Night had fallen, and Xiao Jian was preparing to begin his training.
A familiar knock echoed at the door ....knock, knock, knock.
He knew immediately who it was. "That's Xiao Yan."
"Come in," Xiao Jian said, smiling as he opened the door.
"Brother." Xiao Yan stepped in, hesitating slightly.
"Speak up. Why so shy?" Xiao Jian asked, patting his shoulder lightly with mock sternness.
"I… I want to go to the market tomorrow, to buy some things," Xiao Yan mumbled.
"Go ahead. Head to the shops near the Market Master's residence.
Tell them I sent you....they'll give the best quality at fair prices," Xiao Jian replied.
"And… I need to borrow some money to see Xun'er. I'm a bit short lately," Xiao Yan added cautiously.
Before he could finish, Xiao Jian interrupted. "It's not that I won't lend you money.
My funds are all tied up in my own training. You don't think my talent came from nowhere, do you?"
Xiao Yan paused, realizing the truth. Talent for cultivation doesn't appear out of thin air.
Could it be that Third Brother also had a hidden teacher?
But the ring where Old Medicine resided was a relic from their mother.
Third Brother had nothing of the sort!
As for restoring one's innate talent… if Third Brother didn't mention it, Xiao Yan wouldn't pry.
"Besides, Xun'er's feelings for you are obvious. Take this chance to grow closer," Xiao Jian added, chuckling.
"Stop teasing me, Third Brother," Xiao Yan said awkwardly, scratching his nose.
"Mm. If anything happens at the market, ask Pei En for help," Xiao Jian advised, then fell silent.
"All right, Third Brother. You focus on training; I'll go," Xiao Yan said.
Watching him leave, Xiao Jian's expression grew thoughtful. For a moment, a shiver ran down his spine.
Perhaps Old Medicine was sensing his strength?
But it wouldn't matter.
The Five Qi Mansions were protected by the five vital organs.
Unless someone captured him for a detailed scan, no ordinary spiritual perception could reveal the truth.....only that he truly had no Dou Qi.
He wondered what mood Old Medicine was in at that moment.
"Xiao Yan, your brother is no ordinary man!" Old Medicine's voice echoed in Xiao Yan's mind.
"Really? He's just my brother, that's all," Xiao Yan replied, shrugging casually as he walked to his room.
Old Medicine could only smile wryly. Even a former Dou Zun couldn't fully discern the abilities of a fifteen-year-old.
Though Xiao Yan had displayed Stage Three Dou Qi during the day, Xiao Jian's body revealed no detectable Dou Qi.
The night passed quietly.
The next morning, Xiao Jian left his room, deciding to visit the family's Dou Techniques Hall.
With the vast Dou Qi stored in the Five Qi Mansions, he could attempt most techniques without issue.
Shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight, he walked along the stone path to the backyard.
Laughter from a group of girls floated from a nearby path.
Adjusting to the light, Xiao Jian looked up and saw the young ladies approaching.
The group seemed centered around a charming girl, smiling delicately in a way that made the others appear dull in comparison.
Xiao Mei, Stage Seven Dou Qi.
Xiao Jian had no interest. With Ya Fei's elegance in mind, Xiao Mei's youthful charm was insignificant.
Besides, if he wanted beauty, he only needed to glance in a mirror.
Noticing the handsome young man, Xiao Mei and her friends slowed, their laughter fading.
The morning sun cast a soft orange glow over Xiao Jian's fair skin and fitted white robe, giving him an almost angelic presence.
Even the most beautiful women paled in comparison.
"Cousin Xiao Jian!"
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