Chapter 16: Xiao Yulong's Test

After Xiao Che and Xia Qingyue finished their breakfast, Xiao Lie rushed back, his face etched with an unprecedented seriousness and a lingering hint of shock.

"Grandpa, what happened?" Xiao Che quickly stood up and asked.

"Something big, something immense for the Xiao Sect," Xiao Lie said, his furrowed brow then relaxing. "But it shouldn't have much to do with us."

"Something immense? What is it?" Xiao Che was even more surprised.

"It's the Xiao Clan."

"The Xiao Clan?" This time, not only Xiao Che but also Xia Qingyue instantly looked over.

"Just two quarter-hours ago, the Sect Master suddenly received a letter from the Xiao Clan. It said that a group of people from the Xiao Clan would arrive here soon, and the leader would be the youngest son of the current Xiao Clan Master, Xiao Juetian!" Xiao Lie said slowly.

Xiao Che was silent for a moment after hearing the news. He then said, "If this is true, it seems a bit illogical. Although our Xiao Sect originated from a branch of the Xiao Clan over a hundred years ago, the Xiao Clan has always disregarded us. There has been no contact for over a century, and no one in the Xiao Clan would ever pay attention to our small sect. So why would they suddenly send people here? If they had ulterior motives... the Xiao Clan's power is immense; what could they possibly want from us? As for bestowing a favor, that's even less likely."

Xiao Lie shook his head. "Of course, there's a reason. Our Xiao Sect's founding ancestor, Xiao Bieli, was indirectly expelled by the Xiao Clan because his talent was simply too poor. His father was Xiao Zheng, an elder of the Xiao Clan's Enforcement Hall at the time. Not long ago, Xiao Zheng passed away. In his dying years, a person's thoughts are no longer about lifelong fame and fortune. He remembered his son, Xiao Bieli, whom he hadn't seen in over a hundred years, and felt remorse. So, he left a will, hoping that after his death, the Xiao Clan would find the descendants of Xiao Bieli's lineage and choose the most talented individual from the younger generation to bring back to the Xiao Clan for cultivation. This was meant to compensate for the past disregard and expulsion of Xiao Bieli."

An ordinary person's lifespan is barely a century, but once one's profound strength reaches a certain realm, living for several centuries is no problem at all. It is said that after breaking through the King Profound Realm, one's lifespan can extend to a thousand years. After hearing Xiao Lie's words, Xiao Che first pondered, then felt relieved. No wonder the Xiao Clan would suddenly visit; there was such a reason. It seemed the deceased Xiao Zheng still held some status in the Xiao Clan, as they at least respected his dying wish. Xiao Che also understood why Xiao Lie said it had nothing to do with them. "Choosing the most talented individual to bring back to the Xiao Clan for cultivation"... that most talented individual certainly had nothing to do with him, Xiao Che.

However, it was conceivable how much the other elders' hearts would stir upon receiving this news. To be taken back to the Xiao Clan for cultivation? What a concept! If one of their sons or grandsons was chosen and brought back to the Xiao Clan, it would be like transforming overnight from an earthworm in the mud to a golden dragon in the clouds! Their direct lineage would also soar, becoming fearless not just in the Xiao Sect but throughout Cloudflow City. If anyone dared to disobey, merely uttering the words "Xiao Clan" would make even the City Lord not dare to utter a single retort.

Xiao Lie's expression appeared very calm, but the disappointment he tried to hide still didn't escape Xiao Che's eyes. Within the Xiao Sect, no one didn't yearn for the Xiao Clan; even Xiao Che himself had felt that way before today. And this visit from the Xiao Clan was undoubtedly the closest the Xiao Sect had ever come to them, as they could at least truly come into direct contact with people from the Xiao Clan. Others in the Xiao Sect might hold a sliver of hope, but Xiao Lie alone dared not even hope. Because no matter what, Xiao Che would never be the one the Xiao Clan would choose.

Xiao Che opened his mouth, wanting to say something to comfort his grandfather, but after deliberating for a long time, he couldn't utter a single word. The condition of his profound veins was clearly evident; what good would any flowery or pleasant words do?

"Although this shouldn't concern us, it's probably for the best. Even though the Xiao Clan is as vast as the heavens, if we went there, we'd only be at the very bottom. How could that compare to the freedom and peace we have here in Cloudflow City?" Xiao Lie chuckled casually, then sat down at the dining table. "Come, finish your breakfast with Grandpa."

Upon leaving Xiao Lie's courtyard, Xiao Che immediately sensed a distinct change in the atmosphere of the entire Xiao Sect. Normally, at this time, many people would be doing morning exercises, but now, a glance revealed only a scattered few, most of whom were hurrying with excitement etched on their faces.

"It seems everyone wants to climb this high branch of the Xiao Clan, but is it really good to achieve success overnight? They don't even consider that even if they did go to the Xiao Clan, they'd probably just be the lowest-ranking grunts," Xiao Che remarked indifferently.

"Jealousy?" Xia Qingyue asked expressionlessly.

"Absolutely not!" As soon as he said it, Xiao Che realized that Xia Qingyue, standing beside him, was a disciple of the Ice Cloud Asgard, a place not inferior to the Xiao Clan. He could only pout and say, "You're different from them... Never mind, pretend I didn't say anything."

