Nalan Yanran

"What? You said you're going to the Monster Mountain Range?"

In the Xiao Family hall, Xiao Zhan abruptly rose from his chair upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, his brows knitting slightly.

"The Monster Mountain Range is far too dangerous for you. After all, you're still only a Dou Zhe."

"No matter how great one's talent is, they still need experience."

In the face of Xiao Zhan's concern, Xiao Yan still wore a faint smile.

"Besides, with Teacher secretly protecting me, what is Father worried about?"

Only after hearing this did Xiao Zhan relax slightly.

"So it's training arranged by your teacher. Then that old gentleman must have his reasons."

Although he had never met the mysterious teacher Xiao Yan spoke of, after witnessing merely the tip of the iceberg, Xiao Zhan had complete faith in the strength of Xiao Yan's teacher.

After all, someone who could casually throw out three sets of Earth-grade Intermediate cultivation methods and Dou Skills, and such well-matched sets at that—their foundation was terrifying just to think about.

Even the Yun Lan Sect, the strongest force in the Jia Ma Empire, might not be able to produce even one such set of cultivation methods and Dou Skills for the entire sect.

Yet Xiao Yan's mysterious teacher had casually handed over three.

Furthermore, Liu Panlong, already a Fourth Grade Alchemist, had been so respectful toward Xiao Yan. That alone was enough to show just how frightening Xiao Yan's teacher was.

Knowing that such a powerhouse would be training Xiao Yan, Xiao Zhan naturally had no objections.

After briefly saying goodbye to Xiao Zhan and his two older brothers, Xiao Yan headed to Liu Panlong's courtyard.

"Master."

The moment he saw Xiao Yan enter the courtyard, Liu Panlong's expression became much more respectful.

After spending these days together, he had vaguely noticed something unusual.

Although Yao Lao's displayed strength was far greater than Xiao Yan's, he had a feeling that Xiao Yan was the one truly in control of everything.

Beneath that young body, which was only at the level of a Dou Zhe, there might even be some earth-shattering secret.

Moreover, many of Xiao Yan's methods left even him, someone who had once held a high position, trembling inwardly.

"Mm. After I leave, the Xiao Family will temporarily be under your protection. With your status as a Fourth Grade Alchemist, I doubt many people in the Jia Ma Empire would be willing to make an enemy of you.

"Of course, if you truly encounter an enemy you cannot resist, you can immediately use the Soul Seal to send me a signal.

"The distance I'll be traveling from the Xiao Family is only about the time it takes to burn an incense stick."

The time it took to burn an incense stick that Xiao Yan mentioned was actually based on flying with Yao Lao's Soul Power.

Several small cities lay between Wu Tan City and Green Mountain Town, separated by a distance of well over a thousand li.

"Yes, Master."

Liu Panlong obediently agreed, his expression extremely serious. With both favor and intimidation applied, he had gradually developed an almost fanatical loyalty toward Xiao Yan.

Seeing his earnest expression, Xiao Yan nodded in satisfaction. He had only controlled Liu Panlong's life and death, not his thoughts.

The difference in results between someone who took matters to heart and someone who did not was simply enormous.

But judging by things now, this fellow truly took his words seriously.

After arranging the Xiao Family's affairs, Xiao Yan went to Xun'er's room. Looking at the little girl with her lips pouted and her face full of reluctance, he could not help gently rubbing her head.

"Don't worry. I'll be back in two months at most."

As he spoke, Xiao Yan could not help pinching her little cheek gently. He smiled softly. "Xun'er, by the time I return, you'd better have become a Dou Zhe."

"Then we can enter Jia Nan Academy together."

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Xun'er finally nodded her little head, a determined glint appearing in her lively, beautiful eyes.

"By the time Brother Xiao Yan returns, Xun'er will definitely be a Dou Zhe!"

Xiao Yan did not doubt her words in the slightest. With Xun'er's terrifying talent from her God-grade Bloodline, if she truly devoted herself to cultivation, even Xiao Yan, with his memory cheat, might not be able to advance faster than her.

After all, bloodline power was practically a cheat for cultivation before reaching Dou Sheng.

The next morning, after sharing a warm embrace with Xun'er, Xiao Yan waved, then turned and left with ease.

But when he passed the Mittel Auction House, he sought out Ya Fei for another embrace.

Although Xun'er's embrace was more fragrant, Ya Fei's embrace undoubtedly felt better.

"The old fools of the Mite'er Family didn't make things difficult for you, did they?"

As the astonishing sensation of their embrace parted, Ya Fei looked at Xiao Yan with a faint blush on her pretty face. Without her even realizing it, this boy had grown slightly taller than her.

"No."

After hearing those words, Ya Fei looked at Xiao Yan with even greater curiosity and a barely perceptible glimmer in her eyes.

"After you beat Lei Le into that state, his grandfather flew into a rage. He even ignored the words brought back by that Dou Master guard, insisting on coming to Wu Tan City to cause trouble even at the risk of offending a Fourth Grade Alchemist.

"However, after I had someone deliver the words you told me to the Clan Leader, the Clan Leader, who had always been quite tolerant of the Elder Council, actually lost his temper for once.

"Lei Le's grandfather even argued back and was directly suppressed on the spot.

"Ever since your words were delivered, the Clan Leader has indeed stood unconditionally on my side in almost every matter."

As she spoke, the strange light in Ya Fei's gaze toward Xiao Yan grew even brighter.

"Thanks to you, Sister's status in the family has risen rapidly. Even those old fellows from the Elder Council no longer dare offend me."

"That's good."

Xiao Yan nodded in satisfaction. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Ya Fei, he patted his backside and left, leaving Ya Fei standing there with an embarrassed and annoyed look in her eyes.

Not long after leaving Wu Tan City, Xiao Yan directly borrowed Yao Lao's Soul Power, stepping through the air as he shot toward Green Mountain Town.

Watching Xiao Yan use his Soul Power even more skillfully than he himself did, even Yao Lao was left somewhat stunned by his experience.

At the same time Xiao Yan was speeding toward Green Mountain Town, many powerful figures in the Gama Imperial Capital were quietly discussing him.

However, the reason so many powerful figures had gathered was not Xiao Yan himself, but because Yun Yun, the Yun Lan Sect Master, had accepted an extremely important Personal Disciple.

The beloved daughter of the Nalan Family, the Personal Disciple of the Yun Lan Sect Master.

At thirteen, she had condensed a Dou Qi cyclone and become a true Dou Zhe. With all these identities combined, that young girl of the Yun Lan Sect had become the center of attention.

In terms of status, she was no less noble than an imperial princess.

The girl's name was Nalan Yanran.

However, as they looked at the dazzling girl in the venue, bright as a pearl, the many powerful figures present all thought of her fiancé, whom they had never met.

Becoming a Dou Zhe at thirteen already made her one of the finest among the Jia Ma Empire's younger generation.

But the girl's fiancé was even more monstrous than she was.

His name was Xiao Yan!