196: Yao waited carefully.

After Provincial Governor and the Ten Thousand Frontiers personnel left, Yao Tianxiao dared not show the slightest neglect.

He immediately ordered: "All disciples, listen up! Escort Nephew Lu Yuan back to the base!"

"Strengthen vigilance along the way, no mistakes allowed!"

"Yes!"

The Yao Family disciples responded in unison, their voices filled with excitement.

The way they looked at Lu Yuan was no longer the initial politeness and curiosity.

It was a look of awe! Worship! Even a bit of fanaticism!

With his own strength, he annihilated nearly a hundred elites of the Zhou Family, and even the family head Zhou Wanxiong died on the spot!

What terrifying combat power! What unparalleled heroic bearing!

This was a true prodigy! A true genius!

The team quickly assembled. Centered around Lu Yuan, the Yao Family disciples spread out in a well-trained manner, forming a tight protective circle.

Although Lu Yuan repeatedly expressed that it wasn't necessary... the enthusiasm of the Yao Family disciples was hard to refuse!

"Nephew Lu Yuan is truly a rare talent among ten thousand!"

"Indeed! The Zhou Family was so arrogant, and today they've truly fallen! It's incredibly satisfying!"

"Who would dare to look down on our Yao Family now? With Nephew Lu Yuan here, why should our Yao Family worry about not reaching a higher level!"

Low whispers rose within the team, filled with unstoppable pride.

At the same time, the news that Lu Yuan was not dead, and had crushed the Zhou Family at the peak of the volcano, killing Zhou Wanxiong, had already been rapidly transmitted back to the ancestral home through the Yao Family's special communication methods.

The moment the news spread, the entire Yao Family ancestral home completely erupted!

"What?! Nephew Lu Yuan isn't dead?!"

"Not only is he not dead, but he also wiped out the Zhou Family?! Even Zhou Wanxiong is dead?!"

"My heavens! Is this true?!"

Inside the ancestral home, whether they were family members cultivating, guards on alert, or stewards handling general affairs, upon hearing the news, they were all dumbfounded, then burst into thunderous cheers and discussions.

Every Yao Family Elder's face was filled with shock and ecstasy.

Lu Yuan's influence, ever since he won the championship, could not be underestimated!

These past few days, because Lu Yuan was trapped in the core area of the volcano, his life or death unknown, the entire Yao Family was shrouded in a suppressed and heavy atmosphere.

Yao Xiao, in particular, was in tears, unable to eat or sleep.

Although Old Master Yao Zhenchuan appeared calm on the surface, his tightly furrowed brows and deepening worry made all family members empathize.

Now, Lu Yuan not only returned safely but also, with the force of thunder, resolved the Zhou Family, this major hidden danger!

This was simply an immense surprise!

...When Lu Yuan and his group appeared on the outskirts of the ancestral home.

The Yao Family disciples, who had already received the news, spontaneously lined both sides of the road.

They saw that familiar figure, slowly approaching, surrounded by Yao Tianxiao and others, and immediately erupted in thunderous cheers.

"Lu Yuan is awesome!"

"Nephew Lu Yuan!"

"Nephew Lu Yuan is mighty!"

Cheers rose and fell, deafening.

Lu Yuan looked at these enthusiastic Yao Family disciples, a slight smile on his face, and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

However, as the group reached the entrance of the ancestral home, Lu Yuan paused slightly.

The usually heavily guarded gate of the ancestral home was now wide open.

At the entrance stood an old man with white hair and beard, yet spirited and vigorous, exuding an aura of natural authority.

It was none other than the stabilizing force of the Yao Family, Old Master Yao Zhenchuan!

Behind him, a group of core Yao Family Elders, including several old men and women who rarely showed themselves, were all present, their expressions solemn.

The scale of this welcome was higher than imagined!

Yao Tianxiao was also surprised, clearly not expecting his father to personally bring so many family elders to greet them.

He quickly stepped forward, bowed, and saluted: "Father!"

Yao Zhenchuan waved his hand, but his gaze remained fixed on Lu Yuan.

He strode forward, ignoring everyone around him, and walked directly to Lu Yuan.

He extended his strong, powerful hand and tightly clasped Lu Yuan's hand.

"Kid! It's good that you're safe! It's good that you're safe!"

Yao Zhenchuan's words were filled with genuine concern and joy.

That emotion was not like treating an outsider, but more like treating his most beloved Nephew.

Lu Yuan felt the warmth and strength from the hand, and his heart also warmed.

"I made Old Master worry."

Just then.

"Lu Yuan—!!!"

A soft cry, filled with a strong sob, suddenly rang out from behind Yao Zhenchuan.

Immediately after, a petite figure rushed out from the crowd, disregarding everything.

It was Yao Xiao!

