Chapter 983: Thoughts of the Elders of the Xiao Family_1

Xiao Zhan and the others looked at Xu Ran with a mix of fear and awe, their eyes trembling with shock.

"Could it be that he is a disciple of some alchemist?" Xiao Zhan couldn't help but say.

He thought of the mysterious alchemist he had met in Wu Tan City before, and it seemed only this could explain his identity.

Moreover, the reason Xiao Mei had such a fortunate transformation was probably due to Xu Ran's contributions.

As for the possibility of Xu Ran being the Seventh Rank Alchemist who had caused the great upheaval in Wu Tan City, he hadn't even considered it because Xu Ran looked too young. How could such a young person be a Seventh Rank Alchemist?

"That must be the case," the other Elders of the Xiao Family also agreed, nodding with deep conviction. Indeed, a disciple of a Seventh Rank Alchemist would far surpass the likes of Liu Xi, a First-Grade Alchemist.

Such a person could casually give something that would benefit Xiao Mei immensely.

"Doesn't this mean we've already made connections with such a powerful figure?" an Elder of the Xiao Family said, overwhelmed with joy.

"This is all thanks to Xiao Mei's merits. She truly deserves to be called one of our Xiao Family's Heaven's Proud Daughters, and it's her honor to be favored by such an outstanding man. However, it seems Xu Ran is also interested in Xiao Xun'er. Wouldn't it be even better if we could match Xu Ran with Xun'er? Xiao Mei is beautiful, but she isn't considered the most stunning beauty. Yet, Xun'er's beauty is unmatched in the world. Only if Xun'er is with Xu Ran will our Xiao Family's relationship with him truly be solidified."

"Yes indeed. Xiao Mei is quite impressive, but she isn't the top beauty. If we could marry Xun'er to Xu Ran, then he will surely be inseparable from our Xiao Family. In time, our Xiao Family will rise along with him," someone chimed in.

"In just one day, Xiao Mei has shot up from the Dou Qi 7th Stage straight to the Dou Zhe Three Stars, a strength one would normally toil for years to achieve. Such a heavenly ability could only come from a powerful Alchemist. If we can win over Xu Ran, our Xiao Family will no longer be confined to this small Wu Tan City. In the future, our Xiao Family will become a mighty clan within the Ga Ma Empire."

"But..." Xiao Zhan's face looked troubled. How could he have been unaware of Xiao Yan's feelings for Xun'er? If things were to proceed like this, what would become of his Yan'er?

Already hit hard by the past, he hadn't recovered for many years. If Xun'er were to marry Xu Ran, then all his pride would be shattered.

He knew his son well. If Xun'er left, he would collapse.

"Hmph. Clan Leader. Xiao Yan has made no progress these past years. What qualifies him to be with Xiao Xun'er? With Xun'er's talent, if she were with Xu Ran, she might even surpass Xiao Mei. Then, our Xiao Family would have not one, but two Heaven's Proud Daughters. As for Xiao Yan, we've already given him chances, and yet there's been no improvement in his 'Cultivation Level' for three years. Can he really restore his talent in the future?"

"Yes. Xu Ran is an Alchemist, so perhaps we could ask him to take a look at Xiao Yan; who knows, he might even cure him," someone else interjected.

This suggestion brightened everyone's spirits.

The Xiao Family's disappointment in Xiao Yan over the years was no secret, as they were baffled by his stagnation.

However, with the help of a strong Alchemist, it was possible Xiao Yan could regain his talent, which would be cause for great joy for the Xiao Family.

"Let's talk about this after the testing ends," Xiao Zhan sighed first, then brightened at the thought. How wonderful would it be if Xiao Yan's talent were restored?

The following tests were unremarkable.

Alone, Xu Ran's brilliance eclipsed everyone else's.

Countless young ladies of the Xiao Family cast their gazes in Xu Ran's direction, their eyes filled with admiration and longing.

Before, they had not understood why the proud and lofty Xiao Mei would care so much about a man, even to the point of displaying such girlish behavior. Now, they wondered why Xiao Xun'er would compete with Xiao Mei for him.

Now, they all understood.

Who wouldn't like such an outstanding man?

It was probably thanks to Xu Ran that Xiao Mei could cause such a stir at the family test.

Everyone quickly realized why Xiao Mei had become so strong, their eyes filled with envy. If they too could establish a relationship with Xu Ran like Xiao Mei had, wouldn't they be the next ones to cause a stir?

At this moment, everyone was eager to move, preparing to create chance encounters with Xu Ran any way they could.

"Hmph, these people are really something," Xiao Mei said, clinging to Xu Ran's arm, very anxious. She was genuinely afraid that someone else might lure Xu Ran away. She was well aware of the temptation a man like Xu Ran held for girls like them.

How many wanted to marry into a great family's lineage?

"It's nothing, I'm not interested in them," Xu Ran smiled. Although he hoped to edge in, he couldn't possibly take all the girls from the Xiao Family into his "Harem." That was completely unnecessary.

Of the Xiao Family, the only ones who caught his eye were Xiao Xun'er, Xiao Mei, and Xiao Yu. He had no interest in the rest. However, it was plain to see that the girls of the Xiao Family were much more vivacious than those from other families in Wu Tan City. Perhaps this was the result of excellent genes from one of the Ancient Eight Great Clans.

"Brother Xu Ran, what about Xun Er?"

Xiao Mei puffed out her chest and rubbed against Xu Ran, asking with a smile.

"Xun Er is an exception."

"Hmph, I knew it. Xun Er is a bit prettier than me," Xiao Mei said, starting to feel a bit unhappy. Although currently her strength was a little higher than Xun Er, her "Cultivation Level" was something Xu Ran had raised in a short time. If Xu Ran could help her improve her "Cultivation Level," he could naturally do the same for Xun Er.

And indeed, Xun Er was a bit prettier than her.

"No matter how pretty Xun Er is, she's not as coquettish as you," Xu Ran whispered into Xiao Mei's ear in a low voice.

Thinking back on Xiao Mei's performance yesterday, he couldn't help but feel anticipation again.

"Brother Xu Ran, what are you saying?" Xiao Mei's face flushed red instantly. Yesterday, in order to please Xu Ran, she indeed… Even now, she still felt some soreness in her throat.

When she woke up this morning, even speaking seemed very difficult, and it was only now that she was feeling a bit better.

Could it be…

"Brother Xu Ran, do you still want it tonight?" Xiao Mei asked with a flushed face. If Xu Ran continued to want it, she would still try her best.

"Forget it. I've said before that I'm not just playing with you. In my eyes, you're not my plaything, you're my confidante," Xu Ran said as he pinched Xiao Mei's plump cheek.

"Oh." Xiao Mei's heart warmed, and her gaze towards Xu Ran became even gentler. Sometimes retreating at the right moment could bring more of what one desired, and this was true for emotions as well.

"Then I'll offer something else," Xiao Mei said, sticking out her tongue.

"Haha, alright," Xu Ran said, taking a keen interest in Xiao Mei's shapely rear, his tone suggestive. Xiao Mei, blushing, took Xu Ran's hand, gave a slight nod, seemingly giving silent consent to his idea.