"Yes, a very good friend of mine."
Xiao Zhan's hand froze in midair as he reached for his teacup.
When Xiao Jietian said that the women were his wives—meaning his daughters-in-law—Xiao Zhan was completely stunned.
His son had been gone for just over a year, yet he had returned with such a massive surprise.
The five women stood up nervously, smiled, and bowed slightly.
"Hello, Uncle."
"Good, very good," Xiao Zhan laughed heartily, his voice filled with joy."Please sit. Make yourselves at home. There's no need to be so formal."
Although Xiao Jietian introduced the last woman as merely a friend, Xiao Zhan—having weathered countless storms in life—instinctively knew their relationship was far from simple.
His son was truly promising. At the very least, he no longer had to worry about the Xiao Family's bloodline.
The women gracefully sat down again, looking dignified and well-mannered.
Even Medusa behaved the same way, though deep down she felt both satisfied and slightly dissatisfied with Xiao Jietian's introduction.
"Third Young Master, we heard you had returned. We've been waiting for you for quite some time."
The First Elder and Second Elder approached, smiling warmly at Xiao Jietian.
Xiao Jietian was momentarily confused.
Has this old man been possessed or something?
Xiao Zhan quietly explained that news of Xiao Jietian winning the Alchemist Convention had already reached the Xiao Family.
As a result, Xiao Jietian had become an idol among the younger generation and a treasured asset in the elders' eyes.
"First Elder, Second Elder."
Xiao Jietian stood up, smiled, and performed a junior's salute.
"And these ladies are?" the elders asked, glancing toward the women beside him.
Xiao Jietian introduced Yun Yun and the others.
When they heard Yun Yun's name, all three elders immediately straightened their backs.
She was a top-tier figure in the Jia Ma Empire.
If they knew that Queen Medusa was also present, they would likely be sitting on pins and needles.
Afterward, Xiao Zhan arranged a family banquet.
Fortunately, Xiao Jietian's courtyard had enough rooms. With a bit of cleaning, everything was ready.
…
That night, the moon was bright, and the stars were sparse.
After bidding the women goodnight, Xiao Jietian headed toward Xiao Zhan's courtyard.
When he arrived, he saw light coming from the study. He knocked on the door.
"Come in. The door isn't locked."
Xiao Zhan's voice sounded calm, as if he had already expected this visit.
Xiao Jietian entered and saw Xiao Zhan sitting behind his desk.
"Father, it seems you already knew I would come tonight," Xiao Jietian said as he sat down.
"You're my son," Xiao Zhan replied with a chuckle."We've been father and son for over ten years. I know you well enough to tell when something's on your mind."
"I did come to discuss something important," Xiao Jietian said after a brief pause."Father, do you know about Xun'er's background?"
Xiao Zhan's eyes flashed with surprise.
"Why are you suddenly asking about her?"
"When her father sent her to our family, he said he came from a powerful clan in Zhongzhou," Xiao Zhan said slowly."He claimed there was some connection between our families and asked us to let Xun'er stay here for a time."
"She's been here for over ten years now. That little girl has grown into a fine young lady."
He paused, then sighed.
"I just never expected you two to become so close."
"Have you met her family?" Xiao Zhan asked.
Xiao Jietian shook his head.
"No. When I broke through to Dou Zhe, a figure appeared in my mind. He claimed to be an ancestor of our Xiao Clan and told me about our origins."
"Our origins?" Xiao Zhan straightened immediately."Which ancestor?"
"He didn't specify," Xiao Jietian replied."He only said that our Xiao Clan was once the leading clan among the Ancient Eight Clans of Zhongzhou."
"Xun'er is also from the Ancient Eight Clans—the Ancient Clan—and she is currently their Young Clan Leader."
"He also warned me to carefully protect a jade piece. It's one of the keys to the last Dou Di's cave dwelling."
Xiao Zhan was stunned.
"So that girl Xun'er has such a terrifying background…"
He quickly recovered, walked to a bookshelf, opened a hidden compartment, and took out a box.
Opening it, he asked, "Is this the jade piece you're talking about?"
Xiao Jietian picked it up.
The emerald-green jade had a glowing point at its center that slowly moved, filled with spiritual energy.
"Yes. This is it."
"It's called the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade," Xiao Jietian said."It's one of eight keys to the Dou Di's cave. Each of the Ancient Eight Clans originally held one."
Xiao Zhan stared at the jade, never imagining that such a small object carried such a terrifying origin.
"Does this mean the jade could bring disaster to our family?" he asked gravely."Did Xun'er come here because of this jade?"
"But for all these years, she never showed interest or tried to probe about it."
"Yes and no," Xiao Jietian replied."Xun'er came here originally because of pressure from her clan's Elder Council. Her father wanted her to have a carefree childhood."
"Later on, because of her relationship with me, her stance changed."
"The Ancient Clan is relatively benevolent. The real danger is the Hun Clan."
"That clan is obsessed with this jade. They search the world for traces of our bloodline. If they discover us, they won't hesitate to annihilate our entire clan."
Xiao Zhan's hand trembled slightly.
"Then… have we already been exposed?"
"Not yet," Xiao Jietian said calmly."But the Hall of Souls—the Hun Clan's lackeys—has appeared in the Jia Ma Empire."
"I've already clashed with them once and captured one alive. Their goal is to find our clan."
"Although the danger is temporarily avoided, the risk remains."
"That's why I want to discuss relocating the family."
Xiao Jietian placed the jade back into the box, his expression solemn.
"Were you hurt?" Xiao Zhan asked anxiously.
"I'm fine," Xiao Jietian replied."The ancestor left me with many methods. They were enough to deal with them."
Only then did Xiao Zhan relax slightly.
"Relocation… Where could we possibly go?" he asked.
"I already have a place in mind," Xiao Jietian said."It depends on whether you're willing."
Xiao Zhan laughed and cursed lightly.
"Do you think I'm some stubborn old man who'd cling to ancestral land and wait for death?"
"If it can save the Xiao Family, I don't care what others say."
"I'll go gather the elders right now—"
"Father, there's no rush," Xiao Jietian said quickly."You haven't even asked where we're going yet."
Xiao Zhan paused, then laughed awkwardly as he sat back down.
"You're right. I got too excited."
"I know you're worried about the family," Xiao Jietian said softly."Don't resist. I'll take you somewhere."
Xiao Zhan nodded without hesitation.
Xiao Jietian raised his hand.
In the next instant, both father and son vanished from the study.