Within the hall, a furious killing intent radiated from Xiao Yan, causing everyone to halt their actions, hearts pounding, eyes fixed on his grim visage, each one silent. "Junior Clan Leader... were those three mysterious figures from Yunlan Sect?" the Senior Elder said, his face slightly troubled. "Oh...," sighed the Senior Elder, gazing at Xiao Yan's fierce expression. After a moment of silence, he said, "Young Deputy, although I don't know the exact status of that mysterious figure within Yunlan Sect, judging by his strength, he must surely hold a high position." "Besides the Master and a few others, he is likely the most prominent figure in Yunlan Sect." "Indeed," nodded the Senior Elder, pondering. "Previously, your fierce battles against Yunlan Sect were due to the three-year agreement, and during that time, you didn't cause significant harm to their senior leadership. Therefore, Yunlan Sect does not harbor extreme resentment toward you. However, if this time you eliminate that mysterious powerhouse, the relationship between us will become utterly irreconcilable." "So, the Senior Elder means I should no longer concern myself with my father's fate?" Xiao Yan furrowed his brows, his voice slightly somber. "I misunderstood your intention." "Chuckles softly, the Senior Elder sighed, saying, 'All I wish to convey to the Junior Clan Heir is this: if you truly defeat that enigmatic figure, the relationship between the Xiao family and Yunlan Sect will inevitably deteriorate completely.' 'Last time, due to your three-year agreement with Nalan Yanran, Yunlan Sect had to concede and refrain from taking strong action against the Xiao family. Naturally, the sudden circumstances involving those three enigmatic masters from Yunlan Sect came as a surprise to everyone. However, should you now eliminate the enigmatic master of considerable standing within Yunlan Sect, I believe Yunlan Sect will surely send their representatives to actively target the Xiao family.' 'I'm not saying this to discourage the Junior Clan Heir from going to rescue the Clan Head. Rather, I hope that the Junior Clan Heir will take on the responsibility of acting as interim Clan Head, and devise a comprehensive strategy—so that even if unavoidable conflicts arise during the rescue mission with Yunlan Sect, the Xiao family's lineage can be preserved. The Clan Head has invested immense effort into this family, and I'm certain the Junior Clan Heir does not wish to see it fade away.' The gloom on his face gradually faded. Xiao Yan nodded—what the Senior Elder said did hold merit. At present, the Xiao family and Yunlan Sect were no longer on the same level of power. To completely destroy the Xiao family was entirely feasible. If Xiao Yan killed Yun Ling, it would provoke strong outrage from Yunlan Sect, and eventually, the Xiao family would inevitably be drawn into the conflict. Therefore, if he wished to journey to Yunlan Sect to recover his father, he must first secure a solid contingency plan for the Xiao family. The fingers that had been tapping suddenly stilled. Xiao Yan opened his eyes, slowly scanning the faces of the clan members around him, and finally settled on the three elders, his tone resolute. "No matter what, Father, I will absolutely recover him. Even if it means completely angering Yunlan Sect." The iron-clad measures previously employed to eliminate Jialebi and others had already firmly established Xiao Yan, who had only recently returned, as an unshakable figure within the Xiao family. Upon hearing his command, the clan members instantly flushed and roared in response, knowing just as well that at this critical moment, the young man once deemed a mere liability of the family was now their sole hope. "Excellent!" Xiao Yan nodded and issued a firm command. Turning, he walked to the seat where his father had always sat, settled himself with a graceful gesture of his robe, and surveyed the gathering with a gaze that sent shockwaves through the hall. "I intend to relocate the Xiao family from Wutan City!" The moment these words were spoken, the hall erupted into commotion. The Xiao family possessed no fewer than ten markets within Wutan City—collectively, these represented a substantial financial asset. To simply abandon them now would surely mean a significant loss. With a gentle sweep of his hand, the commotion in the hall gradually subsided. Xiao Yan spoke in a steady tone: "All of you should know that the incident involving the abdication of our clan leader is inextricably linked to Yunlan Sect. Though Yunlan Sect is powerful, can we, as bloodline sons of the Xiao family, simply let them bully us? If this becomes known, won't people mock us for lacking courage?" "Tell me," he boomed, eyes blazing, "do you choose to rescue the clan leader and incur the wrath of Yunlan Sect, or remain like a turtle, huddled in Wutan City, constantly being scorned for your spine? What will you choose?" As Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened, his voice grew sharper. "Rescue the clan leader! We, the Xiao family, will never be turtles!" A fresh, youthful voice suddenly rose from the entrance. Xiao Qing's small head pushed through the crowd, her face flushed with excitement, her hands waving vigorously as she shouted. "Yes, rescue the clan leader—we won't be turtles!" More youthful voices joined in, the entrance now bustling with activity. A group of children, no older than twelve or thirteen, surged forward "Hey, what about Yunlan Sect? We've never done anything to provoke them. Yet they've reduced our entire family to this