With the troubles of the Shimen Sect and the Dan Hall resolved, Xiao Yan found himself rather idle during the following period. Though the Yan Alliance was vast, under the steady management of figures like Cai Lin and Xiao Ding, it had become highly efficient over the years. After such major battles, all the follow-up matters were handled smoothly and seamlessly—requiring no intervention from Xiao Yan at all. To this, Xiao Yan was quite content, enjoying the quiet comfort of being a father, spending quality time with his young Xiao Xiao. In the meantime, he also took the opportunity to activate the spatial rift scroll granted by the Medicine Elder. The Xuanhuang Outpost, though not far from the Jima Empire, was a strategically vital location, and thus the spatial rift connecting to the Xingyin Pavilion was also established here. From now on, either side could swiftly assist the other should any difficulties arise. The establishment of spatial wormholes undoubtedly marks a significant surge in Yan Alliance's hidden strength. With Xingyin Pavilion providing strong backing, no other power on the western-northern continent can now rival the Yan Alliance, and its dominance over the region is within reach. During this period, Xiao Yan has also gathered intelligence on the Yan Alliance's development over the years. What surprised him most was that his second brother, Xiao Li, who founded the Xiao Sect in Hejiao Domain, had already merged into the Yan Alliance several years ago—serving as a strategic foothold for the Alliance's future expansion. With the Yan Alliance's support and the added strength of the "Pandian Sect," which Xiao Yan himself established in the Inner Court, the Xiao Sect has developed rapidly, now emerging as a true powerhouse in Hejiao Domain. With so many powers established back then, when the time comes, the Yan Alliance, the Xiao Clan, and the Starfall Pavilion will fully consolidate—imagine a formidable force spanning the three major regions of the Qi Continent. The potential is truly limitless. During these days, Xiao Yan and Cai Lin held a simple wedding ceremony at the Xiao family, hosted by Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. The wedding was not grand—only Xiao Ding and Xiao Li attended, and there was no great fanfare. Yet, as the saying goes, "an elder brother is like a father," and with Xiao Ding and Xiao Li present, it carried its own sense of significance. Regardless, the contributions Cai Lin has made to the Xiao family and the Yan Alliance over the years have earned Xiao Yan a genuine sense of gratitude, and it is truly necessary to bestow upon her this formal recognition. In the courtyard, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li listened intently to Xiao Yan's journey over the years, and were no less struck by the perilous circumstances he has faced. While they themselves have not been easy due to the Yan Alliance, Xiao Yan has consistently faced life-threatening challenges, and the trials he has endured have been no less remarkable. At this moment, both brothers sighed softly, gazing at the mature and resolute profile of the young man before them. The entire family's burdens rested solely upon his shoulders—had it been anyone else, they would likely have been crushed under the weight. For the sake of the family and to resolve his father's matters, Xiao Yan had truly been striving tirelessly to grow stronger and stronger. At a distance, the彩鳞 also smiled gently upon seeing the three brothers chatting warmly—this sense of home made her feel particularly at ease. Years of waiting and dedication had finally begun to pay off. "...I never expected our Xiao family to have such a distinguished lineage..." In the courtyard, upon hearing Xiao Yan's detailed account of the Xiao clan's history, both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were visibly astonished, clearly surprised that a family once known only in Wutan City had once been one of the ancient Eight Clans renowned across the entire Continent. "However, our ancestral bloodline has now nearly faded away. The last remnants were passed down to me by my ancestor, Xiao Xuan," Xiao Yan sighed, settling into the spacious chair. "It is precisely because of our lineage's historical connection to the Xiao clan that powerful forces such as the Soul Palace have taken a keen interest in our family." "However, as you mentioned, the bloodline power of the Xiao family has already completely dried up. Then, why is the Huan Pavilion making such a grand effort this time? According to the intelligence I've gathered, it seems the Huan