Chapter 73: Brother in Law
"You… You're the leader of the Xiao Clan?"
Yao Tian's expression was a spectacle of mixed emotions shock, awe, reverence, and even a trace of disbelief all flickered across his face.
The leader of the Xiao Clan was a true pinnacle figure on the continent, one of the strongest beings alive. To say he was second to only one was no exaggeration.
This was someone who could single handedly suppress the entire Yao Clan and who inspired countless young geniuses of the ancient clans to idolize and aspire to greatness.
"Yes, that's me." Xiao Shaopei nodded slightly, a warm smile gracing his face.
Since becoming the Xiao Clan leader, it had been a long time since he'd encountered someone looking at him with such reverence.
The elders in the clan were dour and robotic, like lifeless entities from the depths of coffins. Dealing with them every day made Xiao Shaopei feel like he was interacting with machines.
Yao Tian's admiration was a breath of fresh air, and Xiao Shaopei found it quite pleasing.
With a slight wave of his hand, he gently released Yao Tian's wrist, causing the younger man to stumble back a few steps without resistance.
"Young man, why resort to violence when words can resolve things?"
His face retained a calm and benevolent smile, radiating the aura of someone who had seen and weathered it all.
Hearing this, Yao Tian's expression softened slightly.
Despite his anger, Yao Tian was the strongest talent of the Yao Clan's current generation. Even when facing the Xiao Clan leader, he held onto a sliver of pride.
Taking a deep breath, Yao Tian bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Senior, I didn't mean to make trouble for the Xiao Clan's prodigy, but the person behind you has acted far too despicably.
"My sister came to the ruins of the Yin Yang Evil Saint to search for a Heavenly Flame. Out of respect for the Xiao Clan, she agreed to travel with him. But unexpectedly… this brat sullied her!"
"???"
Xiao Shaopei's kind smile froze for a moment.
He turned to look at Xiao Yan, his expression unreadable.
"Did you do this?"
Xiao Yan nodded and added with an air of grievance, "Clan leader, that young lady from the Yao Clan was refining the Yin Flame left by the Evil Saint. To save her, I had to sacrifice myself.
"She was a first timer, and so was I!"
As he spoke, Xiao Yan's expression carried a trace of indignation.
Xiao Shaopei's lips twitched.
"I finally understand why Lang Bi chose you."
"Lang Bi? Where is Lang Bi?" Xiao Yan's eyes lit up.
Looking at his shameless demeanor, Xiao Shaopei couldn't help but rub his forehead.
How did this rascal gain the clan elder's approval to become the Holy Son?
He glanced back at Yao Tian, whose forehead veins were bulging with rage, and cleared his throat.
"Young man, what's your name?" Xiao Shaopei asked.
Yao Tian gave Xiao Yan a hateful glare before bowing again. "Senior, I am Yao Tian."
"Oh, so you're Yao Tian, the famous talent of the Yao Clan?" Xiao Shaopei's eyes lit up, his expression becoming one of admiration.
"No wonder, no wonder. I was wondering how someone so young could already be a Half Saint.
"Haha, that old fellow Yao Dan has spoken of you often. Now that I've met you, it's clear you're a rising star destined to surpass the old generation."
"Y You flatter me, Senior."
Even Yao Tian, who was usually calm, couldn't help but blush slightly.
To be praised by such a legendary figure made his heart race, as if he were soaring through the clouds.
This feeling… it's like being handed the Yao Clan leader's throne, with him saying, 'I'm no longer worthy to lead. The future of the Yao Clan rests on your shoulders.'
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan's thoughts were far less respectful.
Man, the clan leader must've been a real smooth talker back in the day. No wonder he and the Yin Yang Evil Saint were such good buddies. They were probably two peas in a pod.
On the surface, however, Xiao Yan put on a look of gratitude.
"Thank you, Clan Leader, for helping me out."
Yao Tian, who had been basking in the praise, snapped back to reality.
"Senior, I'm truly honored by your kind words, but this matter still needs to be resolved." His tone turned serious.
"What, you still want to fight?" Xiao Shaopei's face darkened.
"N No, I wouldn't dare!" Yao Tian stammered, visibly startled. He composed himself and said, "I just wish for this person to accompany me back to the Yao Clan to apologize to my sister in person."
Xiao Shaopei turned to Xiao Yan and gave him a meaningful look.
"I can't go right now. I still have things to take care of," Xiao Yan said, shaking his head.
"Clean up your own mess." Xiao Shaopei's gaze bore into him.
"It's the elder's orders," Xiao Yan replied nonchalantly.
"You should've said so earlier. No problem!" Xiao Shaopei's demeanor changed instantly upon hearing the mention of the elder.
"Yao Tian," he said, walking over to the young man and placing a friendly hand on his shoulder.
"Do you know about the Xiao Clan's Holy Son?"
"I've heard the name but don't know much," Yao Tian admitted.
"Come here, let me explain." Xiao Shaopei pulled Yao Tian aside and began whispering.
Xiao Yan couldn't hear their conversation, but he noticed Yao Tian's expressions shifting disdain turned to shock, then respect, and finally… a trace of familial warmth.
Even Xiao Wu, watching from a distance, was stunned.
The clan leader's always been so dignified. Now he's… wheeling and dealing like this?
After a while, Yao Tian bowed deeply to Xiao Shaopei before walking toward Xiao Yan.
"Brother in law, what are you doing?" Xiao Yan took a step back, wary.
But with Xiao Shaopei present, he felt a glimmer of hope that he wouldn't be harmed.
"Smack!" Yao Tian's hand landed heavily on Xiao Yan's shoulder, nearly dispersing his Dou Qi wings.
"Clan leader! He's trying to kill me!" Xiao Yan yelped.
But Yao Tian leaned in close and whispered, "Brother in law, work hard in your cultivation. Once you've reached the rank of a nine star alchemist, come to the Yao Clan and marry my sister properly."
With that, Yao Tian stepped into the void and vanished.
"What just happened?" Xiao Yan asked, baffled, turning to Xiao Shaopei.
"What did you say to him?"
"I simply explained your identity as the Holy Son and clarified the benefits and consequences of crossing you." Xiao Shaopei's smug grin made it clear he was proud of himself.
"Clan leader, you're quite the diplomat," Xiao Yan said, bowing respectfully.
"Thank you for stepping in."
"You're the Holy Son of our clan. Technically, we're equals in rank," Xiao Shaopei replied, waving him off.
"My rank comes from the elder. Yours is earned through your strength. In my eyes, you're like the moon on a dark night unparalleled except by the elder himself," Xiao Yan said earnestly.
"Ah, flattery feels so good." Xiao Shaopei's smile widened, his admiration for Xiao Yan growing.
"Thick skinned and talented. You'll go far."
"You're too kind, Clan Leader."
"Ha!" Xiao Shaopei chuckled.
His gaze turned toward the ancient city in the distance, his eyes gleaming with anticipation and nostalgia.
"After a thousand years, Lang Bi… I'm here to save you!"
Suddenly, a loud banging noise echoed from the direction of a massive cauldron nearby.
Xiao Yan's expression shifted instantly.
"Oh no! Old Wu's still inside!"
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