Danwu Refining Spirit

Chapter Fifty-Five: Many Benefits

Upon entering the room, Xiao Chong was immediately dumbfounded.

What's going on here? Is this some kind of joint trial? Why are so many powerful figures, usually rarely seen, sitting in one room? But they all look so affable, it doesn't seem like it.

Amid Xiao Chong's suspicions, Xiao Kaixin smiled and said, "Chong'er, don't be nervous. Come, sit down next to me."

The old man is trying to play the family card again. But since there's no danger, sitting down won't hurt. Xiao Chong readily complied, nodding and greeting each of the important figures present, then casually sitting down in a chair next to Xiao Kaixin.

"To have made such a great contribution, yet remain humble and composed, is truly commendable." Seeing Xiao Chong's composure and modesty, one person nodded in satisfaction and praised him.

"Hmm, a very good young man, knows his manners. If I had a daughter that age, I would definitely marry her off to him," another old man whispered in agreement.

"Come on, you're not even within the fifth degree of kinship with him. By all accounts, he should call you 'Grand Uncle.' If he really marries your daughter, how will your seniority be determined?" This was the old man being mocked by the person next to him.

Xiao Chong lowered his head slightly, pretending not to hear these disrespectful words from an elder.

Amidst the whispers, Xiao Kaixin raised his hand to silence the murmurs and said with a smile, "Chong'er, we called you here today for no other reason than that you greatly enhanced the reputation of the Xiao family during the hunting competition. Therefore, we have decided to reward you handsomely."

"When did you consult us?" Several bigwigs who usually disliked Xiao Chong's faction muttered to themselves. But today's theme was celebration, and harmony was more important; it would be inappropriate to voice a rebuttal at this moment.

Xiao Chong naturally didn't care what they thought; only a fool wouldn't take advantage of a good deal.

Therefore, Xiao Chong stood up and thanked Xiao Kaixin, suppressing his joy as he said, "Clan leader, you flatter me. I have been raised by the clan for many years, and it is only right that I repay you in any way I can."

Moreover, this disciple hadn't thought that far ahead. This disciple simply felt that if a martial artist were to be intimidated by Tie Changqing, what would be the point of practicing martial arts?

Grateful, honest and sincere, with a pure heart, and truly virtuous!

In Xiao Kaixin's eyes, Xiao Chong's excellent image has rapidly improved, reaching a height equivalent to a two-story building.

No, this disciple must be given special attention and nurtured with great care, with the full support of the entire clan!

After much deliberation, Xiao Kaixin finally made up his mind and announced loudly, "I hereby declare that from this day forward, Xiao Chong shall be promoted to the elite of the elite, and all cultivation resources shall be made available to him."

Isn't this going a bit too far? We don't object to being promoted to elite, but could we reconsider the latter condition? The big shots exchanged glances, but none of them were willing to step forward and offend the clan leader.

However, Xiao Kaixin's words did not end there: "From this day forward, I will teach Xiao Chong the complete set of the Seven Transformations of the Stars technique, and he may freely read all the books in the Martial Arts Pavilion."

Isn't it too early? The Seven Transformations of the Stars technique is so profound, what would a martial arts apprentice need so many of the later stages for? The big shots shook their heads, all disagreeing.

"From this day forward, Xiao Chong may mobilize the family's resources externally. Major matters must be reported, minor matters must be decided independently, and all departments must cooperate wholeheartedly." Xiao Kaixin's words continued to echo in the living room.

This is a lot of power. What counts as a big deal? What counts as a small deal? Can't you be clearer? The big shots kept their eyes down, their noses down, as still as clay statues, afraid that if they shook their heads any further they would break their necks.

"Effective immediately, Xiao Chong is promoted to Special Instructor of Martial Arts, responsible for supervising the daily training of the disciples of the sect." Xiao Kaixin had a rather sensationalist air about him.

No matter how talented Xiao Chong is, he's still just a martial arts apprentice. What can you expect him to teach? The big shots were taken aback by this decision and collapsed in disbelief.

Finally, the announcement was over. Xiao Kaixin caught her breath, looked at Xiao Chong who had a blank expression, and asked softly, "Chong'er, do you have any other requests? Just tell me."

"That's a bit much," Xiao Chong thought, feeling somewhat embarrassed. "But clan leader, you seem to have forgotten something. Why didn't you mention the pre-match agreement to return the ancestral property?"

"Clan leader, regarding my ancestral property..." Xiao Chong's lips moved slightly, unsure of how to begin.

"This is a trivial matter. Just let Steward Sun handle it. Don't bother me."

With a wave of his hand, Xiao Kaixin brought the meeting to a perfect close.

The days of constant fear were finally over. All the bigwigs walked out of the council hall, looking listless and stumbling. They looked utterly miserable.

As a disciple, Xiao Chong naturally couldn't walk at the front, so he had to step aside and wait for the big shots to pass first.

Seeing that only the clan leader and he were left in the house, Xiao Chong was about to leave when Xiao Kaixin suddenly called him back.

"Are they going to provide meals?" Xiao Chong returned to the clan leader's side with suspicion, his eyes full of hope.

However, this time, unlike before, the kind and respectable clan chief disappointed him.

Xiao Kaixin stared at Xiao Chong's face for a long time before saying, "I'm old now. The future belongs to you young people, and the position of clan leader will be yours sooner or later. But there's something I've always been worried about. Can you help me resolve this?"

Why does this sound like you're entrusting someone with your future? Did you incur some romantic entanglements when you were young, and now you want me to pay them off?

Xiao Chong was startled, but he remained calm and replied, "Please give me your orders, Clan Leader. I will do my best to fulfill them as long as they are within my power."

These words left room for interpretation, but Xiao Kai heard them as a sign of self-awareness.

"He acts prudently, unlike some people who make empty promises and agree to things without even asking questions. This kind of young man is reliable!"

Xiao Kaixin silently assessed the situation, then completely relaxed and slowly asked, "Have you heard of the Twilight City?"

"I've heard of it," Xiao Chong nodded.

"Then you should know that Flying Moon City has become increasingly scarce in resources in recent years, and it is no longer suitable for cultivation."

"I know." Xiao Chong nodded again.

"I've heard that many new mineral veins have been discovered in the Southern Wilderness," Xiao Kaixin added. "But these veins have limited reserves, and the truly powerful clans don't bother with them. Therefore, many small families like ours organize people to reclaim the land."

Xiao Chong finally understood and asked, "Does the clan leader mean that we should go too?"

“That’s right, that’s exactly what I was thinking, but choosing a leader has been a real headache for me.” Xiao Kaixin nodded, but then suddenly stopped talking.