As the black-robed man entered, Xiao Zhan and the three elders quickly stepped away from the table, approaching the newcomer with respectful smiles. "Old Sir, the clan has been busy, and Xiao Zhan did not come out to greet you. Please forgive me," Xiao Zhan said.
"Haha, no need for empty formalities," the old voice responded with a faint smile from beneath the black robe.
Xiao Zhan nodded eagerly, signaling the three elders to make way. "Old Sir, please, take a seat," he said with a welcoming gesture.
The man in the black robe smiled and, without hesitation, walked directly to the first seat and sat down.
"Mo Yu, I didn't expect you to have this ability," Xiao Yu said, her eyes sparkling with surprise as she approached, her steps revealing her elegant legs.
"Haha, I was just fortunate to meet an old senior," Mo Yu replied. Not wanting to dwell on this topic, he looked at the man in the black robe and asked, "Who is this?"
Xiao Yu's gaze also turned to the black-robed man, her pretty face showing a hint of surprise. "This is an old senior we encountered at the auction. It is said that he has some connection with Xiao Yan. I didn't expect him to really come to our Xiao family. If he and you collaborate, our family's predicament should be resolved smoothly."
Mo Yu nodded as if he didn't know the old man's true identity, although he was aware that the man was actually Yao Lao, who was under Xiao Yan's control.
"Haha, Old Sir, I wonder what brings you to the Xiao family today?" Xiao Zhan asked with a smile, offering a cup of warm tea.
Yao Lao looked around the Xiao family's meeting room. Initially, he had expected to find a family struggling with frustration and anger due to the Gale family's malicious competition. He was here at Xiao Yan's request to help with the family crisis. However, despite the ongoing difficulties, the atmosphere in the room was one of confidence and stability.
"Has the Xiao family found a way to resolve their business troubles?" Yao Lao wondered to himself.
"Haha, Patriarch Xiao, I've heard that the Xiao family has been struggling recently. But it seems that no one here appears overly concerned," Yao Lao said directly, unable to guess the situation.
Xiao Zhan smiled bitterly. "The Xiao family has had nearly 50% of its assets squeezed out by the Gale family. If this continues, we might become a second-rate force in Wutan City. However, we have a young man named Mo Yu, who has learned the method of forging the Thunder Fire Bead from a mysterious weapon refiner. Thanks to him, we hope to stabilize our family business."
"Oh?" Yao Lao was surprised to hear this. He hadn't expected Mo Yu, whom he had always found elusive, to possess such abilities. Equipment refiners were a rare and lesser-known profession compared to alchemists, and it was intriguing that Mo Yu, with his thunder attribute, could refine weapons.
"Haha, although I'm not closely related to the Xiao family, I have a good relationship with your young master. I didn't expect the other of the Xiao family's twin dragons to be so talented. I've met Xiao Yan, but I would like to meet you as well," Yao Lao said with a chuckle.
Xiao Zhan was pleased and quickly waved Mo Yu over.
Mo Yu, although surprised that Yao Lao wanted to meet him, approached and clasped his fists respectfully. "Junior Mo Yu, it's an honor to meet you, Senior."
This was Mo Yu's first interaction with Yao Lao, whom he greatly respected for his role in helping Xiao Yan rise to prominence. Mo Yu envied Yao Lao's powerful backing and considered seeking a formidable soul to protect him in the future.
"Haha, you must be Mo Yu, one of the two dragons of the Xiao family. I've heard Xiao Yan speak highly of you. You are indeed a great talent and will certainly make a name for yourself on the mainland," Yao Lao said with admiration.
The praise from Yao Lao was genuine, making the young man in the black robe slightly envious. Although Yao Lao treated Xiao Yan like a son, he was more of a strict teacher than a kind father.
If the Xiao family knew Yao Lao's true identity, they would have been even more astonished by his praise. For someone to establish themselves on the mainland, strength at least equivalent to a Dou Zong was required. This revelation shocked both the younger generation and the upper echelons of the Xiao family.
Mo Yu was taken aback by Yao Lao's high praise. Although he knew he had great potential and future achievements, he was still relatively weak. Yao Lao's discerning eyes could easily perceive his potential.
"Thank you for the compliment, Senior. If given the chance, I would appreciate your guidance," Mo Yu said with a chuckle.
"Certainly. You and Xiao Yan are among the few exceptional talents I have seen. Since I have a connection with the Xiao family, I will lend a helping hand," Yao Lao said with a smile. Before anyone could react, a white hand emerged from the black robe, adorned with a light red ring. He flicked the ring, and suddenly, a bright light flashed...
In an instant, the large conference table was covered with neatly arranged small jade bottles.
Everyone in the hall, except Mo Yu and the indifferent Xun'er, was stunned by the sheer number of pills and took a deep breath.
"Here are 1,283 bottles of healing medicine called 'Blood Coagulation Powder.' While it may not be the best among healing medicines, it is far superior to the 'Rejuvenation Powder' from the Gale family," Yao Lao said softly, as if nothing extraordinary had happened.
Xiao Zhan was equally shocked by the sight. Although Mo Yu's help had alleviated the crisis, Yao Lao's assistance could effectively defeat the Gale family! Taking a deep breath, he looked at the full box of pills and remarked, "This is truly a significant development!"
Mo Yu was not concerned about stealing the spotlight. His aim was to show his worth and improve life for his Grandpa and Xiao Yu. With this support and under the guise of a mysterious weapon refiner, even if Mo Yu left, his standing in the Xiao family was assured.