The next day, Xiao Yan woke up in a daze, feeling a pain in the back of his head.
He subconsciously touched it and found a swollen lump.
His train of thought paused for a few seconds, then Xiao Yan shuddered in fright.
Looking fearfully in the direction of Xiao Xun'er's room, Xiao Yan thought to himself how embarrassing this was.
He had tried to sneak into a girl's room at night, but ended up being knocked out and thrown back without even seeing her.
It seemed that his father's overly respectful attitude towards her was not just empty politeness.
This little girl lodging at the Xiao family's residence was probably not so simple.
Xiao Yan, believing he had seen through everything, nodded thoughtfully and decided to be more proper in the future.
Just because someone had forgiven him once didn't mean they would forgive him a second time.
After thinking for a while, Xiao Yan pushed the matter to the back of his mind. He had just grasped Dou Disciple yesterday and was still in a phase of novelty. He immediately sat down on the spot and continued to blissfully feel the wisp of Dou Qi in his body.
Last night, after tossing Xiao Yan back into his own room, Han Feng had gone back to rest.
The matter of the Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flame and the young mistress of the Gu Clan had made him think a lot.
Why would someone of such a noble status come to the Xiao family?
For the Ancient Jade?
There was no need. If the Gu Clan already knew the Xiao Clan's location and wanted to seize the Ancient Jade, they could get it without much effort at all.
It wouldn't be necessary to place the princess of the Gu Clan in the Xiao family's residence.
But apart from this, what else about the Xiao Clan was worthy of the Gu Clan's attention?
It couldn't possibly be for some past friendship, could it?
Or perhaps, this Miss Gu's mother was related to the Xiao Clan?
Without more information to support his theories, Han Feng could only guess wildly.
But no matter what, the person before him was now a shortcut to establishing a connection with the Gu Clan.
The daughter of a peak expert of the continent, living in the small Wu Tan City.
How fantastical.
If this matter were known to others, they would probably swarm over immediately, doing everything in their power to curry favor with this little princess.
Because even a single grain of rice leaked from between the little princess's fingers would be enough to bring about earth-shaking changes for the people here.
Thinking of it this way, could Xiao Yan's actions last night have been instigated by someone?
It wasn't Han Feng's fault for thinking of this in a darker light.
After all, once one connected with the Gu Clan's princess, even if one didn't become a Venerate or a Saint in the future, their path would surely be a smooth ascent.
How could he have known that this Xiao Yan was himself a visitor from another world, with the soul of a man in his twenties inside the body of a three or four-year-old?
At breakfast time, a servant delivered breakfast on schedule.
After eating, Han Feng met with Xiao Zhan again.
"Mr. Han, how did you rest last night?"
"Clan Head Xiao's hospitality was very thoughtful. I rested very well."
"Haha, good! Let's talk inside."
As soon as he entered the room, Han Feng saw the Ancient Jade placed in an exquisite treasure box on the table.
"This is..."
"This is my Xiao family's ancestral Ancient Jade," Xiao Zhan said.
"Please have a seat, sir."
Han Feng hadn't expected Xiao Zhan to bring this item out so quickly.
"I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, sir. I thought about it all night yesterday and couldn't come up with any good solution," Xiao Zhan said with a self-deprecating laugh.
"With the current strength of the Xiao family, it's fine if we're not discovered. But once we are, heh..."
Han Feng was silent. This was indeed an unsolvable problem.
Even if the Xiao family offered up the Ancient Jade, given the conflict between the Hun Clan and the Xiao Clan, would the other party really let them go?
Not necessarily.
The most likely outcome would be their annihilation with a single palm strike.
For a Dou Saint expert, destroying a city was as simple as breathing.
Alternatively, the Xiao family could choose to scatter and flee. With the Xiao family's current inconspicuous strength, it was still feasible for most of them to survive.
After all, no matter how extensive the Hall of Souls' operations were, it was impossible for them to search for the descendants of the Xiao Clan across the entire world.
But if that happened, the last bit of the Xiao Clan's dignity would be destroyed.
"Clan Head Xiao, in your opinion, is there anything about the current Xiao family that could attract the attention of the Hall of Souls?" Han Feng suddenly asked.
Let alone the entire Dou Qi Continent, just in this Jia Ma Empire, there were no less than a few hundred clans with the surname Xiao.
The number of people with the surname Xiao was even harder to count.
If they were to search for them one by one, it might take the Hall of Souls several hundred more years to find them.
After all, there were other powers on the continent that would not just stand by and watch the Hall of Souls cause trouble.
The Hall of Souls did not dare to be so blatant at the moment.
If it were before, Han Feng might have thought it was a coincidence. But after seeing the Gu Clan's princess, he seemed to understand why a clan without even a Dou King would be targeted by the Hall of Souls.
The current Xiao family indeed had nothing noteworthy. The ancestors of the Xiao family had done a good job of disguising themselves.