Pavilion's elite warriors intend to carry away the bloodline power of every single member of our Xiao family." Xiao Ding furrowed his brows and pondered. Xiao Yan lightly tapped his finger on the armrest of the chair, his expression also filled with curiosity. What exactly did the Huan Pavilion have in mind? Currently, the other members of the Xiao family no longer possess even a trace of bloodline power. Even if they were taken, what would be the point? Could it be that they're using them as hostages to compel the Xiao family to surrender the Tu She Gu Di Jade? But with just his father as a hostage, that would already suffice. Taking others would seem to be an unnecessary extra effort. "I'm not sure what the Huan Pavilion is up to..." Xiao Yan shook his head, yet his mind grew increasingly alert. The Huan Pavilion wouldn't undertake something so unrelated. Since they're interested in the Xiao family's members, there must surely be a purpose behind their actions. "Don't worry. The Xiao family has been steadily growing, and we've spread them out across the Yan Alliance. The Huan Palace will never be able to capture them all at once. Once our power strengthens, we'll gather the scattered family members together..." Seeing Xiao Yan's slightly furrowed brow, Xiao Ding smiled. Xiao Yan nodded gently. His elder brother clearly had a well-organized approach—having gone through the events of that past year, he would certainly ensure they wouldn't be repeated. "Second Brother, here is a secret technique. You can follow the instructions to practice it. Some outstanding family members can also pass it on to others..." After a moment's thought, Xiao Yan produced the Tian Hu San Xuan Bian, which was created by their ancestor, Xiao Xuan. This technique enabled family members to cultivate their clan's seal in a unique way. Although other family members no longer possessed ancestral bloodline power and thus couldn't fully unleash the technique's full potential, it still significantly enhanced their strength. As for the flames required to cultivate the Three Supreme Transformations of Heavenly Fire, they naturally don't need the rare divine flames—they merely need to find slightly inferior beast flames. Regarding the items offered by Xiao Yan, Xiao Li was quite unreserved in accepting them. Knowing that Xiao Yan had nothing of little value, he was certain that whatever he offered must be of great worth, and Xiao Xingli shared no doubts on this point. "The overall situation of the Yan Alliance has now been largely stabilized, and with regard to other matters, I won't be able to intervene much further. Therefore, two days from now, I shall be returning to the Central Region once again..." After seeing Xiao Li place the scrolls aside, Xiao Yan also paused and reflected. "That quickly?" Both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li expressed a sense of reluctance. "Heh, the spatial wormhole connecting the Yan Alliance and the Starfall Pavilion has now been fully established. In the future, travel between the two places won't take as long as it used to. If you have time, you're welcome to visit. I'll make sure to let them know." "Xiao Yan smiled, calculating the time—by now, the supposed Spatial Exchange Conference should be about to begin. He had to hurry over there immediately, as the Pure Lotus Demon Fire was absolutely vital to him. If he could secure it, he might just be able to break through the Dou Zun level. Facing a power like the Soul Palace, only when he truly reached the Dou Sheng level would he be worthy of standing on equal footing. Otherwise, Xiao Yan simply wouldn't dare to go directly to rescue his father. 'We leave tomorrow?' Cailing also heard this, and led Xiao Xiao along. 'Yes. This time, you come with me to meet Master at the Star-Plunging Pavilion...' Xiao Yan smiled lightly. He regarded Yao Lao as a father, and now Cailing was like his wife—so it was only natural to make the visit. 'That old man back then...' The colorful scales of her eyes twinkled as she said, "Back then, if it weren't for my deep respect for Master Xiao Yan, as the beautiful Medusa Queen of the Serpent Clan, I would have already slaughtered him countless times." Xiao Yan nodded, then knelt down, gently patting Xiao Xiao's head, and softly added, "Also, take Xiao Xiao to the Starfall Pavilion—it's the safest place, and there she can receive instruction from her teacher. She's now capable of practicing cultivation." Upon hearing this, a touch of reluctance flickered in her eyes, yet she still nodded, knowing that Xiao Yan was thinking of Xiao Xiao as well.