Xiao Xun'er's Warning

After leaving Ruyi Zhai, Xiao Zhan returned to the Xiao Clan. He had originally wanted to discuss with Xiao Yan whether he could persuade Xiao Cheng to cooperate with the Xiao Clan. After all, although Xiao Yan had only met Xiao Cheng a few times, their relationship was fairly good.

However, considering that his son should be cultivating at this hour, he could only abandon the idea and return to his study instead.

After eating three pieces of Peach Pastry and soaking in the Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid, Xiao Yan's Dou Qi rapidly increased.

Suddenly, the Dou Qi within Xiao Yan's body broke through to the Fourth Stage of Dou Qi.

The instant he opened his eyes, a flash of light passed through them. Xiao Yan exhaled a breath of stale air and muttered.

"I've broken through to the Fourth Stage of Dou Qi. Next, I just need to cultivate step by step."

But before cultivating, he still needed to visit Ruyi Zhai again to buy more Peach Pastry.

He had only spent half of the forty thousand Gold Coins he had extorted from his father last time. It was enough to cover his recent spending on medicinal ingredients and Peach Pastry.

Old Yao's voice came from the ring.

"Disciple, at your current cultivation speed, you'll soon return to the seventh stage of Dou Qi. That truly surprises me."

"It is all thanks to Teacher. Without your guidance and the Spiritual Liquid you refined, how could I have risen to the Fourth Stage of Dou Qi so quickly?"

Xiao Yan said embarrassedly.

"Hehe, this is the result of your own hard work. It has nothing to do with me."

Old Yao chuckled twice.

Opening the door, Xiao Yan was surprised to see Xun'er standing outside. He could not help asking in surprise.

"Xun'er, why have you come here?"

Xiao Xun'er blinked playfully and said.

"Brother Xiao Yan, I came to see how your cultivation is going. Ah~, you've reached the Fourth Stage of Dou Qi."

"Yes, I just broke through. I was planning to go to Ruyi Zhai to buy some Peach Pastry and pick up some medicinal ingredients while I was at it."

Xiao Yan said with a smile.

"Then let's go to Ruyi Zhai together. I happen to want to buy some Peach Pastry too."

Xiao Xun'er wanted to spend time with Xiao Yan, but she also wanted to investigate Xiao Cheng's background.

The fact that this Peach Pastry could increase Dou Qi regardless of one's realm was enough to arouse suspicion. Moreover, even Elder Ling, a Seven-Star Dou Emperor, had been unable to uncover the slightest bit of information about Xiao Cheng.

The two headed to Xiao Family Market together and walked toward Ruyi Zhai.

After putting on the Baker's Outfit, Xiao Cheng could clearly feel the Dou Qi in his body slowly increasing. Although the effect was not particularly obvious, it was still decent. As the saying went, many a little made a mickle.

The current quest progress should be pretty good. Let's open the Personal Panel and take a look.

Host: Xiao Cheng
Identity: Shopkeeper of Ruyi Zhai, Xiao Family Market
Shopkeeper Level: Novice Level
Realm: Seventh stage of Dou Qi
Martial Skill: None
Items: One set of Pastry Chef's Exclusive Outfit

Evaluation: You're only a rookie who has just started out. You could be wiped out by the big shots at any time. Develop carefully, for the happiness of you, me, and everyone.

Main Quest: The host must learn and proficiently make God-Tier Honeyed Shortbread, then sell one hundred portions (16/100)

Quest Reward: Method for making God-Tier Honeyed Three-Knife Pastry
Quest Failure: The host must sing "Conquer" in the street
Quest Time: Seven days

After checking the quest progress, Xiao Cheng felt that it was indeed progressing a little too slowly. However, he had no good way to promote it right now.

Besides, it was not yet time to cooperate with the Xiao Clan. The main issue was that he could not get past Xiao Dian, since it had not unlocked that function yet. That was rather frustrating.

For now, he could only subtly encourage the Xiao Family Disciples to come spend more money here. That should more or less speed up the quest progress.

