Reunited with Brothers

A sudden blush appeared Lan's face, but she said nothing more. Instead, she led Xiao Yu and his companions into the courtyard.

As they followed Xue Lan through several paths, Xiao Yu soon saw a spacious hall before him. Inside, he could hear two familiar voices. A smile broke across his face; it had been years since he last saw his older brothers!

Xue Lan pushed open the hall door. Inside, several men were seated. Xue Lan cheerfully said to the two men sitting at the head of the table, "Leaders, take a look at who's here!"

Upon hearing Xue Lan's words, Xiao Ding and Xiao Lie looked up. Xiao Lie, with his usually stern expression, showed a hint of helplessness. "Could it be that you've had another fight with Rob's group?"

This comment caused laughter among those present. They all knew that Xue Lan often picked fights with the Sand Mercenary Group, and that group had suffered more than a few defeats at her hands!

Xue Lan, annoyed, retorted, "What are you talking about? How is it always me picking fights? Besides, Rob's group deserved it!"

"Alright, alright, Xue Lan, who's here?" Xiao Ding interrupted to stop the argument.

Xue Lan huffed and said to Xiao Ding, "Why don't you go out and see for yourself?"

Curiosity piqued, both Xiao Ding and Xiao Lie stood up to go outside. Just then, Xiao Yu's voice rang out.

"Big Brother, Second Brother, it's me!"

The voice made Xiao Ding and Xiao Lie shiver in surprise. Xiao Lie, always the most impatient, rushed out. Upon seeing Xiao Yu standing in the courtyard, a warm, genuine smile spread across Xiao Lie's face.

Xiao Lie quickly embraced Xiao Yu, his big hands patting Xiao Yu's back with a hearty thump. "You rascal, I never thought you'd come here!"

Xiao Yu chuckled softly, "You guys have been away for so many years and never came back to visit. I figured it was a good opportunity to come see you on behalf of Father and Third Brother!"

Xiao Lie released Xiao Yu and patted his shoulder. "How is Father? Has Third Brother's mysterious condition improved?"

Xiao Yu sighed, "Second Brother, we can catch up inside. I haven't seen Big Brother yet!"

Xiao Lie nodded eagerly and led Xiao Yu into the hall. "Big Brother, this is indeed our younger brother. He's quite impressive, but what's with the two girls behind him?"

Xue Lan observed the sincere bond between Xiao Lie and Xiao Yu and felt a warmth in her heart. She beckoned Little Doctor Immortal and Cai Die to follow into the hall.

Inside the hall, the higher-ups of the mercenary group had already left, having exchanged a few more glances at Xiao Yu.

As Xiao Yu entered the hall, he saw Xiao Ding, who was sitting at the top in white robes. Xiao Ding had a smile on his face and a wise gleam in his eyes as he carefully assessed Xiao Yu.

"Little Yu, you've grown up so much over these years!" Xiao Ding rose and looked at the young man now nearly as tall as himself with affection and warmth in his eyes.

"Big Brother," Xiao Yu greeted Xiao Ding. "You've become even more handsome and dashing yourself."

"Hmph, you little rascal. I didn't hear you say that before," Xiao Lie grumbled from the side.

Xue Lan seized the opportunity to tease, "Why would he compliment you? Do you not know yourself?"

Xiao Lie's face darkened, but he didn't argue, keeping his frustration in check for Xiao Yu's sake. He leaned in and asked, "Little Yu, you haven't answered my question yet. How are Father and Third Brother doing?"

Xiao Ding also looked at Xiao Yu, keen to hear about family matters. Xiao Yu smiled and said, "Father is doing well, and Third Brother's mysterious condition has improved. His talent has returned, and he went to the Canaan Academy for further training over a year ago. By now, he might even be a Dou Master!"

Both Xiao Ding and Xiao Lie were visibly excited. "Really? That's wonderful news! But I remember your talent was on par with Third Brother's. Haven't you become a Dou Master as well?"

Xiao Yu didn't directly answer Xiao Lie's question but responded with, "Guess!"

"Hmph, you're still as mischievous as ever. Alright, I'm going to have to spar with you later. Don't beg for mercy! I'm now a four-star Dou Master, so don't cry later!" Xiao Lie said with a grin.

Standing beside Xue Lan, Little Doctor Immortal's eyes sparkled with amusement. She knew that Xiao Yu's strength was at the seven-star Dou Master level, and dealing with a four-star Dou Master would be no challenge at all. If they did spar, Xiao Lie might be the one begging for mercy!

Hearing Xiao Lie's words, Xiao Yu just smiled calmly. Xiao Ding, observing Xiao Yu's composed demeanor, nodded approvingly. He then turned his attention to Little Doctor Immortal and Cai Die.

"Little Yu, who are these two?" Xiao Ding asked.

Xiao Yu explained, "These are my friends. This is Little Doctor Immortal, and this is—"

Xiao Yu looked awkwardly at Cai Die and asked, "What's your name again?"

Cai Die timidly replied, "Cai Die."

"She's Cai Die," Xiao Yu added, though he felt the single name wasn't very pleasant, so he gave her a surname.

Xiao Ding didn't dwell on it and nodded to the two women. "Since you've come from afar, we'll make sure to host you well. Xue Lan, please show them to their rooms. The three of us will catch up further!"

Xue Lan nodded and led Little Doctor Immortal, Cai Die, and the three little ones away.

Xiao Lie brought out several jars of wine and insisted on drinking with Xiao Yu until they were both drunk. That night, Xiao Yu and his brothers talked about many things, mostly about the Xiao family. They also discussed Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's three-year agreement. Xiao Lie cursed YunLan Sect and the Nalan family, while Xiao Ding's expression wasn't too pleasant. Xiao Yu promised to go with Xiao Yan to Yun Lan Sect to seek justice for the Xiao family.

Drowsy, Xiao Yu was helped to the room arranged by his older brother. Having not drunk for a long time, Xiao Yu was thoroughly intoxicated. Although he could use his dou qi to expel the alcohol, he chose not to and didn't practice or enter meditation. He simply enjoyed a sound sleep through the night!