[Green Wood Mystic Technique, Xuan Tier High Rank…]
[Profound Thunder Technique, Xuan Tier High Rank…]
After opening the techniques and seeing the contents written on them, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were speechless for a long time.
The highest-level technique currently in the clan was only Xuan Tier Middle Rank, and only the clan leader could cultivate it. Moreover, it was wind-attribute.
They had never expected Xiao Yan's teacher to casually provide two Xuan Tier High Rank techniques perfectly suited for them, and even trust Xiao Ting enough to bring them over.
With these two techniques, once they returned to develop the family, they were confident they could break through to Dou Ling before the age of thirty.
"No need to be polite with you. This is all thanks to Xiao Yan." Xiao Li laughed as he accepted the techniques. "You're a Dou Grandmaster now. We haven't seen each other in so long—are you not planning to give your Big Brother and me some good stuff?"
It was purely a joke, but Xiao Ting actually took out two medicinal pills from his storage ring: "These pills can increase your cultivation speed."
"You really prepared gifts." Xiao Li scratched his head. "How can we, as your older brothers, accept them?"
Xiao Ting: Your actions don't look like you're embarrassed at all.
"Big Brother won't be polite with his own brother." Xiao Ding smiled as he accepted the pill.
He only accepted so readily because he knew these pills weren't valuable to the current Xiao Ting.
The three brothers chatted about the past. The sense of estrangement from not having seen each other for a long time quickly faded.
Xiao Li suddenly changed the subject, winking: "Xiao Ting, you seem to have a pretty good relationship with Xun Er now. You even brought her along to play. Weren't you two the most at odds before?"
"We were at odds because of Brother Yan. After growing up and understanding some things, naturally I won't be so childish anymore." Xiao Ting responded calmly. "Besides, during the three years Brother Yan had problems, Xun Er never kicked him when he was down. She was one of the few who didn't mock or ridicule him."
"You only truly know a person's heart when things happen. Such a good girl is rare. If there's a chance, of course I should seize it."
Xun Er stood at the courtyard entrance and signaled Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin to stop.
"Xiao Ting has really grown up. He now knows that girls are meant to be cherished." Xiao Li laughed heartily.
Xiao Ding also smiled, but he was more rational and objective: "Xun Er's identity is extraordinary. Although we don't know why she came to the Xiao Family, she will definitely leave in the future. If you want to be with her, Xiao Ting, there will be great resistance. You need to be mentally prepared."
"Don't worry, Big Brother. I know what I'm doing." Xiao Ting's eyes became serious. "That's why I've never refused any benefits Xun Er gives me."
"I want to seize everything that can make me stronger, even if those things come from Xun Er."
"Only when I am strong enough will I have the qualifications to stand by Xun Er's side."
"As for the benefits I'm taking now, I can just repay them double in the future."
These words made both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li feel a trace of unusual heaviness.
Although Xiao Ting's talent was outstanding, the pressure he faced was greater than theirs.
"Moreover…" Xiao Ting suddenly changed the subject and revealed a smug smile. "Soft rice really tastes good."
"Soft rice for a moment is refreshing. Soft rice forever is forever refreshing."
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li: "..."
This little brother was probably saying this to comfort them.
In reality, however, Xiao Ting practiced what he preached—his words and actions were consistent.
He said it out loud and also wrote it in the Journal.
…
[Queen Medusa]: I don't know how to evaluate him.
[Xun Er]: It's pretty good. If he wants to eat soft rice, I'll only be glad that I can let him eat it. If he likes beautiful women, I'll also be glad that I look good.
[Yun Yun]: Uh… um… hiss… yeah!
…
Yun Yun didn't know how to describe Xun Er.
If she had studied in the modern era, she would definitely shout: "What a perfect lovestruck brain!"
…
On the other side, Xun Er and Little Fairy Doctor returned to the reception hall with three maids.
Of course they would not "coincidentally" choose Qing Lin—that would be too deliberate.
They simply put Qing Lin among the options and let Xiao Ting decide.
