On the other hand, Xiao Feng felt that he was in a more miserable situation. Leaving aside
the loss of his biological parents in this life, the inability to see his friends and relatives from his past life only added to his sorrow.
Thinking about this, Xiao Feng suddenly gave a self-deprecating laugh and softly recited, "Alone in a foreign land, a stranger I remain; on festive occasions,
I yearn for my loved ones all the more..." Xiao Xun'er noticed Xiao Feng's expression turn melancholic and was about to say something when she suddenly heard the line, "Alone in a foreign land, a stranger I remain; on festive occasions, I yearn for my loved ones all the more," which instantly resonated with her.
After reciting it aloud, tears almost welled up in her eyes.
Seeing Xiao Xun'er's appearance, Xiao Feng thought to himself, "Oh no!" and quickly said, "Xun'er, it's best you keep this
to yourself; don't mention it to others." What if Xiao Yan knew he was also a transmigrator? He might get jealous and stab him in the back.
Perhaps not, but Xiao Feng didn't want to gamble or cause too many complications.
Xiao Xun'er lowered her head for a while before raising it, a faint smile on her face. "Brother Xiao Feng, Xun'er has remembered."
Looking at the girl who was trying to be strong, Xiao Feng smiled gently. "If you want to cry, then cry. Don't hold it in."
The smile gradually faded, and Xiao Feng looked at the sky, murmuring, "Leaving home, with no relatives or friends, feeling lost and helpless, and then suddenly a large group of strangers appear. Even if they are all well-intentioned, it still makes one feel uneasy. Even if their smiles are gentle, it's not what a wanderer wants! That kind of pain of wanting to leave but not being able to find the way back... who can I tell but keep it all inside?" As soon as he
finished speaking, Xiao Xun'er beside him was already in tears.
She even wanted to tell Xiao Feng why she had been abandoned here. The endless grievances suddenly had an outlet, and the little girl could no longer hold back her tears.
"Cry, it will make you feel better." Xiao Feng was afraid that Xiao Xun'er was too proud, so he didn't look at her crying. But that gentle tone, as if he understood everything, was incredibly heart-wrenching to the young girl.
Without turning around, he knew the person beside him was already sobbing uncontrollably.
Xiao Feng sat quietly, the only sound in the courtyard being Xiao Xun'er's soft sobs, yet both of them felt strangely comforted.
"Cry...cry out my share too, 300 hours of Monster Hunter, brothers who risked their lives with guns...all gone!"
After three cups of tea, Xiao Xun'er finally stopped crying, her red eyes bulging, and a hint of shyness in her gaze as she looked at Xiao Feng.
"Have some water." Xiao Feng poured her some water, glancing at her damp sleeves, thinking to himself: She can really cry!
Xiao Xun'er didn't stand on ceremony; she drank every cup Xiao Feng poured.
Seeing that the little girl was reluctant to leave, Xiao Feng didn't know what to say. He couldn't very well tell her the story of the little white rabbit, could he? After taking a few sips of tea, he asked, "It's so late, isn't Xun'er going to bed?"
Xiao Xun'er knew it was getting late, so she nodded and got up to go outside.
Once in the courtyard, she suddenly stopped.
"Brother Xiao Feng, what's this?"
she asked, pointing to the simple wooden dummy Xiao Feng had made himself.
"For warding off evil spirits," Xiao Feng lied.
Xiao Xun'er moved closer, looking around. There were overlapping footprints near the strange pole, and large patches of sweat on the iron rod.
She stepped in the footprints, gesturing with her hands, trying to mimic Xiao Feng's movements, while laughing, "This doesn't look like something for warding off evil spirits."
Xiao Feng shook his head and smiled wryly. Was the Xiao Xun'er in the original story this clever?
"These are some little things I came up with myself, for body tempering," Xiao Feng said, stopping his charade.
"Body tempering?" Xiao Xun'er looked at Xiao Feng again, only then realizing that this little boy's body seemed even more imposing than Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's.
If she were to be bumped by this body… it would hurt a lot, wouldn't it?
"Brother Xiao Feng, Xun'er suddenly feels a bit itchy. Could you spar with Xun'er?"
Xiao Feng thought for a moment and didn't refuse.
For most of the time in Doupo, Xiao Xun'er's strength was at the peak of the younger generation. Sparring with her would allow him to clearly understand his own level.
Reaching a more spacious area, the two bowed to each other.
Xiao Feng: I'm the older brother, I should let her make the first move.
Xiao Xun'er: My cultivation is superior to his; it would be too unfair for me to attack first.
So, the two stood there dumbfounded for a while.
