"He wants to challenge Nalan Yanran three years from now?"
"That's correct. It was quite an unusual request…"
Xiao Hua and Xun Er had just returned to Xun Er's residence. As soon as they arrived, Xun Er prepared tea and initiated a discussion about the peculiar challenge Xiao Yan had proposed to Yun Yun.
"It is indeed strange," Xun Er said with a nod, her brows furrowed in thought. Despite her calm demeanor, confusion flickered in her gaze. "I see no benefit to such a proposal."
"It must have been Yao Zun Zhe who persuaded him to do it. He must have convince Xiao Yan somehow to make him agree to it," Xiao Hua speculated.
A faint smirk played on Xiao Hua's lips. He had noticed the hesitation in Xiao Yan's expression when he made the request, and the faint spiritual fluctuations emanating from Xiao Yan's ring confirmed that Yao Lao had been communicating with him at that moment.
"I don't know what Yao Zun Zhe is planning, but it is somewhat amusing," Xiao Hua said, a trace of amusement lacing his tone.
"Is Xiao Yan speaking with Yao Zun Zhe right now?" Xun Er asked curiously.
Xiao Hua shook his head and cast his gaze toward the Xiao Clan's main building. "No. At the moment, he is being questioned by the elders for his impulsive actions. His father is trying to protect him, but even he is curious about the reason behind such a bold decision."
"Then Xiao Yan will likely speak with Yao Zun Zhe after returning to his residence," Xun Er concluded.
"That is also when I will go and asked Yao Zun Zhe about his action…" Xiao Hua's voice trailed off as he stared blankly in a specific direction.
His eyes gradually widened, and a somber expression clouded his face. His mood shifted abruptly, his once-calm demeanor giving way to an unspoken heaviness.
Xun Er, sensing the sudden shift in his mood, grew curious. But before she could turn her head to see what had drawn his attention, Xiao Hua abruptly stood. In a single, fluid motion, he stepped to her side, extending his hand toward her with a warm and reassuring smile.
Caught off guard but charmed by his tenderness, Xun Er hesitated for a moment before lifting her hand. She placed it gently atop his, her sweet smile blooming like a flower under the morning sun.
He helped her to her feet, and together, they began to stroll through the back garden. Though the garden was small, time seemed to stretch, each step they took together carrying a gentle rhythm. The soft rustling of leaves and the occasional fragrance of blossoms only added to the warmth between them. Xun Er's delicate fingers wrapped around Xiao Hua's arm, her presence like a soothing balm to his troubled heart.
"Xun'er…" Xiao Hua's voice broke the comfortable silence, his tone laced with hesitation. He turned his gaze to her, his eyes searching for answers. "Have you received any news from your clan?"
Xun Er's breath hitched for a fleeting moment, her steps faltering as the weight of his question settled over her. A faint pause followed before she spoke, her voice soft and tinged with sadness.
"…It seems our elder brothers and sisters have already informed you…"
Her lips curved into a melancholic smile, a delicate blend of sorrow and resignation. She realized then why Xiao Hua's mood had darkened—he had just learned of her impending departure.
"And you planned to keep your departure a secret?" Xiao Hua asked softly, his tone laced with a faint trace of melancholy.
Xun Er bit her lip, her eyes flickering as she avoided his gaze. "…If I told you, wouldn't you have sneaked out to see me off?" she murmured, her voice carrying a blend of affection and quiet reproach.
Xiao Hua let out a wry, awkward smile. She knew him all too well. She was right—no matter how perilous it might be, he would have insisted on accompanying her, unable to bear letting her leave without a proper farewell.
Deep down, he wanted nothing more than for her to stay. But he also knew he couldn't stop them from taking Xun Er back. Her talent and her exceptionally pure Di Bloodline had already drawn the attention of the Gu Clan.
Deep in his heart, he wanted her to stay, but he knew better than to fight against reality. The Gu Clan would never allow her to remain outside for too long without protection.
