"Alright, it's decided then."

Tang Rao and Xu Ruofei quickly reached an agreement.

With Xu Ruofei's return, the other two brothers and sister of the Xu family were sure to be present, which meant Tang Rao's arrival brought the entire Xu family together.

"Today marks the day my brother Xu Ruofei visits the Xu family, and also when the Xu family gains another brother. I announce that from today, Tang Rao is my lifelong brother Xu Ruofei. Anyone who treats my brother poorly would be showing dissatisfaction with me, Xu Ruofei."

Xu Ruofei's words stirred deep emotions within Tang Rao, and he secretly considered Xu Ruofei as his brother.

"Brother, has Brother Tang entered the ancestral hall for the rites? To truly become one of the Xu family, our traditions cannot be overlooked."

Xu Laoer had great respect for Xu Ruofei, speaking to him with humility and courtesy.

"Of course, I've already spoken to Grandpa. After the meal, we'll go to the ancestral hall to complete the ritual."

Xu Ruofei wouldn't dare forget the Xu family's customs. He glanced at Mr. Xu, who simply smiled and nodded at Xu Ruofei.

It seemed that Mr. Xu recognized Tang Rao.

"Everyone, I am Tang Rao from the Kao Shan Sect. Thanks to Brother Xu's care, I will humbly learn from all of you in the future."

Tang Rao was also humble and courteous. His Eyes of Golden Flame swept around casually, and all he saw were several Immortal Monarchs of the ninth level.

Tang Rao had heard from Xu Ruofei that the Xu family was just a lesser part of the aristocratic families, with many others more powerful. Compared to them, the Xu family wasn't in the same league at all.

"Brother Tang is too modest. We'll surely spar with Brother Tang in the future."

Xu Laoer had a kindly appearance, but sitting silently to the side was Xu Laosan, whose face was gloomy, making it hard for Tang Rao to see through his thoughts.

"Brother, Second Brother, aren't we, the Xu family, an aristocracy? For hundreds or thousands of years, no outsider has ever been allowed to perform the ancestral rites. How come it's changing now, under Second Brother's watch? Why do we have to bring anyone into the family?"

When the Xu family had no objections, Xu Laosan jumped out with his comments.

"Xu Hao, if you could just say a little less, no one would mistake you for a mute."

Mr. Xu rebuked Xu Laosan.

"Grandpa, the Xu family doesn't belong solely to Second Brother. Why do Brother and Second Brother decide an outsider can come in? Does that mean any cat or dog can now step through the Xu family's door?"

Xu Laosan was relentless in his criticism, and Tang Rao, who had initially found him suspicious, now saw his true colors revealed.

He was obviously countering Xu Laoer.

"Xu Hao, Tang Rao is someone I've approved. The Xu family still has me. I believe you wouldn't have any objections to what I say, would you?"

Mr. Xu sat at the head, his hair white and neatly tied up, with a pristine beard covering his chin.

His energy was impressive, and his voice boomed like a bell, always causing Xu Laosan to feel a degree of awe.

"I have no objections, of course not. Grandpa is now being led by Second Brother. What objections could I possibly have?"

Fool.

Tang Rao mentally labeled Xu Laosan.

It was little wonder that Xu Laoer and Xu Ruofei got along so well, yet there was a rift with Xu Laosan—he was inherently dark-hearted and difficult to get along with.

Mr. Xu was terribly vexed with Xu Laosan, never expecting that, out of three similarly educated children, two would bring honor to the family while Xu Laosan turned out to be the downfall of the Xu family.

"You unfilial son, shut your mouth."

Mr. Xu was extremely angry, but he refrained from kicking Xu Laosan out immediately, already giving him enough face.

At last Xu Laosan held his tongue, while Tang Rao felt like he was watching a court drama during a mere meal.

The relationships within the aristocracy were far more complex than those within the sect.

"Brother Tang, I owe you an apology on behalf of my third brother. I hope you can forgive us,"

Xu Ruofei raised his cup and drank it all in one go.

Meanwhile, Xu Laosan remained quiet, and no one noticed the fleeting murderous intent in his eyes when he lowered his head.

"What are you saying, Brother Xu? Were it not for my Grandmaster, I wouldn't even have the privilege of knowing you. Sitting at the same table with all of you is my honor, Tang Rao."

Tang Rao's words were meant for everyone present, yet his tone was so unassuming that no one could accuse him of showing off.

Upon hearing Tang Rao mention his Grandmaster, Mr. Xu's interest was piqued.

"Tang Rao, young friend, could you tell us who this Grandmaster of yours is?"

Regarding this young man suddenly brought back by Xu Ruofei, Mr. Xu knew nothing about him. Xu Ruofei hadn't had the chance to explain, only indicating that Tang Rao was a great help to the Xu family.

Judging by Tang Rao's strength, a seventh-level Immortal Monarch was a common rank that the Xu family could easily muster.

To be praised by the typically modest Xu Ruofei, Mr. Xu genuinely wanted to know what kind of figure Tang Rao was.

"Chen Tuan is my Grandmaster."

The mere mention of Chen Tuan was enough to elevate Tang Rao's status in the Xu family several notches. Who in the entire Xu family did not know of Chen Tuan?

"So, a descendant of Chen Tuan. My apologies."

Mr. Xu stood, raising his cup in a toast to Tang Rao.

"If not for Chen Tuan back then, our Xu family would have perished long ago. We've been searching for him, but it seemed as if Chen Tuan simply vanished. Seeing a descendant of his, I have no regrets in life."

Mr. Xu was deeply moved by past events.

In times of crisis, if not for Chen Tuan, the Xu family would have been finished.

"Young friend Tang Rao, after the meal, I'll personally take you to the ancestral hall to complete the rites. It's the honor of the entire Xu family to have you become one of us."

Xu Laosan calculated sharply in his mind, knowing his enemy and himself would let him win a hundred battles. He planned to figure out Tang Rao thoroughly and exact revenge on this punk who didn't know his place.

What of Chen Tuan anyway? Wasn't he just flesh and blood? Did he look any different from ordinary people, have three heads and six arms?

"Young friend Tang Rao, this is our Xu family's ancestral hall."

After the meal, Mr. Xu led Tang Rao to a secluded and serene place.

The place was a marvel, with the entire ancestral hall surrounded by clouds and mist. With the rain just past, the Immortal Energy here was more abundant than anywhere else. It was just an ancestral hall, yet it resembled an innate Cave Heaven Blessed Land, making people envious.

"Mr. Xu, this place is quite nice, full of Immortal Energy. It must have taken a great deal of effort, right?"

Tang Rao could see that there were several Spirit Gathering Arrays here.

They gathered the surrounding Immortal Energy together, and the cost in Immortal Stone for even one Spirit Gathering Array was more than a wealthy simpleton like Tang Rao could afford.

"Young friend Tang Rao, keen eyes you have. This place indeed took the Xu family several generations of effort and resources."

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