As Xiao Cheng was thinking, he noticed Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er entering. He hurriedly greeted them with a smile.

"Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er, you're here."

"Shop Owner Xiao, business seems rather quiet here."

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er greeted him together. Then Xiao Yan teasingly added that remark.

Xiao Cheng helplessly spread his hands.

"Can't be helped. Even good wine fears a deep alley. This place is out of the way, and only you few come to buy Peach Pastry. At least help me spread the word."

"No problem. When I get back, I'll tell my father to have the Xiao Family Disciples come here to buy Peach Pastry."

Xiao Yan promised with a smile.

"Alright, then how much Peach Pastry are you buying this time?"

Xiao Yan rubbed his chin and thought for a moment before deciding to buy more. In any case, Peach Pastry did not taste bad even on its own, so he could treat it as an ordinary snack.

"I'll buy ten pieces of Peach Pastry. I plan to push for the Fifth Stage of Dou Qi during this period."

At that moment, Xiao Cheng sensed Xiao Yan's Dou Qi realm and was surprised to discover that his fellow countryman had already reached the Fourth Stage of Dou Qi. As expected of a Child of Destiny—terrifying indeed.

"Wait a moment. Right, Xun'er, how many do you want?"

"I'll buy three pieces."

Xiao Xun'er said.

"Alright, wait a moment."

Xiao Cheng packaged Xiao Yan's and Xiao Xun'er's Peach Pastry separately and handed them to each of them.

After paying, Xiao Yan planned to leave with Xiao Xun'er to buy some medicinal ingredients at the market before returning to the Xiao Clan.

However, Xiao Xun'er gave Xiao Yan a sweet smile.

"Brother Xiao Yan, I still have some questions for Shop Owner Xiao. Go buy your medicinal ingredients first. I'll come find you afterward."

"This... alright then."

Although Xiao Yan found Xun'er a little strange, he still went to buy the medicinal ingredients first. Besides, this was Xiao Family Market, so nothing unexpected should happen.

After seeing Xiao Yan leave, Xiao Xun'er's gentle smile disappeared, replaced by an icy expression.

"Shopkeeper Xiao Cheng, who exactly are you? What is your purpose in approaching Xiao Yan?"

Seeing how quickly Xiao Xun'er had changed her expression, he could only sigh. Women really did change their faces faster than flipping pages.

"Xiao Xun'er, you do not need to know who I am. You only need to know that I will not harm Xiao Yan. On the contrary, I will help him. As for my purpose in approaching Xiao Yan, you're overthinking it. I only want to help him."

"I hope it is truly as you say. If you dare harbor any ill intentions toward Brother Xiao Yan, I will kill you."

Xiao Xun'er stared at Xiao Cheng with an icy expression and spoke those final words one by one.

Xiao Cheng shrugged and cast a meaningful glance toward where Ling Ying was standing before immediately withdrawing his gaze.

After Xiao Xun'er left Ruyi Zhai, Xiao Cheng finally sighed helplessly.

"Ah, the eldest daughter of the Ancient Clan, one of the Eight Great Clans, truly has an overwhelming presence. But I really do want to help Xiao Yan. He is my fellow countryman."

Xiao Cheng merely laughed off Xiao Xun'er's warning. Killing him? That Seven-Star Dou Emperor was still not quite enough. He had the system's protection.

After Xiao Xun'er left Ruyi Zhai, Ling Ying silently appeared at her side without anyone around them noticing.

"Elder Ling, did you discover anything about that Xiao Cheng?"

"Miss, Xiao Cheng is only at the seventh stage of Dou Qi, but just now, he seemed to glance in my direction."

Ling Ying replied respectfully.

"Xiao Cheng detected your presence?"

Xiao Xun'er asked with a frown.

"I am not certain, but I feel that Xiao Cheng should have some force or powerful expert supporting him from behind. This is only my personal opinion."

Xiao Xun'er pondered for a while, then waved her hand and had Elder Ling conceal himself in the shadows.

She turned back and gave the Ruyi Zhai signboard a deep look before turning to find Xiao Yan.