The Eight Ancient Clans had always been peculiar about bloodlines, and the Gu Clan—being the strongest among them—was no exception. Their obsession with preserving the purity of their bloodlines bordered on fanaticism.
Naturally, the Gu Clan was fiercely protective of their young lady, the one who possessed the purest bloodline and unparalleled talent.
They had high hopes for her, wanting her to marry an exceptional man within the Gu Clan, someone deemed worthy of her lineage. An outsider, in their eyes, was a threat—a potential taint to the purity of the bloodline they so treasured.
Xiao Hua couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. His time in seclusion after the Demon Flame Valley event had cost him precious moments with Xun Er. Now, their remaining time together seemed heartbreakingly brief.
"Brother Xiao Hua," Xun Er began, her voice gentle yet firm, as if trying to soothe the ache in his heart. Her hands, which had been resting lightly on his arm, shifted to grasp his. Her touch was warm, but her words carried a bittersweet weight.
"I understand you wish to see me off, but… the one coming to fetch me is a Dou Sheng expert. He will not give even First Elder Su Qian any consideration if it involves the Gu Clan."
Her words hung in the air like an unspoken plea, a reminder of the forces beyond his current strength. Yet, her gaze softened as she looked at him, her grip on his hands tightening, as though reluctant to let go even for a moment.
Xiao Hua's gaze lowered to the delicate, trembling hands tightly clasping his. Her soft, quivering touch conveyed emotions that words alone could not. He felt the faint tremors in her fingers, and his heart ached as her voice wavered, teetering on the edge of tears.
"I know… I know you want to spend every moment with me and see me off," Xun Er whispered, her voice breaking with raw emotion.
"But those people… they'll undoubtedly cause trouble, making things difficult for you when they see you. I already felt so helpless when you had to endure the torment of Heavenly Lightnings. If you were hurt because of me… my heart would shatter. I would be consumed by pain and regret..."
Her pleading words, heavy with unspoken sorrow, pierced through Xiao Hua's resolve. The faint tremble in her voice, paired with the glistening tears brimming in her eyes, shook him to his core. A suffocating heaviness settled over his chest as he struggled to meet her tearful gaze.
"So please…" Xun Er continued, her voice breaking entirely as heavy tears rolled down her cheeks. "Listen to me… and don't come to see me off…"
Her tears fell like precious jewels, each one tugging at his heartstrings with unrelenting force.
For a moment, Xiao Hua stood frozen, overwhelmed by the realization that his insistence—though born from love—would only deepen her burden. Her trembling hands, her tearful pleas… all of it spoke of her desire to protect him, even if it meant enduring the pain of parting alone.
Finally, he exhaled softly, his voice calm but tinged with sorrow. "I understand, Xun Er. I won't insist… nor will I sneak away to see you off."
Xun Er's tear-streaked face lifted in surprise, her wide, disbelieving eyes meeting his. She had spoken from the depths of her heart but never truly believed she could change his mind. And yet, here he stood, his words carrying an unexpected gentleness that left her stunned.
In that moment, the silent understanding between them deepened. Though the path ahead was fraught with distance and uncertainty, the bond they shared remained unshaken, their love shining through the tears and sorrow like a light in the darkness.
"It will only take a few hours to reach Jia Nan Academy with my Cloud-Void Steering Ship…" Xiao Hua murmured, his hands gently clasping hers. A tender smile graced his lips as he leaned closer, his arm sliding down to encircle Xun Er's slender, delicate waist. With a gentle pull, he drew her into his embrace.
Burying his face into her silky, jet-black hair, he inhaled deeply, savoring the faint, enchanting fragrance that lingered there. In that moment, the lingering frustration in his heart seemed to dissolve, replaced by a comforting sense of peace.
"So, until the day of their arrival, we'll spend every moment together," he whispered softly, his words warm and resolute. "Not a single day will pass where we aren't side by side."
