On the back of the Gryphon Beast, Xiao Feng shook his head with a smile.
"Wutan City has a large population, but that's only because it's close to the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Even if the Xiao Family is the overlord of Wutan City, it's still just a small Family—of course there aren't any real experts."
After saying this, Xiao Feng turned to Xiao Chen, who was holding the reins, and the others, who were excited to be home, and said softly, "Xiao Chen, find a spot and bring the Gryphon down. Don't be careless like just now—be careful."
Xiao Chen gave an embarrassed laugh; his earlier maneuver really had been a slip. He'd forgotten that the people back home were far weaker than the students of Canaan Academy and had misjudged the altitude.
After answering with a "yes," Xiao Chen began looking for a place to land.
"A Flying Magical Beast from Canaan Academy—could that be Xiao Feng?"
On the Viewing Platform, Xiao Zhan and the other senior members of the Family first looked thoughtful, then shocked, and finally delighted.
If Xiao Feng was returning from Canaan Academy, the Xiao Family might rise another level!
Just as the delighted Xiao Zhan was about to order the boys and girls in the Square to clear a space, the Grand Elder beside him already shouted excitedly,
"Quickly, quickly—make room for the Flying Magical Beast to land!"
At the Grand Elder's order, the crowd swiftly opened a gap around the stone tablet platform.
In truth, it wasn't necessary; the testing ground was large enough and there were open spots farther away.
Xiao Chen heard the Grand Elder's cry. Glancing down, he gave up the idea of steering the gryphon to the side and instead guided it to descend slowly beside the stone tablet platform.
As the mount landed, fierce winds swept out again, but having learned from the previous incident, the crowd stood far enough away that no one was blown over.
The wind gradually weakened until it vanished. The gryphon finally settled in front of the Xiao clansmen, its huge beak staring straight at the nearest person.
The sight made many of the young Xiao disciples pale with fright; they stepped back several paces, increasing the already sizable distance.
Not everyone in the Training Ground was an inexperienced youth. From the Viewing Platform the senior members discussed:
"That's a Canaan Academy Flying Magical Beast? Its aura feels as strong as the Clan Chief's—worthy of Canaan Academy!"
"Heh, if only our Family had flying mounts; it would save a lot of trouble."
"Dream on. Mounts of that level aren't something you can just obtain."
"Ahem, enough. People are about to dismount—let's go look."
Xiao Zhan cut the pointless chatter short and led the way down, several Elders close behind. The rest exchanged glances and followed. On the gryphon's back, sensing it had settled, Xiao Feng said to the others, "It's stable—let's go."
The moment they stepped out, Xiao Feng and Xiao Chen were spotted by the surrounding gazes.
"Someone's come off the Flying Magical Beast! Who's that handsome boy ?
"No idea, but he's so good-looking!"
"There's more behind—Cousin Xiao Mai!"
"The slim youth behind Xiao Mai is Cousin Xiao Lou!"
"Cousin Xiao Chen's there too!"
Xiao Feng had left the Family too long and been too young when he departed; almost no one recognized him at first glance. Only a handful, seeing his familiar face, began to guess.
As Xiao Mai and the others appeared, their guesses grew stronger.
"Hahaha, Xiao Feng—so you really have returned!"
Finally, amid the chatter, a loud laugh from the rear of the crowd revealed Xiao Feng's identity.
The crowd parted, and the Family's senior members walked up to Xiao Feng's group, every face glowing with delight they could not hide.
"What! That's Xiao Feng—our clan's greatest contributor? I didn't recognize him after all these years!"
"Heh, I knew it—Xiao Feng's still as good-looking as when he was little!"
"Haha, our number-one expert is back—what a joyous event! There'll surely be a feast tonight and a grand celebration."
Just as Xiao Yan spoke up, "Cousin Xiao Feng will probably stay quite a while this time, right?" The crowd murmured with excitement, their eyes sparkling at his presence.
Seeing Xiao Yan and Xuner, Xiao Feng nodded and said, "Yes, I will stay for about five months. During this time, anyone who has a problem can come to me. I will help as much as I can."
Xiao Zhan stepped forward, a warm smile on his face, and said, "It's good that you came to visit our family. Your return brings pride and joy to all of us."
He then clapped his hands and said, "Alright, everyone, disperse and continue with the Coming-of-Age Ceremony. Let today's focus remain on the young ones celebrating their passage into adulthood."
