Earth Tier Dou Technique

"Ice Bone Fruit?"

Xiao Yi Xian was somewhat surprised. She had read about this herb's effects in books. It was a high-grade medicinal herb capable of reconnecting even broken bones, and could even be used to refine a Rank Six Pill. Yet it had appeared right before her eyes. She found it a little hard to believe.

Satisfied by Xiao Yi Xian's surprise, Xiao Shuang tossed the Ice Bone Fruit in his hand into her arms and said with a smile, "That's right, it's for you. Consider it payment for refining the Healing Medicine."

Uh... though she desperately wanted it, reason told her she had no right to accept it. Her Healing Medicine was nowhere near as valuable as this Ice Bone Fruit. But it was a high-grade herb! She wanted it so badly! So badly!

Xiao Yi Xian's beautiful eyes were filled with conflict. Medicinal herbs truly held great appeal for her. Although he had said it was payment for refining the Healing Medicine, she knew the Ice Bone Fruit was far more valuable than those medicines. Besides, those Healing Medicines had been her repayment to her lifesaver. That gave her even less reason to take her benefactor's Ice Bone Fruit...

After struggling for a moment, a trace of resolve even flashed through Xiao Yi Xian's eyes. Her voice trembled slightly as she said, "I can't accept this. It's far too valuable! Besides, those Healing Medicines were my way of repaying my benefactor. They can't be called payment."

Girl, you were far too easy to read!

Anyone could clearly sense her struggle. She obviously wanted it badly, yet she still shook her head and refused.

"Take it. Consider it a gesture of friendship. I'm very satisfied with your Healing Medicine."

Xiao Shuang shrugged and turned to leave.

"Thank you! My name is Xiao Yi Xian. If you ever need help, you can come find me!" Xiao Yi Xian looked at the Ice Bone Fruit in her hand. Though she was still reluctant to part with it, after hearing Xiao Shuang's words, she went along with it and carefully put the Ice Bone Fruit away.

"Mm. My name is Xiao Shuang."

As she watched the carriage gradually disappear from sight, Xiao Yi Xian touched the Ice Bone Fruit in her hand. Its cool touch felt unreal. She had only ever seen such a high-grade medicinal herb in books, and even now, she still felt as if this were a dream.

"Xiao Shuang? I'll remember that..."

After returning to the carriage, Xiao Shuang sat cross-legged and began cultivating. The matter of the Healing Medicine was merely a small interlude to him. Giving the Ice Bone Fruit to the girl named Xiao Yi Xian had simply been his way of repaying kindness with kindness.

It was only because she had used many medicinal ingredients and earnestly refined Healing Medicine for Xiao Shuang that he had given her the Ice Bone Fruit in return.

That girl was kind, so she deserved something in return...

At least, that was how Xiao Shuang saw it.

After several days of rough travel, they finally caught sight of Wutan City's outline. He had to admit, this sort of journey was truly boring. Fortunately, cultivation could help pass the time.

Xiao Shuang had now fully stabilized at the Five-star Dou Master level. The Extreme Cold Physique continuously tempered his Dou Qi, making him considerably stronger than Dou Masters of the same rank.

"Young Master, we've arrived in Wutan City. Please take this Third-Tier Magic Core to the clan leader first. The rest should be placed in the Xiao Family Marketplace."

Xiao Lei respectfully took out the Third-Tier Magic Core. This was the greatest harvest of their journey, and naturally, the greatest contributor should be the one to carry it.

"I understand. Go take care of your work first. I'll go see the clan leader."

Xiao Shuang nodded and accepted the Magic Core, then headed toward the Xiao Family's main hall. By then, someone had already gone to report the return of their mercenary group to the clan leader.

Along the way, the younger members of the Xiao Family looked at Xiao Shuang with envy in their eyes. The reason was simple: Xiao Shuang was now the most accomplished member of the entire younger generation of the Xiao Family.

He possessed the cultivation of a Dou Master and could now lead the Xiao Family's Mercenary Group to hunt Demonic Beasts. Even if Xiao Yan regained his talent for cultivation, it would not be enough to overshadow him.

