Chapter 101 : . Sibling Conversation
Chapter 101 : . Sibling Conversation
Perhaps due to the intense exertion the previous night, it wasn't until the sun was high in the sky the next day that Gu Xun'er slowly awoke from her slumber.
After resting a bit longer, Gu Xun'er, with Xiao Han's assistance, got dressed and rose from bed.
"Let's go," Xiao Han said softly, adjusting Gu Xun'er's clothes and gently stroking her silky hair. "Eldest Brother and the others are waiting for us in the main hall."
Gu Xun'er rubbed her eyes and sat on the edge of the bed, watching Xiao Han kneel to help her put on shoes. Her voice unconsciously took on a coquettish tone, as if pouting: "Why didn't you wake me earlier? What if we've kept them waiting too long?"
"It's fine," Xiao Han replied, meticulously tying the shoelaces and lightly patting Gu Xun'er's knee. "I've already spoken with Eldest Brother and the others for a while."
Xiao Han had risen early. After getting up, she had found her Second Brother and gone to her eldest brother's room. The three siblings chatted for a bit, then gathered the Third Elder, who managed the Xiao Family affairs, and other high-ranking members for a meeting to discuss some matters.
Upon learning of Xiao Zhan's death, the Xiao Family members all expressed grief and anger, especially when they discovered the culprit was Xiao Zhan's own son, Xiao Yan, the third young master of the Xiao Family. The Third Elder trembled with rage, cursing the unfilial act.
After everyone's emotions had somewhat settled, Xiao Han stated her purpose—to make Xiao Ding the new clan leader of the Xiao Family.
Xiao Ding naturally disagreed, as did other family members. They believed Xiao Han was the only suitable candidate for the next clan leader, capable of leading the Xiao Family to even greater heights. After all, it was Xiao Han who had saved the Xiao Family from the brink of destruction and elevated it to unprecedented levels.
Unfortunately, Xiao Han had no desire to take over the Xiao Family. She held no particular affection for it, and if not for Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, Xiao Yu, and Xiao Mei being family members she cared about, she wouldn't have concerned herself with the Xiao Family's fate at all.
After clearly expressing her refusal to become the clan leader, the Xiao Family's upper echelons had no choice but to agree to Xiao Ding becoming the clan leader as a second-best option. Their reasoning was simple: although Xiao Han held no particular affection for the Xiao Family, as long as her beloved elder brother became the clan leader, she wouldn't ignore the family's affairs if problems arose in the future.
After determining the Xiao Family's new heir, everyone discussed the family's future direction. Xiao Han had little to say, leaving some resources before bidding farewell to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li and departing first. However, before she left, Xiao Ding called out to her, suggesting they have lunch together—just the three siblings and Gu Xun'er.
Hearing this, Gu Xun'er let out a soft "Ah" and said, "Has Xiao Ding figured out our relationship?"
Xiao Han thought nothing of it. Xiao Ding had always been perceptive and intelligent; she would have found it odd if he hadn't guessed her relationship with Gu Xun'er. Moreover, their relationship wasn't something to be ashamed of, and from her eldest brother's demeanor, he seemed supportive.
"What about after the meal?" Gu Xun'er asked, jumping off the bed and lightly stamping her feet after Xiao Han had helped her put on her shoes. "How long are we staying at the Xiao Family?"
"We'll leave after the meal," Xiao Han replied. There was no reason to linger at the Xiao Family, and now wasn't the time for leisure. "After lunch, we'll head to the Cloud Mist Sect."
Gu Xun'er blinked, not quite understanding the sudden decision to go to the Cloud Mist Sect.
Gently pinching Gu Xun'er's nose, Xiao Han's gaze turned slightly colder as she said, "The matter with Soul Hall can't be delayed much longer."
Although both the Jia Ma Empire and the Medicine Clan had suffered some damage, they hadn't been directly destroyed as Xiao Yan had hoped. With Xiao Yan's fragile ego, he would surely be furious and humiliated, likely to initiate plans for all-out war soon. When that time came, an inevitable continental war would break out. Xiao Han felt it necessary to give various forces a heads-up to avoid being caught off guard.
Hearing Xiao Han's explanation, Gu Xun'er pouted and lazily leaned into Xiao Han's embrace, saying, "This Xiao Yan is truly annoying, causing so much trouble. But now, Soul Hall only has the Ancestral Awakening Jade belonging to the Soul Clan. They still can't obtain the Origin Emperor Qi to become a Dou God. Declaring war on all forces across the continent in this situation—isn't that just seeking death?"
Thinking of the sacrificial array used by Soul Emperor Tian in the original story, Xiao Han's gaze darkened slightly, but she only said, "Who knows?"
Seeing Gu Xun'er still looking troubled, Xiao Han's lips curved into a slight smile as she said, "Don't worry. Even if the sky falls, your Senior Sister will be there to hold it up."
