"A New Journey Begins: Family Bonds and Unexpected Choices"

When Huang Qide and Huang Ming arrived outside the small courtyard, Fei Hou stepped forward and blocked their path, preventing them from entering. Huang Qide and Huang Ming wore awkward expressions, wanting to get angry but refraining from doing so. Huang Ming forced a smile and spoke to Fei Hou, "Senior Fei Hou, we have come with no ill intentions. We just want to talk to Xiaolong about something."

Fei Hou maintained his aloof demeanor and continued to block their way.

Meanwhile, Huang Peng approached Huang Xiaolong and asked, "Xiaolong, do you see who's here?"

Huang Xiaolong nodded at Fei Hou, indicating that he could step aside.

Reluctantly, Fei Hou moved aside, allowing Huang Qide and Huang Ming to enter the small courtyard. They approached Huang Xiaolong, standing in front of him.

"What do you want?" Huang Xiaolong's expression remained indifferent. "If I recall correctly, this is the first time you have come to this yard."

Since Huang Xiaolong could remember, his grandfather Huang Qide and Huang Ming had never set foot in this yard before.

Huang Qide and Huang Ming looked somewhat embarrassed, but fortunately, the weather was already dimming, so any bystanders wouldn't notice.

"Xiaolong, your grandfather and uncle have come to invite you to participate in the year feast," Huang Peng stepped forward and explained, breaking the ice for Huang Qide and Huang Ming.

Every year, after the annual meeting and martial arts competition held at Huang Family Manor, the family would gather for a year feast the following evening. Only the most outstanding disciples from the three generations of Huang Family Manor could participate.

Technically, Huang Xiaolong should have been able to attend the year feast last year since he had defeated Huang Wei. However, no one informed him of his invitation, and instead, Huang Wei, whom he had defeated, participated. It was a similar situation to the previous year's Spirit Pond opening, where Huang Wei received the opportunity instead of Huang Xiaolong.

"Yes, Xiaolong, we have come to invite you to the year feast," Huang Ming added with a smile, his manner implying that Huang Xiaolong was the great Village Lord, although he was merely inviting him as a disciple of Huang Family Manor.

Although Huang Qide hadn't spoken, he wore a bright smile on his face.

Huang Xiaolong remained indifferent. "There's no need. I want to focus on my cultivation."

The smiles on Huang Qide and Huang Ming's faces froze.

"Xiaolong, you!" Huang Peng, standing nearby, felt a hint of anxiety in his heart.

"It's alright, Father. You know how stubborn I can be," Huang Xiaolong said, breaking the tension.

Huang Peng sighed inwardly, knowing that his son's temper could be unwavering, and there was nothing he or his wife could do to change it.

At that moment, Huang Qide waved his hand to Huang Peng, his expression sincere as he looked at Huang Xiaolong. "Xiaolong, I know that I was wrong in the past, and I have been biased. It was my mistake. But I hope you won't hold a grudge against me. Whatever you request in the future, as long as you ask, I will comply."

Huang Xiaolong remained indifferent, fully aware that his grandfather Huang Qide had personally come to invite him to the year feast today because of his astonishing talent and the fact that he had Fei Hou, a Rank 10 Late Stage Peak expert, by his side. Otherwise, Huang Qide wouldn't have acted in such a manner.

He didn't say anything in response.

Seeing Huang Xiaolong's silence, Huang Qide's smile faded, and he sighed. "Your father mentioned that after the new year, you would go out for some experience. Have you made any plans?"

Huang Xiaolong glanced at his father, Huang Peng, who was about to speak, but Huang Qide cut in. "Don't blame your father; I overheard it. Xiaolong, I'm not asking for your forgiveness, but I want you to know that no matter what, both I and Huang Family Manor welcome you back. Huang Family Manor will always be your home!"

Huang Qide's expression changed, and he took out a jade bottle. "This is a Grade 4 Spirit Pill, the Dragon Tiger Profound Yuan Pill, which a Pill Refining Master refined for me in the past. It will greatly help in advancing your Battle Qi cultivation."

Huang Ming was surprised to see the jade bottle, as the Dragon Tiger Profound Yuan Pill was a Grade 4 High Rank Spirit Pill, extremely rare and precious. His father had been collecting them for several years, and now he was giving one to Huang Xiaolong!

A Grade 4 Spirit Pill?

Huang Xiaolong hesitated for a moment before accepting the jade bottle.

Huang Qide's smile brightened, as if Huang Xiaolong had given him a Grade 4 Spirit Pill instead of the other way around.

However, just as his smile grew wider, Huang Xiaolong suddenly handed the jade bottle to Huang Peng. "Father, you should take this Dragon Tiger Profound Yuan Pill for your cultivation!"

The bright smile vanished from Huang Qide's face, and Huang Ming and Huang Peng were equally shocked.

"Xiaolong, this!" Huang Peng wanted to refuse, but Huang Xiaolong waved his hand and said, "Father, you are currently at Rank 6 Late Stage Peak. You need this Dragon Tiger Profound Yuan Pill the most. There's no need to say anything. Just take it." He handed over the jade bottle.

Huang Peng reluctantly accepted it.

At that moment, Huang Xiaolong turned to Huang Qide, who had lost his smile, and said, "Since you gave me this Dragon Tiger Profound Yuan Pill, I'm giving it to my father. Do you have any objections?"

"Hehe, no objections. It's the same either way. Your father can use it for his cultivation," Huang Qide forced a smile and said, but deep down, he was furious. He had collected Grade 4 High Rank Spirit Pills for several years, and now Huang Xiaolong was giving one away!

After a while, Huang Qide, Huang Ming, and Huang Peng left the small courtyard.

In the end, Huang Xiaolong didn't attend the year feast that year.

The front hall of Huang Family Manor was lively as usual, filled with cheer and laughter, but Huang Qide sat in the seat of honor, wearing an uncomfortable smile.

Meanwhile, Huang Xiaolong sat cross-legged on a cold jade bed in his room, practicing Asura Arts and absorbing the Nine Nether Qi that descended from the void. At present, Huang Xiaolong had already reached the second layer of Asura Arts.

According to the manual, when one reached the highest level of Asura Arts, they could open the door to the Asura World. Huang Xiaolong wondered if that was truly possible.

Two days passed quickly, and the new year arrived.

The eastern palace was livelier than ever, filled with joy and laughter. Huang Xiaolong spent time with his parents, younger sister, and younger brother, enjoying the happiness of being together as a family.

Huang Xiaolong knew that after celebrating the new year, it would be another year before he could see his parents and siblings again.

The new year festivities came to an end.

The next day, Huang Qide, Huang Ming, and all the elders and managers of Huang Family Manor stood in the square outside the front gate, bidding farewell to Huang Xiaolong.

"Xiaolong!" Su Yan's eyes were teary as she held onto Huang Xiaolong tightly. "Take care of yourself out there."

"Mother, I know," Huang Xiaolong's eyes were also red. He then turned his head and left with Fei Hou.