"Who is he?" Yun Yun asked, looking at Xiao Yan, still lying on the ground, unconscious from being carried during flight.
"My good brother, Xiao Yan. I met him along the way, and we went into the cave together to find something. Here's the Purple Spirit Crystal you wanted." Xiao Zhitian revealed Xiao Yan's favorite alias, then took out the crystal and handed it over.
Yun Yun reached out and took the Purple Spirit Crystal. Xiao Zhitian lightly caressed her soft, smooth hand. Yun Yun's eyes flashed with indignation as she thought, What a scoundrel, always taking advantage when he can.
"I have the item. I need to go. If you ever come to Jia Ma Holy City, visit the Cloud Mist Sect. Also, Jiang Feng, this is for you." Yun Yun's jade hand flickered, revealing a set of light-blue inner armor—Heart of the Sea Armor she had worn before.
"It's made from a rare metal produced inside the belly of a Rank 6 sea magical beast, the Three-tailed Blue Whale. Its defense scales with the owner's strength."
"Since you're giving it to me, and it's a close-fitting inner armor, I'll accept it." Xiao Zhitian took the armor respectfully.
"Then I'll give you something too. I found it in a ruin, but as it's wind-attribute, I can't use it, so it's yours." A cyan scroll appeared in his hand—the Storm Art rewarded by the system.
"This is a Profound High-Rank wind-attribute cultivation technique. It also comes with a matching Dou Technique, Wind Blade Dance. Take it."
"A cultivation technique with a matching Dou Technique, and a Profound High-Rank one at that? It's too precious. I can't accept it," Yun Yun refused, waving her hand.
"No matter how precious it is, it's not as precious as you. This technique will be very useful. Cultivating it will help you increase your strength faster and protect yourself. I never take back what I give. If you don't want it, throw it away." Xiao Zhitian firmly placed the scroll into Yun Yun's hand.
The words, "Not as precious as you," touched Yun Yun deeply.
"Yun Zhi." Seeing her in a daze, Xiao Zhitian stepped forward, hugged her, and kissed her lips.
Yun Yun snapped back, struggling symbolically for a moment, then allowed him to continue.
After a while, Xiao Zhitian released her. "Consider this the interest on the cultivation technique."
"You scoundrel! I'm leaving." Yun Yun quickly deployed her Dou Qi wings and flew away unsteadily.
Watching her disappear, Xiao Zhitian shouted after her, "Your injuries are healed, but there are scars. Find some scar-removing medicine; it would be a pity to leave them."
"Go away! None of your business!" Yun Yun's delicate voice called back from afar.
"Hahaha~~~" Xiao Zhitian chuckled.
"Tian Ge, everyone's gone. Help me up; I'm still dizzy," Xiao Yan called from nearby, interrupting him.
"Xiao Yan Zi, you're too weak. You still haven't recovered."
"You carried me while flying, I was dragged. Is that the same? By the way, you're too strong. You pursued a Dou Huang and even succeeded."
"Oh, just average. I'm good at being a kept man," Xiao Zhitian replied smugly.
"Does Xun'er know?" Xiao Yan asked with a smile.
With a smack, Xiao Zhitian slapped Xiao Yan's head affectionately. "You know too much, Xiao Yan Zi~"
"Tian Ge, do you have other Profound High-Rank cultivation techniques or Dou Techniques? Low-Rank ones are fine too. Just give me a few; I'll keep your secret." Xiao Yan rubbed his hands eagerly.
Before Xiao Zhitian could answer, Xiao Yan suddenly curled up in pain. His body darkened, and hot air spewed from his mouth.
Xiao Zhitian quickly reached out: "Such overbearing power… it must be the energy from the Purple Spirit Crystal Source he swallowed earlier."
Looking at Xiao Yan writhing, his own strength was insufficient to regulate the energy. "Venerable Yao, if you don't act now, your disciple might not survive."
At Xiao Zhitian's call, Yao Lao appeared, eyes flashing with caution and a hint of danger. "How do you know about me?"
"Let's put that aside. First, deal with the energy in Xiao Yan's body."
"Mm."
Xiao Zhitian stepped back, making space. Yao Lao used his soul power to regulate the surging Dou Qi. Gradually, Xiao Yan's aura stabilized, and his realm broke through to Nine-Star Dou Zhe.
Seeing Xiao Yan still unconscious, Yao Lao turned to Xiao Zhitian. "Now, let's talk."
"What instructions do you have, Venerable Yao?" Xiao Zhitian asked, a narrow smile on his face.
"You know my identity? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?" Yao Lao asked, tone threatening.
"Yao Lao, no need for theatrics. I trust your character. We share the same enemies. I believe you understand our clan's general background. We'll have many opportunities to cooperate. I'll leave Xiao Yan Zi in your care, Senior Yao Lao." Xiao Zhitian reassured him confidently.
"I'll trust you for now. Acting against you would be dangerous. I hope you bring surprises. Your talent is excellent—don't waste it." Yao Lao's gaze lingered before he retreated into the storage ring.
Xiao Zhitian remained calm. The early confrontation with Yao Lao was expected; judging by his conduct, he wasn't truly evil, so this meeting clarified matters for everyone.
Seeing Xiao Yan still unconscious, Xiao Zhitian sat nearby, cultivating and waiting for him to awaken.
At dusk, Xiao Yan stirred, shook his head, and felt a surge of energy throughout his body.
"Since you're awake, I'm leaving. Here's something for you. Remember, you owe me again. If you get anything good in the future, share some with me. Hahaha." Xiao Zhitian tossed a black scroll toward Xiao Yan, activated Thunder Roc Wings, and swiftly flew away.
Xiao Yan caught the scroll. It contained: Profound High-Rank Flying Dou Technique: Eagle Wings.
Sighing, Xiao Yan murmured, "I owe Tian Ge more and more. I might not repay it all in this lifetime. Something feels off… nine-tenths of it feels wrong."
"Yan'er, this is extremely precious. Even a Profound High-Rank Dou Technique might not compare. The Purple Crystal Source strengthened your body, turning misfortune into blessing," Yao Lao appeared, reassuring him.
…
After leaving Xiao Yan, Xiao Zhitian landed near Qingshan Town and retracted his wings.
Walking through the bustling town, he overheard a familiar conversation.
"Have you heard? Little Fairy Doctor discovered a cave treasure containing a Profound High-Rank cultivation technique. She took everything."
"I also heard the Wolf Head Young Leader, Mu Li, was there but was killed by Little Fairy Doctor. None who accompanied her returned."