"Xiao Hua… are we really going to help that old man with his problem?" Zi Yan asked, her tone laced with mild dissatisfaction as they walked away from the Ancient Map Store.
"We have no choice," Xiao Hua replied casually. "You heard our conversation. He's someone from Sister Ya Fei's faction. Besides, he's one of the founding members of the Miteer Family—helping him is only natural."
"That old man… is one of the founders of Sister Ya Fei's faction?" Zi Yan was momentarily speechless at Xiao Hua's explanation.
"So that's why you recognized him and chose to help," the Little Fairy Doctor said softly, a hint of understanding in her voice.
Xiao Hua nodded. Taking out the map of the Tager Desert, he unfolded it and glanced over the details. Without looking up, he said to Zi Yan, "If you're still feeling a bit unwilling, just think of it as repaying Sister Ya Fei for all the medicinal ingredients she's fed you."
"It can't be helped then…" Zi Yan let out a resigned sigh, accepting that this was for Ya Fei's sake.
The Little Fairy Doctor chuckled softly at the dispirited Zi Yan. Turning her gaze to Xiao Hua, who was focused on the map, she smiled gently and asked in a soft voice,
"Are we heading to the city where the First and Second Young Masters of the Xiao Clan are located?"
"We are, but don't worry—it'll only take a short while. Once we deliver the message, we can head straight to the place where the Heavenly Flame is sealed," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile.
"Is the city where their mercenary group is stationed marked on the map?" the Little Fairy Doctor asked curiously.
Xiao Hua scanned the map briefly before nodding. "It's marked. They're based in the eastern region of the Tager Desert. At our speed, we'll arrive there in no time."
"Let's go."
In the next moment, the figures of the three—Xiao Hua, Zi Yan, and the Little Fairy Doctor—blurred and vanished. They shot through the skies, heading straight toward Rock Desert City.
…
Three hours later, Xiao Hua, Zi Yan, and the Little Fairy Doctor arrived at Rock Desert City and passed through its main gates.
Compared to the cities located in the inner regions of the Jia Nan Empire, the architecture here was far simpler and more rugged. Perhaps due to its proximity to the Tager Desert, the city's defenses were noticeably tighter than those in the heart of the empire.
Armed soldiers patrolled the streets at short intervals, their presence a common sight in every direction. Yet, despite the heavy military presence, the atmosphere within the city was anything but tense.
The citizens had long grown accustomed to it, and the streets remained bustling with life as people went about their day.
After entering the city, the trio made their way south. After passing through several streets, a compound came into view—smaller in size compared to the Xiao Clan's residence back in Wu Tan City, yet still notably well-maintained.
Atop the compound, a flag fluttered in the desert wind. Bold characters read 'Desert Metal Mercenary Company', and the emblem on the flag exuded a faint but resolute aura of blood and battle.
At the entrance, several burly men stood guard, weapons in hand and backs straight as spears. Their fierce eyes swept sharply across every passerby, alert and vigilant. From the faint scent of blood that clung to them, it was clear they were seasoned warriors—men who had truly survived countless life-and-death battles on the edge of a blade.
Those so-called mercenaries who merely wore weapons at their waists for show were nothing compared to these men.
Naturally, their oppressive auras had no effect on Xiao Hua and the others, who calmly continued approaching the compound.
"My apologies, Young Master, Young Ladies. Only those affiliated with the Desert Metal Mercenary Company are allowed beyond this point. Please state your name and purpose."
As expected, one of the guards stepped forward to halt their advance. Though firm, his tone remained polite.
The guard's eyes swept over their attire—clearly crafted from high-quality materials—and immediately judged them to be people of noble birth or members of powerful factions. Though it was his duty to stop them, his tone remained courteous, not daring to offend.
"I am Xiao Hua, Supreme Elder of the Xiao Clan," Xiao Hua said with a faint smile. "Please inform Xiao Lin and Xiao Ding that I've come with a message from their father."
Upon hearing Xiao Hua's name, the guards at the entrance froze in stunned silence.
They had been given clear instructions by their bosses: if anyone claiming to be Xiao Hua, the Supreme Elder of the Xiao Clan, appeared, they were to treat him with the utmost respect and immediately escort him inside.
Cough.
Xiao Hua let out a light cough, snapping the guards back to their senses. They quickly composed themselves and offered stiff, awkward smiles.
"Our apologies, Master Xiao Hua," one of them said hastily. "Our bosses did inform us that you might visit, but we weren't told exactly when. We were simply following protocol…"
"No need to worry," Xiao Hua replied with a reassuring smile, shaking his head. "Anyway, may I enter?"
