The mountains southeast of the Great Forbidden Kingdom stretched on endlessly, cradling numerous rare treasures and natural wonders. The very air was thick with potent tiandi yuanqi, and the major peaks and lakes were teeming with formidable beasts and spiritual entities, creating a vibrant, almost wild energy throughout the range. The Xiao Family, one of the Seven Great Clans, was situated right in the heart of this domain.

Half a month later, Ji Changkong arrived here with Xiao Shu and a contingent from the Xiao Family, having traveled from Xuanyuan Valley. Having grown up in these mountains, Xiao Shu knew every hidden path. Upon entering the territory, he took the lead, guiding them deep into the secluded, quiet corners where the Xiao Family maintained their primary residence.

This mountain range was vast, saturated with an exceptionally dense flow of tiandi yuanqi. Countless individuals cultivated the Way of the Heavenly Scholar across the realm, and any location deemed suitable for such practice invariably held inhabitants. This area was no exception; it was also home to several established Heavenly Scholar sects and families.

As Xiao Shu led Ji Changkong through the dense forest and along rugged, seldom-used mountain paths, they encountered several young men and women out gathering herbs or frolicking with spirit beasts. Upon seeing Xiao Shu, their expressions shifted to slight deference, and they quickly offered greetings. Xiao Shu maintained a stern countenance, his face rigid and sharply delineated.

He merely gave a curt nod to these individuals, speaking not a single word. Though many Heavenly Scholar sects and families resided nearby, they all looked to the Xiao Family as their undisputed leader. It was much like how every faction in Yinlong Abyss had to defer to the Du Family; here, the Xiao Family held the final say.

This explained the respectful demeanor of the younger cultivators when they saw Xiao Shu. Passing through a narrow gorge, a wide, flat expanse suddenly opened up. Here, clustered stone towers soared upward, interspersed with graceful cranes gracefully dancing and various gentle-natured spirit beasts pacing lazily among a few indolent-looking youths without any sign of alarm.

A clear, tranquil lake spilled several narrow streams that wound around the stone buildings, the water murmuring softly as it flowed past. Behind these structures rose a mountain peak of uneven height, which, viewed from afar, resembled a crouching white tiger lying on its side, emitting an aura of desolate, chilling severity. This location possessed both water and shelter from the wind—undeniably an auspicious site from a feng shui perspective.

“Brother, Chu Shanxin is here again…” A youth, as slender as Xiao Shu, reclined lazily beside the small lake, a blade of green grass dangling from the corner of his mouth. Seeing Xiao Shu return, he murmured with a peculiar smile. Xiao Shu’s face instantly darkened with displeasure.

“Haha! Big Brother, you look terrible!” The languid youth burst into laughter, glancing askance at Xiao Shu and teasing, “That woman has eyes too high for any man in the Xiao Family to subdue. My condolences, Brother…” “Xiao Ying, are you referring to me when you call her ‘that woman’?” A tall, striking woman suddenly appeared, smiling faintly from the window ledge of one of the stone towers.

Her face was flushed with natural beauty, and her almond-shaped eyes held a faint, alluring mist that captivated like the lake water below. Her red lips were curved into an enigmatic half-smile, creating a strange illusion that everything was within her complete control. Her form-fitting gauze training robe accentuated her gracefully curved figure—long, proportionate legs, a full bust, and hips that rose into a temptingly alluring sweep, making one desperately wish to reach out and pinch them.

A smile perpetually graced her face; she leaned slightly over the window ledge, her perfectly curved rear slightly elevated, revealing tantalizing contours even from the front view. The young men of the Xiao Family scattered in various spots were all flushed scarlet, their gazes locked solely on her. She was like a super-magnet, drawing the attention of every man inward.

“No, definitely not!” Xiao Ying, who moments before had been casually mocking his elder brother, suddenly forced a wry smile. He shrugged helplessly toward Xiao Shu with his back to Chu Shanxin, seemingly afraid of drawing the woman’s ire. Xiao Ying walked directly toward them, brushed past Xiao Shu, and exited through the narrow, secluded path they had taken to arrive.

Ji Changkong blinked, looking curiously at Xiao Shu, then glanced up at Chu Shanxin, half-leaning against the window frame. A hint of playful amusement touched the corner of his mouth. The surrounding Xiao youths had yet to recover from Chu Shanxin’s captivating allure, still staring at her dumbstruck, clearly lost in a daze.

The sharp, rigid lines of Xiao Shu’s cold face twisted slightly; he appeared unnerved, losing his usual detached composure. Whatever existed between him and Chu Shanxin, his gaze toward her held a complex mixture of affection and resentment. “Oh…” Chu Shanxin sighed delicately, as if only just noticing Xiao Shu.

