Chapter 79: Rest and Return to the Magical Beast Mountain Range
"Sigh, others can't wait to spend more time in the academy, but you two little freaks want such a long break. It's really giving me a headache. Once I return to the academy, I'll still have to deal with all the paperwork for your leave."
In the Xiao family courtyard, Tutor Ruo Lin cast a look at Xiao Yuan, speaking with a troubled expression.
After finishing the recruitment for the day, Tutor Ruo Lin had moved into the Xiao residence at Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yu's invitation.
Naturally, Xiao Yu's group of "girlfriends" came along too.
Fortunately, they only caused trouble for Xiao Yu and didn't bother Xiao Yuan.
However, because of this, the male students from Jialan Academy were unlucky, forced to stay in the guest area for a few days.
Many of them cursed Ge La and Luo Bu in secret.
If those two fools hadn't tried to show off, they probably could've stayed in the Xiao household too. It wasn't about the accommodations—it was about missing out on the company of beautiful women. That was just too dull!
"Hehe, we ask for your understanding, Tutor. Xiao Yan and I won't fall behind in our training, you can rest assured. We definitely won't bring you shame."
Xiao Yuan smiled as he reassured her.
"Sigh, alright then. But tell me, how did you turn my water mirror into your ice mirror?"
Tutor Ruo Lin grabbed Xiao Yuan and asked earnestly.
As a tutor of Jialan Academy with extensive teaching experience, she had never seen such a mysterious technique before.
Xiao Yuan chuckled at her question and began to explain—
The next day, after a night of training, Xiao Yuan opened his eyes and, unsurprised, looked at Xiao Yu sitting beside the table.
"When are you leaving?"
Xiao Yu's face showed a hint of reluctance.
"Probably in a day or two. I've set up a small faction in a town near the Magical Beast Mountain Range. I plan to discuss with Father and the three elders whether someone can be sent there to help manage it."
Xiao Yuan sat down beside her and spoke apologetically.
"Sigh, I really don't want you working so hard."
Xiao Yu sighed and held his hand, her voice full of concern.
"With great talent comes great responsibility. If I were still unable to cultivate like before, I'd be happy just eating and sleeping all day, living like a carefree young master. But now, I can't afford to be idle."
Xiao Yuan spread his hands and sighed helplessly.
He didn't know if that old man Yun Shan had encountered someone from the Soul Hall. If he had, things could get very troublesome.
After all, Yun Shan was a Dou Zong!
And with a Soul Hall Protector involved, the threat to the Xiao family would only grow over time.
Being a mere Dou Shi wasn't enough!
Although anxiety lingered in his heart, Xiao Yuan's face showed little of it.
"By the way, aren't you going with Tutor Ruo Lin for recruitment?"
Xiao Yuan changed the subject and asked.
"No. Can you go shopping with me today? Just half a day. You can go find Ya Fei in the afternoon."
Xiao Yu clung to his arm and spoke gently.
"No need to limit it like that. I'll spend the whole day with you."
Xiao Yuan shook his head, reached out, and gently caressed her smooth cheek with a soft voice.
"Okay."
Xiao Yu rested her head on his chest, eyes closed, savoring their rare moment alone.
The day passed in a flash.
By evening, after escorting Xiao Yu home, Xiao Yuan arrived at the Mittel Auction House.
As usual, he met Ya Fei in her office.
Ya Fei warmly embraced him, rewarding him for reaching the Dou Shi level.
"Your younger brother Xiao Yan came by earlier today. Bought quite a few things. Looks like you two are heading out again?"
Ya Fei handed him a cup of tea with a smile and sat beside him.
"Yeah, once we head out this time, the next time we meet will probably be in the imperial capital."
Xiao Yuan wrapped an arm around her soft waist without hesitation, breathing in her light fragrance. His expression relaxed.
Nothing eased stress better than a beautiful woman.
"I should be heading back soon too. Honestly, I'd love to see Elder Teng Shan's face when he finds out you reached Dou Shi in such a short time!"
Ya Fei chuckled with a seductive smile, her long lashes fluttering.
"Hehe, I think he'll be even more shocked in a year and a half."
Xiao Yuan smiled meaningfully.
"Oh? I'm looking forward to it!"
Ya Fei narrowed her eyes with interest.
Her cheeks suddenly flushed, and her body went soft. She raised a pink fist and lightly thumped Xiao Yuan's chest, whispering with embarrassment, "Don't touch me like that!"
Xiao Yuan looked at her innocently, squeezing the full fabric of her robe slightly before winking and offering his cheek.
Seeing his mischievous expression, Ya Fei's cheeks reddened even more. After a moment's hesitation, she leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.
"Ya Fei-jie, wait for me in the capital."
Feeling the warmth on his cheek, Xiao Yuan smiled softly and pulled her into another embrace, his voice low.
"Mhm, I'll be waiting for you there."
Ya Fei nodded gently, her voice filled with trust and certainty.
On the third morning, just before dawn—
With supplies stocked overnight, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan were walking toward the main gates of their family home.
"Blood Battle Mercenary Group? Got it, I'll keep an eye out."
Xiao Yan nodded seriously as Xiao Yuan explained the situation in the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
"I originally wanted to let some elders handle it, but all the Dou Shi-level elders were busy. Still, it's fine. I left the clan crest with the Blood Battle group's leader. The family can follow up later. For now, our focus is training."
Xiao Yuan shook his head helplessly.
"Oh right, I've got some herbs you might find useful."
He handed a storage ring to Xiao Yan.
"Hiss… Ice Flame Spirit Grass and Blood Lotus Essence—these are all good stuff!"
Xiao Yan scanned the ring with his spiritual sense and was visibly shocked.
