Zhao Xue spoke seriously, completely unaware that he had made a slip of the tongue.
Zhao Shuning looked at him, puzzled.
"Uncle, what method did you just mention?"
"Did I say there was a method?"
Everyone nodded.
He said, "I misspoke."
Then he continued, "I meant to say, little girl, don't think we have any ulterior motives towards you. Although you're young, it was all thanks to you that the Zhao Family has developed to this extent."
This was an overstatement.
At least, Zhao Shuning didn't think so.
She looked around.
Even Zhao Xiangxiang and Xie Yu were wearing serious expressions.
"Boss, your father - in - law is right. Even our Xie Family has benefited from your care. If you hadn't given us the Huodou as our clan - protecting beast back then, the Xie Family would have been long diluted by the forces of the Ghost Domain in these decades. I also want to say that if you don't mind, we can even give you the token of our family head."
Xie Yu was always joking around.
Hearing such serious words from him.
Zhao Shuning wasn't quite used to it.
"Xie Yu, what's going on? Have you gotten old in these decades and can't handle things anymore? How could you say such things?"
"Boss, I'm just showing my gratitude to you."
"Get out of here. Your sudden show of kindness just gives me the creeps."
Xie Yu's words did lighten the atmosphere a lot.
"Shuning—"
Zhao Shuning turned around.
She said seriously to the old man of the Zhao Family, "Grandpa, if you want me to take the token of the family head, I won't agree. After all, I haven't made much contribution to the Zhao Family, nor do I have any real control over it. Over the years, if it weren't for you all constantly expanding the Zhao Family's influence, the family wouldn't have developed so fast. Now that the Zhao Family is prosperous, it's all your and the uncles' and my father's merits. It has little to do with me."
As she spoke, Zhao Shuning smiled casually.
She put the token back into the old man's hand seriously.
The old man was deeply touched.
"Shuning."
Zhao Shuning smiled sweetly.
She turned around to face everyone.
Looking at their expectant eyes, she said, "I, Zhao Shuning, was never the type to sit still. I've been living a carefree life all my life. Maybe you all recognize me by giving me the token of the family head, but I don't like the feeling of being restricted. I'll always be a member of the Zhao Family, but everyone has their own aspirations. This token has nothing to do with me."
"Second Uncle, although you're getting old, you have Zhao Xiangxiang. I just can't bring myself to call her 'sister'. When we were kids, we always argued with each other. But Zhao Xiangxiang is actually a really good person. I'm sure her Longkong Spiritual Whip skills are amazing now. She should be able to protect the Zhao Family for you. Besides, Zhao Xiangxiang has found a good husband."
Suddenly being praised by Zhao Shuning, Xie Yu felt a bit uncomfortable.
He blushed slightly and said awkwardly, "Boss, what does this have to do with me?"
"Of course it has nothing to do with you!"
"Ah?" Xie Yu was stunned.
Zhao Shuning continued, "Just kidding. Xie Yu, you've raised a good son. I actually met Xie Buyan before the engagement banquet. That kid is good. He's steady, not like you."
"Yeah." Xie Yu had to admit that his son was indeed more steady.
These two didn't attend the ceremony of passing on the token of the family head.
Zhao Shuning paused for a while and then said, "You only need to discipline Xie Jing well, but he hasn't really done anything wrong."
"Boss, did that kid make you angry?"
"Didn't he tell you?"
Xie Yu shook his head.
Zhao Shuning smiled.
Maybe Xie Jing was afraid of being scolded by Xie Yu, so he didn't dare to say anything.
"Aren't you curious about his injuries?"
"That kid always comes back covered in injuries. I'm used to it."
"I gave him those injuries."
"Ah?" Xie Yu paused for a moment and then said, "Good for you. That kid deserves a good lesson."
"Didn't he tell you about his relationship with Chuchu?"
Seeing the confused looks on Zhao Xiangxiang and Xie Yu's faces.
Zhao Shuning couldn't help but sigh.
"Xie Yu, you really raised a good son. His temperament is just like yours."
"This kid!"
"Xie Yu, Zhao Xiangxiang, I think their relationship can develop. If you mind, you can talk to him directly."
"If the boss agrees, I have no objections."
Zhao Xiangxiang also nodded.
Zhao Shuning smiled contentedly.
She came back this time.
Mainly to visit everyone.
Seeing that they were all living well, happy and healthy, she was happy.
Today.
After paying respects to the ancestors.
It was time for her to leave.
There were still many things waiting for her. The Zhao Family was a harbor, but it shouldn't be her shelter.
After the conversation, the atmosphere became much more relaxed.
Zhao Shuning gently moved her head and shoulders.
"Okay, I've said what I needed to say. Now it's time for me to go."
"Shuning."
"Little girl!"
"Why are you leaving so soon! You've just come back!"
Zhao Shuning smiled.
"I've been back for a long time. Many things must have happened during the years I was away. I have to find out one by one."
The old man of the Zhao Family sighed.
There was a hint of helplessness on Zhao Xue's face.
Zhao Chao, as usual, was smiling heartlessly.
He said directly, "Go ahead. I know our little world in the Zhao Family can't hold you, a great Buddha."
Zhao Xiangxiang's expression softened.
She let go of Xie Yu's hand and stepped forward.
Then she asked, "Zhao Shuning, where are you going?"
"I originally wanted to go straight to the Ghost Domain, but something unexpected happened at the Shanhuazhou Peak. This time, I want to go to Shuiyunsheng to look for the Viper."
"The Viper is always on the move. Even our Xie Family hasn't seen him for a long time."
Xie Yu continued.
Zhao Shuning looked solemn.
At this time, the eldest daughter behind Zhao Xue timidly raised her hand.
After seeing this, Zhao Shuning asked, "What's up?"
"Sister, I have a piece of news. It might be just a rumor, but I don't know if it will be useful to you?"
Zhao Chao quickly scolded her, "Shuang'er, don't be so presumptuous."
"Uncle! Let Shuang'er speak. It's better to listen than for me to wander around like a headless fly."
Zhao Chao nodded.
Zhao Shuang then summoned up the courage to hand a black wooden token in her arms to Zhao Shuning.
"Master Xie once stayed in our Zhao Mansion. After he left, I found this in his room."
The black wooden token.
This thing?
It wasn't from Shuiyunsheng.
Zhao Shuning turned the token over.
There were seven stars carved on the back.
"The Seven - Star Alliance?"