A Deal

"Young Master Flowing Cloud, is that true?"

Hearing Flowing Cloud's words, Xiao Zhan and the others were instantly shaken.

If what Flowing Cloud said was true, then even if the Xiao Clan had to empty its coffers, they would have to secure the treasure he spoke of.

"I have said all I need to say. Whether you believe it is up to Clan Chief Xiao."

Seeing that Xiao Zhan and the others seemed doubtful, Flowing Cloud said with an inscrutable smile.

With that, Flowing Cloud turned and stepped down from the platform, heading toward the exit of the training grounds.

Xiao Zhan, Xiao Zhan, I have made myself clear. Now it depends on whether your Xiao Clan can seize this opportunity.

The Mittel Auction House would hold an auction in three days, and Flowing Cloud had yet to officially reveal this news.

By telling the Xiao Clan in advance, he was giving them ample time to prepare, allowing them to take the initiative and gather enough Gold Coins.

If the Xiao Clan did not believe him and made light of the auction three days from now, then Xiao Zhan alone would regret it in the end.

"Three days from now, an auction..."

Watching Flowing Cloud's departing figure, Xiao Zhan sank into thought.

A moment later, a trace of resolve flashed through Xiao Zhan's eyes.

"Pass down the order. Scale back all our shops and gather Gold Coins..."

Because of a single sentence from Flowing Cloud, the Xiao Clan immediately made a major move.

"Brother Xiao Yan, wait for me..."

Hearing the girl's voice from behind him, Xiao Yan's lonely figure could not help but stop.

"Xiao Yan, why did you leave without waiting for Xun Er..."

Xiao Xun'er slowly came to a stop before Xiao Yan. A hint of reproach appeared on her lovely face, making her look especially playful and adorable.

It was hard to imagine that Xiao Xun'er, who had always been aloof and cool toward others, would reveal such intimacy before Xiao Yan.

"Xun Er, do I still... have the right to stay by your side?"

Thinking of the strength the girl had displayed earlier, Xiao Yan spoke with a trace of bitterness at the corner of his lips.

The little girl who had once followed behind him had now become the brightest star in the entire clan.

And him?

His radiance had long since faded, leaving him indistinguishable from the masses.

Someone like him was no different from trash. What right did he have to let Sister Xun Er call him "Brother Xiao Yan"?

"What are you saying, Brother Xiao Yan?"

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, the girl's pretty brows furrowed slightly. Somewhat displeased, she said, "In Xun Er's eyes, Brother Xiao Yan will always be the Brother Xiao Yan from back then. No matter what you become, that will never change..."

"Unless Brother Xiao Yan dislikes being with Xun Er."

"How could I possibly dislike you, Sister Xun Er?" Xiao Yan shook his head.

Xiao Xun'er's words finally brought a trace of warmth to his cold heart.

Ever since his strength had regressed, the only one whose attitude toward him had remained unchanged was the girl before him.

"Brother Xiao Yan, you once told Xun Er that only by letting go could one take hold, and one who could pick up and put down freely was truly at ease in the world!"

Xiao Xun'er smiled and spoke softly. Though her voice was slightly youthful, it warmed the heart.

"Heh, truly at ease? I only know how to say such things. Look at me now—do I look like someone at ease? Besides... this world never belonged to me."

Xiao Yan gave a self-mocking laugh, his spirits low.

Seeing that Xiao Yan was still like this, the girl felt somewhat dissatisfied and was just about to say something.

"What a fine saying: one who can pick up and put down freely is truly at ease!"

But at that moment, a voice suddenly rang out behind them.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er were startled and immediately turned their gazes behind them.

At some unknown time, a young man in white had appeared behind them, watching them with a smile in his eyes.

The white-clothed youth was exceptionally handsome. He was none other than Flowing Cloud, who had just left the training grounds.

The smile on his face made people feel favorably inclined toward him at first sight.

Both Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er were solitary and aloof by nature. While Flowing Cloud had been standing atop the platform earlier, neither of them had paid him any attention.

"May I ask who you are...?"

Thus, seeing Flowing Cloud suddenly appear, they were both rather puzzled.

"I am Mite'er Flowing Cloud." Flowing Cloud replied calmly.

"Mite'er Flowing Cloud!"

Xiao Yan paused, studying Flowing Cloud with his gaze. Somewhat surprised, he said, "You are the Young Master of the Mite'er Family!"

Xiao Yan had not paid much attention to the fact that the Young Master of the Mite'er Family would be coming to observe the ceremony today, but he had heard about it from other Xiao Clan disciples.

"Genuine as they come!" Flowing Cloud still wore a gentle expression.

"Do you need something from me?"

Now that he knew Flowing Cloud was the Young Master of the Mite'er Family, Xiao Yan did not wish to offend him lightly and took the initiative to ask.

"Of course. I have long heard of Brother Xiao Yan's reputation and came especially to make your acquaintance." A brilliant smile spread across Flowing Cloud's face.

"Are you mocking me?"

Xiao Yan's expression instantly turned cold.

At the side, a chill also flashed through the eyes of Xiao Xun'er, who had seemed unconcerned until then.

In her eyes, no one was allowed to tarnish Xiao Yan.

"Mocking you?"

"No, no, no..."

"I am afraid Brother Xiao Yan has misunderstood."

Seeing Xiao Yan fly into a rage at the slightest disagreement, Flowing Cloud felt somewhat embarrassed.

He hurriedly waved his hand and explained, "Earlier, I saw Brother Xiao Yan face everyone's insults without changing expression. Such strength of character is truly rare, so I could not help following you here to make your acquaintance."

"How could that possibly be mockery? Brother Xiao Yan, do not be so sensitive..." Flowing Cloud said helplessly.

After hearing Flowing Cloud's explanation, Xiao Yan's expression eased somewhat, but he still said coldly, "Trash like me is not worth your friendship."

With that, Xiao Yan immediately turned around, preparing to leave directly.

Xiao Xun'er followed close behind him, like a little tagalong.

"Wait..."

Seeing this, Flowing Cloud no longer bothered with pleasantries and called out directly.

"Brother Xiao Yan, I want to discuss a deal with you."

"Not interested!"

Xiao Yan did not even turn his head as he continued forward.

"What if I told you this deal could restore your talent?"

Seeing that Xiao Yan would not budge, Flowing Cloud had no choice but to play his trump card.

He refused to believe that Xiao Yan could remain unmoved by such an offer.

Sure enough, the moment Flowing Cloud spoke those words, Xiao Yan, who had been walking straight ahead, immediately stopped.

"Is what you said... true?"

After a long while, Xiao Yan slowly turned around, a tremor in his voice.

Flowing Cloud's words instantly stirred a spark of life within his cold heart.

Back then, Xiao Yan had begun cultivating Dou Qi at the age of four. By ten, he had reached the ninth stage of Dou Qi. At eleven, he broke through to the tenth stage, successfully condensed a Dou Qi Vortex, and became the youngest Dou Zhe in the clan's hundred-year history!

Yet overnight, his talent had instantly vanished without a trace.

Moreover, as time passed, the Dou Qi within his body had strangely grown less and less.

He had fallen from a genius admired by everyone to a piece of trash ridiculed by everyone.

Such an enormous fall had nearly left Xiao Yan suffocating.

Now that he had heard from Flowing Cloud that there was a way to restore his talent, Xiao Yan naturally clung to it like his last lifeline.