. She's already a six-star Dou Disciple at only fifteen! Even at Jia Nan Academy, only that little witch can compare to you~~"
Xiao Yu praised her with admiration, reaching out playfully to pinch Xun'er's delicate cheeks.
"Cousin Xiao Yu!"
Xun'er playfully scolded and quickly dodged Xiao Yu's hands; she wasn't fond of physical contact with others, except for Gu Changqing.
"Cousin Xiao Yu, who is this 'little witch' who can rival Xun'er?"
Nearby, a young girl in a green dress, with a face as pure as it was charming, asked curiously.
This young girl was Xiao Mei. Contrary to how Xiao Yan often saw her as materialistic, Xiao Mei wasn't as shallow as he thought. When Xiao Yan had lost his talent, she never ridiculed him. Instead, she even tried to greet him kindly whenever they met, although he tended to avoid her.
"Oh, the little witch is the granddaughter of our Jia Nan Academy's Vice Principal. Her name is Hu Jia."
"Clan Leader Xiao, congratulations! I heard your son's cultivation talent has returned?"
While Xiao Yu and the others chatted, on the stage, Xiao Zhan and the elders were entertaining various guests, including the city lord of Wu Tan City.
The speaker was an elderly man with a weathered face, a two-star Dou Spirit. Though not highly ranked, he held considerable influence in Wu Tan City due to his ties to the Jia Ma Empire's royal family.
"Haha, City Lord Su, you're well-informed. Indeed, my son Xiao Yan regained his cultivation talent a year ago. We're grateful for everyone's support."
Xiao Zhan laughed heartily, feeling genuinely joyful.
"Goodness, Clan Leader Xiao, your Xiao Clan truly seems blessed! Not only do you have a prodigy like Xun'er, but now your third son has regained his cultivation potential. It almost makes me want to move here myself~~"
The seductive laughter came from Ya Fei, the manager of the Miteer Auction House, who stood nearby in an elegant red dress.
"Haha, Miss Ya Fei, you're too kind. But if you're serious about moving into the Xiao Clan, we would be more than happy to welcome you!"
Xiao Zhan replied with laughter, his gaze briefly lingering on Ya Fei with undisguised admiration.
Ya Fei chuckled, playfully adjusting her dress as she spoke, "Well, I'll remember that invitation. Who knows, maybe one day you'll have the pleasure of my company."
Inwardly, she thought, "If that little troublemaker Gu Changqing invited me to stay, I might actually consider it."
"Hahaha, we'd be honored. Our Xiao Clan will be waiting for you, Miss Ya Fei!"
Xiao Zhan laughed with excitement, already imagining the benefits Ya Fei's presence could bring to the Xiao Clan.
"City Lord Su, Miss Ya Fei, please have a seat. The coming-of-age ceremony is about to begin."
Xiao Zhan and the elders invited Ya Fei and the others to take their seats.
The Xiao Clan's coming-of-age ceremony was a traditional ritual, full of formalities. It involved showing respect to elders, pledging loyalty to the clan, setting aspirations, and other ceremonial steps.
"Next up, Xiao Yan!"
Soon, it was Xiao Yan's turn to step forward.
Dressed in a black robe, Xiao Yan walked confidently toward the center of the stage, the confidence of a prodigy who had returned to glory after years of struggle radiating from him.
Many leaders from various factions, along with Xiao Zhan, Ya Fei, and others, paused their conversations and focused their attention on Xiao Yan.
"Hmph! A year ago, you ignored me, but from now on, I'll make sure you can't even reach my level!"
Xiao Yan's eyes gleamed with determination. Today, he would proudly prove himself and show those who doubted him that he, Xiao Yan, had returned!
Dou Power: Six-Dan!
The announcement echoed through the square, revealing his current strength for all to see.
Within a year, Xiao Yan had climbed from the third stage of Dou Disciple to the sixth—a speed even faster than during his previous peak.
"Well done, Yan'er!"
Xiao Zhan laughed heartily. Though Xiao Yan's strength was still relatively low, Xiao Zhan firmly believed that within three years, his son would once again reach the heights of his former talent.
"Congratulations, Clan Leader Xiao!"
"Congratulations, Clan Leader Xiao!"
"The Xiao Clan has a rising dragon in its ranks!"
As congratulatory voices rang out from every corner, Xiao Zhan responded with a beaming smile.
Boom!
Just as Xiao Yan lifted his head, ready to accept the praise, a loud sound from the sky disrupted the gathering.
Everyone in the Xiao Clan square instinctively looked up, only to see two brilliant purple streaks of light shooting toward them from the horizon.
As the lights approached, two slender figures came into view, riding atop majestic purple lions.
When the Xiao Clan members recognized one of the figures, all of them shot to their feet, their eyes wide in astonishment.
"Changqing!"
Xun'er's eyes lit up as she instinctively took a step forward, her gaze fixed on the approaching figure. However, as if suddenly recalling something, she halted, turning her head away and avoiding eye contact.