She smiled sweetly and said, “Xiao Shu, you’re back. Perfect timing, I was afraid I wouldn't see you this time.” Xiao Shu tugged at his lip, looking at her unwillingly, and grunted, “Why have you come to my Xiao Family again?” “I came to see Uncle Xiao, and incidentally… to see you, Xiao Shu. We haven’t seen each other in ages!

What, are you unhappy to see me? Didn’t you always say you liked seeing me the most? Have you been deceiving me all this time?

You men are all the same—no good, saying one thing and meaning another.” Chu Shanxin’s eyes glittered strangely, and she pursed her red lips, displaying a melancholic expression that possessed its own unique charm. An uninformed observer might mistake her display for the height of romantic devotion toward Xiao Shu. Not only was Xiao Shu unaffected, but his expression suddenly turned grim.

He stated coldly, “Miss Chu, stop talking nonsense.” “I just love how cold and proud you are, a little bit!” Chu Shanxin giggled ceaselessly, her frame shaking delicately, though it was unclear what amused her so. Xiao Shu kept a frosty face and ceased addressing Chu Shanxin, turning instead to Ji Changkong. “Follow me.

I’ll take you to meet the Patriarch.” Ji Changkong smiled and nodded, his gaze sweeping over Chu Shanxin on the stone tower ledge ahead. The corner of his mouth curved into a knowing angle. It seemed there truly was something between Xiao Shu and Chu Shanxin.

This woman was fiery in temperament, while Xiao Shu was cold as ice. He was rather curious whether fire would melt the ice, or ice would extinguish the flame between them. Chu Shanxin watched Xiao Shu with a pleasant smile, but paused slightly when her gaze fell upon Ji Changkong.

The Xiao Family rarely involved themselves in external affairs in recent years, and even less frequently associated with outside Heavenly Scholars. The way the Xiao members stood around Ji Changkong, subtly protecting him in the center, clearly indicated they placed immense importance on this young man. Xiao Shu was the leading candidate to become the next Family Head, and he had personally escorted a young outsider back to the clan.

Who was this person? Chu Shanxin was intensely curious but chose not to ask directly. Harboring her doubts, Chu Shanxin retreated from the window ledge back into the stone tower.

She glanced at the elderly man sitting quietly in a corner, her delicate eyebrows knitting slightly. “Xiao Shu brought someone back from outside. The Xiao Family rarely communicates with the outside world… I don’t know what they plan to do this time.

It’s truly strange…” Zhuang Yan opened her eyes; a flash of dark purple light vanished within them, and all traces of her aura immediately retracted into her chest. She stated, “Miss, this is the fifth time we have come to the Xiao Family.” “I understand,” Chu Shanxin nodded silently. “The Xiao Family is one of the Seven Great Clans.

Although this place is not within the territory of our Great Chu Garden, it is extremely close. If the Xiao Family were content to remain aloof from worldly affairs, that would be one thing. However, all signs suggest that while the Xiao Family avoids external conflicts, they have continuously been recruiting masters from all sides, building up their forces—seemingly preparing in secret.

The Xiao Family refuses to give us a clear answer, obviously unwilling to serve the Great Chu Garden. Yet, they reside so near to us…” Zhuang Yan spoke slowly. Chu Shanxin’s brows remained furrowed as she listened intently.

After Zhuang Yan finished, she spoke, “Any family or sect wishing to establish itself in this world requires commensurate strength. The Xiao Family’s diligent self-improvement over these years must have an underlying purpose. If that purpose benefits us, we can let them be.

Otherwise…” “It is good that Miss has a clear idea,” Zhuang Yan smiled with relief. Then, as if changing her thoughts to something else, she remarked, “Miss, Xiao Shu could be a breakthrough point. Without any surprises, he is poised to become the next Xiao Family Head.

If you could win him over, the Xiao Family’s problem would naturally resolve itself.” “Xiao Shu…” Chu Shanxin shook her head and smiled. Addressing Zhuang Yan, she said, “It’s not that simple. In the face of family duty and honor, personal affections often prove insignificant.” “Furthermore, Xiao Shu shows no interest in me, and he’s a bit older.

Most importantly, he cannot even defeat me—how could he possibly sway me?” “The world is vast, but the young men who can surpass you and catch your eye are truly few. Miss’s standards are too high; will you remain solitary forever?” Zhuang Yan sighed softly. “Better to have nothing than something mediocre,” Chu Shanxin displayed a dazzling, radiant smile.

Stretching before Zhuang Yan, her supple chest seemed on the verge of bursting through her garments, outlining a breathtakingly beautiful curve. “Only a man who surpasses me in every aspect is qualified to pursue me. Xiao Shu… he is not worthy.” The Great Hall of the Xiao Family.

