As the middle-aged man suddenly knelt before Li Xuan, everyone was stunned into silence.
What in the world was happening?
Even Zhou Tao was bewildered. This was Zeng Kong, one of the pillars of the Zeng family. As Zeng Ru Xue's father and Zeng Yi's senior, his status was naturally elevated. Yet, such a figure was kneeling before Li Xuan?
"So, it's you. Get up," Li Xuan said with a slight nod, as he still had some impression of Zeng Kong.
"Senior Li, I truly had no idea you would be visiting. Otherwise, I would have brought them out to welcome you," Zeng Kong said, his face brimming with excitement. It seemed being remembered by Li Xuan was a matter of great honor.
It was understandable why Zeng Kong acted this way. Li Xuan's reputation was not low. The matter of the Five Regions Heavenly Pride Ranking had long since spread to Tianyun Kingdom. Even without the title of top ranker, given Li Xuan's friendship with Zeng Ming and his relationship with Zeng Ru Xue, how could Zeng Kong dare to overstep.
This person must know people in the Zeng manor, and his status is extremely high!
Only now did Zhou Tao understand. With Zeng Kong showing such a humble attitude, it was clear that Li Xuan's background was extraordinary.
"It's fine, I just arrived not long ago. Let's go, I haven't seen Elder Zeng and Junior Sister for some time," Li Xuan said with a smile, waving his hand. He then walked into the manor.
However, after stepping through the main gate, Li Xuan suddenly stopped and looked back at Zhou Tao. "Aren't you seeking a pill?"
Zhou Tao was overjoyed. He had thought Li Xuan had forgotten him, but to his surprise, Li Xuan had called him. After cupping his hands in salute to Li Xuan, he hurried to follow him inside.
"By the way, this fellow is arrogant and abuses his influence. It would be best to have him leave the Zeng manor," Li Xuan said with a smile, his gaze shifting to the servant whose face had turned pale.
"Yes!" Zeng Kong was momentarily stunned, but he quickly understood that the gatekeeper must have spoken disrespectfully earlier. Realizing the consequences of offending Li Xuan, Zeng Kong broke out in a cold sweat. He immediately turned to the servant and declared, "From this moment on, you are no longer a member of the Zeng manor."
With that, Zeng Kong hastily chased after Li Xuan.
"What is that person's background to make Zeng Kong of the Zeng manor so subservient!"
"He must be someone of considerable standing, otherwise, why would the Zeng manor treat him like this."
"Ah, if only I had struck up a conversation with him earlier. Perhaps I could have followed him inside now."
"..."
The crowd chattered amongst themselves, filled with regret.
At this moment, everyone in the Zeng manor was mobilized. There was no other reason; the name Li Xuan alone was enough to make them put aside any task and head to the main hall.
"We pay our respects to Senior Li!"
Soon, Zeng Yi, Zeng Li, Zeng Nuo, and others, along with their families, arrived at the main hall and bowed to Li Xuan, who was seated at the head.
"There's no need for excessive formality. Please, have a seat," Li Xuan said with a smile, waving his hand.
Zhou Tao was astonished, not just astonished, but completely flustered!
While Zeng Kong's initial respect for Li Xuan might have been due to his powerful background, the fact that the three direct sons of the Zeng family also paid their respects to Li Xuan with such deference was an entirely different matter.
"Senior Brother!"
At the same time, Zeng Ru Xue's voice echoed from outside the hall. To Zhou Tao's shocked gaze, Zeng Ru Xue rushed directly into Li Xuan's arms.
"Oh, Junior Sister, you've gotten quite chubby since I last saw you," Li Xuan said playfully as he picked her up.
Zeng Ru Xue tilted her head, as if complaining, "It's all because Grandfather has been feeding me so many pills. I feel like I'm about to become a medicine bottle."
Li Xuan chuckled. Then, his gaze shifted to the hall entrance. A figure appeared before everyone's eyes. It was Zeng Ming.
"My dear friend, I've missed you dearly!" Zeng Ming exclaimed, walking forward with a hearty laugh upon seeing Li Xuan.
Li Xuan felt a pang of awkwardness, understanding the implication behind Zeng Ming's words. He then smiled slightly and said, "Elder Zeng, I hope you are well."
"It's all thanks to you, my friend. Without you, I fear I would be bedridden at home," Zeng Ming said with a smile.
Li Xuan shook his head with a smile. "It was merely a small gesture. Elder Zeng, please do not concern yourself with it."
"Ah, Elder Zeng, this is the young marquis from Marquis Zhou's manor. He wishes to ask you for a pill," Li Xuan said, noticing Zhou Tao standing somewhat timidly beside him.
"So, it is Young Marquis Zhou. My apologies for not recognizing you," Zeng Ming said, looking at Zhou Tao with a slight smile. "Young Marquis Zhou, you must be here for Marquis Zhou. I just refined this Ice Pure Profound Pill. I was planning to send it to Marquis Zhou later, but since you are here, I will entrust it to you."
"This junior thanks Elder Zeng," Zhou Tao said, his face lighting up with joy. He quickly accepted the pill with both hands and bowed deeply to Zeng Ming.
Zeng Ming shook his head. "Marquis Zhou's condition is not good. Young Marquis Zhou, it would be best for you to take this pill back to your father as soon as possible."
Zhou Tao nodded immediately and then looked at Li Xuan. "Thank you, esteemed sir. May I know your name?"
"He is my Senior Brother, Li Xuan. Are you perhaps looking to repay my Senior Brother?" Zeng Ru Xue, still in Li Xuan's arms, interjected.
"Li Xuan..." Zhou Tao was momentarily stunned. The name Li Xuan was not unfamiliar. Who in Tianyun Kingdom today did not know of Li Xuan? Countless young people regarded Li Xuan as an idol and a lifelong pursuit. To think that he was now in the presence of the legendary Li Xuan!
"Young Marquis, it would be best to return and attend to your father first," Li Xuan said with a gentle smile, observing Zhou Tao's excited expression.
"Thank you, esteemed sir!" Zhou Tao suppressed his inner excitement. Although he had much to say, he didn't know how to articulate it at that moment. Finally, after bowing to Li Xuan once more, he took several steps back, turned, and hurried out of the manor.
"Senior Brother, you are quite famous in our Tianyun Kingdom now," Zeng Ru Xue said with a smile.
Li Xuan gave a wry smile. Just as he was about to speak, Yi Qin's voice suddenly echoed in his mind. Li Xuan paused, then looked at Elder Zeng. "Elder Zeng, shall we find a quiet place to talk?"
"Alright." Zeng Ming was also somewhat surprised by Li Xuan's sudden change in demeanor, but he nodded nonetheless.
Soon, Li Xuan, carrying Zeng Ru Xue, followed Zeng Ming into a secret chamber.
Just as Zeng Ming was about to inquire about what had happened to Li Xuan, Yi Qin's figure slowly appeared before Zeng Ming.
Zeng Ming glanced at Li Xuan, and seeing him shake his head as a signal, he swallowed the words that were already at his lips. At this moment, Yi Qin, after carefully observing Zeng Ru Xue, looked slightly grave.
Under Li Xuan's puzzled gaze, Yi Qin slowly spoke.
"Her body has undergone a change. I must take her away from this world."