"Don't think that just because you say nice things, you can get away with being lazy. I know you too well," Yun Yun said, poking Junior Xiao Tian's forehead in mild annoyance.
"Hehe, I'm not being lazy. I'm trusting and cultivating you all," Xiao Jietian replied with a chuckle.
"You are my capable 'generals,'" he added, taking Yun Yun's hand and playing with it.
"These hands are too perfect. In fact, your entire being is so perfect… I feel like I'll never tire of it in my lifetime."
Yun Yun heard the words, carrying a hidden meaning of admiration and praise. Her face flushed, but her heart swelled with joy.
"Seeing how sincere you are, I'll forgive your laziness," she said.
"I plan to have Fei Yan lead a team to destroy the Black Skull Tomb. I killed those who caused trouble before, but it seems they haven't learned their lesson."
Xiao Jietian frowned. "Alright, but let Old Shui go with them. We've already shown our strength, yet they still provoke us. There might be Dou Zong forces secretly instigating them."
"I'll go by myself. No one else is needed."
Medusa's cold, majestic voice echoed in the room.
"Sister Fei Yan, why not join? Your habit is too strange," Yun Yun said, noticing the unusual tone.
Xiao Jietian had long known that Medusa was secretly peeking, though he didn't know what special physique she had awakened. She was simply mischievous.
"Hmph, impossible!" Medusa's voice retorted.
Both Yun Yun and Xiao Jietian chuckled softly, sensing that Medusa was no longer spying.
"You quickly handle this so I can get my revenge, hmph hmph," Yun Yun wrinkled her cute nose, speaking indignantly.
They had long suspected Medusa would eventually become one of their sisters. Xiao Jietian wouldn't let her go, so they didn't particularly mind her mischievous hobby.
"Don't mind her for now. She's just a tsundere shrimp. You continue," Xiao Jietian said with a mischievous smile.
"Mmm~" Yun Yun replied, her voice soft.
Later, Xiao Jietian woke up. Yun Yun had already left to handle the affairs of Boundless Heaven Hall, which was now in an initial stable state, though many matters remained unresolved.
Last night, Xiao Jietian had intended to give Yun Yun something, but she refused, insisting on breaking through using her own strength. Pills, she said, were no substitute for one's own effort.
Xiao Jietian didn't insist. Given her special physique, there was little worry about her reaching Dou Zong.
He told her she could discuss Dou Zong matters with Medusa and Little Fairy Doctor when the time came.
Stepping out, Xiao Jietian saw Qing Lin and Ya Fei cultivating. Both brightened at his arrival. Xiao Jietian embraced them, chatting as bursts of silver bell-like laughter echoed.
During this time, Sister Ya Fei updated him on the Xiaoyao Auction House. It had become the second most popular auction house in the Black-Corner Region, largely due to the controlled security environment of Boundless Heaven City. Conflicts were resolved only at the Life-and-Death Stage, attracting many newcomers. Real estate and commercial facilities thrived.
"Then I'll head out first. You two cultivate well. Once I'm done with the Academy's matters, I'll take you for a stroll," Xiao Jietian said, patting their heads.
After a final kiss goodbye, he left the Eternal Heaven World.
"Sister Ya Fei, let's continue cultivating. Sister Xian'er and Sister Yun have far surpassed us," Qing Lin said, holding Ya Fei's hand.
Ya Fei nodded solemnly. With her newfound physique, she no longer wanted to be a useless vase. Strength mattered more—strength to stand beside Xiao Jietian, to fight rather than always being protected.
The cultivation levels of the girls, from highest to lowest, were:
Little Fairy Doctor: peak nine-star Dou Zong (Battle Sect)
Medusa: two-star Dou Zong (Battle Sect)
Yun Yun: peak nine-star Dou Huang (Battle Emperor)
Qing Lin: four-star Dou Ling (Battle Spirit)
Sister Ya Fei: nine-star Da Dou Shi
Xiao Jietian entered the attic room and descended to the hall.
He saw Xiao Yan chatting with a man in light grey clothes, whose demeanor carried a hint of irritability and a faint red glow in his eyes. Xiao Jietian quickly guessed his identity.
"Tian Ge."
Xiao Yan stood to greet him. To Xiao Yan, Tian Ge had always been selflessly devoted; his achievements were due largely to his brother's support.
"Xiao Yan Zi, who is this?"
The grey-clothed man straightened, though a flicker of battle intent lingered in his eyes. Xiao Jietian couldn't help but sigh. Truly, he was Mad Axe.
"Tian Ge, this is Senior Lin Yan. I just met him… a friend."
"Junior Xiao Tian, your great name is like thunder in my ears," Lin Yan said. He had been in seclusion and, upon hearing of Xiao Jietian's Dou Wang strength, grew curious. Feeling the oppressive force just now confirmed the rumors weren't false.
"Senior Lin Yan's strength is formidable. You rank ninth on the Strong Ranking," Xiao Jietian said.
"Compared to you, I'm insignificant. In this Strong Ranking Tournament, you might even contend with Senior Sister Zi Yan for first place," Lin Yan admitted.
"I see that your body is troubled by fire poison, but someone has been assisting with treatment recently. I happen to have a pill that can alleviate some of it."
Xiao Jietian produced a jade bottle containing a faintly glowing ice-blue pill.
"This is the Jade Bamboo Ice Dew Pill."
Lin Yan caught it quickly. "Thank you, Pan Gate Master. I owe you a favor. If you need anything, just say the word."
It was Lin Yan's first time receiving a pill from someone else, and he was genuinely grateful. The pill would greatly reduce the time Xiao Yan spent treating him.
"No worries. You and Xiao Yan Zi are friends, so you're also my friend. There's no need to be so formal. You two chat; I'm going to the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda."
The Jade Bamboo Ice Dew Pill was something Xiao Jietian had casually refined for Pan Gate's inventory, just in case.
"Where are Xun'er and Hu Jia?" Xiao Jietian asked.
"They're screening new recruits for Pan Gate. It's very popular now, but we only accept those with good character," Xiao Yan explained, pouring him tea while Lin Yan eagerly examined the pill.
After chatting briefly, Xiao Jietian bid them farewell and stepped out.
"Yan'er, your brother is a bit strange," Xiao Yan muttered.