Xiao Chen's icy gaze cut through Xiao Wentian, silencing him mid-sentence.
"Father," Xiao Chen said, his voice calm but firm, "this man treated us with such cruelty in the past, and now he condones his servants to harm you. Are you still going to defend him?"
Xiao Wen coughed lightly, his tone stern despite his weakened state. "Chen'er, have you become so arrogant as an immortal disciple that you ignore my words? You will not lay a hand on your uncle!"
For a moment, Xiao Chen's expression softened. He sighed and said coldly, "For your sake, I'll let him go this time. But if there's a next time, not even you will be able to save him."
Turning sharply, Xiao Chen ordered, "What are you all standing around for? Take my father inside and treat his injuries immediately."
The Xiao family members scrambled into action, opening their best guest quarters and summoning the finest doctor in Xiao City.
Senior Brother Liu smiled, breaking the tense silence. "Xiao Chen, you'll probably be staying here for a few days, so I'll take my leave and return to report."
Before Xiao Chen could reply, Liu handed him a small jade bottle. "This is a Blood-Clearing and Healing Pill. It's not rare, but it should help your father recover quickly. Have him take it, and he should be much better in a day or two."
After a brief moment of thought, Xiao Chen accepted the gift. Bowing respectfully, he said, "Thank you, Senior Brother Liu. I'll remember this favor, and should you need assistance within my means in the future, I won't hesitate."
Liu's smile widened. "Good to know, Junior Brother. I'll hold you to that someday. Until then, farewell." With that, he departed, leaving Xiao Chen to tend to his family.
In the Xiao family's rear courtyard, known as Flowing Elegance Pavilion, Xiao Chen found his father resting in the hall that once belonged to Xiao Wentian. The space had been meticulously prepared for Xiao Wen's recovery, and several renowned doctors from Xiao City were busily consulting on his treatment.
Outside the courtyard, Xiao Wenbin barked orders at the doctors. "Listen well! Spare no expense, and do everything you can to ensure this man's recovery. If anything happens to him, don't expect the Xiao family to show mercy!"
Though outwardly authoritative, Xiao Wenbin's face was pale, his voice betraying his fear. He had seen the fiery death of the two guards and knew Xiao Chen would stop at nothing to protect his father.
Xiao Chen entered the courtyard, brushing past Xiao Wenbin's fawning gaze without a word. Inside the hall, Xiao Wen lay on a soft bed, his face pale but calm.
"Father, how are you feeling?" Xiao Chen asked, his voice full of concern.
"It's nothing serious, just a few flesh wounds. I'll recover with some rest," Xiao Wen said, his eyes filled with pride as he looked at his son.
Relieved, Xiao Chen retrieved the pill Liu had given him. "This is a medicinal pill gifted by Senior Brother Liu. It will help with your recovery. Please take it now."
Xiao Wen hesitated. "That's a pill for immortals, isn't it? My injuries aren't serious enough to warrant such a precious remedy. Save it for yourself in case of need."
"Don't worry about me, Father. I can always get more in the future," Xiao Chen said firmly. He poured a glass of water and helped his father swallow the pill.
A few moments later, Xiao Wen's complexion improved visibly. "I feel warm all over, especially in my injured arm—it feels numb and itchy, like it's healing already!" His face was full of wonder. "As expected of the immortals' medicine, it's truly miraculous."
Xiao Chen smiled. "Good. Now you rest, Father. Tomorrow, I'll bring Mother here. She's suffered enough these years. It's time for her to enjoy some peace and comfort."
Xiao Wen watched his son leave with pride shining in his eyes. He thought to himself, Raising this child is the greatest achievement of my life.
That night, the Xiao family estate quieted as the day's tensions gave way to calm. From his room, Xiao Chen sat cross-legged, practicing the Grass and Wood Essence Technique to recover the spiritual energy he had expended earlier.
The mortal world was far from the spiritual veins of the immortal sect, and ambient spiritual energy was sparse. It took him three hours to regain the single thread of energy he had lost during the confrontation with the guards.
Xiao Chen understood that his current strength was the foundation of his authority within the Xiao family. Only as a cultivator could he protect his family and ensure their safety. With renewed determination, he immersed himself in meditation, absorbing the faint spiritual energy around him bit by bit.
At dawn, Xiao Chen opened his eyes. A faint light shimmered in his gaze before fading. Taking a deep breath, he felt the small but noticeable increase in his spiritual energy and nodded in satisfaction.
"Father, I'll bring Mother back today. Rest well while I'm gone," Xiao Chen said later in the hall. Xiao Wen, now seated in the master's chair, commanded the respect of the entire Xiao family. No one dared show any dissent.
With his father's blessing, Xiao Chen led a procession toward his family's rural village.
The sight of the Xiao family's caravan caused a stir in the small mountain village. Curious villagers gathered to watch, their excitement buzzing through the air.
"Who are these people? Why are they here?"
"Don't you see the red-and-silver insignia? That's the Xiao family crest from Xiao City!"
"The Xiao family? Why would they come here? And wait—isn't that Xiao Chen leading them?"
"It's him, all right! He even greeted me earlier. Who would've thought Xiao Chen's family had such hidden potential? If I'd known, I'd have married my daughter to him—even as a concubine!"
Inside the modest family home, Xiao Chen helped his mother pack.
"Mother, leave these old things behind. Just take what's necessary," he said, his voice tinged with emotion as he stopped her from loading their tattered loom. "Your son has achieved success. You'll never have to endure hardship again."
His mother's gentle gaze softened. She looked around the home she had lived in for over a decade, then nodded quietly. Though reluctant to leave the familiar behind, she was ready to follow her son into a brighter future.