Xiao Zhan then turned to the clan members who had come with Xiao Feng and spoke clearly, "Make sure everyone is settled. The maids and workers will take you to your rooms so you can rest after the journey. We will have a grand welcoming feast tomorrow in your honor, and there will be plenty of time to catch up and share stories."
A wave of excitement and chatter spread through the gathered family members. Many of the younger cousins exchanged glances, clearly eager to meet Xiao Feng and learn from his experiences. The elders, meanwhile, nodded with satisfaction, pleased to see the family's most talented member return safely.
"Clan Chief, Elders—sorry if we interrupted your Qi Testing. Should we carry on?"
"No matter, no interruption. The test can continue in a bit," the Second Elder beside Xiao Zhan said, stroking his beard with a grin. In truth, they had indeed been interrupted, but compared with Xiao Feng's return, scarcely anyone cared.
===============================
"Alright," Xiao Feng replied to the Second Elder with a slight nod.
Xiao Zhan then turned toward the younger members of the clan and said, "Xiao Yan, Xiao Ning, Xiao Yu—come and help Xiao Feng and the other clan members settle into their rooms so they can rest."
After giving the instructions, Xiao Zhan looked at Xiao Feng and said kindly, "We can talk about everything tomorrow. For now, you should rest after the long journey."
Xiao Feng nodded in agreement.
Soon after, Xiao Yan, Xiao Ning, and Xiao Yu walked over to Xiao Feng and the others. With friendly smiles, they led the visiting clan members toward the inner courtyard, guiding them to their respective rooms.
The journey had been long, and everyone was somewhat tired. Before long, the guests, including Xiao Feng, settled into their rooms and rested for the remainder of the day.
The next morning.
Soft sunlight streamed through the windows as the Xiao Family residence slowly came to life. Servants moved quietly through the corridors, attending to their daily duties.
Not long after Xiao Feng woke up, a servant came to his door and respectfully informed him, "Young Master Xiao Feng, the Clan Chief has asked that you come to the main hall once you are awake."
After hearing the message, Xiao Feng nodded calmly.
He finished washing up and changed into a set of fresh, clean clothes. His expression looked refreshed after a night of rest.
Just as he was about to open the door and leave, a gentle knocking sound came from outside.
Knock, knock.
Xiao Feng opened the door.
Standing outside were two familiar figures—none other than Xiao Yan and Xuner.
Xiao Yan smiled slightly and said, "Brother Feng, you're awake. Father asked us to bring you to the main hall."
Xuner stood quietly beside him, her gentle eyes observing Xiao Feng with curiosity and respect.
As they walked toward the main hall, Xiao Yan could not hold back his curiosity any longer.
"So, Brother Xiao Feng, how is Canaan Academy? Are there people stronger than you there? And what about the elders and instructors—how strong are they?" Xiao Yan asked eagerly, his voice filled with curiosity as he walked beside Xiao Feng.
Xuner walked calmly at Xiao Yan's side, her expression gentle and composed.
Given Xuner's background, how could she not know the overall structure and strength of Canaan Academy? However, she remained silent, listening quietly to their conversation.
As they made their way toward the main hall, Xiao Feng patiently answered Xiao Yan's many questions in a calm and steady tone.
"The academy has many talented students," Xiao Feng explained. "Among the older students, there are quite a few Dou Kings. As for the instructors and elders, most of them are even stronger. Some have already reached the Dou Huang level."
Xiao Yan's eyes widened slightly when he heard this, clearly impressed.
Along the way, they passed by several familiar faces—Xiao Yu, Xiao Ning, Xiao Ding, and Xiao Li. Seeing Xiao Feng, they respectfully greeted him before continuing with their own matters.
Soon, the group arrived at the main hall.
After entering, Xiao Feng respectfully greeted the elders and the clan chief.
"Greetings, Clan Chief. Greetings, Elders."
The three elders nodded approvingly, while Xiao Zhan smiled warmly.
"So, how is Canaan Academy?" Xiao Zhan asked. "How are the training conditions and cultivation resources there?"
Xiao Feng replied calmly, "I am doing well, Uncle. As a peak Fourth-Grade Alchemist, I do not lack cultivation resources. In fact, I have more than enough for my needs."
Hearing this, the elders exchanged glances, their expressions filled with surprise and satisfaction.
A peak Fourth-Grade Alchemist at such a young age—this alone was enough to greatly raise the prestige of the Xiao Family.