Unexpected System Reward! Hun Cang Leaves!

Although the process had some twists and turns, the outcome still satisfied Hun Cang greatly.

Despite his reluctance, Xiao Yan followed the rules and acknowledged Yao Chen as his master. He accepted the ancient ring Hun Cang returned to him and put it back on.

As for returning Yao Lao to Xiao Yan, Hun Cang was not worried.

That was because he had already stripped Yao Chen clean. Other than his Bone Spirit Cold Flame and his personal experience, every item he possessed—including the Burning Art and the Flame Splitting Wave Ruler—was now in Hun Cang's hands.

After all, he still needed to leave those things for Xiao Yan in the future, then fleece the system for rewards.

"Using things that originally belonged to him to earn favorability while making myself stronger too—this system is fucking brilliant!" Hun Cang muttered silently, his face full of emotion.

How shameless was that? It was like selling someone off, only for them to help count the money.

Suddenly, Hun Cang's expression tightened slightly as he listened to the system notification in his mind.

"Ding! Reward triggered... one copy of Tou She Ancient God's Alchemy Insights!"

Before the words had even faded, an immense flood of information surfaced in his mind. Hun Cang held his forehead, enduring the swelling sensation caused by his mind being crammed full of information.

A long while later.

Hun Cang raised his head, his eyes filled with shock. He muttered, "I never expected that returning Yao Chen to Xiao Yan would also meet the conditions for giving..."

He had even obtained Tou She Ancient God's insights and experience in alchemy because of it.

One had to know that Tou She Ancient God was no ordinary figure. He had been the last Dou Emperor of the Dou Qi Continent, a Heavenly Flame born of heaven and earth. After continuously devouring flames, he had ultimately become a Dou Emperor.

Tou She Ancient God was a master of playing with fire. After all, he himself was fire, so it naturally came to him with ease.

As for his attainments in alchemy, the Emperor Pill he had left within the Ancient Emperor's Cave alone was enough to show just how formidable he was.

"Now I'm an alchemist too..." Hun Cang could not help but laugh. Once he fully absorbed these insights, he would effectively become the strongest alchemist on the Dou Qi Continent in a single leap.

This was what it meant to plant willows without intending to, only to find shade beneath them...

In the blink of an eye, another half month passed.

The Xiao Family's Back Mountain had practically become a forbidden zone. Aside from the clan leader, several elders, Xiao Yan, and Xiao Xun'er, no one else was allowed to go there.

At the training grounds, the Xiao Family disciples were cultivating diligently when they suddenly heard miserable, inhuman screams. They glanced toward the Back Mountain.

"Has anyone gone to the Back Mountain to take a look?"

"No one can go. If you're discovered, you'll be expelled from the family."

"What do you think that sound is? It gives me goosebumps. It sounds so awful."

"I think it sounds a little familiar. It sounds like Brother Xiao Yan."

Everyone's eyes turned toward the last speaker. She was a young girl with a tender face, yet an invisible trace of charm seemed to radiate from her—Xiao Mei.

Someone shook his head. "You must have heard wrong. The young clan leader now has a Dou Huang big brother backing him. Who in the Xiao Family would dare teach him a lesson?"

"That's right. We'd better not talk about the young clan leader behind his back. Be careful someone might spread it around." Someone agreed, lowering his voice as he spoke and cautiously looking around.

The gathered crowd dispersed, leaving Xiao Mei alone.

"Is there still a chance to make things right..." Xiao Mei murmured softly, regret in her eyes.

Just as she was about to leave, she saw a slender figure as pure and clear as a lotus emerging from water walking along the path with a smile on her lips.

That path was the only trail leading to the Back Mountain.

And that person was the one who, after Xiao Yan, was about to become the next Dou Zhe in the Xiao Family.

Her name was Xiao Xun'er.

Regret surged through Xiao Mei's heart. Back then, she should never have...

"What is it?" In the room, Hun Cang looked at the Jade Talisman floating before him.

