Support me at patreon for 60+ advanced chapters :
patreon.com/YaoIk
**
Wei Yang cast a veiled glance at Xiao Yan, quietly shaking his head in his heart.
How could the subtle gestures between the two brothers possibly escape his notice?
They had deliberately concealed the truth about the heirloom jade passed down in their family.
But Wei Yang could understand.
After all, that piece of jade wasn't just tied to the life or death of their father—
More importantly, it involved immense, far-reaching implications. The near annihilation of the Xiao Clan itself had been set into motion because of it. So it was perfectly natural for the two brothers to treat the matter with extreme caution.
Human nature.
That jade was now in Xiao Yan's hands. Through his little girlfriend, Gu Xun'er, he had already learned its true origins.
It was known as the Tuo She Ancient God Jade—a part of the key that connected to the final Dou Di.
"What do you plan to do now?" Wei Yang asked.
Xiao Yan let out a long breath and only responded after steadying his emotions: "My second brother wants to make a name for himself in the Black-Corner Region, so I brought him here today to let him use Qingshan City as a foothold."
"That's nothing. He can stay right here in the City Lord's Mansion," Wei Yang nodded, then looked at Xiao Li and said, "You can temporarily stay here with me. Take some time to get familiar with the area and recover from your injuries. We'll talk again once you've healed."
Xiao Li immediately stood up and clasped his fists. "Thank you, Master Wei."
Wei Yang waved it off casually. "It's nothing. Treat this place like your own."
Then he glanced at Ah Da and smiled at Xiao Li. "Go with him and get settled in—rest and recover."
"Alright." Xiao Li nodded and turned to leave with Ah Da.
Watching his brother's retreating figure, Xiao Yan finally felt a bit of relief.
Letting Xiao Li stay in Qingshan City truly set his mind at ease.
He smiled at Wei Yang. "Brother Wei, I've troubled you again."
"Enough of that." Wei Yang stood up and walked over to sit beside Xiao Yan. He patted his shoulder and asked, "What's your plan now?"
"Don't worry, I'm not going to act recklessly. I was just a little blinded by rage earlier."
Xiao Yan clenched his teeth and said, "I know I'm not strong enough yet. But once I am… I'll go back. When that day comes, the blood debt of the Xiao Clan—I'll make the Yun Lan Sect repay it a hundredfold!"
"You don't need my help now?" Wei Yang was slightly surprised.
He had thought Xiao Yan came here this time to ask for his help in destroying the Yun Lan Sect.
Honestly, he himself felt pretty pissed off too.
He had personally gone to the Yun Lan Sect to support Xiao Yan back then, and they had agreed to call all grievances settled.
But now, barely a year later, the Yun Lan Sect had the audacity to strike against the Xiao Clan?
Wasn't that a blatant slap in Wei Yang's face?
Yun Shan, you old dog…!
Wei Yang felt deeply insulted.
He had originally thought that if Xiao Yan opened his mouth and asked for help, he'd agree without hesitation. He'd even send Unicorn to the Jia Ma Empire to raze Cloud Mist Mountain to the ground.
That way, he could vent his anger and earn a huge favor at no cost. A win-win.
But to his surprise, Xiao Yan had chosen… to endure?
…
"Heh." Xiao Yan grinned, watching the slightly astonished Wei Yang. "With a powerful backer like you around, I'd be a fool not to rely on you. I do need your help—but not yet."
"Let's hear it," Wei Yang leaned back against the chair.
"It's not that I don't want revenge right away… it's that this whole incident ties into a far more terrifying and mysterious force. We can't afford to act just yet." Xiao Yan's expression turned dark as he looked at Wei Yang. "I wonder, Brother Wei—have you ever heard of a group called the Hall of Souls?"
"Hall of Souls?" Wei Yang's eyebrows rose. He glanced at Xiao Yan and nodded. "Yeah, I've heard of them."
"I figured you would," Xiao Yan said, unsurprised. After all, Wei Yang seemed to have extensive knowledge of what went on in Central Plains.
In the Northwestern Region, the Hall of Souls might be shrouded in mystery—but in Central Plains, almost every mid-to-high level leader of a significant power would be aware of their existence.
