Just now
Tengshan smiled, then took three scrolls from his ring, his expression serious:
"These are ice-attribute manuals: high-level Xuan-tier Xuan Ice Art, and two matching Dou Techniqu
es—mid-level Frozen Mirror and high-level Xuan Ice Whirl Slash.
I can grant all three to you!"
Xiao Jian's heart leapt. His eyes blazed as he stared at the s
crolls.
No reward without merit. Great Elder's generosity terrifies me.
I must ask....what is the condition for granting these Dou Techniques?"
Xiao Jian, undisturbed by Mittel Tengshan's grand gesture, took a deep breath, composed himself, and asked seriously.
"Simple. With your talent, advancing to Dou Huang seems achievable.
This is our Mittel Clan's investment in you. Ya Fei values you highly, and I now do as well.
Our clan's foundation lies in our ability to judge people and situations.
From what we've learned, your character and talent are excellent, and your decisiveness commendable.
If we do not invest in you now, it will be too late to aid you later....this would be a poor decision for us.
These cultivation methods and Dou Techniques carry extraordinary significance in our clan. Now that they are yours, do not disappoint me."
Hearing this, Xiao Jian was surprised; Tengshan, instead of imposing conditions, displayed the confidence of an angel investor.
"Great Elder's trust humbles me. I will devote myself entirely to cultivation and will not let you down.
Once I break through to Dou Wang, even Dou Huang, the Xiao Clan will stand with the Mittel Clan, sharing our fates. From now on, your matters are mine to guard!"
Xiao Jian nodded solemnly, making his promise with utmost seriousness.
Mittel Tengshan smiled and continued: "Now, let us discuss the second matter.
I need you to find someone for me."
He handed the scrolls to Xiao Jian, signaling him to store them safely.
Then he produced a jade piece, activating it to reveal a slightly aged figure.
"And who is this?"
After securing the techniques, Xiao Jian looked at the figure in confusion.
"Once one of the Gamma Empire's top ten powerhouses, the Ice Emperor, Hai Bo Dong.
He was a pillar of the Mittel Clan, maintaining our family's strength during the clan leadership's vacancy.
Over twenty years ago, he fought the Yunlan Sect's current head atop Yunlan Mountain. Though he lost, the victory was hard-fought.
At the previous Empire's Stronger Tournament, he faced a Dou Huang and a Dou Wang single-handedly and remained undefeated...amazing all present."
Tengshan spoke with respect, clearly holding Hai Lao in the highest regard.
However, his tone shifted: "After that tournament, for unknown reasons, Hai Lao disappeared. Despite my efforts, no trace was found."
"So… you want me to find Hai Lao?"
Xiao Jian nodded and asked solemnly.
"For years we've had no clue. The techniques I gave you are ones Hai Lao once practiced.
If you encounter him, resonance with the techniques could confirm his identity.
Do not feel pressured; if you find him, wonderful.
If not, it's acceptable. Our clan will still fully support your growth.
A Dou Huang's weight in the Gamma Empire is far beyond your imagination."
Tengshan sighed, then spoke seriously to Xiao Jian:
"Rest assured, Xiao Jian, you are not ungrateful.
The Xiao and Mittel Clans will one day be more than just two major families in the Empire!"
Xiao Jian's expression turned grave, his words firm:
"As for Hai Lao, I will focus on this. As long as he is in the Gamma Empire, I will find a way to bring him back!"
He added immediately:
"Good! I look forward to that day!"
Tengshan smiled, nodding:
"Regarding you and Ya Fei, I approve. You know in great clans, arranged marriages are common.
Ya Fei may be recalled anytime, facing pressure.
But if your strength is sufficient, the pressure she faces will be lighter. Do you understand?"
Tengshan's smile carried subtle meaning.
"I understand, Great Elder. In two years, I will go to the Nalan Estate and dissolve my engagement to Nalan Yanran. By then, I will have become a Great Dou Shi!"
Xiao Jian nodded confidently, his handsome face radiating certainty.
"Two years from Dou Zhe to Great Dou Shi?"
Tengshan considered thoughtfully.
Eight months from having no Dou Qi to Dou Zhe had indeed boosted the young man's confidence. His spirited demeanor inspired reflection.
"If you truly achieve this, we may discuss deeper cooperation between our clans."
Tengshan mused for a moment, then spoke.
Xiao Jian's face lit with joy: "Agreed!"
While the Xiao Clan and Xiao Yan together could eventually support their family's future, early support from the historic Mittel Clan would be invaluable.
"All right, I must go. Keep today's conversation secret. I look forward to seeing you in the Imperial Capital."
Tengshan glanced through the forest, gave Xiao Jian a parting word, then soared away, his Dou Qi forming wings.
Xiao Jian bowed in the direction Tengshan left, then descended the mountain.
With the techniques in hand, cultivation resumed!
"Xiao Yan?"
Entering the forest, he saw Xiao Yan hesitating to speak. Initially surprised, he then understood.
Even Tengshan could evade his father and three elders, but not the elder Yao in Xiao Yan's ring—or t
he Dou Huang under Xun'er's command.
"Brother, that one just now… was a Dou Wang, right?"
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