Xiao Yan and Xiao Li pushed Xiao Ding quietly out of the manor of the Mitel family, then entered the streets of the capital, moving slowly and steadily toward various destinations. After the dramatic battle that had just unfolded, the entire city was abuzz with excitement—some people, faces flushed with emotion, waved their arms and gestured enthusiastically to onlookers, proudly recounting what they had witnessed up close. Yet, none of them noticed that the protagonists of the story were passing them by, unnoticed and unobserved. As they turned several streets, the bustling noise behind them gradually faded, and the surrounding grand mansions began to thin out—clearly, they were heading toward a more secluded part of the city. After turning another uneven street, a slightly weathered courtyard came into view, where faint laughter from children could still be heard. "Here we are. For these years, despite the protection of the Miter family, we've had to hide in remote places to evade searches from Yunlan Sect." Gazing at the large courtyard, Xiao Ding smiled slightly. Xiao Yan nodded gently, while Xiao Li quickly stepped forward and pushed open the gate. "Hehe, don't be nervous…" With that familiar laugh, the tension in everyone's voices eased, and their eyes turned toward the three figures standing at the entrance of the courtyard. As Xiao Ding gently guided him into the weathered mansion, Xiao Yin's gaze swept over the faces that seemed somewhat familiar—these people, to one degree or another, were related by blood to him. "Look, who's back," Xiao Ding smiled, addressing the group. Looking at the Xiao family members, momentarily at a loss from sheer joy, Xiao Yan exchanged a glance with Xiao Li beside him, both of them smiling gently. After years of wandering and training abroad, they finally felt like they had come home. Amid the cheers and exclamations of the crowd, the houses in the courtyard hurriedly opened. Then, an elder stepped out briskly, his eyes quickly settling on the black-robed young man in the courtyard. Gazing at that familiar face, the three eldest, whose patience and composure had been worn smooth over the years, were suddenly overwhelmed with emotion, their eyes welling up with tears—after all, they had finally waited for this moment. "Senior Three, these years have been hard on you," Xiao Yan murmured softly, stepping forward as he watched the elder's tear-streaked face. "Not at all, young master. Compared to you, who've been traveling abroad for so long, we've been nothing but comfortable." The elder wiped away two tears, saying. The third elder, moved deeply, saw the surrounding Xiao family members also grow red-eyed. Though the Xiao family hadn't been particularly renowned back then, they had held a solid position within Wutan City. Yet in just a few short years, the family had rapidly declined. Once secure in their livelihoods, they now scattered throughout the city, ever fearful that the tragedy of that night would unfold once again. "Yunlan Sect owes us, and I will make sure they repay it—doubled," said Xiao Yan, his voice low and carrying an unmistakable flame of anger and resolve. The state of the Xiao family now was no small part of his responsibility. "Hah, young master has real talent. The family patriarch truly has good eyes. Compared to these three old bones of ours, he's a far better choice. Back then... hah, even the senior and second elders, as they drew their last breaths, asked me to personally apologize to the young master for our foolish actions..." The third elder smiled, though his voice carried a slight rasp. With his lips tightly pressed, even in this low and melancholy atmosphere, Xiao Yan found his nose growing slightly tender. If his father returned and saw the state of the Xiao family now, he would surely be deeply disappointed in him. "Third brother, there's no point in hesitating anymore. This is the final wish of the Second and Third Elders—something that cannot be changed. Moreover, only you possess the capability to lead the Xiao family back to its former glory." Xiao Ding shook his head, smiling. "Indeed, Third Brother. The position of Clan Head truly has to be yours. Rest assured, I and my elder brother will fully support you." Xiao Li also smiled warmly. Xiao Yan lightly pressed his hands, silencing the cheers of the crowd. He glanced around, saying, "How many members of the Xiao family remain? What are their current strengths?" "There are still two hundred and eight members left. Excluding the elderly and children who lack combat ability, approximately one hundred and forty are capable of fighting. Most of them are at the Battle-User or Battle-Expert level. Even I myself have only reached the four-star Battle-Spirit rank," said the Third Elder, after a moment's reflection. Xiao Yan nodded slightly and turned to Xiao Li, saying, "Brother, I'll entrust the training of our clan members to you. If you have any requirements, just let me know. Also, we can relocate our settlement. From now on, the Xiao family won't have to merely survive by clinging on." Xiao Li nodded slightly, quite satisfied with the tenacity displayed by the members of the Xiao family. Without strength to cultivate, one could still be a mere coward if lacking in spirit—how then could one ever grow strong? The current Xiao family needed those willing to risk their lives, not mere cowards. "Second brother, send the Xiao sect's people into the city as well. The Xiao family truly does need some protection," Xiao Yan said after a moment's thought, addressing Xiao Li. "Agreed. The affairs of the Xiao family shall be under my and my elder brother's care. What you need to focus on now is how to deal with Yunlan Sect—this is the most crucial matter. If you succeed in defeating Yunlan Sect, the Xiao family will surely gain great renown. Should you fail, however, the family will face true, irreversible ruin," Xiao Li nodded, placing a firm hand on Xiao Yan's shoulder and speaking seriously. Xiao Yan smiled and said, "Rest assured. Cloud岚 Sect is under my care. The blood debts they owe to the Xiao family—I will have them paid back double. Of course, there's also my father's disappearance..." "You are now the pillar of the entire Xiao family. As long as you stand firm, the Xiao family will stand tall and proud. Therefore, be most cautious in your actions!" Xiao Ding spoke softly. Xiao Yan nodded slightly, absorbing Xiao Ding's advice, then raised his gaze to slowly survey the surroundings. The family members no longer appeared as cautious or anxious as before. Instead, a new sense of anticipation and confidence now filled their faces—confidence that stemmed entirely from him. At this moment, Xiao Yan once again felt the weight upon his shoulders. It was not light at all. "Father, please rest assured. I will ensure that the Xiao family, under my care, regains its peak once more!"