state—nearly wiping us out! With that, I'm listening to you, Young Deputy!" A sturdy member of the Xiao family, gazing at the younger generations filled with righteous indignation, felt a surge of passion in his chest, stepped forward, and roared with a flushed face. "Exactly, Young Deputy! We're all listening to you!" With the first voice, a chain reaction unfolded—each Xiao family man, his face red with emotion, raised his fist and shouted, having endured a series of setbacks recently. They could no longer bear the humiliation. Now, with the Xiao family finally having a strong leader, they were determined not to repeat that suffering—even if it meant angering the most powerful force in the Juma Empire! "Haha, Young Deputy. Since all the family members are ready to listen to you, then please go ahead and lay out your plan." Gazing at the clan members whose faces were filled with excitement, the Senior Elder turned to Xiao Yan and smiled warmly. "I plan to send the clan members in batches to Wutan City, and then have them proceed to the eastern provinces of the Empire. There, the Yunlan Sect's influence is relatively weaker. Moreover, my two elder brothers, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, are rapidly expanding their presence there. I intend to secretly send our clan members to them, thereby alleviating the threat posed by the Yunlan Sect to our Xiao family." Xiao Yan spoke slowly. "To the eastern provinces of the Empire?" The Senior Elder was momentarily surprised, hesitating, "That's so far away?" "The eastern provinces border the Tagoer Desert—only there is the Yunlan Sect's influence relatively weak. Elsewhere, exposure is likely, and our relationship with the Yunlan Sect may suffer greatly in the future. Therefore, we must be well-prepared," Xiao Yan explained. "Now, Grand Elder, you begin to oversee all matters of the Xiao family—collect and carry away all assets. As for the dozen market towns, I'll have the Demitel Auction House manage them, and we'll split the profits with them. Given my relationship with the Demitel family, I have no concern that they'll reveal our movements." "Yes!" The Grand Elder nodded, then hesitated, asking, "When shall we begin to leave?" "Delay is not an option. We begin departing tonight, in batches. First, the family members and younger members without combat strength. Along the way, ensure that capable family members escort us continuously. Remember our rendezvous point: Shishuo City in the eastern region of the Jiaemi Empire. Upon arrival, seek out the Mo Tie Mercenary Company!" Xiang made an immediate decision. "Also, within the next two days, I'll send people to clear out the remaining Galie and Obah families in the city, drawing attention away from our movements. The logistical arrangements for the phased departures will be handled by the three elders." "Yes!" "The three elders spoke in unison." "In addition..." In the hall, Xiao Yan sat in the foremost position, his face serious and composed as he issued orders with steady precision. The calm, unshakable demeanor—like a storm approaching but yet undisturbed—left some of the elder family members momentarily stunned. Was this still the quiet, unassuming young man they had known back then? Compared to the elders, the younger generation—especially Xiao Qing and the others—watched Xiao Yan with deep admiration. Under his leadership, a family that had already begun to falter regained not only vitality but also a renewed sense of determination and resolve. Queen Medusa sat quietly in her chair, her delicate hands cradling a warm teacup, sipping it casually. Occasionally, when she glanced at Xiao Yan in the lead position, a subtle sense of astonishment flickered in her eyes. It hadn't been long since he first arrived, yet he had completely stabilized this once-fractured family. Indeed, his composure and mental strength surpassed ordinary expectations. It was no surprise that even the Dan King, Guo He, had been outmaneuvered by him during their encounter in the desert. After the last member of the clan had taken their orders and retreated, Xiao Yan gazed at the now once again empty hall, exhaled deeply, lifted his teacup, and drank it down, moistening the dryness in his throat. "Yunlan Sect... Yunling, I'll be waiting for you. As long as I secure the Xiao family, I'll return. This time, I won't spare a single move!" Gently holding the cup, a fierce expression reappeared on Xiao Yan's face. With a sudden shake of his hand, the teacup shattered violently. As the sky gradually brightened, nearly half of the Xiao family's household members had already evacuated. In the early morning, Xiao Yan stood on a pavilion, surveying the entire compound. After a moment's pause, he looked up at the dawn light rising over the horizon, a cold expression flickering across his face. Then, he turned sharply and descended the stairs. As he stepped down, hundreds of Xiao family men were already armed and standing on the square, their bodies radiating a fierce, predatory energy—like a tiger descending from the mountain. "All remaining forces of the Jialei and Obata families will be utterly destroyed today!" With the heavy, dark jade measuring rod slung over his shoulder, Xiao Yan slowly walked toward the square's outer edge. His calm, yet resolute voice sent a surge of excitement through the Xiao family members gathered there—over the past few days, countless relatives had been secretly assassinated by the Jialei and Obata families. Today, it was finally time for retribution. … The quiet city of Wutan was struck by the sudden surge