When he entered the Xiao Family's main hall, only the clan leader and several elders were present. After giving a salute, Xiao Shuang casually found himself a seat.

"Clan leader, this is the Magic Core of a Third-Tier Demonic Beast, the Magic Flame Tiger. We obtained it by luck."

"Hahaha, good, good! Keep this Magic Core as your reward for this operation." Xiao Zhan happily waved a hand before adding, "By the way, Shuang'er, are you going to Jia Nan Academy?"

Hearing Xiao Zhan's question, Xiao Shuang answered without hesitation, "Yes."

"Then you should start preparing. Jia Nan Academy's recruitment will arrive before long." Thinking of this, Xiao Zhan sighed. "Ah, it's a pity that us old men are so useless. Otherwise, you could obtain cultivation resources within the Xiao Family. Why would you need to go to that Jia Nan Academy?"

Before Xiao Shuang could speak, Xiao Yan rushed into the hall and interrupted him.

"A Shuang! You're back? Why didn't you come find me first?"

Xiao Yan ran in at a brisk pace, lacking his usual composure. Even Xiao Zhan was taken aback, while the elders exchanged looks.

Over the past few years, Xiao Yan's personality had become increasingly mature and steady. It had been a long time since he had behaved like this.

(Some readers may feel that the timeline is a little confusing. Xiao Yan had just had his engagement annulled. He still needed a year to reach the seventh stage of Dou Power, while Xiao Shuang was preparing to take part in Jia Nan Academy's recruitment. This meant Xiao Shuang would enter Jia Nan Academy a little earlier than Xiao Yan, and the two would not enroll together.)

"Then, Clan Leader, we'll take our leave first."

Seeing Xiao Yan arrive, Xiao Shuang also gave a salute and prepared to leave the hall.

Xiao Zhan, seated at the head of the hall, waved his hand helplessly. He had originally wanted to have a heartfelt talk with them...

After the two left the hall, they walked together along the bluestone path.

Along the way, Xiao Shuang explained the gains from this journey, such as what Demonic Beasts could be found in the outskirts of the Demonic Beast Mountain Range and how strong Qingshan Town's mercenaries were...

Xiao Yan felt extremely excited. After glancing around and confirming that no one was nearby, he quietly pulled a Dou Technique from inside his clothes.

"A Shuang, this is a low-grade Earth Tier ice-attribute Dou Technique. As for where it came from, don't ask. Just treat it as something I picked up. Remember before you left, when I said I'd bring you a gift?" Xiao Yan looked rather smug. Of course, he had not found it himself. Who could possibly have such good luck as to casually pick up an Earth Tier Dou Technique?

This Earth Tier Dou Technique had naturally come from Old Yao!

After Old Yao appeared and the two became master and disciple, Xiao Yan shamelessly asked Old Yao for Dou Techniques.

The story went like this (a little skit):

Old Yao: "Do you want to become an alchemist?"

Xiao Yan: "What? You are one?"

Old Yao: "Yes, I am."

Xiao Yan: "Then, sir, what rank of alchemist are you?"

Old Yao: "What rank? I don't remember. Are you learning or not?"

Xiao Yan: "I am, I am. But alchemists are all very rich, right? Do you have any Dou Techniques?"

Old Yao frowned. "I do. What do you want a Dou Technique for?"

Xiao Yan: "Give me an ice-attribute cultivation method and Dou Technique. I want to give them to someone."

Old Yao: "That little fellow?"

After pondering for a moment, Old Yao nodded. He took out a low-grade Earth Tier Dou Technique and handed it to Xiao Yan.

Old Yao had chosen Xiao Yan because of the boy's character. He knew how to repay kindness and valued loyalty and affection. He truly could not refuse Xiao Yan's request.

Xiao Yan was also astonished. He had originally planned to ask for something at the Profound Tier, yet he never expected the old man to directly produce an Earth Tier Dou Technique. What an unexpected delight...