"Had a bit of an adventure this time."
Xiao Yuan nodded.
"Xiao Yuan… did you… encounter a Heavenly Flame?"
Suddenly, Yao Lao's voice echoed.
"Mr. Yao, your perception is sharp as always."
Xiao Yuan nodded in admiration.
"Bro… You really found a Heavenly Flame?"
Xiao Yan's pupils shrank and his breathing quickened.
"Yeah, got lucky. Found a young Yin-Yang Flame and managed to subdue it."
Xiao Yuan raised a finger, and a flicker of black and white flame emerged from his fingertip.
"Judging by its form, that's definitely the Yin-Yang Flame ranked 21st on the Heavenly Flame list. Kid, your luck is insane! Back in my day—"
Yao Lao's tone grew sour.
Back then, for the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, he suffered a lot and even lost…
Lost what again?
Yao Lao suddenly fell silent, but Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan didn't notice. They just assumed he was reminiscing.
"Bro, what was it like to absorb the Heavenly Flame?"
Xiao Yan asked curiously.
"Not much. Just… hot. The most common trait of Heavenly Flames is their terrifyingly high temperature. Luckily, I had help from a senior's legacy. Without that, refining it would've been very difficult."
Xiao Yuan shook his head and sighed.
"Yes, refining a Heavenly Flame is extremely dangerous for anyone. Though the Yin-Yang Flame is ranked lower, it's the most suitable for your current realm and Dou Qi attribute."
Yao Lao reconnected, his voice filled with aged wisdom.
"Right, bro, your Dou Qi is ice attribute. Won't the Heavenly Flame clash with it?"
Xiao Yan asked with some confusion.
"Hehe, Heavenly Flames aren't that inconvenient. Sure, fire-attribute Dou Qi users get a major boost, but that doesn't mean other types can't use them.
Take the Yin-Yang Flame, for instance. Its essence lies in the Dao of Yin and Yang—it simply manifests as flame.
And humans, above all, are naturally aligned with Yin and Yang. In theory, any being with internal Yin-Yang balance can refine it.
Don't let Xiao Yuan's ice attribute fool you. Once an opponent gets used to his extreme cold, then suddenly faces a scorching Heavenly Flame—well, even meteorite steel would crack. Let alone a person."
Yao Lao spoke like a seasoned veteran, clearly well-versed in the subject.
"It's that powerful? Then why is it only ranked 21st?"
Xiao Yan asked again.
"Hehe, the rankings aren't absolute. They're based on past appearances and records. It's more of a reference list than a true hierarchy.
Heavenly Flames can devour each other. A lower-ranked flame can still be stronger depending on who controls it."
Yao Lao explained with a smile.
"I see!"
Xiao Yan nodded in realization.
Meanwhile, back at the Jialan Academy recruitment site—
Xun Er and Xiao Yu sat together, brows furrowed, lost in thought. A quiet gloom surrounded them.
Today was the day Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan left.
Neither had gone to see off their beloved. They were afraid that if they saw them again, they wouldn't let them leave.
"Xiao Yu, Xun Er junior sister, have some water."
A gentle male voice sounded beside them. A handsome young man approached with two cups of clear water.
Xun Er glanced over indifferently and shook her head. "No, thank you."
"I'm not in the mood. Go away."
Xiao Yu scowled and said irritably.
The young man's smile stiffened at Xiao Yu's blunt rejection.
"Uh… alright. I talk too much, sorry."
He forced a smile, set the cups down, and turned to leave.
"Take your water with you!"
Xiao Yu snapped coldly, clearly annoyed just looking at him.
The young man turned back, about to speak—when a flash of gold struck his shoulder like a spear, piercing clean through.
A scream followed as powerful force blasted him backward and slammed him to the ground.
"Don't get any ideas about me or Xiao Yu-jie. Xiao Yuan-ge only held back for Jialan Academy's sake. I don't have to."
Xun Er's eyes glowed with golden flames, her voice cold as ice.
The youth lay on the ground, clutching his burned shoulder, trembling in terror.
"Whoosh!"
Hearing the commotion, Tutor Ruo Lin rushed over. Seeing Xun Er's golden, emotionless eyes, her heart trembled.
These Xiao family kids… each more terrifying than the last!
"What happened?"
She didn't dare question Xun Er directly. Her gaze turned to Xiao Yu with a soft tone.
"More disgusting than Luo Bu. Tried to take advantage while they were gone."
Xiao Yu glared at the youth on the ground, already missing Xiao Yuan.
Ruo Lin's gentle face darkened.
The talents of Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan were obvious. To them, Xiao Yu and Xun Er were likely more important than the academy. If some petty incident made them turn away from the academy, her work would be wasted.
"From now on, if anything like this happens again, I won't mind letting you all experience what Water Mandala feels like firsthand!"
Moments later, Ruo Lin assembled all male students and, pointing at the unconscious Lin Nan, issued the warning coldly.
Three days later—
Gazing at the familiar little town, Xiao Yuan's eyes flickered with emotion.
Qingshan Town. The Magical Beast Mountain Range. He was back!
Since Xiao Yan wasn't yet strong enough to train deep in the mountains, the two temporarily parted ways—one stayed in the town, the other entered the range.
Xiao Yuan flew into the valley. Everything looked as it did a few days ago, except it lacked the signs of daily life.
He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
There was a thin layer of dust. It seemed the Little Doctor Fairy had left a few days ago.
Or perhaps, he and she had left this place one after the other.
"Sigh."
After a soft sigh, Xiao Yuan cleaned the room, gathered some useful herbs, then activated his Purple Cloud Wings and flew deeper into the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
He would spend the coming days within the mountain range!
(END CHAPTER)
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