Xun Er's heart swelled at his declaration, her chest tightening as emotions surged within her. The words she had longed to hear now resonated deeply, leaving her momentarily speechless. Her autumn-colored eyes gazed up at Xiao Hua, filled with disbelief and wonder, as though she had stepped into a beautiful dream she dared not wake from.
Xiao Hua's hand moved with care, stroking her long, flowing hair as though his fingers were combing through strands of liquid silk. Xun Er's expression softened, her eyes fluttering shut, her face carrying a hint of intoxication, as if she was completely lost in his touch.
His hand drifted to her cheek, caressing the soft, warm skin with a gentleness that made him smile unconsciously. As he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, he once again inhaled her faint, captivating scent, a fragrance that seemed to linger in his thoughts.
Tilting her chin upward with the faintest touch, he met her gaze. Their eyes locked, the unspoken emotions between them swirling like an invisible current. Warmth and affection radiated in their shared silence as the distance between them closed, their heads slowly leaning toward one another.
In that fleeting moment, the entire garden seemed to fall into a hushed stillness, as though nature itself held its breath. When their lips met, the kiss was gentle yet electrifying, her lips soft and inviting like the petals of a delicate flower.
The creamy warmth of the kiss ignited a fire within them both, their bodies heating as their emotions swelled to an overwhelming intensity. Time felt as though it had stopped, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in a tender and passionate embrace, as the world around them faded into nothingness.
...
As Xiao Hua and Xun Er shared their affectionate moment, five figures stood at a distance, hidden from view. Their expressions ranged from awkward to amused as they watched the scene unfold before them.
The air seemed warmer, the sweet scent of blooming flowers wafting around them as if nature itself had been enchanted by the couple's intimacy.
"Should we… tell them that we're here?" Wei Jie asked hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes darted between the others, trying to gauge their reactions.
"Hua'er already knows we're here," Mei Ling replied, rolling her eyes in mild exasperation. "But he's completely ignoring us, too focused on Xun Er to care about the rest of the world."
Xin Yu smiles softly, rubbing her chin with her delicate finger as her gaze lingered on the couple. "The same goes for our little sister. Look at her—bold enough to shut out the world and focus solely on him. Impressive, really."
Li Mei let out a soft sigh, her expression both indulgent and resigned. "Leave them be. They'll be separated soon enough. Let them savor their time together while they can."
Ming Cheng raised an eyebrow, his arms resting loosely at his sides. "Still, do you think it'll really take that long for them to meet again? Our little brother isn't exactly the type to keep her waiting."
The others exchanged glances at Ming Cheng's question before shaking their heads with helpless smiles.
"They're being too dramatic, aren't we?" Wei Jie muttered, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
"Completely," Xin Yu agreed, her shoulders shaking as she suppressed a chuckle.
With quiet, knowing smiles, the five figures stepped back, leaving Xiao Hua and Xun Er to their moment, their shared presence a silent testament to the bond they all cherished. Though their teasing words filled the air, their hearts were filled with warmth and understanding, knowing the love shared between the two would endure, no matter the distance or time apart.
...
Night blanketed the entire Wu Tan City, with only the occasional flicker of fireflies offering faint glimmers of light to push back the oppressive darkness.
Xiao Yan made his way to the secluded back mountain alone. The steep mountain peaks in the distance, shrouded in a veil of mist, were faintly reflected in his somber eyes.
After scanning his surroundings to ensure no one else was nearby, Xiao Yan raised his right hand, his gaze settling on the black ring wrapped around his finger. His brows furrowed slightly as he spoke in a cautious tone.
"Senior, are you there? Don't tell me you've already passed away…"
"Hehe, don't curse me so carelessly, little one. I've never done anything errible to you, have I?"
A playful laugh echoed as Yao Lao's translucent figure emerged from the ring, his gaze landing on the young man standing before him.
"Should I remind you who told me that it was your fault my Dou Qi disappeared?" Xiao Yan clicked his tongue in irritation, his glare piercing as he stared hatefully at the old man.
