Xiao Yunlong returned to the suite downstairs to rest for half an hour. Just as he was about to go and see Lu Zhenghan, Tang Bowen suddenly walked in.
"Master, the head of the Lan family, Lan Yutian, is here to see you!" Tang Bowen said with a bow.
Although the two were cousins, and Xiao Yunlong had repeatedly told Tang Bowen in private that he didn't need to call him Master, Tang Bowen still adhered to his principles. Xiao Yunlong could only let it be.
"The Lan family?" Xiao Yunlong raised his sword eyebrows.
"Yes, the Lan family, ranked at the bottom of the four major affluent families in Chuan City. It is said that they married into the Zhao family a few years ago, and they are considered in-laws!" Tang Bowen said truthfully.
"Since they are in-laws, why is Lan Yutian here to see me? Could it be to avenge the Zhao family?" Xiao Yunlong said coldly.
Tang Bowen shook his head, "That shouldn't be the case, because only Lan Yutian came alone. What do you think, Master? Shall I let him in or not?"
"Since that's the case, then let him in!" Xiao Yunlong said indifferently.
Tang Bowen immediately turned and went out, and soon brought in a thin old man in his fifties, wearing a dark blue Zhongshan suit.
This was Lan Yutian, the head of the Lan family, ranked at the bottom of the four major affluent families in Chuan City.
As soon as he walked in, Lan Yutian cupped his hands repeatedly and said, "As the saying goes, one should look at a person with new eyes after three days apart. I never expected that after so many years, nephew Yunlong has become so handsome, heroic, and extraordinary. It is truly admirable."
Xiao Yunlong sat on the sofa without any intention of getting up, and just chuckled, "Uncle Lan, you flatter me. I was just thinking, when we meet, will you point at my nose and call me a stray dog!"
Back then, the Xiao family and the Lan family had a very close relationship. In fact, all the major families in Chuan City had dealings with each other, and the direct descendants of the families naturally knew each other.
Lan Yutian was stunned for a moment, then smiled awkwardly, "Nephew Yunlong, what are you saying? What is our relationship? How could I possibly scold you? I've long heard that the Xiao family will surely produce a qilin. Now it seems that the rumors from back then were indeed true."
Xiao Yunlong looked up and glanced at him, saying, "Uncle Lan, you didn't come here just to say these meaningless nonsense, did you?"
Lan Yutian quickly waved his hands, "Of course not. I'm here to see you with two main intentions: first, to express my guilt and apology for what happened to the Xiao family back then; second, for this matter, our Lan family has decided to make compensation to atone for our Lan family's past mistakes."
Without waiting for Xiao Yunlong to speak, Lan Yutian continued, "Back then, our Lan family not only did not participate in the incident of your Xiao family, but we also only heard about it later. It is shameful to say that if we had known earlier, and if our Lan family had come forward to mediate, perhaps your Xiao family would not have suffered such a tragedy!"
Now Xiao Yunlong understood. It turned out that Lan Yutian was here to beg for mercy with a lowered stance.
It was likely that the Lan family had already learned the news that the Zhao family and several masters of the Martial Alliance had been wiped out by him overnight. In their fear, they had come to beg for forgiveness.
After all, the Lan family was ranked at the bottom of the four major affluent families in Chuan City. Their strength was far inferior to the Zhao family, which was supported by the Martial Alliance. Since Xiao Yunlong could wipe out the direct descendants of the Zhao family overnight, he could naturally easily destroy the Lan family.
However, Xiao Yunlong scoffed at Lan Yutian's words.
At the time of the Xiao family's tragedy, the Lan family indeed did not know in advance and did not participate. However, if they had known in advance, the Lan family would certainly have participated and taken a share of the spoils.
As for Lan Yutian's talk of mediation and arbitration now, it was just polite talk. It was enough to listen to it and not to take it seriously.
Thinking of this, Xiao Yunlong sneered indifferently, "Since your Lan family did not participate in the matter back then, then where does the apology and compensation come from?"
Lan Yutian quickly said, "Nephew Yunlong, you may not know this, but a few years ago, after my Lan family married into the Zhao family, the Zhao family gave some of the industries that originally belonged to your Xiao family to my Lan family. Now that Young Master Xiao has returned, I was thinking of returning these industries that belonged to your Xiao family, and in addition, giving some of my Lan family's industries to you as my Lan family's apology and compensation. I hope Young Master Xiao can be lenient."
"Since your Lan family did not participate in the affairs of my Xiao family back then, then there is no need for an apology. As for compensation, I do not look down on your Lan family's industries. How about this: establish a foundation based on these industries, and donate the annual profits to support children in poverty-stricken mountainous areas. This can be considered your Lan family's compensation!"
As Xiao Yunlong said this, he suddenly added, "In addition, tomorrow, a few of your Lan family's direct descendants should go to the foot of Qingcheng Mountain and apologize to the deceased of my Xiao family. This matter will be considered over, and I will not pursue it further!"
When Lan Yutian heard this, his brow furrowed slightly, appearing very embarrassed.
"What, does this matter make your Lan family difficult? Then how about I send your Lan family's direct descendants down to apologize to the deceased of my Xiao family in person?"
Xiao Yunlong looked at him fixedly, his eyes gradually showing coldness.
Lan Yutian's heart trembled. He no longer dared to hesitate and said repeatedly, "No, no, please rest assured, Young Master Xiao. Tomorrow, no, today, all of us, the direct descendants of the Xiao family, will go to the foot of Qingcheng Mountain to express our apologies!"
"That's right. If there's nothing else, then go and do as I say!" Xiao Yunlong waved his hand, dismissing him.
"Then, Young Master Xiao, I shall take my leave!"
Lan Yutian turned to leave, but stopped at the doorway and said, "By the way, there is something I don't know if I should say or not!"
"Speak!" Xiao Yunlong said indifferently.
"It's about the Baili family and the Ouyang family. The reason why these two major families have been able to rise rapidly and surpass the Zhao family in recent years is partly due to the annexation of your Xiao family, but more importantly, they have powerful forces behind them to help them!" Lan Yutian said.
"Powerful forces behind them, what forces?" Xiao Yunlong asked.
"The Qingcheng Sect!" Lan Yutian smiled and continued, "In fact, the main reason why the Ouyang family and the Baili family decided to target your Xiao family back then was that the Qingcheng Sect was behind the promotion and leadership. Of course, the Qi family of the City Lord's Mansion also played a role in fanning the flames."
"Having said so much, you must understand that whether it is the Ouyang family, the Baili family, or the Qi family of the City Lord's Mansion, their energy and influence cannot be underestimated, especially the Qingcheng Sect behind them, which is full of Grandmasters and experts. It is not easy for you to seek revenge. I hope you will take care of yourself!"
After saying this, Lan Yutian immediately turned and left.
"The Qingcheng Sect?" Xiao Yunlong remained seated, narrowing his eyes and saying, "No wonder my Xiao family was wiped out overnight back then. It turns out that a martial arts sect was involved!"
At this point, Xiao Yunlong's expression gradually turned cold, and he snorted, "A martial arts sect, instead of cultivating properly on the mountain, actually interferes in worldly affairs below the mountain. It is simply damnable. After I destroy the Ouyang and Baili families, I will definitely go to Qingcheng Mountain!"