Obediently responding with a soft sound, Gu Xun'er freshened up before following Xiao Han out the door.
Along the way, they encountered many Xiao Family disciples. Although it had been four years since they last met, almost everyone recognized Xiao Han at first glance, their faces showing respect and admiration.
Xiao Han had clearly become the spiritual pillar of the Xiao Family.
Xiao Han continued walking straight ahead, while Gu Xun'er, in a good mood, clung to Xiao Han's arm and smiled at the Xiao Family disciples who were staring at them. Her exquisite, beautiful face caused those who saw her smile to freeze in place, only snapping back to reality after the pair had disappeared from view.
Xiao Han clearly saw Gu Xun'er's little actions but only smiled indulgently without saying anything.
Xiao Ding had only been rescued from the dungeon a day ago and was still very weak. For convenience, they decided to gather in the courtyard where Xiao Ding was staying. When Xiao Han and Gu Xun'er arrived, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were already in the courtyard, drinking and waiting. On the stone table were carefully prepared dishes from the Xiao Family kitchen, kept warm in food boxes.
Seeing Xiao Han and Gu Xun'er, Xiao Li excitedly stood up and urged them to sit down quickly: "If you didn't come soon, the food would have gone cold."
Gu Xun'er gave a slightly apologetic smile and said, "I woke up late. Sorry."
Xiao Li was momentarily stunned, then scratched his head and smiled, unsure how to respond. Xiao Ding, however, glanced at Xiao Han, his eyes revealing a hint of disapproval: "Young people should take care of their bodies. It's normal to be carried away by passion, but you should also learn to exercise restraint."
Hearing this, Xiao Han merely nodded slightly, while Gu Xun'er's face instantly turned red with embarrassment, glaring at Xiao Han beside her.
Xiao Li's expression became slightly strange as his gaze shifted between Xiao Han and Gu Xun'er, as if trying to confirm something.
"Second Brother?" Xiao Han guessed that Xiao Ding must have told Xiao Li about her relationship with Gu Xun'er. Seeing Xiao Li's reaction, she understood that her Second Brother seemed unable to believe that his little sister had gone out to "dig up someone else's cabbage."
Coming to his senses, Xiao Li scratched his head again and asked, "Little Han, let your Second Brother ask you a question. Are you really together with Xun'er?"
Xiao Han calmly nodded, holding Gu Xun'er's hand.
Seeing this, Xiao Li understood everything. He broke into an excited smile and turned to Xiao Ding, saying cheerfully, "Eldest Brother, this is great news! Our little sister has grown up and knows how to take a wife!"
Xiao Ding: "......"
Xiao Han: "......"
Gu Xun'er: "......"
Xiao Ding raised his hand to his forehead, feeling embarrassed to have such a seemingly intellectually challenged brother. He ignored Xiao Li's comment and instead said to Xiao Han and Gu Xun'er, "Sit down and let's eat."
Xiao Han nodded, leading Gu Xun'er to sit opposite her two elder brothers. Xiao Li, realizing his previous comment was inappropriate, chuckled awkwardly and sat down casually, saying, "Try it quickly. I specially instructed the kitchen to make all your favorites."
One by one, exquisite dishes were taken out from the food boxes. Xiao Han glanced over them briefly and found that almost all the dishes on the table were ones she particularly enjoyed, instantly feeling a warmth in her heart.
Gu Xun'er wasn't a picky eater, and her tastes were similar to Xiao Han's, so most of the dishes on the table were to her liking as well.
"What are your plans for the future?" Xiao Ding asked after taking a sip of wine.
Xiao Han's voice turned slightly cold: "The debts with Soul Hall, of course, must be settled one by one."
Xiao Ding showed no surprise: "Are you planning to attack Soul Hall?"
Xiao Han's gaze narrowed slightly. She held a small wine cup and took a small sip: "There's no need for that."
After all, it wouldn't be long before Xiao Yan and the Soul Hall members would be unable to restrain themselves. Or rather, the entity possessing Xiao Yan would be unable to restrain itself.
After some thought, Xiao Han still added a word of caution: "Before long, the heavens of this continent will change. Eldest Brother, Second Brother, be prepared for war."
During this morning's family leadership talk, Xiao Han had mentioned this briefly. Xiao Ding knew his sister wasn't one to make alarmist statements, so he had firmly committed her words to memory. Now hearing Xiao Han mention it again, Xiao Ding nodded, indicating he understood.
After the meal, Xiao Han drank a bit more wine with Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, chatting for about an hour before bidding farewell with Gu Xun'er.
Watching the two leave arm in arm, Xiao Ding stroked his chin and said to Xiao Li beside him, "They really make a good match."
Xiao Li looked at him in confusion: "Match what? None of today's dishes were meant to be paired with wine."
Xiao Ding: "......"
No wonder you're still single.
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