I'm in Battle Through the Heavens, and I have a control panel.

Chapter 41 Three-Party Reaction

The top-floor council chamber of the Mittel auction house was filled with the gentle fragrance of sandalwood incense.

The propaganda staff reported Xiao Zheng's situation to Ya Fei and Gu Ni.

Wearing a fiery red dress and lounging lazily in a soft chair, Ya Fei looked surprised upon hearing this: "You mean Xiao Zheng?"

"That good-for-nothing from a collateral branch of the Xiao family who stood up for Xiao Yan at the testing grounds last year and then ran away overnight?"

The propaganda staff member nodded hurriedly: "Yes, Lady Yafei, it is indeed him!"

"Xiao Zheng returned to Wutan City today with a woman in white. He clashed with Xiao Ke at the Xiao family's cargo station and unleashed the aura of a Dou Shi, shocking everyone."

"Battle Master?"

The elderly man, Gu Ni, sitting opposite Ya Fei, suddenly sat up straight, his white beard trembling slightly, his eyes filled with disbelief. "How is this possible?"

"A year and a half ago, that kid was only at the fourth stage of Dou Qi, his aptitude was ridiculously poor, how could he suddenly break through to Dou Shi?"

After a pause, Gu Ni added, "However, given Xiao Yan's example, it's not impossible for another Xiao Zheng to emerge. The Xiao family is truly amazing."

Ya Fei pondered for a moment: "I think the two are not comparable. Xiao Yan was a genius after all, so it is reasonable for him to be favored by alchemists. But Xiao Zheng does not have Xiao Yan's glorious past."

"He started cultivating at four years old, only reached the first stage of Dou Qi at six, the second stage at ten, and the fourth stage at fifteen. With such a resume, he is a complete waste. It is absolutely impossible for him to break through to Dou Shi in a year and a half through normal cultivation."

Gu Ni wholeheartedly agreed, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "In my opinion, Xiao Zheng must have encountered an extraordinary stroke of luck!"

"Perhaps they found an ancient inheritance, or obtained a heaven-defying treasure that can rapidly improve their cultivation level; otherwise, such a transformation would be impossible."

He rubbed his hands together, his tone tinged with interest: "Lady Yafei, should we send someone to make contact with this Xiao Zheng?"

"If he really has such a treasure, and if our Mittel Auction House can find a way to get our hands on it, whether for auction or for our own use, it will bring us huge benefits."

Upon hearing this, Ya Fei shook her head: "That's not appropriate. Xiao Zheng is, after all, a member of the Xiao family."

"Moreover, since ancient times, those treasures that can help seedlings grow faster have often come with huge side effects, which can damage the foundation at best and endanger life at worst."

"To antagonize the Xiao family for a treasure whose value is unknown is truly a loss; it would be better to wait and see."

After thinking about it for a moment, Gu Ni felt that what Ya Fei said was very true, and nodded, saying, "Indeed... I was too impatient."

……

Obama's family.

Inside the main hall.

The men of the Obama family reported Xiao Zheng's situation to the family head, Obama.

Upon hearing the report, Obapa suspected that Xiao Zheng was hiding some kind of treasure.

He slammed his hand on the table, making the teacups rattle. "Well done! Well done, Xiao Zheng! Heaven is truly helping the Obama family!"

After the Jia Lie family was suppressed and fell into decline by the Xiao family, the Xiao family became the overlord of Wutan City, which made Obaba resentful but helpless.

But now, Xiao Zheng's appearance has given him hope of turning the tide.

"To advance from the fourth stage of Dou Qi to Dou Shi in just a year and a half—that's absolutely incredible!"

A greedy glint gleamed in Obaba's eyes. "If I could obtain this treasure, my Obaba family could easily train dozens of Battle Masters within a year."

"At that time, what will the mere Xiao family be worth?"

Several Obama family members below immediately echoed, showering him with flattery: "The patriarch is wise! With this treasure, the Obama family will surely rise to prominence!"

Obapa raised his hand to suppress the urge, a sinister smile appearing on his face: "Xiao Zheng left the Xiao family back then because he offended half of the clan members and incurred the wrath of the masses."

"This person must have a bad relationship with the Xiao family. His return this time may not necessarily be aimed at the Xiao family."

"Men, immediately launch a city-wide search and find out Xiao Zheng's whereabouts!"

"If my prediction is correct, and Xiao Zheng isn't returning to the Xiao family, then tonight I will personally capture him and bring him back to the Obama family to find out the whereabouts of the treasure!"

Several members of the Obama family replied, "Yes! We'll take care of it right away!"

"With a three-star Grand Dou Master like yourself on the job, capturing Xiao Zheng will be a piece of cake!"

……

The Xiao family.

The freight station manager reported Xiao Zheng's matter to the Xiao family's eldest elder.

Upon learning of this, the Grand Elder immediately went to the Patriarch's study to see Xiao Zheng and reported the matter.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan looked up, his face instantly lighting up with joy: "Xiao Zheng?"

"It's good that he's alright. That kid once argued with the group of Xiaos in the testing field for Yan'er's sake, and then we lost contact with him. I've been worried about his safety ever since."

"It's a pity that Yan'er went out to cultivate diligently, otherwise he would be very happy if he knew that Xiao Zheng had returned."

"Clan leader! What time is it? Why are you still thinking about these things!"

The elder frowned and said urgently, "Something's wrong with Xiao Zheng! A year and a half ago he was only at the fourth level of Dou Qi, but now he's already a Dou Shi. This is very strange."

"He made a name for himself at the Xiao family's freight station today, and has now been targeted by the Obama and Mittel families."

He stepped forward, his tone urgent: "This Xiao Zheng was originally a good-for-nothing, but his sudden transformation must mean he's hiding a huge secret! He's a member of the Xiao family, so this secret should rightfully belong to the Xiao family!"

"In my opinion, we should send someone to arrest him immediately and force him to reveal the secret!"

Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes at him, his tone indifferent: "Even if he really has a secret, it's his own business. Why should he hand it over to the Xiao family?"

"Just because his surname is Xiao!"

The Grand Elder roared, "Just because the Xiao family raised him!"

There are plenty of people with the surname Xiao.

Xiao Zhan shook his head. "As for the debt of raising him... it was his parents who raised Xiao Zheng, it has little to do with us."

"you!"

The First Elder was speechless for a long while before continuing, "Clan Leader! Are you deliberately protecting Xiao Zheng because he and Xiao Yan have a good relationship?!"

Xiao Zhan nodded: "Mm."

Grand Elder: ...

He paused for a moment, then turned and left, saying, "Fine, it seems you're reluctant to lay a hand on Xiao Zheng."

"Since that's the case, if you won't arrest him, I'll lead my own men to do it! This secret must not fall into the hands of outsiders!"

Xiao Zhan hissed, "Stop!"

The elder paused, then turned around angrily.

Xiao Zhan stood up, his expression turning serious: "I was just joking."

"Xiao Zheng's secret must not be known to the Obama family and the Mittel family. I will handle this matter personally."

He knew very well that if Xiao Zheng fell into Obappa's hands, he would certainly not have a good ending.

With Yan'er gone, he had to protect Xiao Zheng for Xiao Yan.

Otherwise, if Xiao Yan were to return and learn of this, he might develop a grudge against him.

Seeing that Xiao Zhan had relented, the Grand Elder's expression softened slightly: "That's more like it."

He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, then turned and left.

Xiao Zhan was the only one left in the study.

He gazed out the window and murmured, "Yan'er, Xiao Zheng is back."

"Although I don't know the purpose of his return, don't worry, I will protect him until you come back."