Capítulo 12: Bonding
Of course, the spiritual veins of the Wang family and the Li family were man-made, but their rank was slightly lower than that of the Xiao family's natural vein—only mid-tier first rank.
Creating a first-order spiritual vein is relatively simple. One only needs to find a mountain range rich in Spiritual Qi and bury 100,000 low-grade Spirit Stones into the earth.
In under ten years, a low-tier first-order spiritual vein can form. With enough time and care, it may advance to a mid-tier first-order spiritual vein.
However, advancing to a high-tier first-order spiritual vein requires far more effort—nearly one million low-grade Spirit Stones and a stroke of luck.
In the deepest secret room of the Xiao family's back mountain, the wall separating the room from the core of the spiritual vein is barely a few meters thick.
This secret room is the most spiritually abundant location in the entire Xiao family estate and even all of Qinghe Town. Its Spiritual Qi concentration is unmatched.
The secret room is divided into two sections. The innermost chamber is where the patriarch cultivates, while the outer chamber features a stone table surrounded by six stone benches.
Six years ago, there were only five stone benches. But five years ago, Xiao Xuan earned his place in family discussions through his remarkable achievements. Since then, one of the benches has belonged to him.
At this moment, Xiao Xuan sat at the stone table, his posture composed and confident. His right hand rested on the table, and his index finger tapped softly against the stone surface.
His light blue robe accentuated his graceful and dignified presence.
Though his eyes were closed, his expression was serene. Here, within the Xiao family, he felt a sense of ease he rarely experienced elsewhere.
After a while, footsteps echoed outside the secret room. Hearing them, Xiao Xuan's lips curled into a slight smile.
Over the years, he had come to understand the habits of these old men.
"Xuan'er, where is my eldest grandson?"
"The genius of our Xiao family has returned. What a joy to congratulate!"
"Look, what good things has Xuan'er brought back this time? This little guy is simply a treasure trove for our Xiao family."
Xiao Zhongzheng entered quickly, his gaze fixed on the stone table, while the five elders behind him also stared intently.
They had learned that every time Xiao Xuan returned, he would head straight to the secret room.
Xiao Xuan sat there solemnly, occasionally sipping tea.
Though he was the most talented disciple of the Xiao family, he still maintained proper etiquette.
"Xuan'er, meet Grandpa, Father, and all the Elders!"
Xiao Xuan stood up slowly, bowing respectfully with both hands as the others entered.
Seeing the Xiao family's prized genius so respectful, everyone smiled warmly.
"Grandpa, please, take your seat!"
Xiao Xuan helped Xiao Zhongzheng sit on the stone bench, and the others took their places.
"Now, tell me, what good things did you find this time?"
"Finding Xuan Huang grass is no easy task. It's a second-tier elixir, very hard to come by."
"Forget it. Even if you didn't find it, no matter—everyone is mortal. As long as you are safe, that's all that matters."
The elders asked with curiosity, while Xiao Zhongzheng reassured his grandson with a kind smile.
In his heart, Xiao Xuan's safety was far more important than his own life, and he was mentally prepared for any outcome.
Xiao Xuan smiled faintly at their words, then without saying a word, took out the Xuan Huang grass from his storage bag.
As soon as the Xuan Huang grass appeared, its unique fragrance filled the secret room, and everyone inhaled deeply, as if the scent itself could extend their lives.
All eyes were on the emerald green grass resting on the stone table.
The grass had three branches, each adorned with three leaves, and three flower buds delicately hanging from the branches.
"Hiss!!!"
"Three leaves, three branches, three flower buds!"
"Could this be... Xuan Huang Grass?"
The room buzzed with astonishment. Even Xiao Zhongzheng, who rarely showed emotion, was visibly startled by the sight of the Xuan Huang Grass.
The five most powerful members of the Xiao family surrounded the elixir, unable to take their eyes off it.
Xiao Liangting reached out to touch the leaves, but—
"Snap!!!"
"What are you doing? My grandson went through so much to find this for me!"
Xiao Zhongzheng slapped Xiao Liangting's hand away, guarding the Xuanhuang Grass like a treasure. His stern gaze warned Liangting not to cross the line.
"Father," Xiao Liangting said, exasperated, "I know Xuan'er brought this back for you. But I'm still his father! Don't I have the right to at least take a closer look?"
Xiao Zhongzheng stared him down. "I'm still *your* father! And if I say no, then no!"
The others in the secret room stifled their laughter, afraid to laugh aloud in such a tense moment.
Xiao Xuan, watching this exchange, sighed helplessly. He had always felt his father had little presence in the family. Compared to his grandfather and himself, Xiao Liangting was often overshadowed.
After a moment, the focus shifted back to Xiao Xuan. Xiao Zhongzheng, with tears glistening in his eyes, walked over to his grandson and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You silly boy," he said in a voice filled with emotion. "Do you even realize how important you are to our Xiao family?"
Another Elder chimed in, "Xuan'er, you can't take risks like this again. If anyone should go, it's us older ones."
"That's right," said another. "You are the future of our family. Your priority should be to grow stronger."
The room filled with voices of agreement, each Elder urging Xiao Xuan to avoid danger in the future.
Xiao Xuan's heart warmed at their words. Though his family might not have been powerful, their care and love were unwavering. He cherished this bond deeply.
Then, without a word, Xiao Xuan placed an emerald green bottle on the stone table.
Everyone's attention immediately shifted, their eyes locked on the bottle in curiosity and awe.
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