"Then her."
When the choice was handed to Xiao Ting, he indeed chose Qing Lin.
Afterward, Qing Lin acted as the guide and led the three of them on a tour of Rock Desert City.
"Rock Desert City isn't big. If you want to train, you still need to go outside. You might even encounter some fortuitous opportunities. My luck has always been pretty good."
During dinner, Xiao Ting guided the conversation, preparing to head to the nearby areas and claim all the benefits.
Qing Lin remained silent, perfectly playing the role of a timid little white rabbit. She stood quietly by Xiao Ting's side, serving him attentively.
Being served so perfectly, Xiao Ting felt like he was about to become corrupted.
"Big Brother Xiao Ting's luck really is good." Xun Er supported her cheek with one hand, smiling beautifully and agreeing from the bottom of her heart. "If it weren't for Big Brother Xiao Ting in the Magical Beast Mountain Range's cave, we would have missed the greatest harvest."
"Without Big Brother Xiao Ting, we wouldn't have obtained the Purple Crystal Jade Fruits from the Amethyst Winged Lion's cave."
"Not bad." Little Fairy Doctor nodded in agreement.
"Wrong." Xiao Ting placed food into Xun Er's and Little Fairy Doctor's bowls, his eyes deep with affection and his voice gentle: "It's because of you two that I obtained those things."
"My greatest luck is clearly meeting you two."
He had the proper manners of a soft-rice man and absolutely provided his sugar mamas with sufficient emotional value.
Xun Er felt a wave of warmth wash over her body, as if she were wrapped in gentle comfort.
Little Fairy Doctor's ear tips turned red: You're eating Xun Er's soft rice, yet you're still flirting with me.
Qing Lin's emerald eyes sparkled: Young Master Xiao Ting said "you two."
There were only her, Xun Er, and Little Fairy Doctor present.
By rounding up, that included her too!
"Young Master, Qing Lin feels that Qing Lin's luck is even better—to be able to meet all of you!" Qing Lin suddenly spoke.
Xiao Ting was stunned for a moment and looked at Qing Lin in confusion.
Was this girl saying the right thing?
Qing Lin mustered her courage and said: "Young Master, when you leave, can you take Qing Lin with you?"
"Oh?" Xiao Ting rubbed his hands together, his confusion deepening. "Why would Qing Lin have such an idea?"
"Young Master, you all didn't look down on me or discriminate against me." Qing Lin seemed to be using all her strength. "In Rock Desert City, after everyone discovers I am of mixed Snake-People and human blood, the better ones will distance themselves from me, while the worse ones will curse and despise me."
"But with all of you, Qing Lin didn't feel that kind of discrimination."
"Miss Xun Er chose me, and you also chose me."
"I… I want to live with more dignity and be respected!"
Qing Lin wasn't acting. These were all genuine feelings.
This was her truest inner thought.
To Qing Lin, Xiao Ting was a beam of light in the darkness.
Whether there was a Journal or not, she would still long for that light. The only difference might be that she wouldn't be so "aggressive."
"Mm."
Xiao Ting's soul perception was extremely strong. He confirmed that Qing Lin's emotions and expression were both genuine, and a trace of tenderness rose in his heart.
Rock Desert City was deep within the Tager Desert, serving as the frontline between the Jia Ma Empire and the Snake-People Race.
Conflicts between humans and Snake-People frequently occurred here, so the hatred naturally ran deeper.
Growing up again in Rock Desert City as someone of mixed blood, her situation could be imagined.
Even a single equal and respectful look was a luxury.
No wonder Xiao Yan and Qing Lin had only spent such a short time together. Later, when Qing Lin was captured by the Sky Serpent Mansion and they met again in Central Plains, she was still willing to follow Xiao Yan.
Emotional help given during hardship was especially precious.
Thinking of this, he suddenly changed his view of Qing Lin.
"Following me is out of the question."
Qing Lin: !!!
Xun Er: ???
Little Fairy Doctor: !?