Seemingly realizing this, Xiao Feng coughed lightly, "Sister Xun'er, I'll count from three to one, and then we'll attack together."
Xiao Xun'er smiled gently, "Okay."
Three!
Two!
One!
One's steps were like thunderclaps, fierce as a waterfall.
The other's movements were like a gentle breeze caressing leaves, soft as a butterfly.
In an instant, the two intertwined. Xiao Feng, who had been unrestrained and powerful, suddenly became gentle as water, while Xiao Xun'er, who had been as gentle as the wind, became fierce and swift.
Xiao Xun'er's palm seemed to carry the weight of a thousand pounds, each strike accompanied by gusts of wind, while Xiao Feng's fists did not move straight, his palms followed his body, seemingly soft and weak, yet always able to block the opponent's attacks perfectly.
"Brother Xiao Feng, Xun'er still has strength left."
Xiao Xun'er felt that she had met her match and gradually wanted to go all out.
"No need to hold back."
Xiao Feng's tone was calm, his mind only thinking that it was good! He was worried that the opponent would not attack with all her might!
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Golden lightning lit up around Xiao Xun'er's body, and every move became even more violent.
Xiao Feng dared not be careless. His opponent's battle aura was tinged with the aura of the Golden Emperor's Burning Heaven Flame, which he could not resist with battle aura and could only rely on his physical strength.
"As expected of a divine-grade bloodline, he probably has a hidden trick up his sleeve!"
Xiao Feng thought to himself, marveling at the terrifying power of the ancient clans, and dared not hold back any longer.
In close combat, if we're talking about ferocity, Bajiquan is the best!
Seeing his opponent raise his hand to strike, Xiao Feng moved even faster, bending his arm to block the palm while his elbow was already aimed at Xiao Xun'er's chest.
Heart-piercing elbow!
Just as it was about to touch his opponent's chest, Xiao Feng hurriedly dispersed his force. It was fine for a friendly spar, but if he really crippled her, he would be killed by a group of Dou Sheng!
Xiao Xun'er seemed to realize this belatedly, placing her left hand on her chest. After noticing that Xiao Feng had withdrawn his force, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. If that attack had landed...
"Thank you for your mercy, Brother Xiao Feng." Xiao Xun'er was still shaken.
Xiao Feng shook his head, without a trace of pride. He knew this girl still had a trick up her sleeve. Besides, this was just a battle where even the minor characters hadn't reached the Dou Zhe level. In the later stages, even extras would have the strength of Dou Sheng, their fighting skills and physique wouldn't be lacking. Trying to use a backhand elbow strike again?
He was ultimately too weak.
"It's getting late, Xun'er, go back to sleep."
"Okay, Brother Xiao Feng, you should rest early too."
"By the way, there's something I want to ask."
"Hmm? Brother Xiao Feng, please ask."
"Have you heard of the saying 'men and women shouldn't touch each other'?"
"What does that mean?"
Looking at the little girl's pretty face full of confusion, Xiao Feng seemed to understand a little.
This damned Gu Yuan didn't even bother to teach basic sex education before throwing a cabbage into a pigsty; no wonder it got ruined.
"It roughly means that men and women should keep a distance."
Xiao Xun'er's eyes widened slightly, she looked at Xiao Feng several times, and then said sullenly, "Xun'er understands, Brother Xiao Feng, go to sleep early."
With that, she turned and left.
Seeing the little girl's cheerful mood fade, Xiao Feng slapped his forehead, realizing he'd seemingly lost his cabbage.
'Should I go explain that the "male" here specifically refers to Xiao Yan?'
Xiao Feng thought maliciously, then shook his head. 'I've been reading *Battle Through the Heavens* too much, always projecting myself onto Xiao Yan. The most important thing right now is strength!'
...
Later that night, Ling Ying rushed back from outside, surprised to find Xiao Xun'er still sitting on the bed. Although she wasn't as dejected as before, her pouting lips didn't look happy at all.
'Miss, is that little brat being ungrateful?'
'Am I really that annoying?'
Xiao Xun'er felt a little sad. To be able to recite such verses in a daze, she must be even more lonely than me, right?
Even with that loneliness, she still didn't like me getting close. Was I really that annoying?
Otherwise, why would my father have thrown me out too?
"Miss is always the most adorable person in the world, how could she be annoying? Did that boy say something nonsense? I'll grab him and make him kowtow to you and apologize!"
Xiao Xun'er shook her head. "That Xiao Feng is indeed extraordinary. I just fought with him, and without using secret techniques, I was no match for him."
"After all, Miss is still young, and it will take time for her talent to be converted into strength," Ling Ying comforted her.
