Chapter 95

Sitting in a pre-arranged position, everyone began to converse in hushed tones.

Rong Jielin whispered, "Kai Xuan, the ones sitting up there are the Clan Head and the four Elders of the clan."

Rong Kai Xuan's heart stirred, and he asked, "Grandpa, how many Elders are there in the clan?"

"There are six Elders in total," Rong Jielin said solemnly. "Apart from your great-grandpa and Elder Jie Xuan, there are also Elders Jie Xiang and Jie Han sitting up there." He paused and added, "Elder Jie Han is the only woman in the clan who has reached the Xiantian level."

Rong Kai Xuan nodded slightly. He naturally knew that in cultivation, male cultivators often had a significant advantage, and the number of female cultivators at the highest levels was often much fewer.

"Grandpa, what about the other two?"

Rong Jielin hesitated for a moment and said, "Elder Jie Yi is the father of Rong Yitie. He is a late-stage Xiantian cultivator and is currently in seclusion, trying to reach the peak Xiantian level. As for Elder Jie Ling, he is the father of Clan Head Rong Yihuo. He himself is at the peak Xiantian level and is also in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Zongshi realm."

Rong Kai Xuan drew a sharp breath. He finally understood why Rong Yitie and the others were so arrogant in the clan.

It turned out that behind them stood a mountain of support, the second strongest cultivator in the clan, second only to Rong Jielin.

There was another commotion outside the door, and several people entered one after another. The person leading them was none other than Gu Tianhe.

Upon seeing this person, even those sitting on the high platform stood up to greet him. The status of the Gu family was indeed extremely revered, but the reason for such a grand welcome was mainly due to Gu Tianhe's own strength.

He was a Xiantian-level cultivator who could stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

A moment later, two more people joined the high platform. Gu Tianhe and his wife sat there, chatting happily with the various Elders and Wang Xiaoxiao, creating a warm atmosphere.

Rong Kai Xuan was puzzled. What was Wang Xiaoxiao's identity, and why did her birthday cause such a stir?

Suddenly, his eyebrows shot up, and he turned his head, his gaze meeting Rong Kai Jie's in the air.

Their eyes were as sharp as swords, almost sparking with tension.

However, in such a setting, they were both quite restrained. In just an instant, they averted their gazes.

"Xiao'er, my dear, I've missed you so much."

A gust of wind suddenly swept through the hall, and everyone's eyes blurred as a beautiful young woman appeared on the high platform. Her eyes glowed faintly, and she held Wang Xiaoxiao's hands, her eyes smiling into crescent moons.

Everyone's expressions changed slightly. The woman's sudden and swift appearance caught even the Elders off guard.

Wang Xiaoxiao smiled bitterly and said, "Auntie, it's really not right for my birthday to cause such a commotion."

The young woman's beautiful face turned serious. "Xiao'er, you are the child I love the most. How could I not come to see you?" She paused and said angrily, "It's all your brother's fault. He left you here and even forbade the clan members from visiting you. Humph, do you know that your grandparents talk about you nonstop every day? If it weren't for... they would have come to see you long ago."

"Auntie..." Wang Xiaoxiao's delicate brows furrowed. "Father loves Xiao'er just as much."

The young woman's face showed a hint of disapproval, but she seemed to be wary of something, nodding repeatedly and saying, "Xiao'er, today is your birthday. Let's not mention him." She turned her gaze to Rong Yihuo and said, "Clan Head Rong, thank you for taking care of Xiao'er in your residence."

Rong Yihuo hurriedly replied, "Fairy Wang, you are too kind. Your brother trusts me and entrusted Xiao'er to the Rong family. It is an honor for me and the Rong family."

Fairy Wang smiled slightly and said, "Clan Head Rong, you are too kind." She glanced around and said in surprise, "Brother Gu is here as well."

Gu Tianhe bowed and said, "It's been years since we last met, Fairy Wang. I hope you are well."

"Humph, I'm fine," Fairy Wang said, her brows lifting. "Your family is full of talented individuals, with many strong cultivators. It's a sign of prosperity."

Gu Tianhe smiled slightly, seemingly oblivious to the veiled criticism.

Wang Xiaoxiao gently tugged at the young woman's clothes and said, "Auntie, today is my birthday. Please sit down."

Fairy Wang then smiled and said, "Yes, today is your birthday. Let's not talk about unpleasant things."

"Agreed, agreed," said Elder Rong Jie Han, the only female Elder among the Rong family's Elders, as she stood up. "Xiao'er, everyone here today is here to celebrate your birthday. Here is a gift I prepared for you. I hope you like it."

She took out a small box and handed it to Wang Xiaoxiao, who received it respectfully and said, "Thank you, Elder Han."

Fairy Wang's lips curled slightly, thinking to herself, "Brother, this is where you went wrong, leaving the child here. Humph, with so many grandparents, do they even deserve it?"

However, at Wang Xiaoxiao's birthday banquet, she didn't say much.

Wang Xiaoxiao opened the box, and immediately a beam of treasure light shone out. It was a beautiful necklace with twelve round green beads, each emitting a faint energy fluctuation.

Upon seeing the necklace, everyone was slightly moved.

