BTTH: Many children bring more blessings, I will build strongest clan

**Chapter 19: Xiao Yan**

At the back mountain of the Xiao family estate, atop a cliff, a young man lay on the grass. A single blade of grass hung loosely between his lips as he chewed absentmindedly, his eyes reflecting loneliness.

"Sigh, just one more month until the next test…

But my cultivation hasn't progressed at all. I'll embarrass Father again."

Xiao Yan exhaled softly, folding his hands behind his head. A faint bitterness tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Damn it… Did the heavens bring me into this world just to mock me?"

Xiao Yan stared at the sky, frustration flickering across his face as he let out a few angry shouts.

However, after venting, his emotions gradually settled. The despondent expression returned.

No amount of frustration could bring back the Dou Qi he had once cultivated so diligently.

"Brother Xiao Yan, I knew you'd be here at the back mountain again."

A soft, pleasant voice drifted over, catching Xiao Yan's attention.

A girl had quietly appeared beside him.

"Sister Xun'er, you're here."

Xiao Yan forced a smile at the sight of her, though the helplessness in his eyes remained.

The girl stood gracefully, dressed in a flowing purple gown. The gentle breeze played with her long black hair, which cascaded down to her waist. Her dress fluttered slightly, accentuating her delicate figure.

She gazed at Xiao Yan, her heart aching at the sight of his dejection. Silent and serene, she stood like a lotus untouched by the dust of the world.

"Brother Xiao Yan, you once told me that to gain, one must first learn to let go. Only those who can let go are truly free. Have you forgotten your own words?"

Her voice was soothing, like a melody that could cleanse the soul.

"Haha… Free? Look at me now. Do I seem free to you?"

Xiao Yan laughed bitterly, his eyes dull and lifeless.

Seeing his despair, Xiao Xun'er frowned slightly.

"Brother Xiao Yan, I may not know what troubles you, but I believe you'll rise again and reclaim the glory and pride that once belonged to you."

She paused, studying his unchanged expression.

With a light shake of her head, she continued softly, "I saw Uncle Xiao on my way up. He said he's looking for you. Let's go back down."

"Father's looking for me?"

Xiao Yan's brow twitched. He nodded and rose, following Xun'er down the mountain.

"Father, were you looking for me?"

At the foot of the mountain, Xiao Yan approached the middle-aged man waiting for him.

The man wore luxurious grey robes, his presence exuding strength and authority. His thick eyebrows and strong features only added to his imposing aura.

This was Xiao Zhan, the patriarch of the Xiao family and Xiao Yan's father—a five-star Dou Shi.

"Yan'er, are you brooding over your cultivation again?"

Xiao Zhan sighed, gazing at his son's youthful yet troubled face. As a father, he knew Xiao Yan often retreated to the back mountain whenever he felt discouraged.

"Haha, it's nothing, Father. Things will stay the same."

Xiao Yan shook his head, the bitterness lingering in his smile.

Seeing his son's defeated look, Xiao Zhan's heart grew heavy. He quickly shifted the topic.

"Forget it. Let's not dwell on this. Yan'er, join me at the Mitel Auction House tomorrow."

"The auction house? Are we attending an auction?" Xiao Yan asked, puzzled.

"The auction was today. Tomorrow, we're attending a banquet at the Mitel Auction House," Xiao Zhan clarified.

"A banquet?"

Xiao Yan blinked in surprise.

"I'd rather not go, Father."

Since his cultivation issues began, Xiao Yan had avoided public gatherings.

Why would his father insist on taking him to a banquet now?

"This time is different. They specifically invited you."

Xiao Zhan's expression grew serious.

The invitation, sent by Miss Ya Fei of the Mitel Auction House, had explicitly mentioned Xiao Yan.

This baffled Xiao Zhan as well.

"Who invited me?" Xiao Yan frowned.

In Wutan City, who would care to invite him—the so-called disgrace of the Xiao family?

"Miss Ya Fei of the Mitel Auction House," Xiao Zhan replied.

"Miss Ya Fei?"

Xiao Yan's confusion deepened.

Though he had never met her, Ya Fei's reputation preceded her.

She was famed across Wutan City for her beauty and charm, captivating the hearts of countless men.

Despite their fame, he and Ya Fei lived in different worlds.

"Father, I have no ties to Miss Ya Fei. Why would she invite me?"

"Honestly, I'm just as puzzled. But since she personally requested your presence, you should come with me tomorrow."

Xiao Zhan shrugged, unable to unravel Ya Fei's intentions.

Silence stretched between them.

Xiao Yan hesitated, clearly uneasy.

Public events always invited whispers and scorn, something he preferred to avoid.

And with no relationship with Ya Fei, the thought of attending the banquet felt even more unappealing.

"If you don't want to go, that's fine."

Xiao Zhan eventually sighed, unwilling to push his son.

At worst, he'd apologize to Ya Fei in person.

Xiao Zhan turned to leave.

"Wait."

Xiao Yan suddenly spoke.

"Father, call me tomorrow."

A faint smile tugged at Xiao Zhan's lips.

He nodded and left without another word.