Xia Qingyue stopped acknowledging him. She took a step, seemingly a very slow one, yet she had already moved seven or eight body lengths past Xiao Che. With another step, she left Xiao Che even further behind. Xiao Che stopped walking, gazing in astonishment at Xia Qingyue, who moved with elegant steps yet seemed like an illusion. He whispered, "Is that the legendary 'Ice-Shattering Snow Dance Steps' of the Ice Cloud Asgard? This woman's profound strength is indeed not as simple as merely being in the Elementary Profound Realm."

"Oh! Isn't that Brother Xiao Che!"

A voice came from the right. Xiao Che turned and saw Xiao Yang walking towards him. Xiao Yang usually acted arrogant towards him, completely disregarding him. This was the first time he had ever taken the initiative to greet Xiao Che.

"Brother Xiao Yang, you're up early," Xiao Che turned around and greeted him with a friendly expression.

"What a coincidence, I was just about to look for you. I didn't expect to run into you here," Xiao Yang said, walking closer with a chuckle.

"Brother Xiao Yang, are you looking for me for something?" Xiao Che asked with a surprised look.

"Indeed," Xiao Yang nodded. "Actually, Brother Yulong asked me to call for you. He said you're the youngest among us, yet the first to get married. As fellow sect brothers, we should at least celebrate a little with you. Besides, there were too many people at yesterday's wedding banquet, and we couldn't drink to our heart's content. How about we have a small drink and some breakfast together this morning? Do you have time?"

Inviting him for a drink so early in the morning? It seemed Xiao Yulong's patience wasn't that great after all. Xiao Che sneered inwardly. He knew exactly why Xiao Yulong was looking for him. Immediately, he put on an expression of flattered excitement and exclaimed, "Brother Yulong really asked for me? Yes! Of course, I have time! Since Brother Yulong called for me, how could I not have time! So... shall we go now?"

Xiao Che's expression made Xiao Yang secretly sneer with disdain. He nodded and said, "Of course, let's go."

Xiao Yulong's courtyard was at least four or five times larger than Xiao Che's, lavishly decorated, and even had dedicated servant girls.

In the northern part of the courtyard's center was a square pavilion, and on the round table within, drinks and food were already laid out. Xiao Yulong raised his wine cup, a gentle, warm smile on his face. "Brother Xiao Che, you've married the first 'Bright Pearl' of our Cloudflow City. Allow me to congratulate you once more. As your older brother, it seems I also need to put in some effort."

"Thank you, Brother Yulong." Xiao Che also quickly raised his wine cup, his face flushed with excitement. "Actually... to be honest, my marriage is a small, insignificant matter. The one who truly deserves congratulations is you, Brother Yulong."

"Oh?" Xiao Yulong looked puzzled, smiling. "Congratulate me? I'm not sure I understand."

Xiao Che said with a serious expression, "Does Brother Yulong not know that the Xiao Clan will soon be sending people to choose the most talented individual from the younger generation to take back to the Xiao Clan? Among the younger generation of our Xiao Sect, in terms of talent, status, appearance, and character, who can compare to Brother Yulong? So, the one who will be taken back to the Xiao Clan this time will definitely be Brother Yulong. This is truly a momentous joyful occasion!"

"Yes! That's right, the one the Xiao Clan will choose this time is definitely Big Brother! With Big Brother here, no one else should even think about it," Xiao Yang quickly added. His aptitude in the Xiao Sect was only upper-middle, and knowing his own capabilities, he dared not have any aspirations regarding the Xiao Clan matter. Among the Xiao Sect, Xiao Yulong was undoubtedly the most likely candidate. He had followed Xiao Yulong for years, and if Xiao Yulong could enter the Xiao Clan, it would be entirely beneficial for him. He even began to feel fortunate that flattering Xiao Yulong all these years had been the most correct decision.

Xiao Yulong, however, shook his head and said with a humble expression, "You're giving me too much credit. We have so many excellent brothers and sisters in our Xiao Sect. In terms of profound strength, I'm fortunate to be first, but as for aptitude, I wouldn't dare say. Still, I will strive for it. Come, Brother Xiao Che, let's toast to your joy yesterday."

Although his tone was casual, deep within Xiao Yulong's eyes, a fervent madness burned more intensely than anyone else's.

After finishing a cup of wine, Xiao Che's face turned flushed. Xiao Yang leaned closer at this moment, grinning. "Brother Xiao Che, you married the most beautiful woman in Cloudflow City yesterday. We brothers are truly envious of your good fortune with women. The enjoyment in the bridal chamber last night... Heh heh, it must have been quite exhilarating, right?"

Xiao Yulong raised his wine cup, a smile on his face, but his gaze was fixed on Xiao Che's face and eyes, ready to see an embarrassed expression. However, the moment Xiao Yang finished speaking, Xiao Che's eyes gleamed, and a lecherous grin, one that all men understood, appeared on his face. He leaned his head towards Xiao Yang, lowered his voice, and chuckled, "Of course! Heh heh heh heh... Brother Xiao Yang, let me tell you, women are indeed all the same. Xia Qingyue usually looks like a proud peacock, but once in bed, she's completely a slut! Those moans, that feeling, it was more than just exhilarating! Heh heh heh heh..."

As Xiao Che spoke, his eyes narrowed, his face flushed, and he wore a look of utter intoxication.

*Smash*...

The wine cup in Xiao Yulong's hand was directly crushed, and the fragments scattered across the table.