Light flickered across the Jade Talisman's surface as a voice emerged from it. "Young Master Cang, it is time for the clan's Annual Assessment. You are eighteen this year and must take part in the assessment. Please return as soon as possible."

"Alright, I understand. I'll return soon."

After speaking, Hun Cang raised his hand, grabbed the Jade Talisman, and stored it in his Storage Ring.

Like the Xiao Family, ancient great clans like the Hun Clan also tested their younger generation. Those with potential and worth cultivating would remain in the clan to train and receive a corresponding share of resources.

Those who did not meet the requirements would be assigned to manage businesses outside, such as overseeing a branch of the Soul Hall.

Although in Wutan City, no one dared to oppose Hun Cang's word, his actual status in the Hun Clan was not high.

For one thing, his birth made him an illegitimate child.

Then there was his talent, which had always drawn criticism—he could only cultivate to the peak of Dou Wang.

Under such circumstances, Hun Cang had suffered no shortage of mockery in the past, much like Xiao Yan.

However, everything had changed after he transmigrated here and bound himself to the system.

At dusk.

As the sun set, two figures sat side by side atop a cliff, with a wisp of lingering soul floating beside them.

"Big Brother, you're leaving?" After hearing Hun Cang's words, Xiao Yan sprang to his feet and stood before him, staring blankly at him.

Hun Cang nodded slightly, signaling for him to sit down first. "Yes. I was born into a large family, and it comes with many problems. The clan has issued orders, so I have no choice but to return."

"How long will you be gone?" Xiao Yan asked.

Hun Cang frowned for a moment, then shook his head. "I can't say for sure either. But don't worry. As long as I can get out, I'll come find you."

"Ah, Big Brother, even you can't say for sure?" Xiao Yan was somewhat surprised.

Hun Cang nodded frankly.

Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment.

"What's wrong?" Hun Cang asked in surprise.

Xiao Yan raised his head and spoke from the heart. "Big Brother, I thought that since you're already a Dou Huang, you should have a place in your family. I never expected even your movements would be restricted.

It seems Big Brother's life may not necessarily be better than mine. Yet even under these circumstances, you still provided me with cultivation resources for free. You even helped me find a master and become an alchemist. It really doesn't sit well with me."

Hun Cang had not expected Xiao Yan to say such words, and his heart trembled slightly.

His kindness toward Xiao Yan had actually always carried a purpose. Yet unexpectedly, Xiao Yan seemed to truly regard him as an elder brother from the bottom of his heart.

After thinking for a moment, he raised a hand and placed it on Xiao Yan's shoulder. "Second Brother, no one can have everything go their way in life unless we have enough strength that we no longer need to watch others' expressions."

"Big Brother, even you..." Xiao Yan was deeply shaken. Even a Dou Huang had to bow and scrape?

Hun Cang knew Xiao Yan had misunderstood, but he did not explain. Instead, he went along with it. "That's right. There are not many people in this world I can trust, and Second Brother, you are one of them.

While I'm gone, Big Brother hopes you can work hard and grow stronger. If one day we face a powerful enemy, I hope Second Brother can fight shoulder to shoulder with me!"

"Big Brother, I definitely won't let you down." Xiao Yan clenched his fist tightly and nodded heavily.

Before this, Xiao Yan's ambitions had not been high. He had only wanted to become a Dou Huang like his big brother, respected wherever he went. That would have been enough.

Now, he had a new direction. He did not merely want to become a Dou Huang—he wanted to become a Dou Venerable, a Dou Saint, and even the strongest Dou Emperor!

Smack!

At that moment, Yao Chen raised his hand and smacked the back of Xiao Yan's head. Facing Xiao Yan's furious glare, he smiled. "Didn't you want to become stronger? Get up and continue training!"

He had originally been prepared for an argument, since that was how they had spent every day lately.

Instead, Yao Chen let out a surprised sound. Watching Xiao Yan actually get up to train without saying a word, he froze.