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"Xiao Lin, you are the hope for our Xiao Clan's rise! That is why I told you all these family secrets that I should have taken to my grave. Do you know why?"
Looking at Xiao Lin, whose expression was shifting between light and dark, Clan Leader Xiao Dongcheng spoke again with earnest and heartfelt words.
He actually hoped that Xiao Lin would stay safely at home and not run around everywhere. What he feared was that Xiao Lin would be like those ancestors of the Xiao Clan, unfortunately falling on the path of pursuing strength.
"Clan Leader, I know what you are worried about.
"But didn't you also say that the deaths of the ancestors were all accidents? Besides, since I have this ability, I naturally must shoulder the responsibility of the clan's revival. And if I want to realize that revival, shouldn't I become even stronger?"
This time, Xiao Lin simply followed Xiao Dongcheng's own logic to block the other man's argument. Sure enough, as Xiao Lin's words fell, Clan Leader Xiao Dongcheng was instantly left speechless. However, he quickly realized that Xiao Lin was using his own words against him!
This made him unable to resist rolling his eyes at Xiao Lin.
"Fine, your wings have hardened, and now you've learned to use such twisted logic, have you?"
Though he said this, Xiao Dongcheng's tone carried a hint of doting.
It was clear that although they were not father and son, in Xiao Dongcheng's eyes, he truly treated Xiao Lin as his own biological son. It was precisely because of this that their private conversations could be so casual.
"Hey, how is this twisted logic? Clan Leader, everything I said is the truth!" Xiao Lin retorted righteously.
In any case, after learning that the ancestors of the Xiao Clan had been "forced" into accidental deaths for various reasons, his determination to become stronger had only intensified. Therefore, for this period of travel, he absolutely had to head out!
"Yes, yes, yes, everything you say is the truth. Is that enough?" Knowing Xiao Lin's mind was made up, Clan Leader Xiao Dongcheng could only speak helplessly.
At this moment, his only hope was for Xiao Lin to grow up smoothly, so that he himself could look after the Xiao Clan for a few more years for the younger man's sake.
"Clan Leader, rest assured. On this journey for experience, I will definitely not meet with an accident. Definitely!"
To put the old man's mind at ease, Xiao Lin placed heavy emphasis on the word "definitely."
After all, even if he was currently targeted by the Hun Clan, under the condition that he hid his true strength, that "Hun Clan Outsourcing Company" would at most send a Dou Huang to target him.
But how could a mere Dou Huang possibly manage to force a "forced" accidental death upon him?
Therefore, Xiao Lin was extremely confident about heading out this time.
"I understand. Since your mind is made up, then go. Have you thought about how long you will be out for this time?"
"As short as two or three years, as long as five or six. However, I will definitely be back before Zhan'er's coming-of-age ceremony!" After a moment of silence, Xiao Lin gave the duration of his travels.
However, upon hearing Xiao Lin's words, Xiao Dongcheng's brows furrowed slightly.
"Will it be that long?"
Even though he had prepared himself mentally, once Xiao Lin stated the timeframe, a wave of worry still couldn't help but well up in Xiao Dongcheng's heart.
Xiao Lin didn't speak further, only nodding.
Subsequently, both fell into silence.
One side felt worry and reluctance to part, while the other felt guilt and a loss for words.
"When do you depart?"
Finally, it was Xiao Dongcheng who broke the silence.
"In three days. Before that, there are some things I need to prepare. Additionally, before leaving, I have to say goodbye to some familiar faces." Xiao Lin gave his answer.
Since he was going to be away for a long time, Xiao Lin naturally couldn't just up and leave. He wasn't a solitary man; he had many things to consider.
"I see. Since you've made your decision, then go. You don't need to worry about clan affairs; this old man should still be able to hold on for a few more years."
Perhaps wanting to break the sentimental atmosphere, Clan Leader Xiao Dongcheng finally couldn't help but crack a joke at his own expense.
"Clan Leader, what are you saying? I believe you will definitely live a long and healthy life!"
Looking at the old man's graying temples, Xiao Lin could only offer such a blessing.
But Xiao Lin actually knew that with Xiao Dongcheng's body, even in the best-case scenario, he probably only had ten or so years left to live. At this age, even with good care, the hidden injuries left in his body from his youth would still flare up.
Unless the old man could consume the kind of medicinal pill that could seize the creation of heaven and earth, his lifespan could be described as something one could see the end of at a glance. But unfortunately, Xiao Lin was not an Alchemist.
To obtain that kind of pill was almost unrealistic.
"Right, you're going out to travel, what about Zhan'er's side..."
Suddenly remembering something, Xiao Dongcheng asked, hesitating.
Because he had always treated Xiao Lin as a son, naturally, in Xiao Dongcheng's eyes, Xiao Zhan was equivalent to his own biological grandson! Usually, when Xiao Lin entered a state of closed-door cultivation, he personally raised Xiao Zhan.
One could say that in the nine-plus years of Xiao Zhan's life, half of it had been spent following Clan Leader Xiao Dongcheng.
"I haven't told Zhan'er yet. I'll tell him tonight. For the duration of my travels, I'll have to trouble you to look after him, Clan Leader."
If there was one thing Xiao Lin was most worried about after leaving, it was his son.
"That goes without saying," Xiao Dongcheng replied as a matter of course.
The Xiao Clan was now on the right track.
Many clansmen, at great cost to the clan, had already entered the Alchemist Association to serve as apprentices. It was expected that becoming Alchemists in the near future would not be a difficult task.
Although they might only become low-tier Alchemists, for the current Xiao Clan, that was enough!
As for the Xiao Clan's businesses outside, they were similarly sailing on smooth waters!
Whether it was the Jia Ma Empire's Imperial Family, the Yun Lan Sect, or even the Mittel, Nalan, and Mu Clans, they all had business dealings with the Xiao Clan. Under these circumstances, which blind power would dare to trip up the Xiao Clan?
They would have to be tired of living!
One could say that the Xiao Clan currently had more and more friends within the Jia Ma Empire. As for enemies, it couldn't be said there were none, but they were few, and all they could do was lie low to avoid the Xiao Clan's current brilliance.
With the Xiao Clan's rising status in the Jia Ma Empire, those people were already thanking their lucky stars that the Xiao Clan didn't come looking for trouble; how could they dare to jump out at this time to provoke the clan?
It was no exaggeration to say that as long as Xiao Lin did not fall now, the Xiao Clan's position in the Jia Ma Empire was deep-rooted and unshakable!
This was also one of the reasons Xiao Lin felt at ease going out for travel.
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