After bringing Ji Changkong here, Xiao Shu stood respectfully to one side. Xiao Xing, the Head of the Xiao Family and Xiao Shu’s father, along with several elders and family seniors, all rose simultaneously to greet Ji Changkong as he entered. “We have long heard that this generation of the Xuan lineage is exceptional.

Seeing you today, your reputation is indeed well-deserved.” Xiao Xing approached with a face full of smiles, grasping Ji Changkong’s hand with warm familiarity. “Xiao Shu must have told you about the relationship between the Xiao Family and the Ji Family. Changkong, do not feel constrained when you visit the Xiao Family; we are not outsiders.” “Uncle Xiao,” Ji Changkong bowed respectfully, a smile playing on his lips.

Inside the hall, the Xiao elders covertly sized up Ji Changkong, wishing to gauge whether this young man, whose fame had grown in recent years, truly possessed the qualifications to earn the Xiao Family’s recognition and obtain the ancient artifact they had preserved for so long from them. Xiao Xing led Ji Changkong to the center of the hall, engaging him in conversation with a smile, inquiring about the Ji Family’s situation and the recent movements around Blood Rain Mountain. Xiao Shu did not join them but conversed in a low voice with an elder sporting a long beard.

“Uncle Bai, what is the matter concerning Chu Shanxin’s visit to our Xiao Family this time?” Xiao Yong chuckled wryly. “What else could it be but demanding a clear answer? The Northern Barbarians have been increasingly active lately.

Rumor has it that masters from the Asura Royal Lineage are roaming the borders of the Great Chu Garden. The Chu Family is under great pressure and claims they need to borrow some manpower from us to help deal with those Asura masters.” “We are not vassals of their Chu Family; what right does the Chu Family have to command us?” Xiao Shu snorted, clearly displeased. “The Chu Family wants us to respond to the Northern Barbarian threat alongside them, like the Yu Chi Family of the Shangqing Sect.

That girl from the Chu Family has visited us repeatedly for this very purpose. Alas, the Chu Family is powerful, and resisting them constantly is not a sustainable solution. This time, that girl even brought Zhuang Yan, that old demoness.

It seems the Xiao Family’s patience is wearing thin,” Xiao Yong sighed helplessly, feeling considerable apprehension toward the Chu Family. The Wu, Huangfu, and Chu families—the three Royal Clans—were teeming with masters. Because they controlled the affairs of the entire domain, they acquired significantly more Heavenly Scholar resources than ordinary sects or families.

This advantage allowed them to recruit numerous powerful Heavenly Scholars to their service. Excluding the fact that they lacked a Nine Palaces Heavenly Scholar seat, their overall strength might even surpass that of the two great Heavenly Scholar holy lands, the Guiyuan Sect and the Qiankun Sect. “Third Uncle, as long as we maintain a strong alliance with the Ji Family, we need not fear the Chu Family!” Xiao Shu declared.

At these words, several Xiao Family elders and seniors nearby exchanged looks of astonishment. Xiao Yong, after a moment of surprise, asked curiously, “Xiao Shu, what are you saying? The Ji Family has always been secluded in a corner of Green Rock Mountain, never making any striking moves.

Even after relocating to Blood Rain Mountain, the Ji Family holds little sway in the Blood Rain Alliance. Why do you believe that securing friendship with the Ji Family will negate the threat from the Chu Family?” “The Ji Family is no longer what you imagine. Presently, the Ji Family has at least three Eight Trigrams Heavenly Scholars.

Furthermore, Ji Changkong himself possesses strength comparable to an Eight Trigrams Heavenly Scholar. If we add Old Man Li, the strength of the Ji Family is not inferior to any major family in the world. Combined with our Xiao Family, we truly need not fear their Chu Family!” Xiao Shu stated, emphasizing each word.

Xiao Yong’s face was etched with shock. “Xiao Shu, you aren't joking, are you? When did the Ji Family acquire such power?” “This time in Xuanyuan Valley, I witnessed many interesting events firsthand,” Xiao Shu lowered his voice and recounted in detail what he had seen in Xuanyuan Valley to these Xiao Family elders.

After Xiao Shu finished speaking, the expressions of the elderly Xiao Family members as they looked toward Ji Changkong in the distance had completely changed. “Blood Dragon Great Nine Styles!” On the other side, Ji Changkong exclaimed in disbelief, looking at Xiao Xing with surprise and excitement. “Uncle Xiao, my Ji Family’s Blood Dragon Great Nine Styles, is it truly held by your Xiao Family?” Xiao Xing smiled and nodded.

“Our ancestor instructed us to preserve the Blood Dragon Great Nine Styles. This secret technique is only meant for the Xuanyuan lineage of your Ji Family to cultivate. That is why, upon confirming you are the Ji Family’s Xuanyuan, I asked Xiao Shu to summon you over.”

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