No matter how far a Dou God clan fell, it wouldn't be to the point where their cultivation techniques were only Xuan-rank and the clan head was only a Dou Master.
If Han Feng hadn't already known, he would never have connected the Xiao family before him with the Xiao Clan.
However, if the people from the Hall of Souls discovered that the Gu Clan's princess had once stayed with this Xiao family, then this target would be far too conspicuous.
Hearing Han Feng's question, Xiao Zhan quickly began to think.
"The legacy of my Xiao Clan was taken away by a clan head at the Dou Ancestor realm and sealed in a place known only to the clan head," Xiao Zhan mused. "After learning the location from my father, I have never gone to look for it."
"In other words, the final secrets of the Xiao Clan have also been dealt with cleanly," Han Feng said, looking at Xiao Zhan. "So, there's no risk of exposure for the entire Xiao family?"
Xiao Zhan nodded. Suddenly, he remembered something, but the words stopped before they left his mouth.
Han Feng already understood.
This final mistake was probably related to the Gu Clan's princess.
Not to mention the Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flame that had erupted with its aura yesterday, that Elder Ling was also a risk.
It would be fine if he remained peaceful and didn't make a move. But once he did, the connection of the small Xiao family to an unknown Dou Emperor would definitely increase the risk, thereby attracting the attention of the Hall of Souls.
"Last night, I visited Miss Gu in the garden 1.5 kilometers from the east house"
As soon as these words were spoken, a bitter smile appeared on Xiao Zhan's face.
"It seems my cover-up was in vain. As expected of Mr. Han, you must have known this secret long ago?"
Han Feng chuckled without speaking. Although he had also just learned this news yesterday, not refuting it now perfectly rounded out his lie about "special channels."
"Perhaps, this is the only flaw," Han Feng pointed out.
"Clan Head Gu Yuan should have no interest in my Xiao Clan's Ancient Jade," Xiao Zhan said.
Although he was only a Dou Master now, he was one of the few who knew the name of the Gu Clan's patriarch.
In terms of status, one was the Clan Head of the Xiao Clan, and the other was the Clan Head of the Gu Clan; the two were still equals.
When Gu Xun'er was placed in the Xiao family's care, Gu Yuan had also met with Xiao Zhan.
The reason Xiao Zhan said this was likely because he had felt the other party's unfathomable power. If he wanted to seize the Ancient Jade, it would require no effort at all.
"The Gu Clan may have no intention, but if it is discovered by someone with ulterior motives, this will be the fatal weakness that exposes the Xiao family."
"Mm..." Xiao Zhan fell silent.
"I can guarantee that the news won't leak from my side, but Clan Head Xiao should think about how to handle Miss Gu's matter," Han Feng said, then suddenly added.
"Last night, Xiao Yan tried to sneak into Miss Gu's room."
"What? Such a thing happened!" Xiao Zhan looked up abruptly, his expression genuinely shocked.
Han Feng nodded slightly and continued, "Fortunately, I was there at the time and made up an excuse to smooth things over. Otherwise, the consequences would have been hard to predict."
Han Feng deliberately made it sound more serious. Otherwise, if Xiao Yan were really caught as a lecher, the people of the Gu Clan would not be joking with him.
Xiao Zhan's face looked a little grim, as if he were truly angry.
"I understand. Yan'er has just learned Dou Disciple and is already acting so wantonly. It seems he still needs to be taught a good lesson."
"I've made a fool of myself in front of Mr. Han," Xiao Zhan said, bowing to Han Feng in embarrassment.
"It's nothing. He has the heart of a child and likely meant no harm. A little guidance will suffice," Han Feng replied with a smile.
Xiao Zhan nodded.
"This child, Yan'er, has grown up without a mother and has a somewhat withdrawn personality, so I've spoiled him a bit. He has just started to improve in recent years, but I didn't expect him to do something like this."
Han Feng lightly skipped over this sad topic and said, "In short, Clan Head Xiao should try to treat Miss Gu as an ordinary Xiao family member in the future, and take care of her a little more in daily life. When she grows up, the Gu Clan will naturally send someone to take her back."
"That's all we can do," Xiao Zhan sighed. He couldn't possibly tell the Gu Clan to take her back now, could he?
He didn't have the strength, nor the confidence.
At this moment, Han Feng took out a token with a seawater pattern on it and handed it to Xiao Zhan.
"This is?"
"My contact token. Although we have found the cause, if an accident happens, you can use it to contact me. If I am near the Jia Ma Empire, I will definitely come. If I can't make it in time, Clan Head Xiao can also use the energy in the token to protect your clansmen."
"Is Mr. Han leaving?"
"Not so soon. I can stay for another two days."
After speaking, Han Feng carefully explained the use of the token to Xiao Zhan, who accepted it solemnly.
"Many thanks, Mr. Han. I will surely remember this kindness."
———
Leaving Xiao Zhan's residence, Han Feng returned to his guest room to rest.