Although this item was not a supreme treasure, its properties matched Wang Xiaoxiao well. If she wore it while cultivating, it would significantly increase the speed at which she absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Elder Rong Jie Han had put considerable effort into selecting this treasure.

Next, everyone presented their gifts, making the scene quite lively.

Those who could enter this hall all had a certain status and position in the Rong family, so the gifts they brought were naturally extraordinary.

Seeing that most people had already presented their gifts, Rong Kai Jie suddenly stood up, took out a box, and said loudly, "Junior Sister Wang, this is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."

His voice immediately drew everyone's attention.

As one of the most outstanding figures among the next generation of the clan, Rong Kai Jie had always been one of Wang Xiaoxiao's most ardent suitors. Therefore, everyone wanted to see what gift he had prepared.

Wang Xiaoxiao thanked him as usual, gently lifting the lid of the box, her eyes showing a hint of surprise.

Inside the box was a piece of jewelry. However, this piece of jewelry emitted powerful spiritual energy fluctuations.

While Wang Xiaoxiao had received many small and exquisite spiritual artifacts today, none of them could match the intensity of the spiritual energy of this piece of jewelry.

A faint look of satisfaction appeared on Rong Kai Jie's face. He said loudly, "This piece of jewelry is exquisitely crafted and very suitable for Junior Sister. Moreover, it is sealed with a Xiantian-level protective light, which even a late-stage Xiantian cultivator cannot break through instantly."

Everyone was immediately in an uproar, their gazes on the jewelry becoming more intense.

Rong Kai Xuan touched the pendant around his neck. He naturally knew the true value of this piece of jewelry and was also startled.

Rong Kai Jie had spared no effort in pursuing Wang Xiaoxiao, going all out and sparing no expense.

Wang Xiaoxiao hesitated for a moment but still accepted the gift, saying, "Thank you, Senior Brother."

Rong Kai Jie, seeing no emotional fluctuation in Wang Xiaoxiao's eyes, felt slightly annoyed. He glanced at Rong Kai Xuan, his mind stirring, and said with a smile, "Junior Brother Kai Xuan is here as well."

Rong Kai Xuan stood up and said solemnly, "If Senior Brother can come, so can I."

"Yes," Rong Kai Jie said with a smile. "Today is Junior Sister's birthday, and anyone who comes to congratulate her is welcome. Hehe, I wonder what gift Junior Brother has prepared?"

Wang Xiaoxiao's delicate brows furrowed slightly. "As fellow disciples, I am already very happy that you came."

She knew Rong Kai Xuan's background. Although this young man had extraordinary talent, his foundation was still shallow, and he wouldn't have any world-shaking treasures.

Rong Kai Jie secretly hated it but maintained a calm smile on his face as he looked at Rong Kai Xuan.

Rong Kai Xuan smiled slightly, his heart pounding. After seeing everyone's gifts, he couldn't have high hopes for the remaining five small youth-preserving pills.

Although the small youth-preserving pills were precious, in terms of practical value, they couldn't compare to the spiritual artifacts. Moreover, he had already given half to his mother, leaving only these five.

However, at this point, he couldn't back down.

Taking a few steps forward, Rong Kai Xuan took out a jade box and placed it on the table, saying, "This is the gift I prepared. Please accept it, Senior Sister."

Wang Xiaoxiao took it and smiled, saying, "Thank you, Junior Brother."

From her expression, it seemed she didn't want to open it right away.

Rong Kai Jie's facial muscles twitched slightly. Seeing Wang Xiaoxiao's behavior, he was filled with jealousy.

Even a blind person could see that Wang Xiaoxiao's attitude towards the two of them was different.

She was mostly perfunctory with Rong Kai Jie, but quite considerate of this newly emerged junior brother.

Rong Kai Jie said solemnly, "Junior Sister, why don't you show us what Junior Brother Kai Xuan gave you?"

Wang Xiaoxiao smiled slightly and said, "Since Junior Brother gave it to me, it's mine now. I want to take it back and appreciate it slowly. Please understand, Senior Brother."

Rong Kai Jie was speechless, his face turning slightly red, and his heart filled with murderous intent.

Fairy Wang suddenly spoke, "Xiao'er, I'm also curious. Why don't you open it and take a look?"

Wang Xiaoxiao was taken aback. She couldn't refuse her aunt's request.

Sighing inwardly, she obediently opened the box.

Immediately, everyone clearly saw the five pills inside the box.

A fragrance of medicine wafted out, and everyone smelled the scent of the pills, their faces showing a look of intoxication.

Rong Kai Jie's brows furrowed slightly, and he hesitated, saying, "What kind of pills are these?"

Fairy Wang's face had initially shown disdain, but when the fragrance of the medicine wafted up, her expression suddenly changed.

She reached out and quickly closed the box, saying, "Xiao'er, put these pills away and don't open them casually." She warned earnestly, "These pills should not be exposed to the air for a long time, or their efficacy will be greatly reduced."

Everyone's eyes lit up. They all knew that these pills must be extremely precious.

"Auntie, what kind of pills are these?" Wang Xiaoxiao asked, relieved.

Fairy Wang hesitated for a moment and said slowly, "These are youth-preserving pills."