Chapter 27: On the Eve of Departure
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He paced back and forth, his brows tightly furrowed, a solemn look in his eyes.
The Xiao clan had dared to decisively eliminate Liu Xi, so they must have had something to rely on. Moreover, Liu Xi was a first-tier alchemist, and his death would certainly cause quite a stir.
“Silence, all of you!” Jia Lie Bi suddenly shouted, interrupting the elders’ clamoring.
Everyone was silenced by his roar and quieted down, looking at him in confusion.
Jia Lie Bi slowly began, “Everyone, calm down first. Since the Xiao clan dared to kill Liu Xi, they must have prepared for our retaliation. If we act rashly, we may simply be walking into their trap.”
One of the elders said indignantly, “Clan Chief, are we just going to let this go?”
Jia Lie Bi shook his head. “Of course not. We will have our revenge, but now is not the time. At present, the Xiao clan has the aid of a mysterious alchemist, and Blood Coagulation Powder is immensely popular in the marketplace. Their business is flourishing.”
“Meanwhile, our Rejuvenation Powder has suffered a complete defeat, and our supply of medicinal ingredients has even been cut off. Under these circumstances, if we clash with the Xiao clan head-on, our chances of victory are not high.”
He paused before continuing, “We need to stabilize the situation first. At the same time, we must secretly observe the Xiao clan’s movements and wait for the right moment to strike.”
“A gentleman can wait ten years to avenge a grievance. We cannot allow a moment of anger to lead us into making the wrong decision and plunge the Jia Lie clan into an even greater crisis.”
Jia Lie Bi looked at everyone and said solemnly, “From this moment onward, all of you are to keep a low profile and refrain from acting rashly. We must build up our strength and wait for an opportunity to counterattack.”
…
Inside the Xiao clan’s council hall, the atmosphere was somewhat solemn, yet carried a trace of ease.
The Xiao clan’s senior members sat together, discussing the Jia Lie clan’s recent movements.
The First Elder frowned deeply and spoke first. “The Jia Lie clan has been unusually quiet lately. Ever since Liu Xi’s death, they have made no move to retaliate. This is unlike Jia Lie Bi’s usual style.”
The Third Elder nodded slightly, a thoughtful look in his eyes. “Indeed. That fellow Jia Lie Bi has always been vindictive. Yet this time, he has shown such restraint. There must be a hidden scheme. Perhaps they are secretly gathering their strength, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to our Xiao clan.”
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Xiao Zhan listened quietly to the discussion. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Regardless of what the Jia Lie clan is planning, our Xiao clan cannot afford to let down its guard. During this period, we must strengthen security in the marketplace and closely monitor the Jia Lie clan’s every move.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Just then, Xiao Zhan’s gaze swept across the corner of the council hall, where he discovered Xiao Yan sitting there, dozing off. His head bobbed up and down, making for a rather comical sight.
Xiao Zhan could not help but feel both amused and exasperated. After clearing his throat twice, he said, “Yan’er, have you met with that senior in the black robe recently?”
Xiao Yan was awakened by Xiao Zhan’s voice. He rubbed his eyes, sat up straight, and scratched his head awkwardly. “Ah, Father, you mean the senior in the black robe? Yes, I’ve met with him recently.”
A hint of anticipation flashed through Xiao Zhan’s eyes. He pressed on, “Oh? Did that senior say anything?”
Xiao Yan thought for a moment before replying, “The senior in the black robe said that he sees great potential in me and intends to accept me as his disciple. He believes I have what it takes to achieve great accomplishments in both alchemy and Dou Qi cultivation, so he is willing to assist the Xiao clan as well. It can also be considered an opportunity for me to grow.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the council hall erupted in an uproar. Surprise and disbelief appeared on everyone’s faces.
The First Elder widened his eyes and said incredulously, “What? The senior in the black robe wants to accept you as his disciple? This is an extraordinary opportunity! Xiao Yan, you brat, you’ve truly struck it lucky.”
The Third Elder nodded repeatedly beside him, his face filled with envy. “Indeed. To earn the favor of a mysterious expert who is even willing to accept you as his disciple—that is a blessing beyond what an ordinary person could hope for.”
Xiao Zhan looked at Xiao Yan, his eyes filled with relief and pride. He slowly said, “I knew Yan’er was no ordinary person. Earning the senior’s recognition is something you deserve. However, Yan’er, if you become that senior’s disciple, what are your plans for the future?”
Xiao Yan answered seriously, “Father, before long, I will be leaving with my teacher to undergo a period of training.”
“My teacher said that the outside world is vast, with countless places worth seeing and learning from. Only by experiencing more trials can I truly improve my strength.”
Xiao Zhan frowned slightly, feeling somewhat reluctant to part with him, but he also understood that this was a necessary stage in Xiao Yan’s growth.
Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly remembered something else and asked, “What about Canaan Academy? Do you no longer intend to apply?”
Xiao Yan hurriedly shook his head. “I still intend to apply. It’s just that my enrollment may be delayed for a while.”
“My teacher said that before going to Canaan Academy, he would first take me out to gain experience and build up my strength. That way, after entering Canaan Academy, I’ll be better prepared to adapt to its studies and competition.”
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Xiao Zhan nodded. “That’s fine. With the senior taking you out to gain experience, I can rest a little easier. However, you must take good care of yourself while you’re away. If you encounter danger, don’t try to force your way through it. Understand?”
Xiao Yan smiled. “Father, please rest assured. I’ll take care of myself. Besides, my teacher will be with me, so nothing will happen.”
At this moment, Xiao Yu spoke from the side. “Xiao Yan, although you have the guidance of that senior, you must still work hard on your own. Canaan Academy is filled with experts, so you cannot afford to let down your guard.”
Xiao Yan nodded earnestly. “Sister Xiao Yu, I understand. I will cultivate diligently and do my best not to disappoint everyone’s expectations.”
The atmosphere in the council hall grew lively because of Xiao Yan’s news, and everyone offered him their blessings and hopes.
Afterward, they continued discussing matters concerning the Xiao clan’s alchemical business and the development of the clan, while also formulating several strategies for dealing with the Jia Lie clan.
After leaving the Xiao clan’s council hall, Xiao Yan’s mind was filled with countless thoughts, and his feet unconsciously carried him toward his room.
Once inside, he gently closed the door and sat down beside the bed. The image of Ning Jiuyou appeared in his mind.
“Teacher.” Xiao Yan called out to Yao Lao in his heart, a trace of worry in his voice. “If I leave and Jiuyou suddenly comes back, what if she can’t find me? She’ll definitely be worried if I’m gone.”
Seeing the troubled expression on Xiao Yan’s face, Yao Lao could not help laughing. “Don’t worry. That girl Jiuyou may not be worried at all. You’re overthinking it!”
He then walked a circle around Xiao Yan and said, “Still, you’re usually quite clever. How is it that you become so foolish whenever Jiuyou is involved?”
“She’s so intelligent. If she truly wants to find you, do you think she won’t be able to? Besides, we’re only leaving to train this time. It’s not as if we won’t come back.”
“I know, but I still can’t feel at ease. How about I leave her a way to contact me? That way, if she returns, she can reach me immediately.”
“If you want to leave one, then leave one. At least it will keep you from worrying all the time. But how do you plan to do it? There isn’t any convenient means of communication in Wu Tan City.”
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