When he went out for a walk in the afternoon, he saw Xiao Yan in the courtyard, miserably holding a horse stance, the expression on his little face almost on the verge of tears.
Han Feng smiled and shook his head, heartlessly choosing to turn a blind eye.
It would be good for the kid to learn a lesson, lest he become a profligate son in the future and go out to harm innocent women.
In the Xiao family's training grounds, the clansmen were diligently training.
Although most of them were only at the Dou Practitioner level, their fighting spirit and ambition were evident.
Even if the Xiao family had declined, they were still a class of cultivators above ordinary people.
In this remote Wu Tan City, they were considered a major family.
Han Feng didn't need to worry too much about them.
After walking about halfway around, Han Feng once again came to that garden. At this time, Miss Gu was sitting in the garden, reading a book.
"Tap, tap!"
He gently knocked on the courtyard gate. The little girl looked up, and a smile appeared on her face when she saw it was Han Feng.
"Mr. Han! You're here!"
Han Feng smiled and nodded.
"Miss Gu, how are you feeling? The Heavenly Flame shouldn't be acting up anymore, right?"
"It's completely better!" Gu Xun'er said happily.
Seeing the little girl's enthusiastic attitude towards him, Han Feng patted her head.
"It's only temporary. The Heavenly Flame is in your body. Sooner or later, you will have to face this challenge."
"Don't be afraid of the pain then, okay?"
Gu Xun'er didn't seem to mind. "I'm not afraid!"
"Mm, I believe you," Han Feng said with a smile, at the same time taking out a jade bottle.
"I refined some pills last night. If you encounter a similar situation as last night in the future, Miss Gu, you can take one to relieve it."
Gu Xun'er took the jade bottle and blinked.
"Is Mr. Han leaving?"
"Yes, I still have some things to do. I can't stay at the Xiao family's residence forever."
Gu Xun'er lowered her head slightly, holding the jade bottle without speaking.
"However, I will prepare a gift for Miss Gu before I leave. You can guess what it is."
"Is Mr. Han leaving tomorrow?"
"The day after tomorrow."
"Then I will also prepare a gift for Mr. Han. You can guess too, Mr. Han!"
Han Feng couldn't help but laugh.
"Alright, let's see who guesses correctly then."
After speaking, he prepared to take his leave, but Gu Xun'er called out to him.
"Does Mr. Han have anything to do next?"
Han Feng thought for a moment and shook his head. "No, why?"
Gu Xun'er looked at the sky. It was still early before evening.
"This is Mr. Han's first time in Wu Tan City. You probably haven't had a good look around, right?"
"Mm, I indeed haven't. Then... shall we take a walk together?" Han Feng said, a little uncertain.
The little girl should mean this, right?
A hint of a triumphant smile flashed in Gu Xun'er's eyes as she nodded.
"Okay!"
And so, the big one and the small one walked out of the Xiao family's main gate.
When a servant went to report to Xiao Zhan, he heard that Han Feng was also with them, and Xiao Zhan just smiled indifferently.
"Let them be."
Since their detailed discussion this morning, Xiao Zhan had come to completely trust this Mr. Han.
If the other party's target was the Ancient Jade, then this morning would have been the best opportunity to make a move.
But Han Feng did not do so.
If the Xiao family really encountered trouble in the future, perhaps this Mr. Han was someone he could entrust things to.
Pushing these "deep thoughts" aside, Xiao Zhan smiled helplessly and continued to handle his official duties.
After finishing his work, he still had to cultivate.
Relying on anything was not as good as relying on oneself.
Instead of thinking about those random things, it would be better to break through to Dou Grandmaster sooner, so that the Xiao family could truly establish a firm foothold in Wu Tan City.
———
On the streets of Wu Tan City, Han Feng held Gu Xun'er's small hand, strolling through the Xiao family's marketplace.
Although Gu Xun'er had invited Han Feng out for a walk, she herself had never been out either and was curiously looking at everything around them.
Seeing the little girl's high spirits, Han Feng patiently accompanied her, looking and buying as they went, giving a big boost to the performance of the Xiao family's marketplace.
To be honest, he still hadn't figured out why the Gu Clan would send their princess to the Xiao family.
A stranger in a strange land, Gu Xun'er must miss her home very much.
Han Feng was very fortunate. He was adopted by Yao Chen as an infant and enjoyed Yao Chen's fatherly care all the way into adulthood.
Although his master was sometimes very strict with him, now when Han Feng recalled the past, he only felt filled with happiness.
This was also the fundamental motivation that supported him in continuing on in this life.
So Han Feng was not stingy in giving some care to Gu Xun'er.
Unfortunately, the other party's status was special. He could take care of her for a short time, but he couldn't think about doing it for a long time.
He still had to have this sense of propriety.
When Gu Xun'er grew up, she would become the most powerful person on this continent.
And this Wu Tan City would forever be just a small city on the border of the Jia Ma Empire.
What is the difference between a mortal and an immortal? This, this is the difference between a mortal and an immortal!