Inside the inner academy's arena stands—
"Don't worry, Grand Elder. Zi Yan is my little sister now. Of course, we'll get along just fine!"
Liu Xi chuckled as he reached out and ruffled Zi Yan's messy purple hair. The girl wrinkled her nose, shaking her head in futile protest.
"Big Brother!" she pouted, her soft, childlike voice crisp and clear.
Su Qian couldn't help but burst out laughing, his narrow eyes forming slits. It took him a while to calm down before he managed to say, "In the Inner Academy, Zi Yan's known as the Brute Force Queen. Who'd have thought she'd obediently call someone 'Big Brother'…"
Zi Yan's delicate brows furrowed, and she huffed. "Who dares call me that? I'll pound them into the ground!"
Su Qian ignored her temper and turned to Liu Xi, his tone measured and calm.
"Zi Yan's original form isn't human. She accidentally consumed a rare Body Transforming Herb, which caused her to take on this form. With your talent, you'll eventually reach the level of a 7th Tier alchemist. By then, you can refine a Body Transformation Pill for her."
"That way, she'll be able to freely shift between her beast and human forms. Zi Yan's bloodline is extraordinarily powerful, and her origins are… mysterious. If you can help her find her parents one day, I'm sure they'll reward you handsomely."
At the mention of her parents, Zi Yan's mood instantly dimmed. Her head lowered, and her voice grew faint. "Who wants to find them? I can live just fine on my own."
With that, she clutched the handful of pills in her palm and turned to run off. Her tiny figure, lonely and small, quickly disappeared beyond the doorway—like a child fleeing from something too heavy to face.
Liu Xi watched her go, a flicker of resolve flashing through his eyes. 'Zi Yan's father is Zhu Kun, the Nine-Star Dou Saint at the peak of power—one of the strongest in the entire continent. Though trapped within the Ancient Emperor's Cave, he's still a legend.'
Then he looked to Su Qian, his voice steady. "Rest assured, Grand Elder. I'll help Zi Yan find her father. After all, she's my little sister now."
Su Qian smiled faintly and nodded. "Good. I'll leave her to you."
His gaze lingered on the direction Zi Yan had fled, his expression tinged with melancholy. He had found Zi Yan himself, given her a name, and watched her grow. Despite her mischievous and fierce demeanor, she was deeply lonely—and more than anyone, she longed for warmth she didn't know how to ask for.
Now, perhaps… she had finally found it.
---
Later that day, Liu Xi retrieved Xiao Yixian and, under waves of reverent and awed gazes, the two quietly left the arena.
Although his battle with Zi Yan hadn't caused him injury, the large-scale use of his Pill Flame Technique and manipulation of Heavenly Flame had greatly drained both his Dou Qi and spiritual power. It was time to rest.
Before long, they had just returned to their courtyard when a familiar, energetic voice came from outside.
"Big Brother! You there? I'm coming in—"
Liu Xi blinked and turned around. A small figure in a dusty white robe ran in—Zi Yan, her purple hair tangled and face smudged with dirt.
He laughed. "Didn't you head back earlier? Couldn't even change before running here again?"
Zi Yan giggled sheepishly. "Hehe…"
Then, with a bright grin, she said, "Big Brother, those yummy pills—can you make more? The few you gave me aren't nearly enough!"
Liu Xi looked at her, a little taken aback. "Already finished? That was fast!"
Zi Yan puffed her cheeks. "I was in a bad mood, so I ate more, okay?"
Liu Xi chuckled and nodded. "Fine, but first, I'm going to teach you how to properly be a little brother. Oh, and from now on, you'll call her 'Sister Xian'er.'"
Zi Yan instantly beamed. "Okay! Sister Xian'er, hello!"
Xiao Yixian smiled softly. She fetched water to help the little dragon girl wash up while Liu Xi straightened himself and took a seat, adopting a "teacherly" demeanor.
Opposite him sat Zi Yan—freshly washed, neat and clean, her big violet eyes blinking with curiosity.
Liu Xi began, his voice calm but serious. "First, as a little brother, your duty is to stay by your big brother's side. Whatever he needs—fight, fetch, guard—you do without hesitation."
Zi Yan thumped her flat chest proudly. "Got it! Whoever you tell me to beat up, I'll smash them for you!"
Liu Xi shook his head, suppressing a smile. "Too shallow. You need bigger ambitions. When you find treasure, you ask if Big Brother wants it first. Only if I refuse can you keep it."
He wasn't about to miss out on the treasure-sensing talents of an Ancient Void Dragon!
Zi Yan hesitated. "What about those yummy pills? You want those too?"
Liu Xi sighed. "Those are fine. They're too unstable for me to absorb, and others can't handle them either. Just remember—don't give them to anyone else. They could die."
Zi Yan mumbled under her breath, "They're mine anyway. Not giving them to anyone…"
Liu Xi cleared his throat and continued. "Second rule—if danger comes and you can fight it, strike first. That's what a loyal little brother does."
Zi Yan raised her hand like a diligent student. "I know this one! If we meet something too strong, I'll stay behind so Big Brother can escape first!"
Liu Xi's expression turned solemn. "Wrong. You run too—but you're taking me with you."
With an Ancient Void Dragon's spatial ability, escaping even a locked dimension was child's play. As long as she wasn't instantly killed, they could flee anywhere.
Zi Yan nodded firmly, eyes bright and serious.
Liu Xi leaned forward, voice rising with gravity. "And lastly—the most important rule of all. Out here in the world, the greatest virtue is loyalty and brotherhood. Ever heard of Lord Guan?"
Zi Yan tilted her head. "Who?"
"Never mind. You'll understand soon. Lord Guan was a legendary man. Once, when separated from his big brother, he was offered gold, power, and beauty—but he refused them all. Instead, he cut through five gates and six generals, crossing a thousand miles just to find his brother again."
Liu Xi's tone turned solemn. "That's our role model. Zi Yan, if we're ever separated out there, what will you do?"
Zi Yan's violet eyes shone. The ancient dragon blood within her stirred, and she clenched her tiny fists, declaring in a clear, ringing voice: "I'll search the entire continent for you, Big Brother! No treasure, no temptation will ever stop me—I'll cross mountains and seas until I find you!"
"Good!" Liu Xi's grin widened, pride in his voice. "You've grasped the essence already!"
Zi Yan's eyes gleamed, as if a sacred aura surrounded her. She was radiant, alive with purpose.
"Big Brother!"
"Zi Yan!"
"Big Brother!"
"Zi Yan!"
They called out to each other, stepping closer with every exchange until Liu Xi's hands rested on her small shoulders, while Zi Yan gripped his arms tightly in excitement—tight enough to make him wince.
"One Big Brother for life!" Zi Yan shouted, her voice echoing with conviction.
"Siblings forever!" Liu Xi laughed in reply.
---
By the time Zi Yan left, she was clutching a bottle full of pills, her violet eyes blazing with energy. Her dragon blood boiled within her veins, and she looked ready to fight the world.
Her lips moved, whispering to herself, "Lord Guan… Lord Guan… I'll become Lady Zi Guan!"
(End of Chapter)
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