"Hehe, wasn't that a delightful offering, kid?" Yao Lao replied, his tone teasing.
"Offering, my ass! Go to hell!"
The usually composed Xiao Yan lost all restraint, his anger erupting like a volcano. His youthful face contorted with fury, and he lunged forward, aiming a savage punch at Yao Lao's infuriatingly innocent smile.
However, Yao Lao effortlessly sidestepped the wild swing, his movements unhurried and deliberate. Though he had lost his strength, a 3-Star Dou Zhi Qi like Xiao Yan was still far from capable of landing a hit on him, especially with such reckless strikes.
Unbeknownst to Xiao Yan, Yao Lao had purposefully dispersed his Dou Qi long ago. He had no intention of revealing it, and this secret would remain buried for now. Xiao Yan might figure it out one day, but for now, such truths were better left hidden.
The playful exchange lasted for a while until Xiao Yan, out of breath and visibly tired, finally stopped his futile attempts to strike Yao Lao. However, the glare he directed at the old man didn't diminish; in fact, its intensity seemed to grow sharper.
"It's just a mere three years of Dou Qi. Is that worth getting so violent over, kid?" Yao Lao said casually, his tone as calm as ever.
"Mere three years?" Xiao Yan's voice dripped with bitterness. "Because of those 'mere three years,' I've endured endless humiliation, been mocked relentlessly, and subjected to cold disdain from everyone around me!"
"I know," Yao Lao replied with a nod, his ever-present playful smile refusing to fade. "I was in your ring the entire time, so I witnessed it all." He paused briefly, then added with a knowing look, "But you can't deny that those three years of humiliation strengthened your mindset and tolerance, can you?"
Xiao Yan let out a cold snort, his expression tense. While he couldn't refute Yao Lao's words, that didn't mean he felt content with the experience.
Sensing his rising frustration, Xiao Yan decided to shift the conversation before his anger boiled over.
"Anyway, why did you make me agree to challenge Nalan Yanran in three years?" Xiao Yan frowned, his confusion evident. There was no logical reason for him to challenge her.
While the divorce had left a bitter taste, Xiao Yan didn't harbor any ill will toward Nalan Yanran herself. In fact, he could somewhat empathize with her feelings. After all, no one would want to marry a stranger, no matter how exceptional their background or remarkable their talents.
The only reason Xiao Yan could think this calmly was that the engagement annulment had been done privately, sparing his father from public humiliation. If it had caused widespread disgrace to his family, knowing Xiao Yan's temperament, he would undoubtedly have caused a scene.
"Keke. I just wanted you to broaden your horizons, that's all," Yao Lao said, stroking his beard with a calm smile. "Besides, I've already told you, haven't I?"
"You possess remarkable potential—potential that could one day make someone like Nalan Yanran look up to you. You have the ability to rise far above your current circumstances, to become an extraordinary figure whose name resonates across the Dou Qi Continent. Fighting her is simply a small step toward expanding the narrow world you see now."
"And how exactly does fighting her broaden my world?" Xiao Yan asked, raising a brow skeptically. He remained unmoved by Yao Lao's words.
"You'll understand soon enough. While your clan may have a Dou Zong expert, he is but one individual. With his talent, that cousin of yours won't stay in the Jia Ma Empire for long—much less in Wu Tan City."
"That's…" Xiao Yan furrowed his brows, struggling to refute Yao Lao's statement. Deep down, he knew it was the truth.
"I'm simply using Nalan Yanran to motivate you—to push you to travel and broaden your horizons," Yao Lao continued with a light smile. "Besides, it's not like you don't want to see the wider world, is it?"
Xiao Yan frowned but didn't refute his words. Though his mind had matured and sharpened, he still possessed the adventurous spirit of a young man, especially when faced with the prospect of exploring a new world.
Moreover, with a master guiding his path, his future was secure. If he ever encountered trouble along the way, he could always rely on Yao Lao's protection, making his journey much safer.
