I Did It

I Did It

Holding Xiao Xun'er's hand, Xiao Yan returned loaded with gains. Along the way, Yao Lao's admiring clicks sounded by his ear.

"What impressive fists and footwork. That girl taught you earlier, and you already know it?"

"Of course, I still have to thank Wan Guniang for that."

A faint smile threaded through Xiao Yan's tone.

"You little brat, look at you."

But though he said that, Yao Lao still could not help nodding as he looked at Xiao Yan.

It was naturally comprehensive to judge a person from an absolutely cold and objective perspective, but when you wanted to understand that person a step further, you had no choice but to stand on the same side as him.

Xiao Yan truly made him more and more satisfied.

After that, Xiao Yan sent Xiao Xun'er back to her residence.

"Did Xun'er have fun today?"

"I did, but not as much fun as when I saw Xiao Yan Gege deal with Ga Lie Ao."

Xun'er's smile was like an Epiphyllum, rare and stunning.

"Xiao Yan Gege insisted on fighting Ga Lie Ao in that match... was it for Xun'er?"

Xiao Xun'er clasped both hands behind her back, leaned a little closer to Xiao Yan, and asked.

"Of course it was, silly girl."

Xiao Yan gently stroked Xun'er's waterfall-like hair. A trace of a charming smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, and his gaze was even gentler.

Only, that answer was not what Xun'er wanted after all. Rather, Xiao Yan had misunderstood.

Xiao Xun'er, who had been somewhat happy, immediately deflated—this blockhead really did not get it at all—

"Hmm? You're back?"

After seeing off Xun'er, who had seemed a little unhappy in the end, Xiao Yan immediately returned to his room and handed the Magic Core and medicinal herbs he had bought over to Yao Lao to refine Spirit Medicine.

"Mm, though today's actions were indeed somewhat reckless, they also proved that over this half year, with that girl's help, your physical strength has improved tremendously. In my view, even the body of an ordinary Dou Zhe cannot compare to yours."

Yao Lao stroked his beard. As he lifted the medicinal herbs with his spiritual strength, Pale Flame surged out from his palm.

That flame was completely different from the Dou Qi flames Wan Guniang had used the few times Xiao Yan had seen before. It was clearly fire, yet what Xiao Yan felt was a bone-piercing chill.

"Teacher, this is..."

"...Heavenly Flame."

At last sensing something resembling worship in Xiao Yan's eyes, Yao Lao felt extraordinarily comfortable. Brat, otherwise how would I keep you from thinking that taking me as your teacher was somehow a loss for you—

As he spoke, Yao Lao told Xiao Yan all about the flames used by alchemists, as well as Heavenly Flames.

"Then, Teacher, will I be able to possess a Heavenly Flame of my own in the future?"

Xiao Yan asked with a face full of expectation.

Looking at his disciple's expectant appearance at this moment, Yao Lao finally saw the curiosity and anticipation a young man ought to have on his face.

Yao Lao looked at him, fell silent for a moment, then said, "Naturally, as long as you have the courage in the future."

"Mm, I definitely won't have a problem!"

Having a new goal on the road ahead was a good thing for a vigorous young man like Xiao Yan.

Only, before Xiao Yan could utter any more bold words, the old servant's voice came from outside the door.

"Young Master, the Clan Leader and the elders are calling you over."

"Mm, all right, I'll come right away."

"Third Young Master, please move quickly. The Clan Leader and the elders have important matters to discuss with Third Young Master."

"That urgent, huh—"

Xiao Yan subconsciously glanced at Yao Lao, while Yao Lao raised a hand, signaling for his disciple to stay calm.

"I imagine it is most likely to ask about your fight with Ga Lie Ao."

"As for the probability of the Ga Lie Family coming to denounce you... not high. They cannot afford to lose that much face."

Yao Lao analyzed briefly, then put away the Medicinal Liquid he had finished refining during their conversation and turned into mist, drilling back into Xiao Yan's ring.

"Hurry and go. At any rate, this can be considered your first battle after shaking off the name of trash. Let those people take a good look. Even a fallen young eagle can soar into the sky once more."

Xiao Yan was moved by Yao Lao's words and nodded. "All right."

With that, he walked out of the room. After locking the door, he followed the servant who had come with the old servant to the Guest Hall.

Only, there were no guests in the hall today. There was only his Father, Xiao Zhan, who was the Clan Leader, and the elders of the Xiao Clan.

From the moment Xiao Yan entered, the discussion in the hall finally quieted slightly. As for Xiao Zhan, who usually, because he stood alone, was repeatedly suppressed by the elders until he argued with a flushed face, this time he had completely changed from his disadvantaged posture. There was even a trace of pride and elation in his smile.

And when he saw Xiao Yan's figure appear before him, Xiao Zhan smiled from the bottom of his heart.

"Yan'er is here."

"Father, you were looking for me?"

Xiao Yan subconsciously glanced at the Great Elder, Second Elder, and Third Elder seated on both sides.

Although Father was the leader of the clan, the Xiao Clan had never been a one-family dictatorship.

"Regarding what happened in Wutan City today, I have already heard about it."

A faint urgency, or rather nervousness, weighed on Xiao Zhan's heart. He was somewhat expectant, hoping that his son, who had been silent for so long, truly could soar into the sky once again, unstoppable. But the rationality of an adult also left him uneasy.

And along with Xiao Zhan's words, the Three Elders also cast doubtful gazes over.

Although the Xiao Clan stood in a three-way balance with the other two families in Wutan City, they could at least be considered Local Bullies of the area. If they did not know about something that happened in the region under their control, then the Xiao Clan would have lived in Wutan City for nothing.

Therefore, the very first moment after Xiao Yan and Ga Lie Ao clashed, the Clan Leader and the elders learned of it.

This matter stirred up a huge uproar in Wutan City, and the rumors spread widely. After confirmation from many sides, no matter how unwilling the elders were to admit it, when it came to Xiao Yan beating Ga Lie Ao, there did not seem to be any exaggeration.

At the time, it had happened in a busy area, and far too many people had seen it. This was simply not something that could be achieved by a rumor spread by one or two people.

So this matter was definitely not false.

But as for whether it was truly real—that had to be asked of the person himself.

"Since Father has heard of it, and the elders are here as well, Xiao Yan will not hide it from the clan's seniors. It was I who beat Ga Lie Ao. Dou Qi Stage 3 fought Dou Qi Stage 8, and victory was decided in a single exchange. Father, I did not bring shame to the Xiao Clan."

The Three Elders looked at one another, unable to say a word.

As for Xiao Zhan, it was more as if a huge stone in his heart had finally fallen to the ground. He let out a long breath, then smiled and said, "Good, good, good! This is what a man of my Xiao Clan should be!"

Although there was nothing wrong with saying it that way, everyone present could actually hear what Xiao Zhan truly meant.