# Chapter 25: Dramatic Change (4)
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Today was perhaps the busiest day in the history of the Xiao Clan.
Early in the morning, the main entrance of the Xiao Clan was packed to overflowing. Every family that could be considered influential in Liuyun City was represented here, and in most cases, it was the highest authority who came. Though the crowd was large, not a single person dared to speak loudly. They all whispered as quietly as possible, afraid of disturbing the important figures currently inside the Xiao Clan.
"It was rumored long ago that the founder of the Xiao Clan came from the Xiao Sect. So it's actually true."
"The Xiao Clan is about to rise to prominence now. We'd better maintain good relations with them from now on."
"Good thing we never offended the Xiao Clan before, or I'd be sleeping on pins and needles."
"Old Wood, why are you here too?"
"Sigh, everyone is rushing to come, so I have no choice either. They're here to curry favor, but I'm here to prevent any trouble. Otherwise, if that young ancestor from the Xiao Sect happens to inquire about the number of major families in Liuyun City and finds out that our Wood family didn't send anyone, he might pick a quarrel or something. Then our whole family would be in big trouble."
The Xiao Clan's gate remained tightly shut, and they all waited cautiously, none daring to leave.
They waited until nine in the morning.
Before dawn, a high platform had been erected in the open space at the center of the Xiao Clan, with tables, chairs, and various equipment arranged. At eight in the morning, an urgent assembly order rang through the Xiao Clan. Instantly, figures bustled everywhere as everyone rushed to the assembly point. Within less than a quarter of an hour, every single person in the Xiao Clan, men and women, young and old, had gathered at the designated location—not one missing.
Today would be the most significant day for the Xiao Clan. They all knew very well what was going to happen. Most people wore faces full of excitement and anticipation. Even those with mediocre talent secretly hoped in their hearts that they might be noticed by someone from the Xiao Sect.
Xiao Che was essentially the last to arrive. He walked over slowly, holding Xia Qingyue's hand, and instantly became the focus of everyone's attention... Of course, if he had been alone, probably no one would have spared him a second glance. The key was Xia Qingyue beside him!
Her figure was exquisitely graceful, her face stunning enough to topple cities. People felt as if they were watching an incomparably beautiful fairy from the jade-green waves approaching them slowly. Especially the young men—their gazes went blank in unison, their hearts pounded wildly, and some even drooled at the corners of their mouths without realizing it.
In contrast, the Xiao Che beside her... his face was slightly pale, his eyelids drooping, his eyes listless, and his steps feeble. In just a few dozen steps, he yawned three times in a row, looking drowsy and weary, as if he had overindulged in marital activities.
Hmm? Overindulged?
Suddenly thinking of this, and seeing his hand intertwined with Xia Qingyue's, many people clenched their teeth, their bodies trembling, and intense jealousy and flames of envy blazed in their eyes. Thinking of how such a breathtaking beauty, the goddess of their dreams, was being pressed beneath this waste—the one they most despised—every night, indulging in the pleasures of clouds and rain, their chests nearly burst with fury and jealousy.
Xiao Che's half-asleep, exhausted look was not an act, but it certainly wasn't due to overindulgence in marital activities. He had woken up at three in the morning to perform acupuncture on Xia Qingyue, leaving him half-dead with fatigue, and then was called up early in the morning. It would be strange if he had any energy. As for their intertwined hands, it definitely wasn't Xia Qingyue's initiative. When they were walking over, Xiao Che had suddenly grabbed her hand. In full view of everyone, Xia Qingyue couldn't rudely pull away. And having been used to him holding her hand these past few days, she simply let it be.
"Everything in the Xiao Clan is fine, except for one superfluous and eyesore waste!"
As Xiao Che passed by a young man, a mocking voice loud enough for him to hear came from his side. Xiao Che glanced sideways and saw Xiao Chengzhi, the eldest grandson of Third Elder Xiao Ze, looking askance ahead, a sneer undisguised on his lips, and his face clearly showing barely concealed jealousy.
Those words were directed forward, but even an idiot knew he was mocking Xiao Che. Laughter immediately broke out around them, and several young disciples cast teasing looks at Xiao Che.
"Brother Chengzhi, were you talking to me just now?" Xiao Che paused, turning to Xiao Chengzhi with a harmless smile on his face.
"Oh, Brother Xiao Che, you misunderstood. I was clearly talking to a waste just now. By asking that, Brother Xiao Che, are you admitting you're a waste?" Xiao Chengzhi turned around, grinning slyly. When his gaze met Xia Qingyue's beautiful face, a barely restrained fervor flickered in his eyes.
