It was noon by the time they arrived at Xiao Shixiong's mansion. As the King of the Southern Town, Xiao Shixiong lived in an extraordinary residence. A villa spanning over three thousand square meters, it was as luxurious as one could possibly imagine. He was standing at the entrance with over a hundred men dressed in black, clearly awaiting Lin Xiao's arrival.

The moment Lin Xiao stepped out of the car, Xiao Shixiong hurried forward to greet him. "My lord," he said respectfully, "we are honored by your presence!"

"Isn't this a bit too much?" Lin Xiao chuckled.

Xiao Shixiong's face was wreathed in smiles. "Not at all! Not in the least!"

"How's the old man?"

"He's doing very well. He wanted to come out and greet you himself, but I persuaded him not to," Xiao Shixiong said quickly.

Lin Xiao nodded. "Alright, take me to see him."

"This way, my lord." Xiao Shixiong gestured for him to enter, and Lin Xiao followed him into the villa.

In the center of the luxurious courtyard stood a white-haired elder, his eyes fixed eagerly on the entrance. It was the same old man Lin Xiao had saved the previous night with Dragon Blood.

When the elder saw Lin Xiao, he strode forward quickly. Clasping his fists together in a formal salute, he said with immense emotion, "I am Yuan Guihai! Young Master, thank you for the grace of saving my life!"

Young Master?

Lin Xiao was taken aback. "What? Old man, you're a member of the Heavenly Machine Pavilion too?"

Xiao Shixiong had mentioned last night that he owed his entry into the Heavenly Machine Pavilion to Yuan Guihai. The old man nodded. "Reporting to the Young Master, yes, I am a member of the Heavenly Machine Pavilion!"

Lin Xiao smiled. "Since you're also with the Heavenly Machine Pavilion, then we're family. There's no need for thanks."

Yuan Guihai smiled back. "Young Master, some things must be said. The grace of saving a life is greater than the heavens themselves. If not for you, I would likely still be wasting away in a hospital bed, kept alive only by machines. You've given me the chance to stand on my own two feet again. I will remember this kindness for the rest of my life."

Lin Xiao waved his hand dismissively. "Old man, it was nothing. You don't need to take it to heart."

"That won't do, Young Master. It may have been a small effort for you, but to this old man, it is a monumental kindness. If I did not etch this into my heart, how would I be any different from an animal?"

Lin Xiao could only smile helplessly. Suddenly, Yuan Guihai grabbed his hand. "Come! We'll have a good drink this afternoon, and afterward, I have a gift for you."

"Old man, we can skip the gift, can't we?" Lin Xiao said.

"Young Master, you saved my life, so of course I must give you something. But the most pressing matter is to drink! I thought I'd never be able to drink again in this lifetime, but you gave me the chance. Speaking of which, I must thank you properly again!"

Without waiting for an answer, the old man pulled Lin Xiao straight into the dining room. Xiao Shixiong followed close behind. The wine and food were exquisite. Declining the servants' help, Xiao Shixiong personally poured wine for Lin Xiao and Yuan Guihai.

Yuan Guihai raised his glass. "Young Master, this first glass is to you!"

"Old man, you're being too formal. Come, let's toast together!" Lin Xiao laughed.

Yuan Guihai and Xiao Shixiong nodded in unison. The three of them clinked their glasses and downed the contents in one go. Xiao Shixiong refilled their glasses, and they drained them once more.

After three rounds of drinks, Yuan Guihai suddenly asked, "Young Master, where did you learn such earth-shattering medical skills?"

"Oh, an old man taught me," Lin Xiao said with a laugh.

Although Yuan Guihai and Xiao Shixiong were both members of the Heavenly Machine Pavilion, Lin Xiao felt it wasn't the right time to tell them certain things.

Yuan Guihai smiled. "Young Master, you are a truly prodigious talent. This is a great blessing for our Heavenly Machine Pavilion!"

"Old man, don't praise me too much, or I might actually get arrogant!" Lin Xiao chuckled.

Yuan Guihai and Xiao Shixiong burst into hearty laughter. After some more idle chatter, Lin Xiao suddenly asked, "Xiao Shixiong, what's the current situation with the Zhao Family's assets?"

Xiao Shixiong immediately put down his chopsticks and reported respectfully, "Sir, the transfer to Myth Corporation has already begun. It will be fully completed within a week at most."

Lin Xiao nodded. "With the addition of the Zhao Family's assets, what is Myth Corporation's current scale?"

Xiao Shixiong smiled. "Its assets are almost on par with the Du Family's, though still a bit behind the Shao Family's."

"Looks like I still have more work to do," Lin Xiao said with a small smile.

Xiao Shixiong asked, "Sir, is there anything you need me to do?"

"No," Lin Xiao replied. "For now, just focus on managing Myth Corporation."

"Understood. By the way, Sir, I heard the eldest young master of the Bai Family has returned."

Lin Xiao replied nonchalantly, "Yes, I know. Bai Chengfeng mentioned it the day before yesterday. He said his older brother was returning today."

Xiao Shixiong's expression grew serious. "Sir, that eldest young master is supposedly a top general under the command of the War God of the Western Region. He must be coming back for you. Is there anything you need me to do?"

"I know he's coming for me, but it doesn't matter," Lin Xiao said dismissively. "A mere general serving the War God of the Western Region is nothing to worry about."

Xiao Shixiong chuckled. "Sir, I have to say, you operate on another level!"

"It's really just that my opponent is garbage."

Xiao Shixiong roared with laughter, and even Yuan Guihai joined in.

"Young Master, for the Pavilion Master to have a disciple like you is a great blessing for our Heavenly Machine Pavilion! Come, let me raise a glass to you!"

"Old man, let's skip the formalities. Come, let's drink together!"

Yuan Guihai laughed. "Alright, whatever you say, Young Master!"

The meal soon ended, and the servants quickly brought out tea. After some more idle conversation, Yuan Guihai suddenly said, "Young Master, please come with me."

Lin Xiao knew he was about to be given the promised gift. Yuan Guihai had mentioned it before the meal, but Lin Xiao had no intention of accepting it. Helping Yuan Guihai had been a trivial matter, and besides, the man was also a member of the Heavenly Machine Pavilion.

Lin Xiao chuckled. "Old man, really, there's no need for a gift. I helped you because you're part of the Heavenly Machine Pavilion."

"Young Master, those are two different matters," Yuan Guihai said, his tone serious. "You saved my life. That is a fact, and I must show my gratitude."

Xiao Shixiong chimed in with a smile, "Sir, please don't refuse."

"Alright, fine. Lead the way."

A look of pleasant surprise lit up Yuan Guihai's aged features. He led Lin Xiao into a room on the top floor.

"Young Master, please wait a moment," Yuan Guihai said with a smile.

Lin Xiao nodded.

Yuan Guihai walked over to the bed, knelt, and rummaged around underneath for a moment before pulling out a palm-sized box. He respectfully handed the box to Lin Xiao.

"Young Master, this is for you."

Lin Xiao looked at Yuan Guihai, confused. "What is this?"

"You can open it and see for yourself, Young Master," Yuan Guihai said with a smile.

Lin Xiao took the iron box and opened it.

A moment later, his eyes widened in shock.

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