Chapter 4: Meeting,Gu Xun'er
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As Xiao Yuan sat in quiet concentration within the confines of his humble residence, he was deep into his cultivation practice. His home was situated in close proximity to the bustling fighting pavilion, a place known for its vigorous training sessions and fierce competitions among skilled warriors. Suddenly, the air around him buzzed with excitement, drawing his attention away from his meditative state. He could hear the lively chatter of many voices, signaling that something unusual was taking place outside.
"Hey, have you heard? Today there is a distinguished guest in the family, and the clan leader personally entertained him!"one voice exclaimed, filled with eagerness.
The response came quickly, confirming the excitement, "What! The clan leader is a powerful Da dou shi, so the person who can be received by him in person must also be a da dou shi at least!."
"How did you know that distinguished guests were coming?" " I saw it when I came here just now. The clan leader personally welcomed them to the hall. The great elder and the others were also in the hall. His aura was definitely that of a strong man. There was also a woman beside him. And that's a girl the same age as us." "..."
The conversation swirled around him like the wind, with varying tones and emotions evident in the exchanges. Some individuals expressed their enthusiasm and eagerness regarding the noteworthy visitor, while others seemed more reserved, perhaps feeling uncertain about the implications of such an important meeting. Within the walls of his residence, Xiao Yuan absorbed the myriad of rumors and speculations as they floated through the air, the noise of the crowd painting a vivid picture of the day's anticipation.
"Today, Xun'er and Gu Yuan should be arriving," Xiao Yuan murmured softly to himself, his mind racing with thoughts about the significance of the day's events. These names brought a sense of familiarity and importance, stirring a mixture of anticipation and responsibility within him.
Rising from his cross-legged position, he steadied himself and prepared to venture outside. His eyes scanned his surroundings, taking in the atmosphere that radiated a blend of energy and urgency. He understood that a meeting of great significance was set to unfold, and as a member of the clan, it was essential for him to be present and engaged. With determination, he stepped outside, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead in the unfolding events of the day.
He made his way toward the clan's meeting hall, a structure that stood as a symbol of unity and decision-making for the clan. The air was thick with anticipation as members gathered to discuss matters that affected their lives and the community as a whole. The path he walked was familiar, yet filled with the weight of expectations and responsibilities that came with his role.
Meanwhile, inside the meeting hall, Xiao Zhan was busy greeting his unexpected guests. Although he could not sense the true power level of the unfamiliar visitor standing before him, he was aware that there was something special about this individual. Beside this mysterious figure was a young girl who, despite her tender age of only four years, had already shown remarkable talent. She had reached the sixth stage of Dou Zhi Qi, an impressive achievement for someone so young, indicating that she was a prodigy among her peers.
Xiao Zhan guided both the guest and the young girl into the meeting hall, where a group of elders had assembled, each one waiting with keen interest to hear what these newcomers had to share. "Distinguished Guests, you may take a seat here," he offered, as he pointed to two unadorned yet neatly arranged chairs. They were simple in design but provided comfort and were well-suited for the occasion. Gu Xun'er and Xiao Yuan settled into their seats, visibly at ease in the presence of the clan leader.
"Thank you, Clan Leader Xiao," Gu Yuan replied, his tone steady but lacking any emotional inflection. He turned his attention to the assembly of elders, who looked on with a mix of curiosity and expectation. One elder, distinguished perhaps by age or status, broke the silence and posed a question that was on everyone's mind. "May I inquire what brings the distinguished guests here today?" he asked, eager to understand the purpose of Gu Yuan's visit and the significance of the young girl he accompanied.
Gu Yuan expressed his desire for his daughter to stay with them for a period of time due to some unforeseen emergencies. His voice remained steady and devoid of any strong emotions, yet a warm and friendly smile played on his lips, suggesting a deep care for the situation. As he voiced his wish, the elders present, along with Xiao Zhan, responded with nods of understanding and agreement. Xiao Zhan, filled with enthusiasm, addressed Gu Yuan, indicating that they would be honored to welcome Gu Yuan's daughter into their clan during this time of need.
With the elders' approval and support resonating in the room, Gu Yuan turned his attention to Xun'er, the little princess of the ancient Gu Clan. His tone softened, projecting warmth and affection as he encouraged her to introduce herself.
Xun'er stepped forward, her voice gentle yet clear as she spoke, "Hello, Uncle Xiao. I am Xun'er. I am 4 years old, and I have just reached the 6th stage of dou zhi qi. I hope to get along well with everyone in the clan."
Her words echoed softly, filled with a sweet sincerity that seemed to capture the hearts of those listening.
An hour and a half passed, and Xiao Yuan finally arrived at the meeting hall. The entrance was impressive, with a red carpet extending along the floor and a decor that excluded luxury, making it feel extravagant, especially for ordinary people. As Xiao Yuan entered, he realized that the meeting had already commenced. He could hear the sound of voices and the rustle of papers in the background. In the center of attention was Xiao Zhan, who was actively introducing Xiao Xun'er to the gathered audience. Xiao Zhan spoke confidently, conveying that Xiao Xun'er was not only an orphan but also exceptionally talented. This statement was crafted to provide a suitable justification for her presence in such an important gathering. The atmosphere in the hall was charged with curiosity as everyone listened intently to the introduction, eager to learn more about this intriguing newcomer.