Letting out a resigned sigh, he frustratingly scratched his head. He couldn't deny that he was being led around by the old man, but at the same time, he saw no real loss in following his guidance.
Raising his head, he stared deeply at the slightly transparent figure before him. "I assume you have something in mind besides just raising me into a powerful cultivator…"
Hearing Xiao Hua's question, Yao Lao's smile widened, a sense of gratification surfacing in his heart—though he quickly concealed it before Xiao Yan noticed it. With a knowing smile, he decided to explain his plan.
"As I've said, you're qualified to become an Alchemist. But that path is not easy. It requires a fateful encounters, resources, and dedication. And raising an Alchemist is no cheap endeavor, let me tell you."
"I also remember you said I was barely qualified," Xiao Yan countered, rolling his eyes and sneering coldly. "Isn't it ridiculously hard to become an Alchemist when I'm only 'barely qualified'?"
"And I also clearly remember saying I'd become your master, guiding you in both alchemy and cultivation," Yao Lao countered, his tone steady, unaffected by Xiao Yan's sarcasm. "Tell me, are you truly not tempted by the idea of becoming strong?"
"In this continent, strength is everything. Only the strong can speak loudly, decide their own fate, and protect the ones they love. Without it, you're nothing more than a pawn at the mercy of others."
"..."
"Kid," Yao Lao continued, his voice growing sharper, "weren't you just complaining about being disrespected and scorned by your clan members? Do you want their respect? If you do, there's only one way to earn it—become strong. Nothing else can achieve that."
Xiao Yan knew Yao Lao was trying to lure him in, yet he couldn't help but feel drawn to his words. He remained silent, unwilling to admit how deeply they resonated. After all, he'd experienced firsthand the humiliation and helplessness that came with losing his strength, unable to resist or protect himself.
More than that, he couldn't deny that his weakness was one of the reasons for the annulment. The disdainful sneers from Gu He's disciples were still fresh in his mind, fueling his frustration.
While Xiao Yan felt only slight discomfort about the annulment of his engagement, what he truly couldn't bear was the way people looked at him—sneering, looking down on him as though he were worthless, treating him as if he were beneath even excrement.
Granted, excrement might be repulsive, but at least no one tried to trample on it.
It was precisely for this reason that Yao Lao's offer held such immense appeal. Moreover, Xiao Yan couldn't deny that he wanted to climb higher, to see the world from the vantage point of someone like Xiao Hua—a place far above the reach of contempt and ridicule.
"Fine, old man. You win." Xiao Yan sighed, raised his hand to show his acceptance. He realized just how much of a child he still was, unable to resist being tempted.
"Good. Since you've accepted me as your teacher, it's only proper for you to pay your respects," Yao Lao said, sitting cross-legged atop a moss-covered rock, his tone both calm and commanding.
The corners of Xiao Yan's lips twitched, but he could only sigh helplessly. Bowing deeply, he performed the formal ceremony to acknowledge Yao Lao as his master, resolving to embark on the path toward becoming an honorable alchemist and a renowned expert.
Watching Xiao Yan finish the ritual, Yao Lao nodded in satisfaction, his heart brimming with pride. His tone softened slightly, carrying a hint of intimacy as he said, "My name is Yao Lao. As for my origins... how about you let your cousin explain that to you?"
Xiao Yan's expression shifted sharply as he spun around, startled. Standing there was someone he hadn't noticed before—despite having carefully scanned the area earlier. He was certain there had been no one there.
Standing a short distance away, casually leaning against a tree, was a familiar, handsome young man—an ideal suitor for countless young women, if not for the captivating fiancée by his side.
Because of her presence, few dared to vie for his heart. At least, most didn't. Some, however, remained undeterred, doing everything they could to gain his attention.
"Cousin Xiao Hua…" Xiao Yan murmured, his gaze fixed on the young man's mesmerizing crimson left eye and elegant cyan right eye. He was momentarily speechless, captivated by the noble aura and extraordinary charisma radiating from him.
