Chapter 131
"Young Master Xiao, Mu Zhan has always been hot-tempered. He didn't intend to offend you or Ya Fei. On his behalf, I, as the clan head, offer our sincere apologies."
In the reception hall of the Xiao Estate, the head of the Mu Clan, Mu Chen, spoke with a warm smile.
Standing beside him, Mu Zhan looked extremely uneasy. The arrogance he had shown yesterday had completely vanished.
Though hard to believe, Mu Zhan wasn't brainless—he knew well that, between a woman and the survival of his clan, the latter was far more important.
Moreover, though Xiao Yuan had been ruthless in his response, he had intentionally avoided harming Mu Zhan's meridians or crippling him. Considering Hai Bodong stood behind Xiao Yuan, along with the Mittel Clan, and Xiao Yuan's own terrifying talent—which had even left Jia Xingtian flustered—the Mu Clan had no reason to believe that Xiao Yuan's threats were idle.
Given that, Xiao Yuan's restraint forced Mu Chen to make a personal visit.
After all, Xiao Yuan had already given them enough face. The Mu Clan had no choice but to show equal respect to someone with the potential to become a Dou Huang.
Having endured in the capital for so long, the Mu Clan naturally wouldn't let pride lead them into a foolish decision.
Especially when Hai Bodong's presence alone could determine the Mittel Clan's stance toward them—something the Mu Clan could not afford to provoke.
"Clan Head Mu, there's no need for this. Whoever made the mistake should be the one to apologize. With Mu Zhan's temperament, I imagine that even you struggle to control him unless he suffers a setback. Let this be a lesson."
Although Mu Chen was a Dou Wang-level expert, Xiao Yuan didn't intend to completely sour relations with him over Mu Zhan. His response remained polite and measured.
Beside him, Hai Bodong idly played with a teacup, showing no intention to intervene—leaving the matter entirely to Xiao Yuan.
Xiao Yuan then smiled slightly and continued:
"I can tell Mu Zhan is straightforward, not one for schemes. But I must offer some advice. When you meet a girl you like in the future, try to restrain yourself. According to Ya Fei, your past behavior made her feel disrespected—even disgusted.
Mu Zhan may well become the pillar of the Mu Clan, perhaps even the next clan leader. That means any future collaboration between the Mu Clan, the Xiao Clan, and the Mittel Clan may fall on him. I have no intention of interfering in your clan's affairs. I only hope that the Mu Clan doesn't decline in the future due to one man's recklessness. After all, there is no deep hatred between us."
"You truly are generous, Young Master Xiao. Mu Zhan acted impulsively, spoiled by our clan's strength. We truly appreciate your discipline—it taught him there are always greater heights."
Mu Chen smiled gratefully and then turned sharply toward Mu Zhan, scolding, "Fool, aren't you going to apologize to Young Master Xiao?"
Mu Zhan stepped forward, cupped his hands respectfully toward Xiao Yuan, then bowed deeply until his upper body was nearly parallel with the ground.
After a moment, he stood up and said loudly, "Brother Xiao, I was wrong last night. I hope you and Sister Ya Fei can forgive me."
"Mhm."
Xiao Yuan nodded calmly. For someone as proud as Mu Zhan to address him as "Brother" was proof enough that he'd genuinely accepted defeat.
Whether Mu Zhan would play tricks behind his back… Xiao Yuan wasn't worried.
Once they left the capital, Ya Fei's safety would be in Hai Lao's hands. The Mu Clan didn't have anyone strong enough to harm her under Hai Bodong's nose.
Besides, the Mittel Clan's Shadow Guards weren't pushovers either.
Xiao Yuan also preferred not to start a feud with a major family like the Mu Clan. The Xiao Clan's return to the capital required delicate maneuvering—destroying the Mu Clan today might make waves among the Nalan Clan, the royal family, and even the Mittel Clan tomorrow.
You can't wipe them all out, can you?
This wasn't a "take the kill path.jpg" situation.
Of course, if Mu Zhan really lost his mind again… Hai Lao would probably deal with him even faster than Xiao Yuan would. Right now, both he and Xiao Yan were the bets Hai Bodong was staking everything on.
"Then, I won't take up any more of your time. I'll be going now. This Storage Ring contains a small token of our sincerity. Please accept it, and if there's an opportunity in the future, I hope you'll offer some guidance to Mu Zhan."
Mu Chen stood, placed a ring on the table, and cupped his hands respectfully.
"Oh, I'll see you out, Clan Head Mu."
Xiao Yuan raised his hand in a guest-seeing gesture but made no comment about the request to mentor Mu Zhan.
"No need, Young Master Xiao. Time is precious for cultivation. If you ever need anything, the Mu Clan holds some influence in the empire's military—come find me anytime."
Seeing that Xiao Yuan didn't get up, Mu Chen twitched slightly, then added this quickly.
"Haha, Clan Head Mu is too kind. I'm just a junior—it's not arrogance. But honestly, with my talent, a little lost cultivation time isn't a big deal."
Finally, Xiao Yuan stood, smiling as he escorted the Mu Clan duo out of the estate.
"Clan Head, Xiao Yuan clearly says one thing but means another. Why are we—"
As they left, Mu Zhan asked in confusion, only for Mu Chen to silence him with a dark scowl.
