Seven days had passed since Xiao Yan awoke in this new life. In that time, he had learned the rhythms of his young body, sifted through the inherited memories, and woven them together with his own. The awkward disconnect between soul and flesh had faded; now, when he looked into the bronze mirror, he no longer saw a stranger but truly Xiao Yan.
His cultivation remained faint and unstable, the same as before, yet his mind was sharper, calmer. He spent those days quietly adjusting his breathing exercises, stabilizing his Dou Qi as best he could without arousing suspicion. For a boy of twelve, no one would notice much difference. But within, his resolve had solidified like tempered steel.
On the eighth morning, as he sat beneath the shade of the courtyard tree, a soft voice drifted through the stillness.
"Brother Xiao Yan…"
Xiao Yan looked up. The sight before him made his heart pause.
A young girl, about the same age as him, walked gracefully into the courtyard. Her long black hair cascaded like silk down her back, swaying with each step. A simple light-blue dress adorned her slender figure, its fluttering hem giving her the air of a delicate fairy. Though young, her features already hinted at extraordinary beauty: fine brows, clear eyes like autumn water, and lips carrying a soft, natural smile.
This was Xun Er.
In the memories of the original Xiao Yan, she had been by his side since childhood, gentle yet firm, always protecting him in her quiet way. To the outside world, she was the adopted daughter of the Xiao clan, a girl of unknown origin. But in truth, she was far more — a scion of the mighty Gu Clan, one of the eight ancient clans of the continent.
But right now, she was simply the girl who walked into the sunlight, carrying warmth in her every gesture.
Xiao Yan rose, offering a faint smile. "Xun Er."
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, a flicker of concern hidden in her eyes. She lowered herself gracefully, sitting opposite him under the tree.
"These past days, Brother Xiao Yan has been quieter than usual," she said softly. "You don't come to spar with the others, and you spend much time alone. Is something troubling you?"
Her voice was like a clear spring, flowing gently yet able to wash away dust from the heart.
Xiao Yan studied her, careful not to let his emotions betray him. To him, Xun Er was no longer just a childhood friend — she was one of the most important figures in the story, someone whose loyalty and affection for Xiao Yan had remained unshaken even when the world scorned him. She was a treasure more precious than any flame or pill.
But he also knew that beneath her gentle smile lay terrifying strength and an unimaginable background. He could not treat her as a mere child, even if she currently appeared so.
"I've just been… thinking," Xiao Yan replied, choosing his words with care. "About myself, about the future. Maybe I've been too reckless in the past. Now, I want to take things seriously."
Xun Er tilted her head slightly, surprise flickering across her delicate face. For a boy his age, such words were unusual. Yet she didn't press, only smiled faintly.
"Brother Xiao Yan has always been serious. Even if others can't see it, Xun Er knows." Her tone carried unwavering faith, as though his decline meant nothing in her eyes.
That simple trust stirred something deep in Xiao Yan's heart. The original Xiao Yan had leaned on this warmth through his darkest years. For him, who now carried foreknowledge, this bond was even more precious.
He chuckled lightly, trying to ease the mood. "Heh, if Xun Er praises me like this, I'll start thinking I really am great."
She covered her lips with a small laugh, her eyes shining like stars. "You are great, Brother Xiao Yan. You only need time to show it again."
For a moment, silence stretched between them, filled not with awkwardness but with quiet comfort.
Xiao Yan glanced at the sunlight falling through the leaves, then back at her. In the original story, these were the years when Xun Er silently shielded him, comforting him when others mocked. This time, he wanted to be stronger — not only to rely on her but to be someone she could rely on too.
"Xun Er," he said softly, his young voice carrying an unusual firmness, "thank you."
She blinked, slightly startled. "For what?"
"For being here. For believing in me."
Her smile deepened, warm as spring. "Xun Er has always believed in Brother Xiao Yan. And I always will."
---
A Quiet Resolve
As she chatted lightly about trivial things — clan gossip, the mischief of younger children, the morning training she had done — Xiao Yan listened with half a smile. But inwardly, his thoughts churned.
This girl beside him… in the years to come, she would reveal wings vast enough to shake the continent. For now, though, she remained content to be the gentle support at his side.
No matter how far the road stretches, Xiao Yan thought silently, this time, I'll walk it strong enough that Xun Er won't have to shield me alone. When the world looks at us, they won't just see her brilliance — they'll see mine too.
Under the sunlight, two young figures sat side by side beneath the swaying branches, their shadows overlapping. It was a simple scene, yet it carried the weight of promises unspoken and futures unwritten.
The path of cultivation was long and cruel. But in that moment, Xiao Yan felt an unfamiliar sense of peace.
He was not alone.