Returning to the Xiao Family

These liquid energies revolved along with the vortex. If these energies had not been composed of Dou Qi, Xiao Shuang would have thought that Ice Spirit Cold Spring had been poured into his body.

How could Xiao Shuang not know what the changes in the vortex within his body meant?

It meant that he had now reached the Dou Shi realm. With the pure energy of the Ice Spirit Cold Spring, breaking through to Dou Shi had not been difficult.

Moreover, most of the energy within the Ice Spirit Cold Spring had been stored inside his body. If he were to ignite and release it all in an instant...

However, he had a feeling that if he truly did that, his body would likely be weakened for a year or even half a year.

Still, this meant he had gained a certain ability to protect himself.

He rose from the Ice Spirit Cold Spring, which had already lost its effect, bringing a splashing sound with him.

With a thought from Xiao Shuang, a white Dou Qi Gauze Robe wrapped around his naked body.

The Dou Qi Gauze Robe was exceptionally beautiful, adorned with snowflake patterns. Its frost-white color gave off a cold, aloof feeling.

Perhaps because he had soaked in the Ice Spirit Cold Spring for too long, Xiao Shuang's skin now looked pale. Yet there was a faint flush on his face, as if declaring that this body remained in healthy condition.

After checking himself and finding no problems caused by soaking in the Ice Spirit Cold Spring, Xiao Shuang pulled out a set of clothes from his storage ring and put them on. Then he turned to the woman in green and asked, "How long has it been?"

"About three years have passed since you entered seclusion," the woman in green answered. She then waved her hand, and the plants blocking the cave entrance dispersed.

"What an enviable ability. Let's go back." As soon as Xiao Shuang finished speaking, a black shadow appeared in the cave, accompanied by Ling Ying's distinctive laughter.

"Hehe, looks like I arrived at just the right time."

"Why are you here, Elder Ling?" Xiao Shuang was somewhat surprised.

Ling Ying first said something to the woman in green before explaining to Xiao Shuang, "The young lady was a little worried, so she sent me to take a look."

"I understand. Let's return to the Xiao Family now." Xiao Shuang shrugged. He did not mind being used by Xun'er, as long as he could gain something from it.

Besides, wasn't the most stable kind of relationship one built on mutual exploitation?

Ling Ying nodded, grabbed Xiao Shuang by the arm, and spread his Dou Qi Wings behind him. He carried Xiao Shuang toward Wutan City.

Along the way, Ling Ying briefly explained the Xiao Family's current situation. Aside from the strange regression in Xiao Yan's strength, everything else remained normal.

With Dou Qi Wings, traveling was naturally extremely fast. Before long, they could see the Xiao Family's rear mountain.

"We're here. Go see the young lady first." Ling Ying looked around, making sure no one was nearby before slowly descending.

"I understand." Xiao Shuang nodded, then kneaded his slightly aching shoulders a few times.

Dou Qi Wings were a good thing, and flying was also a good thing, but being grabbed by the shoulders and carried through the air by someone using Dou Qi Wings was not very comfortable.

Without notifying anyone, Xiao Shuang first returned to his little wooden cabin. Just as before, nothing much had changed.

What Xiao Shuang had not expected was that Ping'er was cleaning his little wooden cabin. When she saw Xiao Shuang return, Ping'er froze on the spot.

"Young Master?" After taking a moment to react and confirming that she was not dreaming, she immediately circled around Xiao Shuang and said happily, "Young Master, you're back? Sit down and rest for a while. I'll make some tea!"

After Xiao Shuang left, the Third Elder had told Ping'er to remain in this little wooden cabin. Since he felt that his Shuang'er had been quite satisfied with this maid, there was no need to replace her.

The wooden cabin was cleaned spotlessly. Sitting on his own bed, Xiao Shuang felt somewhat dazed.

Three years had passed. He had broken through to Dou Shi, and the ten-year deadline was drawing ever closer. If he wanted to reach Dou Wang, he could not afford to relax.

He touched the storage ring on his hand. The abundant medicinal ingredients within brought him a trace of reassurance.

Yaoye had also left several Dou Skills for him, but he had not yet had time to cultivate them. Now that he had reached the Dou Shi realm, he could use Dou Skill cultivation to stabilize his realm as well.

"Young Master, the tea is ready." Ping'er placed the teacup into Xiao Shuang's hand, still looking excited.

"Mm. I only came back to take a look first. I still have other matters to handle later."

Xiao Shuang took the teacup, blew on it a few times, and drained it in one gulp. He had spent the past two years soaking in the Ice Spirit Cold Spring. Although there had been enough energy to sustain his body's functions, not eating anything had still left him feeling somewhat empty.

Feeling the warmth of the tea enter his mouth, Xiao Shuang nodded in satisfaction.

There was no helping it. He still had to pay Xun'er a visit. She was quite a formidable one.

Leaving the wooden cabin, Xiao Shuang stepped onto the stone path. After some thought, he slowly headed toward the Xiao Family's rear mountain.

After a while, he arrived at the cave where he cultivated. Sure enough, he saw a young girl seated atop the stone platform, while the woman in green knelt on one knee beside her, perhaps delivering some report.

The moment Xiao Shuang stepped into the cave, the young girl noticed him. She waved her hand, and the woman in green withdrew. Only then did she smile and say, "Brother Xiao Shuang? How does it feel now that your Extreme Cold Physique has fully awakened?"

"It feels good." Xiao Shuang sat down directly on the ground. The Dou Qi within his body circulated, immediately covering his body in a layer of white Dou Qi Gauze Robe.

Seeing the Dou Qi Gauze Robe, Xun'er was somewhat surprised. Then she covered her mouth and chuckled. "Dou Shi? That was fast. But judging by your goal of reaching Dou Wang within ten years, it still isn't quite enough."

"Let's not talk about that first. What happened to Little Yanzi's body? Why is his Dou Qi regressing? What happened while I was away?"

The string of questions made Xun'er unable to resist pressing a hand to her forehead. "Wait, wait. Slow down."

After organizing her thoughts, Xun'er finally said with a bitter smile, "Brother Xiao Yan's body is very strange. None of us have found the source of the problem, but his cultivation talent is still there."

"The Dou Qi he cultivates disappears strangely every time. This has already been going on for quite a while."

Hearing this, Xiao Shuang frowned as well. "How is his state of mind? If he falls into despair because of this, it will be difficult to handle."

"Brother Xiao Yan still insists on cultivating every day. There are also many rumors within the family, so some discouragement is unavoidable."

After hesitating for a moment, Xiao Shuang looked at Xun'er with an extremely resolute gaze.

"Let's leave it at that for now. I will become Little Yanzi's support, just as you said. But I will also pursue my own life, because that is what I want."

Upon hearing this, Xun'er smiled and nodded. It seemed he had already understood what she meant.

Before their conversation ended, Xun'er seemed to remember something.

"Oh, right. There's also the family's assessment today. Aren't you going?"