of lethal aura. The pedestrians on the streets stared in wide-eyed astonishment at the tidal wave of people pouring out of the Xiao family, their cold, deadly presence making every individual shiver. “… What on earth is the Xiao family planning?” murmured several passersby, gazing at the flowing crowd. “Hmm… that leader seems so young. I’ve seen that look before,” remarked some long-time residents of Wutan, slightly puzzled. “That measuring stick… it’s actually quite large,” a young voice suddenly spoke up, and instantly, the entire city fell into a profound, silent stillness. “Is that… Xiao Yan from the Xiao family?!” Silence lasted for a moment before it was finally broken by a voice filled with astonishment. During this time, nearly everyone in Wutan City had heard the tale of Xiao Yan's fierce battle against Yunlan Sect so often that their ears were beginning to feel worn thin. Xiao Yan’s towering, distinctive measuring ruler had become his very symbol. "The Galle and Obata families are in for it this time," some who were well-informed about the city's recent developments remarked, struck by the news, then with a look of pity, shaking their heads in sympathy. Just as they had anticipated, the surge of power from the Xiao family had swept directly toward the Galle and Obata families' markets, where all defenses were instantly obliterated, and anyone who dared to resist met only with the gleaming blades of the advancing force. Under Xiao Yan's leadership, the members of the Xiao family surged forward like a flood, leaving behind a complete ruin wherever they passed. The guards of the Jia and Oba families were largely slaughtered, and as the flood swept through, the markets crumbled and lay scattered in wreckage—Xiao family exacted the harshest retribution for the prolonged suppression and humiliations endured by them from these two families. Without effective command from their chieftains, the two families failed to mount any organized resistance. Within just a single morning, their markets and underground casinos throughout Wutan City had been utterly destroyed—this time, both families were truly finished. The entire city of Wutan was now captivated by the sudden surge of power from the Xiao family. The pervasive aura of deadly intent that spread throughout the city made it clear that this time, the Xiao family was truly incensed. Yet, while the entire city's gaze was fixed upon the continuously moving Xiao family team, at another part of the Xiao family estate, the household members had already completely evacuated. The demolition operation lasted from morning until dusk. When everyone was stunned by the Xiao family's bold move, they failed to notice that the original group of over a hundred demolition personnel had gradually diminished—without anyone knowing when or how. As the sun began to set, the relentless day-long campaign came to an end. The Xiao family forces, covered in blood and laughing wildly, surged back into the courtyard once more, then firmly closed the gates, blocking out the curious onlookers. … On the plaza, several dozen members of the Xiao family, radiating an aura of fierce intensity, sat cross-legged, laughing and chatting loudly, declaring their joy and satisfaction for the day. This, perhaps, was the most exhilarating day they had experienced in the past two years. Although the Xiao family had always been powerful, the family patriarch had often prioritized the broader picture, lacking the boldness to act decisively. Yet, such boldness—this very quality—was entirely embodied by Xiao Yan. "The young clan head, the clan's cultivation techniques, combat skills, assets, and other matters have all been thoroughly reorganized. Heh, thanks to the young clan head's favor, the Miter Auction Hall has even leased us eight rings of protection—this has truly resolved a significant burden for us." The senior elder smiled. "Agreed," nodded satisfiedly, Xiang Yan glanced down at the Xiao family warriors on the square, and smiled lightly. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, you will begin dispersing from Wutan City and gather at the designated locations. Then, you will proceed together to the Stone Desert City—there, the Xiao family will begin anew." "Young clan head," the senior elder suddenly interjected. As he spoke, everyone's gaze turned to Xiang Yan. Xiang Yan smiled softly, a hint of fierce determination visible on his refined face. "Me? I'll go and take that old fool's life!" A slight pause. The Senior Elder gazed at Xiao Yan's face, and after a long while, slowly bowed. Then, the stalwart warriors of the Xiao family—having just endured bloodshed—also bent their straight spines. "Junior Clan Leader, we've been waiting for you in Shishem City!" "It's time. Let's go!" Xiao Yan nodded lightly, looked up at the moonlight, and waved his hand. "Junior Clan Leader, take care!" Several dozen Xiao family warriors roared in unison, then suddenly turned around, dispersing and slipping into the dark shadows. Under the pitch-black sky, their figures moved like ants scattering, quietly exiting Wutan City. Both hands slowly extended from the sleeves. Long, slender palms began to rise with emerald flames; shortly thereafter, the other palm gradually spread out with a pale, silver flame... Beneath the night sky, the emerald and silver flames intertwined, swirling and dancing gracefully. On a pavilion, Queen Medusa watched the dual hues of flames rising from Xiao Yan's hands, her delicate lips slightly parted. For the first time, an air of seriousness flickered in her unusual eyes.