On the way back to Shishemoc City, in order to confirm Xiang Yan's identity, Xue Lan subtly asked a few questions, but each time they were vaguely brushed off by Xiang Yan. With that, she could only sigh and glance at him with growing impatience. Although Xiang Yan had not explicitly confirmed it, after carefully studying the young man's appearance, Xue Lan finally became certain—this aspiring Du Sheng-level youth was indeed the one Xiang Ding and Xiang Li had spoken of as their strange, unusually developed younger brother, Xiang Yan. Once convinced of his identity, Xue Lan's gaze toward Xiang Yan softened, no longer carrying the initial wariness, but instead filled with gentle warmth. As the journey progressed and the two conversed freely, the outline of a vast city situated at the eastern periphery of the Tagoer Desert gradually came into view. Staring at the stone-mountain city in the distance, not only did Xue Lan and her companions exhale in relief, but even Xiao Yan himself seemed to smile with renewed warmth. After days of grueling training and walking through the desert, he had been mentally and physically drained, and now that he had a place to rest, he felt genuinely excited. Amid the cheers of the group, Xiao Yan and the others gradually arrived at the city gates and flowed into the city. Compared to cities within the Empire, the desert city appeared more simple and solid—perhaps due to its proximity to the Tagoer Desert—its defenses were notably more rigorous. Throughout the city, soldiers in full armor were constantly patrolling. Once inside, Xiao Yan followed Xue Lan and the group toward the southern part of the city. After turning several streets, a courtyard emerged in sight, spacious enough to rival the Xiu Family's grand courtyard in Wutan City. Above the courtyard, a banner flutters in the wind, bearing the words "Mòti Corps of Mercenaries," subtly exuding an aura of resilience and strength. Outside the main courtyard, several sturdy men stand straight, holding their weapons, their sharp eyes scanning the pedestrians entering and exiting. From the faint scent of blood emanating from their bodies, it's clear they are true warriors who have fought through countless battles—far beyond the mere "mercenaries" who merely carry a weapon at their waist. "Heading toward the courtyard, Xue Lan smiled at Xiao Yan, her smile carrying a touch of pride. Nodding with a warm smile, Xiao Yan was somewhat amazed—within just a few years, his elder and second brothers had established a strong presence in this unfamiliar place, a feat that truly impressed him. From childhood, he had always known that if it were him, he would never have achieved such success. "Brother is always clever and strategic, even Father often praises him; Brother Two is cautious and resolute, adept at handling affairs with both grace and firmness, employing decisive measures. Together, with their outstanding cultivation talents, they truly form an ideal partnership—no wonder they've achieved so much," Xiao Yan thought, recalling his father's previous commendations of his two elder brothers, and couldn't help but chuckle internally. "Xue Lan, are you both all right? I heard from the one who just returned that you were attacked by serpent people?" As they entered the courtyard, a large man at the entrance approached, smiling warmly and asking Xue Lan. "We're fine." "Wave casually, Xue Lan smiled and asked, "Are the two commanders here?" "Indeed, both are." The large man nodded with a smile, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yan beside him, finally settling on his face, where a warm chuckle escaped him. "Since we learned the young man's name, the two commanders have been so excited they've hardly been able to sit still... It's rare to see the usually calm and composed commanders so visibly enthusiastic." Xiao Yan smiled gently, a warm feeling flowing through him. He nodded politely to the large man and then followed Xue Lan, who was lightly covering her mouth with a soft smile, into the courtyard. Following Xue Lan through several narrow paths, they encountered many members of the Mo Ti Regiment. Each time they saw Xiao Yan, a look of surprise appeared on their faces, followed by quiet murmurs. "Ah, the two commanders often speak of you. It seems the messenger I sent back earlier has already spread the word about you." Gazing at the expressions of the mercenaries around her, Xue Lan tilted her head and smiled gently. With a faint sigh of amusement, Xiao Yan nodded—seeming to have guessed the relationship between himself and his two elder brothers. Following Xue Lan down another narrow path, a spacious hall came into view. Standing outside, Xiao Yan listened to the two familiar male voices echoing from within, his nose suddenly tinged with a subtle warmth. Unlike the Xiao Ning and others within his family, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were truly his blood relatives—true brothers by blood. No matter how composed Xiao Yan might be, the deep bond of kinship stirred within him, causing an undeniable surge of emotion and slight excitement. A young man dressed in the attire of a mercenary stood tall and straight, his dark eyes conveying a blend of languid calm and sharp intensity. A warm smile played upon his face, though beneath it lay a subtle, wolfish ferocity—evident that though he appeared amiable, he was in fact a staunch defender, one who would