Chapter 22: A Preposterous Proposal and the Reluctant Xiao Mei

Xiao Family, Main Hall.

"You refused a Heaven-tier cultivation technique that was already within your reach?"

The First Elder’s eyes widened, his mouth agape, his face etched with utter disbelief and bewilderment. One had to understand that even a Earth-tier technique would be enough to plunge Wutan City into a bloody frenzy. Yet, what had he just heard? Xiao Yan had actually turned down a Heaven-tier technique? Was this even sane? Everyone present, save for Xiao Zhan, was completely unable to fathom it.

"Ahem..." Facing the crowd’s gazes, Xiao Zhan spoke slowly, "It was I who asked Yan'er to do so."

"Why, Clan Head?" the Second Elder pressed. Xiao Yan was just a child, so his lack of maturity could be excused, but how could a Clan Head like him fail to consider the interests of the family?

Xiao Zhan said sternly, "I only learned recently that Lord Cang Wang has not only provided Yan'er with cultivation resources but has also found him an alchemist mentor. There are other benefits as well, which I won't detail here."

An alchemist mentor?

This came as another heavy blow, striking deep into everyone's hearts. A thick sense of envy almost spilled from their lips. To have found such a sworn brother—not only had his strength been restored, but his entire future had been mapped out for him. This was no longer just a "sworn brother"; calling him a father figure would hardly be an exaggeration!

Xiao Zhan continued, "My thinking is that since Yan'er has received so many benefits from his brother, he must learn to be content. Receiving favors without merit is already enough; if he were to accept a Heaven-tier technique as well, it might leave Lord Cang Wang with the impression that we are greedy and insatiable. That would be disadvantageous."

Silence descended upon the hall. The group found themselves somewhat agreeing with Xiao Zhan's perspective. After all, the Xiao family truly possessed no treasures that a Dou Huang would find worth coveting.

The First Elder was still reluctant. "Heaven-tier... a Heaven-tier technique! Are we just going to watch it slip away?"

At this moment, Xiao Yan spoke up, "Actually, I have an idea."

All eyes turned to him, filled with curiosity.

"Speak," the Second Elder urged impatiently.

"My brother isn't as terrifying as you imagine; he is actually quite easy to talk to. But it is a fact that I’ve accepted many benefits from him for nothing. Since our Xiao family has nothing of value to offer, why don't we present a wife to my brother? He is not young anymore; it would be quite appropriate."

Xiao Yan said this slowly. As a transmigrator, he felt he understood Hun Cang well enough. What man has never dreamed of having multiple wives? In the past, he had no opportunity, but now that his brother had strength and status, he would surely take a wife in the future. If he could arrange one in advance, he wouldn't have to worry about a future sister-in-law clashing with him or causing trouble.

Yes, Xiao Yan was thinking long-term. In order to cling firmly to this powerful backer, he had begun planning for Hun Cang.

Xiao Zhan and the three elders were momentarily stunned. But upon closer reflection, it didn't seem wrong. While it might sound a bit shameful to say aloud, looking at it from another angle, which girl in the Xiao family could otherwise guarantee herself a husband at the level of a Dou Huang? Furthermore, Hun Cang was so young; his future was boundless, and he had great potential for growth.

A discussion ensued immediately, with questions directed at Xiao Yan: would Hun Cang agree? Xiao Yan said with full confidence that as long as someone in the clan was willing, he would naturally have a way to persuade his brother.

Thus, the elders summoned the suitable young women of the clan and their parents. After a brief explanation, Xiao Mei was the first to step forward. "Clan Head, Elders, I am willing."

She was desperate to become stronger. She had finally managed to surpass Xiao Yan, only to be overtaken by him again within a year. And this, ultimately, was all because Xiao Yan had taken Hun Cang as his brother.

"You are still too young, forget it," Xiao Yan said, looking at her. If one calculated carefully, Xiao Mei was