Then, Xiao Yan gritted his teeth and said, "That night... those shadowy figures lurking in the darkness, the ones who unleashed black chains and dragged away my clansmen—they were from the Hall of Souls."
"The Hall's Protectors," Wei Yang said softly.
"That's right. Don't you find it strange, Brother Wei? Why would someone as powerful as a Protector from the Hall of Souls target a small clan like the Xiao Clan? We have nothing to do with them!"
Wei Yang nodded slightly.
"I couldn't figure it out before either—why a vast, secretive force like the Hall of Souls would get entangled with my tiny Xiao Clan. But now… I understand." Xiao Yan's face darkened.
Wei Yang looked intently at Xiao Yan.
But Xiao Yan only shook his head lightly, his face apologetic. "I'm sorry, Brother Wei. I can't tell you the full story yet. This matter is far too sensitive. I don't want to drag you into it… and it also concerns my father's life. I hope you understand."
"I can only tell you this much: the Hall of Souls is searching for something in my Xiao Clan… a key. But they didn't succeed." Xiao Yan cupped his fists. "Brother Wei, it's not that I don't trust you—it's just…"
"I understand." Wei Yang waved it off. "I've no interest in digging into what's behind all this. You don't need to explain."
"Thank you," Xiao Yan replied with a grateful smile.
"So… it was the Hall of Souls that took your father?" Wei Yang changed the subject.
"Yes," Xiao Yan nodded. "My father is still alive. As long as they haven't found that key, I believe he'll be safe for the time being."
"This time, they only dispatched a Protector-level figure. And from what I've learned, there are other powerful and mysterious forces who've been monitoring the Hall of Souls closely—so their top experts don't dare to move rashly."
"The Xiao Clan hasn't been wiped out yet. My big brother is still in the Jia Ma Empire, hiding with the surviving members of our clan."
"Right now, the only thing I can do is make myself stronger—as fast as possible. Someday, I'll make them pay in blood!"
Xiao Yan's voice was cold and full of killing intent. His once-bright and handsome face was now devoid of its usual cheerful smile, replaced by a chill and sharp edge.
A person only truly changes after surviving catastrophe.
Xiao Yan had clearly matured through this ordeal. He was no longer as impulsive and hot-blooded as before.
He looked at Wei Yang and said solemnly, "I'm still too weak right now. And the Yun Lan Sect… they've got the Hall of Souls behind them. I can't act rashly—I need time to grow."
"When the time comes and I've amassed enough power, I'll return for vengeance. I'll wipe out the Yun Lan Sect and destroy the Hall of Souls! When that day comes, I hope Brother Wei will lend me a hand."
"Of course, of course." Wei Yang nodded without hesitation. "Leave Yun Shan to me. I don't like that guy anyway."
Warmth surged in Xiao Yan's heart. He said with rare solemnity, "Brother Wei, I will never forget your kindness for as long as I live."
Xiao Yan truly was touched.
At his most difficult moment, Wei Yang stood up without hesitation, publicly declaring his support—completely ignoring the potential consequences of offending the Hall of Souls.
As the saying goes: true friendship is revealed in times of adversity.
And this wasn't the first time Wei Yang had helped him either.
Truly… a worthy comrade from his homeland.
"Hey~" Wei Yang waved a hand. "Cut the sentimentality. We both understand each other."
"Mm." Xiao Yan nodded firmly.
Just then Yao Lao's figure slowly drifted out from the ring.
"Teacher."
"Senior."
Yao Lao wore a gentle, pleased smile. He looked at Wei Yang, then at Xiao Yan, stroking his beard as he said, "Little Yan, you've matured greatly. Your mindset is much more composed and steady now. And you, Wei brat, you've done well too. You're both excellent."
At that moment, Yao Lao felt deeply gratified.
Though he had once made a grave mistake in judgment, he hadn't been wrong a second time.
The heavens hadn't treated him unfairly. Even in his darkest hour, he'd encountered two outstanding young men—one was his last disciple, and the other, practically half a disciple as well.
What more could he ask for?
--------------------------------------------
Support me at patreon for 60+ advanced chapters :
patreon.com/YaoIk