"Enough! If you hadn't caused trouble, I wouldn't have had to humble myself, give gifts, and beg forgiveness. Let this be the last time. If you mess up again—I'll cripple you myself!"
Mu Chen didn't mention the faint but terrifying aura he sensed from Xiao Yuan—something akin to Jia Xingtian's. Though vague, it told him Xiao Yuan harbored a hidden power. The smart move was not to provoke such people. If you can't be friends, at least don't become enemies.
And based on their conversation, Xiao Yuan seemed reasonable—he responded to kindness, not pressure. Much better than dealing with someone who wouldn't listen to anything at all.
Mu Zhan shuddered and glanced back at the Xiao Estate, then quickly caught up with Mu Chen.
Back inside, Hai Bodong remarked, "I remember Mu Chen. With his personality, he usually wouldn't let you squeeze so many benefits out of him. Odd… But you, brat, even if you had no talent for cultivation, you'd still make a great clan leader."
"Hehe, what's he thinking doesn't matter. With you around, what kind of waves can the Mu Clan stir up? As for managing a clan—please spare me. I'd rather keep cultivating. Oh right, here's the Soul Revitalizing Pill. Xiao Yan stayed up late to refine it. He's still resting, and tomorrow's the Alchemist Assembly. I'll stand guard while you take it—let's make Jia Xingtian open his eyes wide!"
Xiao Yuan handed Hai Bodong a finely crafted jade box with a smile.
"Good, good! No need for thanks. From now on, your business is my business. When the Xiao Clan returns to the capital, I'll take care of everything. Go out and make your mark—I'll protect the Xiao Clan!"
Hai Bodong opened the box eagerly, excitement lighting up his face at the rich, purple-hued pill within. He then solemnly pledged his support.
"I trust you, Hai Lao. Besides, I'm your successor, and with Ya Fei in the picture, we're basically family. No need for polite words—everything's understood."
Xiao Yuan patted his chest with a smile.
"Alright!"
Hai Bodong nodded and went off to prepare for taking the Soul Revitalizing Pill.
The next day dawned bright and clear. The sun was warm but not harsh, and the occasional breeze brought a refreshing coolness to the capital.
It was the day of the Alchemist Assembly, a grand event held every eight years in the Jia Ma Empire.
As the first sunlight pierced the earth and bathed the ancient city, robed alchemists began appearing in groups along the streets.
Normally, alchemists—respected and mysterious—were a rare sight. But today, they flooded the city from all directions, all heading toward the grand Alchemist Guild hall in the center of the city.
Shops opened earlier than usual, and people stepped out from warm beds to watch the waves of alchemists pass by with reverence and awe.
Xiao Yan, as a participant, rose early, adjusted himself to peak condition, and calmly made his way to the Guild.
As for Xiao Yuan and Hai Bodong, they didn't participate, but would attend as honored guests.
To avoid unnecessary speculation, they didn't travel with Xiao Yan and instead went to the Mittel residence to meet up with Mittel Tengshan and Ya Fei.
"I have to ask—why would someone like Xiao Yan even bother participating? It's like me entering a Da Dou Shi competition—pure domination."
On the way, Hai Bodong looked puzzled.
"Hai Lao, the winner gets a sixth-tier pill formula—the Soul Fusion Pill."
Xiao Yuan replied with a grin.
"Hm, that's a pretty good reward at his level," Hai Bodong nodded, then sighed. "Still, isn't this a bit overkill?"
"Not really. Even though Xiao Yan can refine sixth-tier pills, that's a hidden ability. Publicly, he's only seen as a third or fourth-tier alchemist. But I'd bet on him winning the championship. Besides, for him, this is also a kind of special training."
Xiao Yuan replied calmly.
Yao Lao's existence absolutely had to remain a secret.
A trump card is only effective when it's hidden. Once exposed, it's just a visible piece on the board.
As he spoke, Xiao Yuan's gaze swept the street—and he froze for a moment.
Graceful young women whispered among themselves, casting adoring glances at the alchemists. To these dreamy girls, alchemists were like magnets—mysterious, powerful, and irresistible.
Indeed, being an alchemist was a career worshipped by all.
Xiao Yuan couldn't help but sigh.
Well, he'd be learning alchemy soon too. He'd enjoy this kind of attention eventually… Wait, maybe he already was?
He activated Wind Listening, and voices filled his ears.
"Look! That white-robed young master is so handsome!"
"Oh my god, which family is he from?"
"Isn't that woman beside him from the Mittel auction house? I think her name is Ya Fei! Looks like he already has a lover—no chance for us!"
"Aww… so sad!"
Xiao Yuan's face turned strange.
He thought they were talking about the alchemists…
Turns out, they were talking about him?
Ridiculous!
"What's wrong?" Ya Fei noticed his expression.
"Nothing. Just overheard people saying we're a perfect match."
Xiao Yuan smiled.
"Hmph, I bet you just made that up."
Ya Fei responded playfully.
"Haha, they really said it!"
Xiao Yuan grinned shamelessly.
"They don't need to say it—we ARE perfect together."
Ya Fei beamed and affectionately clung to his arm like a declaration of ownership.
Hearing the sighs around them, Xiao Yuan's smile only grew brighter.
Nearby, Hai Bodong and Mittel Tengshan watched with knowing smiles, feeling ever more reassured.
With Xiao Yuan and Ya Fei like this, the future of the clan looked brighter than ever.
(END CHAPTER)
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