CHAPTER 280: XIAO FAMILY'S DONGHAI STABILIZING NEEDLE, XIAO CHENGGONG

In the suburban area of Beishan, Xiao Feiyu stood up abruptly as an elderly man entered the room.

“Grandfather...What brings you here?”

The old man, whose complexion was ruddy and who carried a smile, was none other than Xiao Chenggong, the stabilizing needle of the Xiao family in Modu. Everyone in Modu, who mattered, respected him deeply; not knowing the city's mayor was forgivable, but ignorance of Xiao Chenggong was not.

Supported by Xiao Qian, he approached Xiao Feiyu and gently motioned him to sit, “Sit down, you little monkey.”

Hearing this familiar nickname, Xiao Feiyu's eyes suddenly reddened—whether due to his body's conditioned response or the emotional impact from his previous life's memories.

He moved to assist the old man to a seat, “Grandfather, please sit first.”

Sighing, Xiao Chenggong sat down and then remarked, “You've matured a lot since coming to Donghai.”

Xiao Feiyu gave a bitter smile, “Although I haven't been here long, the experiences I've had could match half a lifetime back in Modu. If I didn't grow up, I'd be finished.”

Xiao Chenggong tapped Xiao Feiyu's head lightly with the dragon-headed cane in his hand, “What nonsense are you talking about? You're still young. If anyone is finished, it won't be you.”

"Grandfather, why leave Modu and the comfort of home for Donghai? The climate here is damp, and it's not good for your health."

“My health is fine,” Xiao Chenggong replied casually. “I look frail, but I can hang on for another two or three decades without issue.”

Xiao Chenggong had practiced ancient martial arts and theoretically could live up to two hundred years, but an ambush by an enemy in his later years caused him severe internal damage, reducing his life expectancy and physical mobility. This journey from Modu to Donghai by high-speed rail was a testament to the severity of the situation and his dedication.

Xiao Chenggong's grip tightened on Xiao Feiyu's hand, “With such a big issue at hand, how could I not come? I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if my dear grandson suffered any further.”

“Tell me everything, what exactly happened to put you in this current situation?”

The room fell silent after Xiao Chenggong's question. He did not rush Xiao Feiyu, recognizing from his demeanor that his grandson had indeed matured significantly during his time in Donghai. If this trip could be a transformative experience for Xiao Feiyu, then the Xiao family might continue to shine for decades. If not, Xiao Feiyu could very well meet his end in the turbulent waters of Donghai.

To safeguard the family's legacy of over a century, Xiao Chenggong had felt forced to leave Modu and personally provide counsel to Xiao Feiyu.

Xiao Feiyu felt a profound respect for the elderly man before him. The unconditional support and care he offered were something even Xiao Feiyu's parents had never matched. If he couldn't trust such a man, then he doubted he could ever trust anyone.

Xiao Feiyu began to explain the entire saga of his feud with Su Lin, making some omissions and alterations to the story, especially hiding the existence of the system.

After listening, Xiao Chenggong did not immediately respond. Instead, he asked, “What's this about Wang Yannian? He's a complicated figure, particularly his connections. Handled well, he could be worth an entire second-tier family; handled poorly, he could backfire significantly.”

"Grandfather, Wang Yannian and I have a partnership. I help him against Su Lin, and in return, he gets the formula for the Seven Revolutions Resurrection Pill."

“The Seven Revolutions Resurrection Pill?” Xiao Chenggong furrowed his eyebrows.

Xiao Feiyu nodded, “Yes, a pill that can save lives as long as the patient is still breathing, no matter the injury—be it external, internal, or poison.”

Xiao Chenggong stood up abruptly, “Is that true?”

Xiao Feiyu affirmed, “Yes.”

“Then why haven't you…” Xiao Qian started to ask but was cut off by Xiao Chenggong, “Let the young man continue.”

Grateful for his grandfather's faith, Xiao Feiyu continued, “Grandfather, although I have the formula, it's useless without a cultivator to make it—specifically, someone at the Foundation Building stage or above with a strong soul.”

"Foundation Building? Ancient Qi practitioners?" Xiao Chenggong was puzzled.

Xiao Feiyu explained, “They are akin to the ancient Qi practitioners mentioned in old texts

. Such practitioners are long extinct, so having the formula alone is useless without the means to produce the pill. Wang Yannian doesn't know this; he thinks possessing the formula is enough, which is why he agreed to cooperate with me.”

Understanding dawned on Xiao Chenggong, “This explains why Wang Yannian would commit so thoroughly to following you, a fact that has puzzled many outside the Xiao family.”

Realizing Xiao Feiyu's cunning, Xiao Chenggong ordered, “This matter must remain between the three of us.”

Xiao Qian nodded solemnly, “Rest assured, old master, your grandson understands.”

Xiao Chenggong looked at Xiao Feiyu with a mixture of admiration and caution, “It's a clever tactic to bind a whole family without cost. Just be mindful, Xiao Feiyu. Wang Yannian is not one to be underestimated. He's pulled off significant feats in Modu before. He's one of the few who have caused trouble in Modu and gotten away with it.”

Xiao Feiyu reassured him, "Grandfather, don't worry. Our cooperation is well-defined, and we've agreed not to become enemies."

Satisfied, Xiao Chenggong nodded and then settled back into his chair, turning the conversation to Su Lin, “Now, tell me everything you know about Su Lin.”

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As Xiao Feiyu began detailing Su Lin's background and their interactions, Xiao Chenggong listened intently, preparing to strategize their next moves.