"He didn't even use his fighting spirit." Xiao Xun'er sighed inwardly, took off her shoes, socks, and outer clothes, and went to sleep feeling unhappy.
In her dream, she saw her father come to take her home.
She also took the opportunity to bully that guy.
She woke up the next day in a great mood!
After breakfast, Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Xun'er, "Xun'er, you've just arrived and aren't familiar with the environment yet. Shall I take you for a walk?"
Xiao Xun'er smiled politely, "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Xiao Yan, but Xun'er needs to go back and cultivate diligently."
Before Xiao Xun'er could leave, someone else stood up earlier, said goodbye to the others, and returned to the courtyard.
"He's really diligent," Xiao Ding and Xiao Li remarked.
"A martial arts fanatic..." Xiao Yan muttered.
Xiao Xun'er frowned, watching that retreating figure, thinking to herself: He really is arrogant.
After breakfast, the group went their separate ways.
Xiao Xun'er closed the courtyard gate and called out to Ling Ying, asking, "Elder Ling, have you heard of body refinement?"
"Body refinement? As long as your battle qi is rich enough, your physique will naturally become stronger. Why bother with body refinement? It's putting the cart before the horse, a losing proposition."
"Putting the cart before the horse?" Xiao Xun'er's eyes flickered thoughtfully. "But I was defeated by someone who practiced body refinement."
"Miss, you don't need to worry about that."
Xiao Xun'er wasn't worried about that; she was more concerned about that person.
Although their time together was short, it gave her a different feeling.
She had been surrounded by thousands of admirers, their love, their jealousy, their envy… all sorts of gazes weighed on her, making her feel exhausted. Only his gaze, clear and bright, made her feel very comfortable.
Yet, the distance between them gradually grew.
Lonely people attract each other, and Xiao Xun'er's gaze always involuntarily fell on Xiao Feng, but whenever she thought of Xiao Feng's words about the difference between men and women, Xiao Xun'er would deliberately keep her distance.
For a long time afterward, the two only exchanged nods and greetings when they met, occasionally exchanging pleasantries about the weather, but nothing more.
Then, one night a year later, things took a turn.
Xiao Feng, who had just lain down in bed, suddenly opened his eyes.
There was killing intent!
It was hard to explain how he sensed it; there was no smell, no sound, just an inexplicable atmosphere that made Xiao Feng extremely uneasy.
He realized that the newcomer was very powerful!
This part wasn't mentioned in the original story, and Xiao Feng didn't intend to get involved, until he noticed a strange presence entering Xiao Xun'er's courtyard, at which point he couldn't sit still any longer.
Only the Soul Clan dared to provoke the ancient clans!
He couldn't abandon Xiao Xun'er; after all, she would be a great asset in the future fight against the Soul Clan.
Grabbing the dagger he had obtained from Xiao Zhan, Xiao Feng practically charged into Xiao Xun'er's courtyard.
The moment he stepped inside, the stench of blood and killing intent assaulted his senses, and Xiao Feng was startled: This place was sealed off.
There was no time to think; the scene before him was far too dangerous.
Ling Ying was nowhere to be found. Xiao Xun'er's forehead gleamed, and golden flames flickered in her eyes. Covered in blood, she was desperately dodging, facing a man in black robes wielding a knife, showing no mercy whatsoever.
"Get out of the way!"
A loud shout drew the black-robed man's attention, and Xiao Feng charged at him.
"Then I'll send you on your way first!"
The black-robed man was initially somewhat panicked, but upon realizing that the person before him wasn't even a fighter, he immediately spoke with a fierce tone.
"Brother Xiao Feng..." Xiao Xun'er stared blankly at the person who had rushed towards her without regard for anything.
He had endured a deeper loneliness than she had, constantly distancing himself from her, yet he had rushed to her side without hesitation when she was in the most danger.
Had he been watching her all along?
But she had never noticed!
The black-robed man raised his knife and slashed down at Xiao Feng.
"Brother Xiao Feng, be careful!"
Only then did Xiao Xun'er come to her senses. She tried to gather her battle qi to launch an attack, but her body went limp and she almost collapsed. She had relaxed for a moment and was now completely exhausted.
Xiao Feng dared not be distracted. His opponent's aura was very strong; he suspected that the opponent was at least a Great Dou Master. For him to contend with someone of that level... was too difficult.
But! Xiao Xun'er cannot die!
Otherwise, the Ancient Clan will truly go mad, and might even recklessly storm into the Soul Realm. Although those old schemers are recovering from their injuries, do the injuries left over from that battle a thousand years ago really care about these thirty or forty years? The Ancient Clan will most likely become the second Xiao Clan!
