Chapter 45: The Formal Meeting

Xiao Yan is almost fifteen years old, while Wei Yang is nearing eighteen. There's roughly a three-year age gap between them, maybe a few months more. This is their first official meeting. The last time, Wei Yang was just a Dou Shi and only saw Xiao Yan from afar.

The once proud and highly admired youth had changed significantly over the nearly three years since they last saw each other. Now, despite Xiao Yan's calm exterior and the slight smile on his lips, Wei Yang could still catch the hidden traces of frustration and bitterness in his eyes.

However, Wei Yang felt no sympathy or pity for him. He knew Xiao Yan was about to have a breakthrough.

Only three months or so remain until Nalan Yanran arrives to annul the engagement, right?

His golden finger, the old man in the ring, was about to appear.

Envy!

…

«Doctor Wei, we've arrived. Ahead is our patriarch and the three elders,» Xiao Feng said respectfully.

«Hmm.» Wei Yang nodded, his lips curving into a gentle smile as he stepped forward.

«Doctor Wei, welcome to the Xiao family.» The leading middle-aged man, dressed in luxurious gray robes, exuded an air of authority with his dragon-like strides and tiger-like presence. His thick eyebrows added a touch of heroism to his face. He was the current patriarch of the Xiao family: Xiao Zhan. He stepped forward, a warm smile on his face.

«Doctor Wei…» The three elders and the Xiao family members present also spoke up, some with kindness, some with respect, and some with flattery.

Except for Gu Xun Er, who maintained a faint smile, her expression calm. The moment she saw Wei Yang, she felt a sense of familiarity. After a brief moment of thought, she recalled, «It's him!»

She remembered seeing this youth from afar at the entrance of the Xiao family's market over two years ago, someone she hadn't even exchanged a nod with. Gu Xun Er remembered Wei Yang because his powerful soul force and talent had slightly surprised her at the time.

Seeing Wei Yang again now, she felt even more astonished. Despite his restrained aura, when a wisp of golden flame flickered in the depths of her eyes, she realized that his soul force had grown several times stronger compared to over two years ago! His level was now a high-tier Dou Ling.

More than his Dou Ling level, what caught her attention was his unusually strong soul force. This made her take this youth seriously.

«This level of soul force is comparable to an average Dou Zong!» Gu Xun Er thought in surprise.

But that was all.

She simply smiled politely, neither too close nor too distant, just enough to acknowledge his presence. Her gaze remained mostly on Xiao Yan.

Wei Yang noticed all this from the corner of his eye, his smile growing even wider. As expected, for Gu Xun Er, only Xiao Yan could truly capture her attention in the entire Xiao family, no, the entire Jia Ma Empire.

Others?

Sorry, to the young lady of the Gu Clan, they were just roadside weeds, not worth mentioning.

He had no intention of currying favor with her. His gaze swept past her and moved on.

Gu Xun Er? Honestly, whether in this world or when he read the original story, he had no strong feelings for her.

Among so many female characters, Gu Xun Er left a less deep impression on him than Medusa.

It's not that Gu Xun Er wasn't beautiful or talented.

She was, after all, a divine bloodline of the Gu Clan, with a father who was a nine-star Dou Sheng. In terms of family background, status, talent, intelligence, and beauty, she was undoubtedly among the top tier on the continent.

Logically, such a woman would be hard for any man to resist.

But Wei Yang just didn't feel much for her, which was strange.

…

Many thoughts flashed through his mind.

Facing the greetings from the Xiao family, Wei Yang smiled and nodded in response, «Everyone, sorry for the intrusion.»

«Doctor Wei, you're too polite. It's no trouble at all…» Patriarch Xiao Zhan began.

Before he could finish, one of the elders interjected, «Hahaha, Doctor Wei, you're mistaken. Your visit is a great honor for the Xiao family. How could it be an intrusion?»

Such behavior, interrupting the patriarch in front of a guest, was somewhat disrespectful.

After all, Xiao Zhan was the patriarch and was speaking to the guest.

For an elder to interrupt before the patriarch finished speaking was out of line.

Yet, this elder did it.

The other two elders remained calm, showing no embarrassment.

Xiao Zhan frowned slightly but said nothing more, extending his hand, «Doctor Wei, please come inside.»

Wei Yang just watched silently, fully aware of the Xiao family's internal issues, and had no interest in their domestic affairs. He nodded and followed Xiao Zhan into the Xiao family residence.

…

Inside the Xiao family residence.

Led by Xiao Zhan, they passed through the front courtyard and arrived at the solemn reception hall.

Inside, many servants were busy arranging tea, fruit plates, and snacks.

Upon seeing the group arrive, an elderly steward with white hair and beard quickly led the servants to retreat to the back hall.

«Doctor Wei, please come in,» Xiao Zhan gestured.

Wei Yang nodded and stepped inside.

The hall was spacious.

Everyone took their seats, with Xiao Zhan and the three elders at the head.

Wei Yang was seated in the first seat on the left.

The other Xiao family members took seats on the right.

Those seated at the front were the more influential and powerful senior members of the Xiao family.

The younger generation who had distinguished themselves sat further back or to the side.

«Doctor Wei, please have some tea.» Xiao Zhan lifted his cup, and the rest of the Xiao family followed suit.

«Please.» Wei Yang sipped his tea.

After drinking tea, the atmosphere relaxed a bit.

«Doctor Wei, not long ago, you purchased a large batch of medicinal materials from our Xiao family market. Last time, you left in a hurry, and we didn't have a chance to properly thank you for your support and trust in our Xiao family…» Xiao Zhan said with a smile.

«You're too kind, Patriarch Xiao.»

After some polite exchanges, Xiao Zhan cautiously inquired, «Doctor Wei mentioned a significant business deal you'd like to discuss with our Xiao family. May I ask?»

«Please prepare a large table,» Wei Yang said with a smile.

Xiao Zhan immediately signaled for someone to make arrangements.

Wei Yang looked at Xiao Yan, sitting in a corner with Gu Xun Er, seemingly talking quietly, and said, «I have always had a favorable impression of the Xiao family. One reason for choosing to do business with you is trust. Another part is because of Xiao Yan.»

The Xiao family members were surprised.

Xiao Yan, who had been quietly talking with Gu Xun Er, was also taken aback, looking up in shock, «Me?»

The three elders frowned slightly.

Xiao Zhan's face lit up with joy. He glanced at the stunned Xiao Yan and then back at Wei Yang, his voice growing warmer, «Oh? Does Doctor Wei know my son, Yan'er?»

Wei Yang smiled and shook his head, «Not exactly. To be honest, I'm also from Wu Tan City, so I grew up hearing about Xiao Yan. I've long admired him, but unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet him properly.»

He looked at Xiao Yan, smiling kindly, «Today, I finally have the opportunity to meet you, Xiao Yan, and fulfill a long-held wish.»

(End of Chapter)