The person who appeared was Shui Ye — the Seven-Star Dou Zong Xiao Zhitian had previously summoned.
"Hall Master, do you have any instructions?" Wen Yan asked respectfully.
"Old Shui, I'm about to go into seclusion and break through to Dou Ling," Xiao Zhitian said calmly. "Guard the surroundings. If Little Fairy Doctor or my elder brothers come, tell them I'm in the middle of a breakthrough and must not be disturbed."
Wen Yan nodded.
His body slowly transformed into flowing water, disappearing from the room. A moment later, he reappeared outside Xiao Zhitian's residence, silently patrolling the area.
Inside the room, Xiao Zhitian sat cross-legged and closed his eyes.
The Dou Qi within his body began circulating rapidly.
The heaven and earth energy in the surroundings was drawn toward him, forming a massive funnel above the roof. Streams of energy poured down endlessly, flowing into Xiao Zhitian's body before finally entering his Dou Crystal.
His aura steadily climbed.
The Dou Crystal within his body rotated faster and faster.
Shui Ye had not expected the breakthrough to cause such a massive phenomenon.
Although he quickly concealed the fluctuations, the disturbance still alerted Hai Bodong and members of the Mo Tie Mercenary Group.
Little Fairy Doctor, Qing Lin, and Hai Bodong arrived first. Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and the others rushed over soon after.
But as they approached, an invisible wall blocked their path.
Everyone grew anxious.
Just as they were about to touch the barrier—
A stream of water quietly appeared nearby, condensing into human form.
Fear flashed across everyone's faces.
Hai Bodong immediately stepped forward, gathering cold Dou Qi into his palm.
"Who are you?" he demanded coldly.
"The Hall Master is breaking through," Wen Yan said calmly, glancing at the group. "You must not disturb him."
After speaking, his body dissolved into water and vanished again.
Hai Bodong stood frozen.
Cold sweat silently rolled down his back.
So terrifying… he thought.At least a high-level Dou Zong… If I had moved earlier, I would already be dead.
He finally understood why Xiao Zhitian had never feared him.
Knowing Xiao Zhitian was safe, everyone relaxed.
"Sister-in-law, what realm is Little Tianzi at?" Xiao Li asked curiously.
Little Fairy Doctor flushed instantly."H-He said he was a Da Dou Shi before… I didn't ask what stage exactly…"
Hai Bodong spoke calmly from the side.
"He was at peak Nine-Star Da Dou Shi. Now, he is breaking through to Dou Ling."
"What?! Dou Ling?!"
Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and the others were completely stunned.
Inside the room.
The Dou Crystal within Xiao Zhitian's body changed shape under the constant refinement.
From irregular… to round… then into a strange sea-urchin-like form, with nine sharp spikes protruding.
Suddenly, Xiao Zhitian's eyes snapped open.
He stood up.
Boom!
A terrifying surge of energy erupted from his body. The bed, tables, and chairs instantly shattered into dust. The doors and windows were blown open by the shockwave.
Xiao Zhitian stood amid the ruins, a faint smile on his face.
The Dou Qi within his body was at least five times stronger than before.
Outside, the barrier vanished.
Everyone immediately rushed to the doorway.
Seeing the ruined room and Xiao Zhitian standing calmly inside, their hearts finally settled.
"Did you succeed?" Xiao Ding asked directly. "What realm?"
"One-Star Dou Ling," Xiao Zhitian replied calmly, holding Little Fairy Doctor's hand.
Silence.
Then shock.
Then joy.
"Good! Good! Good!" Xiao Ding laughed loudly, eyes red. "You've surpassed us… even surpassed Father!"
Xiao Li also patted Xiao Zhitian's shoulder, unable to hide his pride.
"It's just luck," Xiao Zhitian said with a faint smile. "But I did destroy the room. Big Brother will need to arrange another one."
"No problem!" Xiao Ding laughed. "Even if you destroy a few more rooms, Big Brother would still be happy!"
Everyone congratulated him before slowly dispersing.
Qing Lin led Xiao Zhitian and Little Fairy Doctor to a new room.
"Young Master… is this room suitable?" she asked softly.
"This is fine."
"I'll clean it up immediately!"
She hurried to fetch water and cloth.
Little Fairy Doctor watched quietly, then suddenly turned to Xiao Zhitian.
"You absolutely cannot bully Sister Qing Lin. She's too pitiful," she said seriously.
Xiao Zhitian raised an eyebrow."What did you two talk about last night? I feel like my status has suddenly dropped."
"That's girl talk. I won't tell you."
She turned and walked inside to help Qing Lin.
Soon, the room was spotless.
Xiao Zhitian looked around with satisfaction.
"You two are quite capable. This young master's life is truly comfortable."
Qing Lin smiled shyly.
"This is what Qing Lin should do."
Little Fairy Doctor pulled Qing Lin away playfully.
"Only this once. No spoiling him too much."
Over the next few days, Xiao Zhitian didn't cultivate.
Instead, he spent his time walking around the city with Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin, drinking with Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
Little Fairy Doctor bought Qing Lin many new clothes. Qing Lin was deeply moved.
She had never experienced such warmth before.
Yet Little Fairy Doctor faintly felt that something about Xiao Zhitian was… off.
But she chose not to ask.
Six days later.
Early morning.
Inside Xiao Zhitian's room.
"Young Master… it's time to wake up…"
Qing Lin knelt beside the bed, her voice soft as she gently nudged him.
Xiao Zhitian slowly opened his eyes.
Waking up to Qing Lin's gentle face, he felt no irritation at all.
"Young Master, please don't blame Qing Lin for waking you… You told Qing Lin to wake you early… You said you had something important to tell me…"
Xiao Zhitian sat up, stretched, and got out of bed.
Qing Lin picked up his clothes and helped him dress, carefully straightening his collar and sleeves with her soft hands.
Xiao Zhitian smiled faintly.
"This really is the life of a young master…"