not yield unless provoked, and even then, would leave his adversary with a bitter complaint. Upon opening the door and encountering the suddenly appearing youth, the young man was momentarily taken aback. Then, his body stiffened abruptly, and the composed, fierce expression on his face vanished entirely, replaced by a rare, genuine, and radiant warmth that spread across his features. Gazing at the young man's warm smile, Xiao Yan's nose flushed slightly, and his eyes grew moist. In the family, even after he had fallen to the status of a useless member, the young man had always carefully preserved his dignity—like a fierce wolf, biting every family member who dared to mock him, leaving them bruised and wounded. Afterward, he would often bring those injuries to him, smiling gently and offering comforting words as Xiao Yan sat down, defeated and subdued. "Second brother..." Wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, Xiao Yan stared at the young man, his voice trembling as he called out. "Haha, haha... Little Yan has truly come! That's wonderful!" Seeing the boy's expression, the young man broke into a series of clumsy, bright smiles, then stepped forward quickly, tightly embracing Xiao Yan and giving his shoulders a firm, enthusiastic pat—his voice equally filled with excitement and joy. Xiao Yan, his childhood endearing nickname, made Xiao Yan smile gently as he subtly wiped away the mist in his eyes with his palm, chuckling, "Second Brother, are you trying to kill me?" "Little one, you're quite impressive—your peculiar condition has finally been resolved," Xiao Li said, releasing Xiao Yan and patting his shoulder as he scanned him over with a pleased expression. "Indeed," Xiao Yan nodded with a smile. "Come on, let's go—let's head over to your elder brother first. He's been waiting for you quite some time." With that, Xiao Li grabbed Xiao Yan firmly, barely pausing to greet Xue Lan by the side, and strode into the hall. The young man in the white robe slowly rose, gazing steadily at the tall youth whose stature was nearly on par with Xiao Li, a soft warmth and tenderness flickering in his eyes as he smiled. "Brother," Xiao Yan took a deep breath, calming the fluctuations within him, and his expression gradually smoothed out, becoming as serene and composed as that of the young man in the white robe. "Brother, you've grown even more handsome and refined." Seeing Xiao Yan so easily master his emotions, the young man in the white robe was clearly taken aback, nodding in admiration. "Little one, it seems you've undergone quite a journey since we left. Your composure and inner strength are truly remarkable—perhaps even surpassing your second brother." "Though that atmosphere was quite taxing, I must admit, without that environment, I never would have reached where I am today," Xiao Yan said, spreading his hands with a smile. "Hehe, you've made it this far—naturally that's good. Your second brother has always complained that I didn't take you with me back then. But during our travels throughout the Gamma Empire, we've nearly died several times. If I'd had you along, wouldn't that have put you in greater danger? Staying within the family, under your father's care from a young age, would have been more secure," Xiao Ding smiled. It's only been a few years, yet they're already nearly catching up to us? "Yes, just recently, during a training expedition, I've reached the Battle Master rank." "Hmph, truly impressive—such a swift pace of cultivation; even at your peak in childhood, you'd have surpassed this, wouldn't you?" Hearing Xiao Yan nod, both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were struck in amazement. "Well, one has to work hard at cultivation, after all—the three-year deadline is approaching..." Xiao Yan shrugged and smiled. "Three-year deadline?" Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were momentarily taken aback. Then, Xiao Li's smile gradually faded, and his voice grew cold and sharp: "I heard that Lan Yanran from the Lan family has actually come to the family to pressure our father into dissolving the marriage contract." "Indeed, they've been rather unreasonable..." Xiao Ding smiled calmly, his expression carrying a subtle coldness. With the strength of the Mòti Guild, it was truly impossible to challenge Yunlan Sect at this moment. Yet, Xiao Ding had always been skilled in patience and restraint—through years of steady development, his ability to endure had reached a refined mastery. In the city of Shishemo, the reputations of the cunning fox Xiao Ding and the fierce wolf Xiao Li had once sent their rivals to sleepless nights of anxiety. "Heh, I'll handle all these matters. You and your brother, just focus on building and expanding your own power. Who knows—perhaps one day I'll offend some important figure, and then I'll need you both to keep me safe..." Xiao Yan shook his head, chuckling with a touch of amusement. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged a glance, their faces blooming with gentle smiles as they softly said, "No matter what happens in the future, just remember that we are brothers. When we founded the Mo Tie Guild, together with your second brother, our intention was to build a secure home for you in the years ahead. However, looking at your current situation, it seems as though our protection is no longer necessary." Xiao Yan smiled, his expression filled with heartfelt emotion.