"Of course…"
Just as the guard was about to invite Xiao Hua in, a sudden commotion erupted behind them, cutting off his words and drawing everyone's attention.
Xiao Hua turned around and saw a group of large magical beasts approaching. They stopped not far from the trio, and a young woman stepped out from their midst.
She appeared to be around twenty years old. Her delicate features were undeniably beautiful, but the slight arch of her brows carried a trace of wildness—like a fierce desert leopard, proud and untamed. One could easily imagine that this desert flower, while captivating, was laced with sharp thorns.
Her attire was bold and striking. She wore a dark-purple top adorned with yellow patterns, the chest area slightly open to reveal a white bandage wrapped around her torso. Her slender waist was fully exposed, adding to her alluring presence.
A short, dark-brown skirt with purple trim and a matching belt hugged her hips, revealing her long, shapely legs. She wore mismatched stockings—dark blue with black patterns—with the right one ending mid-thigh, leaving a smooth stretch of pale skin exposed.
Her outfit was completed with sleek black boots that rose just above her knees, and long arm braces tied with twin purple ribbons, giving her a fierce and stylish appearance.
Seeing Xiao Hua, Zi Yan, and the Little Fairy Doctor standing at the entrance, all dressed in fine garments made from high-grade materials, the young lady offered an apologetic smile.
"Sorry for the disturbance," she said politely.
Like the guards, she assumed the three in front of her hailed from a powerful faction or held high noble status.
"No need to apologize," Xiao Hua replied calmly. "I'm here to meet Xiao Li and Xiao Ding. I have a message from their father."
"A message for the Bosses? From their father?" A flicker of confusion crossed the young woman's face. She turned to one of the guards beside her. "Zhou Ping, who are they?"
"Xue Lan, this is Supreme Elder Xiao Hua," Zhou Ping quickly explained, his voice filled with respect.
"Xiao Hua?" the young woman repeated, her eyes widening in surprise. "You mean the one the Company Leaders have been waiting for?"
Realization dawned on her, and she quickly cupped her hands in a respectful salute. "My apologies, I didn't expect you to be the one they spoke of."
She straightened and continued, "The Company Leaders have indeed been expecting you. If you don't mind, I'll lead the way after I give some instructions to my men."
"Naturally, I don't mind," Xiao Hua replied with a nod.
Xue Lan returned the gesture and turned to her group, issuing a few quick instructions. Once that was done, she stepped into the compound and led Xiao Hua and the two women, who followed silently behind her.
After taking a short path winding through the compound, a moderately spacious courtyard came into view.
Xue Lan stopped and respectfully pointed toward a hall that was noticeably larger than the others. "That is the main hall, where the Company Leaders usually stay and conduct their affairs. If you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."
"I understand. Thank you for guiding us," Xiao Hua said with a nod.
After parting ways with Xue Lan, Xiao Hua slowly walked toward the main hall, with Zi Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor trailing quietly behind him. Just as he was about to push the door open, it creaked and slowly opened from the inside.
From within, a young man stepped out.
His features closely resembled Xiao Yan's, though he appeared slightly older. Dressed in a mercenary uniform, his tall and sturdy frame radiated strength and confidence. His dark eyes held a mix of laziness and cold sharpness. Though a smile curved his lips, there was a faint air of fierceness hidden beneath it—like a blade sheathed in velvet.
He gave the impression of someone who wouldn't easily provoke others, but if pushed, would retaliate with deadly force—even at the cost of his own life.
The young man who had opened the door froze for a moment as his gaze landed on the youth outside. Surprise flickered across his face, and the hidden fierceness beneath his usual smile instantly vanished. In its place, a rare expression surfaced—a joyful and respectful smile that softened his features.
"It's been a long time, Second Young Master," Xiao Hua greeted him with a faint smile, his tone is friendly.
"Haha! Supreme Elder, you've finally arrived! We've been waiting for you!" The young man—Xiao Li—laughed heartily. He stepped forward and cupped his hands respectfully.
Xiao Hua returned a gentle smile. "I may have arrived a little early. There are some thing I needed to say and matters I need to handle in this area."
"Hahaha, no matter at all! We're just happy to see you again," Xiao Li said cheerfully, waving his hand with a wide grin.
"Please, come in. Big Brother is also eager to meet you," he added, stepping aside to allow them through.
Xiao Hua nodded without hesitation and entered, followed closely by the Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan.
Inside the hall, Xiao Hua's gaze shifted toward the far end of a long meeting table. There stood a young man dressed in a light blue robe, his expression calm and welcoming. A faint smile played on his lips as he watched Xiao Hua enter.
