Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

"It wasn't very long ago when you joined the Xiao Clan, but at this point, even you should know that my father isn't on good terms with the clan. He won't return to Alexander City unless it is absolutely necessary. Obviously, that's why you haven't met him," Bruno explained frankly.

Zachary nodded in understanding as he responded, "So Master Daniel isn't in the city right now?"

"And it's the reason why I'm the one who's come to invite you to the banquet, not him. As I'm the emissary of his commands, I'd like to have a word with you as well," Bruno continued, giving him a look.

"Oh? About what?" Zachary asked, a little curious.

"Since you're one of the more recent acquisitions of the Xiao Clan, you might not be completely aware of what's going on around here and the status quo. I feel as though if you're to proceed, you'd need to know the real situation. Master Jaxon, who, as you know, is the head of the Xiao Clan, is now over 70 years old. Given the state of his strength as it is, it wouldn't surprise anyone if he were to go on living for a few dozen more years or so. Furthermore, he's been considered as merely steps away from reaching the Holy Level, too. Of course, once he does get there, he'll have to retire from public life and remove himself from the Xiao Clan's daily affairs. Currently, the master has a son and a daughter. His daughter Vivian has been quite ill for some time now and hasn't been seen in the public eye until very recently. While she herself is at the Imperial Level, her gender categorically disqualifies her from becoming Master Jaxon's heir. Anthony then has been selected as the Xiao Clan's heir, but he's also only recently broken into the threshold of the Imperial Level through the aid of the Sun-swallowing Pill. Given his rate of progress, it's unthinkable for him to take over the duties and responsibilities at any time below ten years from now. And furthermore, he's simply incapable of being the leader the clan needs. Back in Shura College, he did nothing but made trouble and he continues his deplorable behavior back home. From what I understand, the two of you have quite a grudge and have been at each other's throats for a while now. It's simply preposterous to think that this man could ever be the next leader," Bruno said with a disdainful expression as he recounted Anthony's antics.

"That's certainly understandable," Zachary replied noncommittally, still trying to figure out where the wind lay.

"In my frank opinion, whoever should lead the Xiao Clan must be someone of tremendous prestige and someone who has earned the approval of the rest of the clan. Moreover, it's only natural to expect him to be powerful and competent in terms of his performance as a warrior. Obviously, those requirements disqualify Anthony already as it is," Bruno continued with a derisive snort.

"So what you're trying to say is that under those qualifications, the most suitable candidate to become the heir is Master Daniel. I

ll, I do need your help to build a vast fortune!" Bruno grinned, waving it away and raising a toast to Zachary once again.

Talk turned to other avenues as they discussed their allegiance, and Bruno had quite a few ideas to share.

It wasn't long before darkness fell and the Flower Street was blossomed into light, with a crowd wandering through it.

"Looks like it's time to move along. If we keep loitering around here, we'll hold up the Lily House's business. I think it's time to put our meeting to an end. I'll see you another time." Zachary stood up and politely cupped his hands to his companion in respect.

"That's true. Well in that case, friend, I'll see you again." Bruno nodded as he rose, accompanying Zachary to the first floor.

"Jimmy, let's go," Zachary called out, rousing Jimmy from where he was buried deep in sensual pleasures, wallowing in the company of several beautiful women.

At the sound of his voice, Jimmy shivered and roused himself as quickly as he could, sobering up. Pulling himself away from his stupor, he headed to Zachary.

"Did you have a good time?" Zachary asked him with a grin, a gleam of mischief in his eye.

Jimmy's immediate response was to eagerly nod before he got his senses back and immediately began to shake his head.

With a laugh at his reaction, Zachary now looked back to Bruno with a nod. "Bye, Bruno. We'll meet again." And Zachary departed with Jimmy.

Once Zachary had disappeared, a cold expression appeared in Bruno's eyes. "Looks like I'll have to talk to my father in person about this. If those two get engaged, It'll be a big disadvantage to us." And he immediately turned heel and left, heading for home.

Once Zachary had left the Lily House, he allowed a smile to creep over his face. 'I'm not sure what Daniel will do to mess up my engagement with Vivian. But one thing's for sure: it's going to be decidedly troubled in the Xiao Clan for a while. And I absolutely can't wait to see what happens next.'