Then the whole world will be in chaos.
"Get out of the way!"
Xiao Feng roared, twisting his body to avoid the blade, and at the same time, using the force of the twist, his right leg lashed out like a whip towards the black-robed man's head.
"Child's play!"
The black-robed man sneered, completely ignoring the incoming leg, and directly met it.
He had a battle qi armor appear on his body, blocking the attack, and at the same time, he threw a punch back.
In terms of close combat, this man was obviously no match for Xiao Feng. He lunged left and right, his blade flashing, but he couldn't hit Xiao Feng's vital points at all.
However, in terms of the strength of his battle qi, Xiao Feng was far inferior to the black-robed man.
After several exchanges, seeing that his brute force was ineffective, the black-robed man directly condensed his battle qi, and a giant tiger burst forth from his body, lifelike and vivid, with a faint roar echoing within it, pouncing towards Xiao Feng.
The tiger appeared and pounced in an instant, reaching Xiao Feng before he could dodge.
*Swoosh!*
The immense impact propelled Xiao Feng backward several meters as the tiger, formed from battle qi, pierced through his body, dissipating into specks of light behind him.
Xiao Feng stood frozen, looking at Xiao Xun'er as if trying to say something, but as soon as he opened his mouth, a mouthful of blood gushed out. His eyes widened, his body swaying precariously, on the verge of collapse, yet filled with immense resentment!
"Heh, an ignorant brat,"
the black-robed man sneered, turning to walk towards Xiao Xun'er, raising his long sword high, and thrusting it downward with deadly force!
Xiao Xun'er managed to move her body, but heavily injured, how could she dodge this deadly blade? She watched helplessly
as the long sword plunged down.
Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed by.
The little girl, in despair, was pushed into the abyss of death, while that figure… was pinned to the ground by the long sword.
"Xiao…Brother Xiao Feng…"
Xiao Xun'er couldn't believe what she was seeing. How could such a proud person be like this…
She stood there, completely stunned, her eyes filled with Xiao Feng's image.
Brother Xiao Feng, do you know how much Xun'er wanted to be your friend?
Brother Xiao Feng, do you know how many times Xun'er stopped at your courtyard gate but dared not go in?
Brother Xiao Feng, you clearly wouldn't say a word to Xun'er, so why did you have to appear here…
"…Quick…Go…"
A broken voice came out. The moment the sword fell, Xiao Feng dodged the fatal blow, but how could his young body withstand the excruciating pain?
He only managed to utter two words before falling into a coma.
Thus, he never had the chance to say the rest: Go quickly, if he chases after you, I will be saved.
"Brother Xiao Feng!"
Xiao Xun'er cried, tears streaming down her face. Through her blurred vision, blood flowed from beneath the small body, staining the courtyard crimson.
The aura of death was spreading.
Nothing is more painful than the death of a loved one than separation.
Her golden eyes lost their luster, as if the entire world had been shrouded in a gray shadow. Darkness surged and engulfed her, her heart sinking into an abyss darker than despair.
Suddenly, a glimmer of light appeared.
Xiao Xun'er didn't know that the golden light in her eyes had flickered again, even brighter than before. She only knew that in an instant, the sub-fire of the Golden Emperor's Burning Heaven Flame within her merged with her.
Her aura fluctuated violently, her entire body radiating golden light. Xiao Xun'er floated in the air, like a blazing sun. All her injuries were healed, even her body had changed; the most obvious change was her long, flowing black hair, which now almost reached the ground.
Her golden eyes were devoid of emotion, her calm voice filled with coldness, like a celestial deity issuing a judgment.
"You deserve to die."
The man in black robes drew his long sword, took two steps back, his eyes filled with disbelief. "It's you! From the ancient clan..."
As he spoke, black iron chains rattled as they emerged from behind him.
But before he could finish, the chains only extended a few links before everything stopped.
A gust of wind rose, and the man in black robes vanished like smoke.
Xiao Xun'er landed, her body returning to its original form.
She looked exhausted, as if she might collapse at any moment, but she forced herself to walk step by step to Xiao Feng's side, gently embracing him and resting her head against his.
Brother Xiao Feng, what you said about men and women not touching each other, Xun'er no longer cares about...
After an unknown amount of time, Ling Ying arrived, breaking through the air. He was about to say that the matter had been resolved, but he was stunned by what he saw.
Without needing to ask, a glance around revealed the general situation. Although he knew that his mistress was unharmed, he was still terrified.
If anything had happened to his mistress, he would have been beyond redemption.
Suppressing her anxiety, Ling Ying walked towards the distraught Xiao Xun'er.
"Huh? He's not dead yet!"