His eyes, brighter than most, shimmered with a subtle intelligence and cunning—an insight that was hard to detect unless one looked closely.
"Supreme Elder, it has been a few years since we last met. Back then, you were still a young boy. I never would've imagined you'd become this powerful in such a short time," the white-robed young man said as he stepped away from the table and approached with respectful composure.
"Life is always full of surprises, First Young Master," Xiao Hua replied with a soft chuckle.
"That's true," Xiao Ding nodded, smiling faintly. "Still, I'm truly glad we've met again. Though Father may have already expressed this, I must personally thank you for everything you've done for Xiao Yan."
As he finished speaking, Xiao Ding suddenly cupped his hands and bowed deeply. Xiao Li, standing beside him, followed suit without hesitation.
"Thanks to you, our younger brother's condition has been cured, and he's able to cultivate once more," Xiao Ding continued sincerely. "I've read Father's letter—he mentioned that you even gifted Xiao Yan a high-tier medicinal pill that not only aided his recovery but may enhance his talent as well."
"As Xiao Yan's elder brothers, we offer you our heartfelt gratitude for your efforts and kindness." His voice was filled with deep sincerity and appreciation, leaving no doubt about the depth of his feelings.
"It's no trouble at all, Young Master Xiao Ding, Young Master Xiao Li. I merely did what I could for the sake of the Xiao Clan," Xiao Hua replied with an awkward smile.
In truth, he hadn't cured Xiao Yan—there was never any illness to begin with. And his help hadn't been purely selfless either. With his own motives involved, he didn't feel thick-skinned enough to fully accept their heartfelt gratitude.
"Haha, even so, you've helped our precious little brother. It would be rude of us not to express our thanks," Xiao Ding said with a light laugh.
"Alright, I understand. But please, raise your heads," Xiao Hua said with a soft, resigned sigh as he shook his head.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged amused glances before lifting their heads, wide grins still on their faces. Then, as if something had just come to mind, Xiao Ding spoke again.
"That's right, Supreme Elder—you mentioned that you had something to discuss with us. May we know what it is?"
Xiao Hua nodded slightly. "Cousin Xiao Yan is planning to leave Wu Tan City in a few months. He intends to begin his training so he can fulfill the 'Three-Year Agreement' and defeat Nalan Yanran."
"I see," Xiao Ding said, tapping his chin as his thoughts wandered. "I recall Xiao Yan-zi making such an agreement. No wonder he plans to leave Wu Tan City."
"That's right. Even if the clan possesses many high-level Dou Techniques, it can't compare to the harsh and brutal experience one gains from the outside world—where a single step can determine life or death," Xiao Li nodded in agreement.
While he had benefited greatly from the Xiao Clan's collection of advanced Dou Techniques and Qi Methods, he also understood well the dangers that lurked beyond the clan's walls. Only by experiencing true bloodshed and battle could one broaden their worldview. The thickening of killing intent, the scent of blood—these were things that could only be earned through survival at the edge of death.
Unlike in the original novel, however, the two brothers didn't feel any particular resentment toward Nalan Yanran for breaking the engagement.
After all, she hadn't forced their father into dissolving it, and she had handled the matter without bringing shame to either their father or their younger brother. Naturally, they saw no reason to resent her.
So, when they spoke of Nalan Yanran and the Three-Year Agreement, it was with calm acceptance, as if discussing a matter of fate that simply needed to run its course.
"Does the Supreme Elder know where he's headed?" Xiao Ding asked, shifting his focus back to Xiao Hua with curiosity gleaming in his eyes. He was eager to learn where Xiao Yan would begin his journey of training.
"Cousin Xiao Yan told me that he plans to head to the Magic Beast Mountain Range to train for a year, hoping to break through to Dou Shi. After that, he intends to come to the Tager Desert for another half year of training before making his way to Jia Ma Sacred City to fulfill his promise with Nalan Yanran," Xiao Hua said calmly, his expression composed and unwavering.
"He's coming here? That's big news!" Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's eyes lit up with joy and excitement. Neither of them had expected their younger brother would be training so close to them.
"Indeed. The Clan Head asked me to inform both Young Master Xiao Ding and Young Master Xiao Li to look after Cousin Xiao Yan while he's in the Tager Desert," Xiao Hua said with a nod.
"Haha, of course. That goes without saying!" Xiao Li laughed heartily, his voice brimming with confidence, as though protecting Xiao Yan was the most natural thing in the world.
"Well then, that's all I came to say. I'll be taking my leave now," Xiao Hua added with a faint smile.
"Shouldn't you stay a little longer? It would be rude of us not to properly celebrate your arrival," Xiao Ding said, slightly surprised that Xiao Hua was leaving so soon without giving them a chance to show their hospitality.
"Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, I must leave immediately. I'm not sure how long my matters in the Tager Desert will take," Xiao Hua replied calmly, subtly glancing over his shoulder toward Little Fairy Doctor.
Noticing his subtle gesture, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged a look, quickly understanding that the real reason Xiao Hua had come to the Tager Desert was likely related to the young woman accompanying him.
"If that's the case, then it's unfortunate we can't host you properly," Xiao Ding said with a trace of disappointment in his voice. He had hoped to speak more with Xiao Hua, especially about his younger brother.
"Let me arrange for someone to escort you to the city gates, Supreme Elder," Xiao Li offered as he turned and walked to the door to give the order.
A short while later, Xue Lan—having finished her previous tasks and currently free—arrived, ready to escort Xiao Hua and his companions.
"Then I won't keep you any longer, Supreme Elder. I wish you a safe journey," Xiao Ding said, cupping his hands respectfully as he bid farewell.
…
After leaving the compound of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company, Xiao Hua, Zi Yan, and the Little Fairy Doctor were escorted by Xue Lan, who had been assigned to see them off.
Clang—!
Just as they stepped onto the street, the sudden sound of shattering glass rang out from a nearby street stall, bringing their steps to an abrupt halt.
The four of them turned toward the source of the commotion and saw a middle-aged man—presumably the stall owner—grabbing a green-clothed young girl roughly by the hair. The girl clutched a yellow-colored basket, her face pale with fear.
"You wretched girl! Why are you hovering around my stall? You made me drop the jar!" the stall owner shouted furiously, yanking her hair as he scolded her.
The girl's face twisted in pain, and a stifled groan escaped her lips. Her grip loosened, and the yellow basket fell to the ground. Several raw ingredients spilled out, scattering across the dusty street.
Seeing the spilled ingredients, the stall owner finally released the green-clothed young girl, causing her to fall to her knees. Though he let go, his eyes still blazed with fury. Just as he stepped forward and reached to grab her hair again, a hand suddenly appeared out of nowhere and caught his wrist mid-motion.
"Let's stop here, mister. There's no need for violence," Xiao Hua said calmly, his tone composed but firm. "Why don't we talk this out before things escalate?"
Though his words were gentle, there was a quiet pressure behind them. He wasn't threatening, but he hoped the stall owner would be wise enough not to push further. Xiao Hua could already sense the chilling glares and faint killing intent radiating from Zi Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor behind him.
The stall owner frowned in annoyance, but his expression shifted slightly when he realized he couldn't move his hand. The grip holding him was like iron.
Taking a deep breath, he muttered with irritation, "That porcelain cost one gold coin. Can she even afford that?"
Xiao Hua sighed and released his grip.
"Take it." He tossed a blue pouch toward the man. It landed with a soft thud, heavy with coins.
The pouch contained more than enough—hundreds of silver coins, far exceeding the value of a single gold coin. But Xiao Hua didn't seem to care.
After quickly snatching the pouch and storing it away, the stall owner turned to Xiao Hua with a bright smile. "Thank you, Young Master."
Then, leaning in slightly, he gave a quick glance toward the green-clothed girl before whispering, "But just a word of advice, Young Master… that girl's nothing but trouble. Best to stay away from her."
Before Xiao Hua could respond, Xue Lan stepped forward and raised her voice, "All right, nothing to see here. Get back to your business."
The crowd began to scatter, murmuring as they returned to their stalls and routines.
Xiao Hua sighed and shook his head. Without another word, he knelt down beside the girl and began gathering the spilled raw ingredients from the ground. Naturally, the Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan joined him in silence, helping without hesitation.
"Are you okay?" Xiao Hua asked gently as he handed a bundle of herbs back to her.
There was no response—only the soft sound of weeping escaping from the girl's lips.
Just as Xiao Hua was about to lean in and check on her condition, Xue Lan spoke, her tone low and serious.
"Young Master, her name is Qing Lin. She's a half-human, half-snakeman. While it's extremely rare for a human and a Snake-Person to conceive, exceptions do happen. In rare cases, a woman who has relations with a Snake-Person might become pregnant and give birth…"
She paused briefly before continuing.
"However, such children almost never survive past the age of two. Qing Lin is one of the few who did. Because of that, both humans and Snake-People view her existence as a curse. That's why people avoid her like the plague… and treat her cruelly."
Xiao Hua froze. He stopped listening to the rest of Xue Lan's words as his gaze locked onto the green-clothed girl in front of him.
'No wonder she felt familiar… She's Qing Lin…!' His heart trembled with surprise at the realization.
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