Seeing him now, Xiao Yan finally understood why so many young women of the Xiao Clan still made futile efforts to catch Xiao Hua's attention, despite knowing how impossible it was.
Yet, their hopes were in vain. With Xun Er as his fiancée, no one could rival her breathtaking beauty, elegance, or grace. She was simply in a league of her own.
"Cousin Xiao Yan," Xiao Hua greeted, his voice calm yet magnetic. "It seems we've finally uncovered the reason behind the disappearance of your Dou Qi."
"That's right," Xiao Yan replied with a nod. His eyes shifted and glared at Yao Chen, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "Except it wasn't due to any illness—it was because of the hunger of a dying old man…"
Both Xiao Hua and Xiao Yan turned their gazes to Yao Lao, who, despite his usual composure, looked slightly awkward under their combined scrutiny. Even someone as shameless as him couldn't help but feel embarrassed under their accusatory stares.
"By the way, cousin," Xiao Yan sighed, clearly trying to change the subject. "Is it possible that you know him?" His curiosity about Yao Lao's origins was evident.
"There isn't an alchemist alive who hasn't heard of Yao Zun Zhe and his legendary pill refinement techniques," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile, glancing meaningfully at Yao Lao. His gaze carried a silent signal, urging the old man to play along.
After all, both Xiao Hua and Yao Lao already knew each other well. The two were merely putting on an act, pretending this was their first meeting to keep Xiao Yan in the dark.
"Ke ke. Compared to you, my accomplishments might not seem that impressive. I've never heard of a tier-eight alchemist as young as you," Yao Lao chuckled playfully, his tone light but filled with hidden admiration.
He was well aware that Xiao Hua's Spiritual State had recently advanced to the Heavenly State, marking him as one of the youngest alchemists to become a ninth-tier alchemist. However, until Xiao Hua successfully refined a ninth-tier medicinal pill, Yao Lao would still regard him as a tier-eight alchemist.
For now, he would treat Xiao Hua as a peer, but deep down, Yao Lao knew that it wouldn't be long before he would have to acknowledge Xiao Hua as an equal—or perhaps even as his superior—in both skill and technique in the art of alchemy and pill refinement.
Xiao Hua caught on to Yao Lao's subtle intentions and didn't find them strange. Even he understood that the leap from refining eighth-tier pills to ninth-tier pills was an enormous challenge, one that few alchemists in the Dou Qi Continent could overcome.
He then proceeded to inform Xiao Yan of Yao Lao's legendary achievements throughout his life, which shook Xiao Yan to his very core. From Xiao Yan's reaction, it was clear that he had never imagined that the person he had casually accepted as his teacher held such high influence across the entire Dou Qi Continent.
"If this old man is so amazing, how did he end up in this state, Cousin Xiao Hua?" Xiao Yan whispered softly, his curiosity evident.
"That's…"
Xiao Hua's expression stiffened at the question. His eyes instinctively shifted toward Yao Lao, whose slightly shaken demeanor betrayed his discomfort. Clearly, the question struck a nerve, and Xiao Hua knew it wouldn't be easy to answer.
Xiao Hua was well aware of the truth—Yao Lao's fall from grace was due to the betrayal of his own disciple, Han Feng. However, this was a deeply personal matter, and it wasn't common knowledge. Revealing such a sensitive truth, especially in front of Yao Lao and his new disciple, was out of the question.
"Unfortunately, I don't know the details," Xiao Hua sighed, offering the safest response he could muster. "You might ask Yao Zun Zhe himself, but judging by his expression, it's not a pleasant story. Perhaps it's best to wait until he's ready to share it."
Xiao Yan's gaze flickered toward Yao Lao, noting the subtle discomfort in the old man's expression. Realizing his question had created an awkward atmosphere, he quickly decided to drop the matter.
'Besides, if even Cousin Xiao Hua doesn't know much about the old man's past, there's no point dwelling on it now. I should just focus on what I can gain from becoming this old man's disciple!'