Chapter 761: Reunion
"Haha, I don’t need your help with that. Thank you so much, though. I don’t even know how to repay you for your previous kindness." Xiao Xiao quickly waved her hands, declining Xue Wei’s offer.
What I’m looking for isn’t some ordinary object. It’s not as simple as taming this little beast. I’m searching for the Buddha’s Relic, something that would be difficult for even Xue Zhao to obtain, let alone this man. He lives so reclusively within the Xue Family; he must not be well-regarded. Naturally, Xiao Xiao didn’t place her hopes on him.
Seeing her refusal, Xue Wei looked a little disappointed. "Alright, Little Girl Xiaoxiao. I thought I could help, but it seems I’ll have to take my leave."
Xiao Xiao smiled and nodded at him. "I’ll remember this favor, Xue Wei. If I get the chance, I will definitely repay you!"
Xue Wei didn’t say anything, just smiled and turned to leave.
He hadn’t gotten far when A-san suddenly appeared before him.
"Master, we’ve figured out why that beast went berserk," A-san whispered, reporting his findings. "The meat they were roasting was laced with Xue Zhao’s Energy. That creature is far too sensitive to her Energy, so it lost control."
Xue Wei looked at him, his expression unchanging. "What a shame. I intended to use that beast against Xue Zhao, but before that woman even comes out of seclusion, this pawn is already useless. It was a complete waste of the effort I spent nurturing it these past few days."
After a moment of silence, A-san said, "Master, by saving Little Girl Xiaoxiao at such a crucial moment, you’ve surely earned her gratitude."
Xue Wei smiled faintly. "In that case, I suppose our ’little pet’ was somewhat useful after all."
"Master, what should we do when Xue Zhao comes out of seclusion?" A-san asked. "I’ve heard that with this breakthrough, her power might rival yours."
Xue Wei waved his hand dismissively as he walked. "Don’t worry about it. I have my own plans for when she emerges."
Meanwhile, Xiao Xiao quickly made her way back.
Qi Tian hurried over to her. "Little Girl Xiaoxiao, were you just talking to someone? I thought I heard voices, but I couldn’t make out what was said. Who were you with? They looked so familiar."
The spot where Xiao Xiao had spoken with Xue Wei was quite far away, so Qi Tian had only seen two silhouettes and couldn’t recognize the other person.
Xiao Xiao smiled. "It was the same member of the Xue Family who helped me find the little pet earlier. He’s probably not very well-regarded in your family. He said he sensed something was amiss when he found the creature, so he followed it. He arrived just in time to see me fighting it and stepped in to help."
Qi Tian’s eyes widened in understanding. "Oh, so that’s what happened! What a shame he left so quickly. We should have thanked him properly!"
He had no idea who Xiao Xiao was talking about. There were many people in the Xue Family, and he didn’t know which of them were ostracized. He had originally thought Xiao Xiao defeated the beast herself, but it turned out to be another member of the Xue Family. Someone from the Xue Family this powerful is a rare sight. If we could win him over to help our Young Miss, that would be a huge boon! Qi Tian found his thoughts drifting.
"Anyway, he’s part of the Xue Family, so we’ll surely have a chance to meet again," Xiao Xiao said. "Alright, come on, let’s hurry and deal with this creature."
The large, dark creature was still lying motionless on the ground, its state unclear. When the group walked over to inspect it, they discovered it was no longer breathing.
While handling the corpse, Qi Tian muttered with his head lowered, "I don’t know why it suddenly went berserk. Maybe because it was just a stray that the Young Miss hadn’t trained yet. What a pity. She’ll definitely be heartbroken when she comes out and sees it’s gone."
Xiao Xiao returned to her own courtyard. Since the barrier Ye Qingchen had set up was still active, she resumed her watch, continuing to stand guard for him.
「The next day.」
In the Xue Family’s council hall, the Family Head sat at the forefront, conducting a routine meeting.
"Do any of the Elders have anything to say?"
The moment the Family Head finished speaking, the Elders who favored Xue Feng spoke up.
"Family Head, regarding the recent incident in the outer city, Xue Feng performed exceptionally well. Not only were there no casualties, but he also captured the culprit. Those responsible have already been punished. We have all witnessed Xue Feng’s capabilities."
"Yes, Family Head! Xue Feng’s own strength is already among the best of the younger generation, and now his problem-solving skills have proven to be just as strong. It’s time to grant him an official position!"
Hearing the Elders’ words, the Family Head nodded in satisfaction. "It seems entrusting him to you was the right decision. He worked hard on this matter, and the Xue Family always rewards those who serve it well."
The Elders smiled and nodded.
"So, what do you Elders think would be a fitting reward?"
The leading Elder heard this and glanced at the others beside him. "Haha, Family Head, actually, Xue Feng has a request of his own this time. We, however, feel it’s entirely inappropriate and have already reprimanded him for it. But that boy, I don’t know what’s gotten into him... he stubbornly insisted that we present his request to you."
"Indeed, Family Head," another added. "The lad is quite capable, but he is still young and lacks experience. He can be too presumptuous at times!"
"We couldn’t talk him out of it, Family Head," said a third. "We decided it would be best for him to learn from a small setback!"
The Elders’ words piqued the Family Head’s curiosity. "Do tell. What exactly is the boy’s request?"
The leading Elder cleared his throat. "Well, Family Head... what he wants is the Buddha’s Relic!"
At the mention of the Buddha’s Relic, the Family Head’s eyes shot wide in disbelief. "What did you say? Say that again!"
"Family Head, the item Xue Feng desires is the Buddha’s Relic!" the Elder repeated.
Hearing the definitive answer, the Family Head’s face darkened instantly. "The Buddha’s Relic? Is that boy truly ignorant, or is he just pretending? For this minor accomplishment, he thinks he deserves the Buddha’s Relic? Heh, the youth of today are certainly arrogant!"
The Elders immediately understood the unspoken meaning in the Family Head’s words and scrambled to agree.
"Family Head, we told him it was impossible, but he just wouldn’t listen!"
"Exactly! The boy refuses to heed our advice. He doesn’t know what’s good for him!"
"He must be stopped! We can’t allow him to act so recklessly!"