"Oh! I see!" Xiao Che nodded with an expression of sudden understanding, then pulled Xia Qingyue's hand. "So it wasn't about me. Dear wife Qingyue, let's hurry back to our spot... Tsk, looking at these pitiful toads dreaming of eating swan meat, I'd rather be a waste who hugs a swan to sleep every night. What do you think, dear wife Qingyue?"
"What did you... say!" Xiao Chengzhi spun around abruptly, his face dark.
"Hmm?" Xiao Che stopped, looking at him with great surprise. "Brother Chengzhi, what's wrong? I was talking about toads just now. Why are you reacting so strangely? Could it be that Brother Chengzhi has some special connection with the toads I mentioned?"
"You!" Xiao Chengzhi flared with rage.
"Humph!" Xiao Lingxi pouted, turning her face away as well, sulking and refusing to pay him any attention.
"Young Master Xiao has arrived!"
At that moment, a loud announcement came from the front. The crowd instantly fell silent. Everyone turned their eyes toward the source of the sound, eager to catch a glimpse of the distinguished person from the Xiao Sect. Before long, a young man in luxurious clothes with an arrogant demeanor walked toward them, surrounded by a cluster of people. Xiao Moshan followed him half a step behind, while Xiao Yunhai led the way ahead, his expression and posture extremely respectful, without the slightest hint of negligence.
Under Xiao Yunhai's guidance, Xiao Kuangyun stepped onto the raised platform and sat in the grand armchair at the very center. His gaze swept over the members of the Xiao Clan below, his expression as haughty as an emperor looking down upon his subjects. After a moment, he nodded to Xiao Yunhai, signaling that things could begin.
"So this is the big shot from the Xiao Sect? Let's not even mention anything else—his looks are seriously lacking. Shouldn't the genes of a major sect be strong too? Hmm... maybe he's not a biological son." Xiao Che muttered under his breath.
"A hundred of him wouldn't be worth one of you, Xiao Che!" Xiao Lingxi chimed in. As soon as she said it, she remembered she was still angry with him, so she quickly added "Humph!" and turned away, ignoring him.
"Che'er, Xi'er, don't talk nonsense." Xiao Lie said in a low voice.
"Oh." Xiao Che responded and stopped talking.
"Has everyone in the Xiao Clan gathered?" Xiao Kuangyun half-closed his eyes and spoke slowly, his voice weak. But his eyes darted rapidly as he searched the crowd for the fairy-like beauty he had seen yesterday, as well as the girl who, according to Xiao Yulong, was not much less beautiful.
"It has been confirmed that everyone is here. Not a single person is missing, absolutely." Xiao Yunhai said solemnly.
"Very good!" Xiao Kuangyun nodded, then turned his gaze toward the direction of the gate. "Who are all those people standing outside?"
"Reporting to Young Master Xiao, they are the influential families of Liuyun City. They gathered here early this morning, hoping to get a glimpse of Young Master Xiao's presence." Xiao Yunhai bowed as he answered.
"I see." Xiao Kuangyun nodded, then waved his hand. "Since they are guests, we can't have them waiting outside forever. Let them all come in. Having outsiders witness today's events is also a good thing, so no one can accuse me of bias later."
Xiao Yunhai quickly flattered him: "Young Master Xiao truly lives up to being the son of the Xiao Sect Master. To have such broad-mindedness at such a young age makes us all admire and feel ashamed... Xiao De, go invite the guests in."
The gate opened, and these influential figures who could command the winds and rains in Liuyun City filed in with restrained expressions, walking in an orderly manner. Each carried a generous gift. Among them, Xiao Che spotted Xia Hongyi, Xia Qingyue's father.
"Very well, now we can begin." Xiao Kuangyun straightened his slouched posture and finally managed a decent sitting position. Looking down at the crowd, he said indifferently, "My name is Xiao Kuangyun, and I come from the Xiao Sect. You should all know very well the reputation of the Xiao Sect. In this Cang Feng Empire, there is nothing that the Xiao Sect cannot decide. And you should feel honored, because although you are somewhat mediocre and weak, you can still be considered a branch of the Xiao Sect. The founder of your Xiao Clan was the son of a Xiao Sect elder. However, although your ancestor was the elder's son, he was born of a maidservant. Not only was his status lowly, but his profound force talent was also utterly worthless. And a waste does not deserve to remain in the Xiao Sect. Thus, your ancestor was banished here by that elder, and that is how your Xiao Clan came to be."
Xiao Kuangyun's words were extremely harsh, with no attempt to hide his contempt for the entire Xiao Clan, even its founder. Some members of the Xiao Clan furrowed their brows inwardly, but not a single person dared to speak out.
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