Xiao Wentian was momentarily stunned, surprised by the approachable demeanor of the esteemed immortal. Such an attitude was starkly different from the aloof arrogance he had come to expect from cultivators. Thrilled, he eagerly led the way into the hall.
Inside, Senior Brother Liu took a seat, casting a subtle glance at Xiao Chen. Though outwardly polite, Liu's deference was a reflection of Xiao Chen's ties to Elder Yaodaozi of the Spirit Medicine Valley. Even as a nominal disciple, Xiao Chen's status was far from ordinary.
"Clan Leader Xiao," Liu began with a faint smile, "your family has produced not one but two individuals recognized by our Falling Cloud Valley elders. You should prepare for great prosperity."
"What?!" Xiao Wentian's face lit up with disbelief and delight. "Esteemed immortal, did you say… two of our Xiao family have been chosen by the immortal sects?"
"Indeed," Liu confirmed with an amused nod.
The hall erupted in excitement. The Xiao family's senior members exchanged eager glances, their faces glowing with anticipation. After three centuries of producing no cultivators, having two youths recognized in a single generation was a cause for celebration. Each elder hoped it was their child who had been chosen.
Xiao Wentian, his breathing unsteady with excitement, turned to his son. "Lin'er, did you… were you selected?"
Under the watchful eyes of his uncles and elders, Xiao Lin felt a surge of pride. He nodded, his expression smug.
"Excellent! Good! That's my son!" Xiao Wentian's face turned red with joy, and he repeatedly praised his son.
The other family heads, though envious, quickly offered congratulations, their hearts burning with curiosity about the second candidate.
After a moment, Xiao Wentian cleared his throat and asked, "And the other one? Was it Second Brother's daughter or Third Brother's son?"
Xiao Lin's smug expression faltered. Stammering, he couldn't offer a reply.
Seeing this, Xiao Wentian's joy gave way to unease. His brow furrowed as he scanned the room, his gaze finally settling on Xiao Chen.
"Xiao Chen," he barked, his tone sharp, "tell me, who is the other one chosen?"
Xiao Chen glanced at him indifferently but didn't answer.
Senior Brother Liu raised an eyebrow at Xiao Chen's silence, a knowing look forming on his face. He studied the reactions of the Xiao family members, his gaze lingering on Xiao Wentian with faint amusement.
Xiao Wentian's expression darkened as anger overtook him.
"Xiao Chen! Don't think that participating in the Treading the Immortal Path test gives you the right to disrespect me! You are nothing! How dare you stand here alongside the immortals? Look at your status—leave the Xiao family at once, and don't let me see you again!"
Xiao Chen met his uncle's fury with a calm, mocking smile. The Xiao family hall no longer intimidated him. He was no longer the powerless rural boy they could humiliate at will. As a member of Falling Cloud Valley and a disciple of Elder Yaodaozi, his confidence was unshakable.
"Where is my father?" Xiao Chen asked coldly. "Why isn't he here?"
His voice sliced through the tension like a blade. Xiao Wentian sneered. "Your father? That useless old man? Fine, if you want to see him so badly—guards, bring him here! Let's reunite these despicable father and son!"
The doors opened, and two dark-clad guards entered, dragging a battered figure behind them. Xiao Wen's face was pale, his body limp and covered in blood. His left arm, recently healed, was grotesquely bent, clearly broken again.
"Here he is," one guard growled, tossing Xiao Wen to the floor. "Take him and leave. If he dies, don't say we didn't warn you."
"Father!" Xiao Chen's eyes turned blood-red as he rushed to his father's side. Seeing Xiao Wen's broken form ignited a storm of fury within him.
Xiao Wen coughed weakly and forced a strained smile. "Don't worry about me, son. It's just some superficial injuries. I'll recover after some rest."
His words were meant to calm his son, but they did little to extinguish the fire in Xiao Chen's heart.
"Was it them?" Xiao Chen asked, his voice icy. "Did they do this to you?"
"Chen'er, don't be reckless," Xiao Wen urged, struggling to rise. "Let's just leave this place. Please."
Helping his father to a seated position, Xiao Chen gently reassured him. "Father, rest here. I've grown up now. I'll protect you. No one will ever humiliate you again."
He turned to face the guards, his gaze cold and deadly.
"Xiao Chen," Liu interjected, his expression grim. "Do you need my assistance?"
"No," Xiao Chen replied evenly. "This is a family matter. I will handle it myself."
Hearing Liu address Xiao Chen as "Junior Brother," Xiao Wentian froze, his face a mask of disbelief. "What… you mean… he's the other one?!"
Shock rippled through the hall. Xiao Wen's battered face lit up with joy, while the two guards exchanged panicked glances.
"Run!" the guards shouted simultaneously, turning to flee.
But Xiao Chen didn't flinch. Drawing a yellow talisman from his storage pouch, he channeled his meager spiritual energy into it. The Fireball Talisman glowed, its intricate lines lighting up with power. Two fist-sized fireballs materialized and shot toward the retreating guards.
"No!"
"Ahhh!"
Their screams were cut short as the fireballs struck. The guards were incinerated instantly, leaving behind only charred dust.
The Xiao family was stunned into silence. Even Liu's eyes widened slightly at the scene. Though Xiao Chen's spiritual power was weak, his command of a talisman showed the potential of someone deeply valued by Elder Yaodaozi.
Though physically drained, Xiao Chen's presence filled the room.
"Father," he asked quietly, "who ordered them to hurt you?"
The room fell into a tense silence as all eyes turned to Xiao Wentian. Sweat poured down his pale face.
"Lin! Save me!" Xiao Wentian stammered, grasping desperately for his son. "You're an immortal too now, aren't you? Protect me from him!"
But Xiao Lin's face turned ashen. In the face of Xiao Chen's growing power, his own status as a mere nominal disciple seemed laughable.
"Chen, he's your uncle," Xiao Wen said softly, breaking the silence. "You cannot do something so irredeemable."
Xiao Wentian seized the opportunity. "Yes, Xiao Chen, I am your uncle! Even if I've wronged you in the past, I never intended to harm you or your father. Surely, you wouldn't—"
"Enough," Xiao Chen interrupted, his voice cutting through his uncle's pleas. He stepped forward, his eyes cold as ice.