At this moment, she had lost her usual playfulness and vivacity.

Her eyes were swollen and red, her hair disheveled, and her pretty face still bore fresh tear stains, clearly having just cried a lot.

She rushed to Lu Yuan, no longer able to control the emotions that had accumulated for days, and threw herself into Lu Yuan's arms.

"Waaah—! Lu Yuan! You scared me to death! I thought... I thought I'd never see you again!"

The soft body of the young girl crashed into his embrace, trembling slightly.

The long-suppressed worry and fear, at this moment, all turned into a wailing cry, pouring out.

Her crying was so sorrowful, so helpless, as if she wanted to cry out all the grievances of these past few days.

Lu Yuan's body stiffened slightly from the sudden embrace.

The unique fragrance of the young girl lingered in his nose, and her heart-wrenching cries filled his ears.

He could clearly feel the trembling of the young girl in his arms, and the immense joy of having her back after fearing her loss.

The softest part of his heart seemed to be gently touched.

He raised his hand and gently patted Yao Xiao's back, his voice unconsciously softening a few shades.

"Alright, alright, didn't I come back?"

"Don't cry anymore, look at you, your makeup is all smudged, you've become a little calico cat."

His voice carried a hint of teasing, but it was full of comforting power.

Yao Xiao, in his arms, still sobbed incessantly, but her crying gradually subsided.

She seemed to want to say something, but because she was crying too hard, she could only emit intermittent choked sounds.

"Giggle—giggle—giggle"

The surrounding Yao Family members, watching this scene, not only showed no displeasure but instead had knowing smiles on their faces.

An elder with a white beard and an ethereal, immortal demeanor stroked his beard, his eyes filled with approval, and sighed softly:

"Haha, Nephew Lu Yuan is not only exceptionally talented and extraordinarily powerful, but also a person of deep affection and righteousness."

"He and that girl Nickname, one valiant and extraordinary, the other charming and lovely, are truly a match made in heaven, a perfect pair! A perfect pair!"

As soon as these words were spoken, several surrounding family elders nodded in agreement.

"Exactly! Exactly! Heroes match beauties, it has always been so!"

"Nickname has been so worried these past few days, now it's finally calm after the storm."

Yao Tianxiao looked at his daughter and Lu Yuan, tightly embracing, his eyes complex.

There was relief, approval, and also a faint sense of loss as a father.

However, more than that, there was joy that his daughter could find such an excellent partner.

People, after all, are always like this.

He cleared his throat, breaking the slightly awkward yet warm atmosphere.

"Ahem... Nickname, alright, alright, don't cry anymore."

"First, let Nephew Lu Yuan go in and rest. Whatever you want to say, say it later, don't block the entrance and let people laugh."

Yao Xiao heard her father's voice and suddenly realized her impropriety.

Her pretty face instantly turned crimson, like a ripe apple.

She hastily broke free from Lu Yuan's embrace, but still subconsciously held onto Lu Yuan's arm tightly, as if afraid he would disappear again.

She lowered her head, not daring to meet the gazes of the surrounding people, only secretly looking at Lu Yuan with her still tear-filled eyes, which were now full of the joy of having him back after fearing his loss.

The attachment and happiness in her eyes almost overflowed.

Yao Zhenchuan looked at this scene, a satisfied smile on his face.

He laughed heartily: "Hahaha! Good! Excellent!"

"Lu Yuan, quick! Please come inside! Whatever you want to say, we'll talk slowly inside!"

He personally stepped aside, made a "please" gesture, and led Lu Yuan towards the core area.

His cordial attitude and enthusiastic words secretly surprised the surrounding family elders.

The Old Master truly held this Lu Yuan in the highest regard!

The other Yao Family Elders also cast benevolent glances at Lu Yuan, and from time to time, someone would proactively step forward to exchange pleasantries with Lu Yuan, their words full of praise.

"Nephew Lu Yuan, this trip to the secret realm truly opened our eyes!"

"Young and accomplished, young and accomplished! It is truly fortunate for our Yao Family to have a friend like Nephew!"

Lu Yuan felt the warmth and goodwill emanating from all levels of the Yao Family, and a warm current surged through his heart.

He knew that all of this was because of the strength he had displayed and the deepening connection between him and the Yao Family.

Yao Zhenchuan led Lu Yuan all the way to the study.

And dismissed the family members.

The Old Master looked at Lu Yuan, the smile on his face gradually fading, his expression becoming serious.

He pondered for a moment, then spoke: "Lu Yuan, I am very pleased that you returned safely this time and also conveniently resolved the trouble with the Zhou Family."

"However..."

He changed the subject, his eyes becoming deep.

"Regarding your experiences in that volcanic core area, I have some matters I wish to discuss with you privately in detail."

"This matter is of great importance."

...