Threat

"What you're saying is, you killed Chen Damrong from the Chen family in Lanling? The one who was at the ninth level of Qi Refining?" 

Xiao Xuan nodded calmly. 

Seeing his confident response, everyone gasped in shock. 

"Unbelievable! He went out on a trip, not only broke through to the seventh level of Qi Refining, but also killed someone at the ninth level! That's incredible!" 

"Xuan'er truly is a genius!" 

"I've heard that the ancestor of the Chen family in Lanling has been at the Foundation Establishment stage for many years. He's not someone to take lightly!" 

Hearing this, the atmosphere shifted. The room fell into an uneasy silence. 

If this situation wasn't handled properly, it could turn into a matter of life and death for the Xiao family. In the Immortal World, reasoning didn't matter—strength did. The strongest always made the rules. 

The secret room grew heavy with tension. The events of the day had been overwhelming, leaving everyone uncertain of what to do next. 

Xiao Xuan observed their reactions and understood their concerns. The fear of a Foundation Establishment cultivator's power was deeply ingrained in their minds. The only way to overcome this fear was for the Xiao family to have their own Foundation Establishment cultivator. 

Breaking the silence, Xiao Zhongzheng, as calm as ever, exchanged a glance with Elder Xiao Zhongzhi. The two elders, having led the Xiao family for over three decades, were seasoned and experienced in dealing with crises. 

"Did anyone see what happened?" Xiao Zhongzheng asked, his gaze sharp and focused on Xiao Xuan. 

Everyone turned their attention to Xiao Xuan, waiting for his response. 

Xiao Xuan didn't hesitate. He shook his head firmly and explained, "After I burned the body, I stayed hidden in the dense forest for half an hour to ensure there were no witnesses. No one knows what happened." 

"Phew!" 

Hearing this, everyone exhaled in relief. 

Their earlier fears eased slightly. At least, for now, the Chen family wouldn't have any evidence to act on. 

The atmosphere in the room eased, and everyone's tense expressions gradually softened into more relaxed ones. 

"That's good. If no one saw it, no one can know," someone said with relief. 

"Exactly. As long as they can't trace it back to us, the Xiao family will be fine." 

"Hmph, a Foundation Establishment family? Soon enough, the Xiao family will be one too!" 

The Elders chimed in with their thoughts, their confidence slowly returning. 

"Quiet!" 

Xiao Zhongzheng raised his hand, and the room instantly fell silent. All eyes turned toward the patriarch seated at the head of the room. 

It was clear that Xiao Zhongzheng commanded great respect within the Xiao family. 

His leadership was not merely due to his high cultivation level but also because of his fairness in handling matters. His decisions were always well-balanced, with rewards and punishments delivered justly. Moreover, he bore the weight of his responsibilities as patriarch with unwavering resolve. 

This sense of justice and responsibility had earned him the loyalty of the Elders and strengthened his authority over the family. 

"Xuan'er, do you have any ideas?" Xiao Zhongzheng asked, his voice steady but filled with expectation. 

He didn't rush to share his own opinion, choosing instead to seek the thoughts of his grandson, whom he had always regarded with admiration. 

From a young age, Xiao Xuan had impressed him, not just because of his rare Spiritual Roots but also for his sharp insight and ability to perceive what others could not. His vision often surpassed that of his elders, and his strategic thinking had proven invaluable. 

Xiao Xuan caught the look in his grandfather's eyes and smiled knowingly. He understood that this was not merely a question but a test of his perspective and understanding. 

Unhurried, Xiao Xuan poured himself a cup of tea, took a calm sip, and then began to speak. 

"In my opinion, the most critical thing for the Xiao family right now is to produce a Foundation Establishment cultivator." 

Hearing Xiao Xuan's words, everyone looked at him with growing appreciation. 

"Oh? Why do you say that?" 

A smile appeared in Xiao Zhongzheng's eyes as he asked, clearly pleased with his grandson's answer. 

"Because, in this world, strength is what matters most. The stronger you are, the more authority you have." 

"As long as our Xiao family produces a Foundation Establishment cultivator, all problems will be solved." 

"Even if the Chen family finds out that I killed Chen Damrong, so what?" 

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, silently acknowledging the truth in Xiao Xuan's words. 

In the end, it all boiled down to strength. With enough power, resources and opportunities would follow. Strength would dictate everything. 

At this point, Xiao Zhongzheng's questioning wasn't over. 

"Then, what do you think our Xiao family should do next?" 

Xiao Xuan smiled slightly, stood up, and began walking slowly around the secret room. 

"I think there are two crucial things for the Xiao family to focus on." 

"Oh? What are those two things?" 

Elder Xiao Zhongzhi asked with interest, eager to hear more from Xiao Xuan. 

"First and foremost, the most urgent task is for Grandpa to seize the opportunity and break through to the Foundation Establishment stage." 

"With your Spiritual Roots, Grandpa, I have no doubt you can break through to Foundation Establishment." 

"As soon as you do, the Xiao family will officially become a Foundation Establishment family." 

"Not only will this strengthen our position in Qinghe Town, but we'll also have more say in Lanling City. Our family will gain power and influence far beyond what we have now."