Wutan City.
As a city that once boasted three major families and a Miter Auction House,
after the Ao Ba Family and Jia Lie Family were eradicated, the Miter Auction House also lost its former dominance with Consort Ya's departure.
The current Xiao Family has become the largest family in Wutan City, without a doubt.
After a long absence, returning to the familiar Wutan City, Xiao Li felt quite emotional.
Wutan City had also undergone significant changes.
The market districts that once belonged to the three major families now all bore the flag of the Xiao Family.
This was all due to Xiao Li's efforts.
It was Xiao Li who had dealt with the other two families, thus establishing the Xiao Family's current influence.
"Is this Young Master Xiao Li's hometown?" Green Scale's small eyes curiously surveyed her surroundings.
She had only traveled through three cities: Stone Desert City, Jia Ma Imperial Capital, and now Wutan City.
Each of the three cities had its own unique characteristics.
Stone Desert City epitomized desert charm, the Jia Ma Imperial Capital was a symbol of prosperity, while Wutan City offered a taste of local customs and traditions, each with its own distinct flavor.
"Yes, this is my hometown. You can look around more." Xiao Li patted the little girl's head and walked towards the Xiao Family compound.
As they passed through the Xiao Family's original market district, many Xiao Family members recognized Xiao Li and immediately cheered with joy,
"Young Master Xiao Li? You're back!"
"It's Young Master Xiao Li!"
"It really is Young Master Xiao Li!"
Xiao Li's popularity within the Xiao Family was already high.
Especially during the commercial war with the Jia Lie Family, Xiao Li brought a large quantity of healing medicines, directly establishing the Xiao Family's position.
It was from that time onwards that not only the Xiao Family, but the entire Wutan City knew of Xiao Li!
So, his return now caused quite a stir of excitement among many people.
In response, Xiao Li smiled and greeted them one by one,
"Hello everyone, long time no see."
"The Young Master is so popular." Green Scale thought in surprise.
Soon, the two returned to the Xiao Family.
News of Xiao Li's return had already spread through others' mouths to the Xiao Family.
Thus, when Xiao Li returned, Xiao Zhan was already waiting at the entrance.
"Second Brother, you're back."
"Father, why did you personally come out to greet me?" Xiao Li quickly stepped forward.
"Hahaha, I'm just eager to see how much our Second Brother has changed." Xiao Zhan laughed heartily.
Then, he noticed Green Scale beside him: "Second Brother, she is?"
"Oh, this is Green Scale. She was originally a maid in Big Brother's mercenary group. I went to Big Brother's place, and for various reasons, I temporarily kept her by my side as a maid," Xiao Li explained.
"Oh, oh." Xiao Zhan didn't pay much attention.
It was nothing for Xiao Li to have a maid to look after him while he was away.
"Where are Yu'er and Mei'er?" Xiao Li was still more concerned about them.
"They also wanted to come out and wait for you, but I told them to rest in their rooms because their due date is approaching, and I can't let them move around too much," Xiao Zhan said.
"Then I'll go see them first."
Xiao Li's return this time was because, calculating the time, Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei's due dates were also approaching… Soon, Xiao Li first arrived at Xiao Yu's room and saw her sitting on a rattan chair in the courtyard, with two maids fanning her.
"Xiao Li, you're back!"
Seeing Xiao Li, Xiao Yu's face immediately showed joy, and she quickly rose.
Xiao Li darted forward, grabbing her hand,
"Yu'er, you're pregnant now, you need to be careful with your movements."
"Don't worry, I'm not that fragile, I'm doing well." Xiao Yu's face showed a sweet smile.
"After so long, did you miss me?" Xiao Li kissed the woman's thin lips, gently stroking her swollen belly.
"Even if I missed you, you wouldn't come back, so it's better not to miss you." Xiao Yu pouted slightly.
"But didn't I come back now?" Xiao Li hugged her tightly.
After a while of tender affection with Xiao Yu, Xiao Li also went to Xiao Mei's courtyard.
Xiao Mei, like Xiao Yu, had a big belly, charming and beautiful.
"Xiao Li, you're back!"
The joy on the girl's face was evident, full of happiness.
"Yes, I'm back." Xiao Li rubbed the girl's head.
There was a countdown on the system for the due dates of Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei.
It showed that Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei's due dates were on the same day, with only three days left.
This was also why Xiao Li rushed back.
For such an important occasion, he definitely had to return personally to be by their side… Xiao Family Patriarch's Secret Ground.
"Father, is our Xiao Family's Patriarch's Jade Pendant on you?" Xiao Li asked.
Xiao Zhan raised an eyebrow: "Why do you want our Xiao Family's Patriarch's Jade Pendant? What, do you want to be the patriarch?"
"If you really have that idea, I can abdicate to you, just so I can relax and not have to manage so many things."
If Xiao Li really wanted to be the Xiao Family's patriarch, Xiao Zhan would definitely support it with both hands.
"No, I just want that jade pendant. That's not an ordinary jade pendant, but the legendary tuoshe ancient emperor's jade," Xiao Li said.
"tuoshe ancient emperor's jade… What is that?" Xiao Zhan heard this term for the first time.
So, Xiao Li could only briefly explain it to him, and clearly stated that a very powerful enemy was eyeing the tuoshe ancient emperor's jade.
Giving the tuoshe ancient emperor's jade to Xiao Li was the safest option.
"So that's how it is." Xiao Zhan suddenly understood.
Then, he took out the Patriarch's Jade Pendant: "This is it."
Xiao Li took the jade pendant; it felt very warm and smooth.
It looked like just a high-quality jade pendant; ordinary people might not even realize that this was the legendary tuoshe ancient emperor's jade.
But Xiao Li could feel that this jade pendant faintly contained a trace of profound power.
"Second Brother, are you really not considering becoming the patriarch?" Xiao Zhan was still a bit persistent.
He genuinely wanted Xiao Li to replace him and take over the Xiao Family.
"Wutan City is too small. My goals are very ambitious. Let's talk about it when I expand our Xiao Family's influence to the entire Jia Ma Empire, the entire Northwest Continent, and even the entire Dou Qi Continent," Xiao Li said with a smile.
Xiao Zhan did not insist but respected his choice,
"Alright, you young people should go out and explore. Let us old folks at home handle these matters."
...Xiao Xun'er was no longer in the Xiao Family; she had gone to Jia Nan Academy, so Xiao Li did not see her upon his return this time.
Although her time in the Xiao Family was merely to enjoy her childhood, it didn't mean she didn't need to grow.
If it weren't for her own unwillingness, the ancient clan would have long since sent people to bring her back.
Therefore, Xiao Li's next stop was the Black-Corner Region, where he could look for her then.
For now, Xiao Li still had to focus on the immediate matters.
Time passed day by day.
Three days later, Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei's due dates arrived as scheduled…