Biding His Time

Dusk settled over the Xiao Family Mansion like a thin veil. The Bluestone Ground of the Training Ground still retained the day's lingering warmth. The evening breeze swept past, stirring a few fallen leaves, their rustling carrying a trace of quiet. Xiao Yan sat alone on the stone steps at the edge of the grounds, his Right Hand unconsciously rubbing the black Storage Ring on his index finger. The ring had a dull sheen throughout, with several faint, ancient patterns carved across its surface, as though time had worn away its edges. If it were not worn against the skin, it would almost blend into the shadow at his fingertip. The cold touch of metal spread across his fingers, calming his troubled thoughts slightly. Yet whenever his fingertip Swiped past those obscure markings, he would remember the old, weak voice that had suddenly come from within the ring three months ago.

That was the first time he had sensed that a "person" was hidden inside the Storage Ring. Back then, after his Dou Qi regressed and he was mocked by the younger members of the clan, he had hidden in his room and punched the wall until blood seeped from the back of his hand. When the blood dripped onto the Storage Ring, it became Slightly hot, and a broken voice rang out in his mind. "Kid... don't... waste your strength. Your meridians... have been tampered with. Ordinary cultivation... is useless..." The voice was hoarse, as if Rubbed by sandpaper, and every word came with labored breaths, yet it froze Xiao Yan where he stood. He demanded to know who the other party was, but the voice only left him with one sentence: "I am Yao Chen, residing in this ring for now. When I awaken, I will help you restore your meridians." Then it fell completely silent, leaving only a faint warmth inside the Storage Ring to prove that the voice had not been an illusion.

Only then did Xiao Yan understand that his Dou Qi had failed to advance and instead regressed for three years not because he had lost all talent, but because someone had been working against him in secret. And within the ordinary Storage Ring his mother had left behind before her death was a mysterious old man who could help him defy fate and change his destiny. He did not dare spread the word, treating it only as a secret buried in his heart. Within the Xiao Clan, he had long since been Reduced to a "waste." If people learned that he had pinned his hopes on a "voice" in a ring, he would only invite more ridicule—and perhaps covetous eyes upon the Storage Ring itself. Now, every night when no one was around, he carefully poured the meager Dou Qi in his body into the ring according to the vague guidance Yao Chen had left behind. He felt that thread of warmth gradually becoming clearer, like tending to a sleeping sapling and hoping it would soon break through the soil.

He knew that Yao Chen's awakening was his only hope of shedding the name of "waste." Three years ago, he had been the genius praised by all of Wutan City. He had become a Dou Zhe at ten and reached the rank of Dou Shi at eleven. Back then, the Xiao Family Training Ground had been filled with praise for him, and even his father, Xiao Zhan, had looked at him with eyes full of pride. But after his Dou Qi suddenly regressed when he was twelve, he had fallen from the clouds into the mud. The snickering of the clan members, the disappointment of the elders, and the mockery of outsiders were like thorns, piercing him until he was Unable to Breathe. If not for the promise Yao Chen had left him, he might not have held on this long. All he could do now was nourish the Storage Ring with Dou Qi day after day, like guarding a Flickering candle in the wind, quietly waiting for that aged voice to ring through his mind once more. He firmly believed that the day Yao Chen awakened would be the day Xiao Yan revealed his edge again. When that time came, he would make everyone who had looked down on him see him anew.

Yet his hopes for the future were thrown into turmoil by someone who would soon arrive. Whenever he thought of Nalan Yanran possibly stepping through the gates in a few days, Xiao Yan could not help furrowing his brows. His fingertips tapped unconsciously against the stone step, and though the cold Storage Ring pressed against his palm, it could not suppress the irritation in his heart. What should he say? Should he stiffen his neck as he had three years ago and declare, "Miss of the Nalan Clan, I, Xiao Yan, am still worthy of you"? Or should he coldly toss out, "If you want to break it off, then do it. There is no need for further words"? Memories surged Like a Tide. At the Foot of Misty Cloud Sect when they were children, that little girl with twin braids had clutched a candied hawthorn skewer and tilted up her face as she said, "Brother Xiao Yan, when I grow up, I'll come to the Xiao Clan to take you away." The sunlight had been so warm it dazzled the eyes, and the light in hers had been sweeter than the candy itself. But now, everything had changed. He had become the "fallen genius" everyone in the Xiao Clan pitied, while she was the direct disciple of the Misty Cloud Sect's Sect Master, a heaven-blessed daughter admired throughout the Jia Ma Empire. The gulf between them could no longer be bridged by the words "childhood sweethearts." Perhaps her coming to break off the engagement would be a release for them both? Yet that lingering unwillingness coiled around his heart like vines, leaving him with only a helpless sigh as he faced the empty Training Ground.

"Brother Xiao Yan, why are you sitting here spacing out all by yourself?" A clear voice, like a breeze carrying laughter, broke the silence of the Training Ground. Xun'er approached with a lantern in hand, her steps light and quick. The glow of the lantern cast a long shadow behind her, dyeing her pale green dress a warm yellow. Her glossy black hair was loosely pinned up with an exquisitely carved Silver Hairpin, several stray strands falling beside her cheeks and swaying softly in the evening breeze. They made her clear eyes resemble Obsidian immersed in water, so bright they could reflect a person's image. "I guessed you had forgotten to go back to your room again, so I came looking for you. Look, I even brought your favorite Osmanthus Cake." As she spoke, she took a piece of pastry wrapped in oil paper from the food box and held it out to Xiao Yan. Her fingertips carried a faint fragrance of osmanthus, and mixed with the warmth of the lantern's light, it softened his heart.

Xiao Yan looked at her, and the irritation in his heart seemed to have been doused with warm water, gradually settling down. He accepted the Osmanthus Cake and took a small bite. Its sweetness was rich without being cloying, spreading over his Tongue Tip with a faint hint of honey. Xun'er had clearly instructed the kitchen to make it especially for him. "Xun'er understands me best. You know that whenever I start thinking things over, I lose track of time." He smiled, his gaze falling on her face. Seeing the undisguised concern in her eyes, warmth Appeared in his heart.

"Who told Brother Xiao Yan to carry such important matters in his heart?" Xun'er sat down beside him, propping her chin on her little hand as she blinked at him. The lantern light scattered fine shadows over her face, making her already delicate features appear even softer. "Are you thinking about Elder Yao... or are you thinking about Sister Nalan?" Her mind was delicate, and she had long noticed that Xiao Yan had been in low spirits these past few days. Not only had he often stayed by himself, but his hand was always unconsciously rubbing that black ring. Sometimes he would stare blankly toward the entrance, his eyes holding a complexity she could not understand.

Xiao Yan paused mid-bite, then helplessly shook his head. "I can't hide anything from you." He did not explain Yao Chen's existence in detail. He merely watched the flickering candlelight within the lantern and said softly, "It's just that some things will come eventually. No matter how hard you hide, you can't escape them." He did not dare tell Xun'er the secret of the Storage Ring, not because he did not trust her, but because he feared bringing her trouble. Although Xun'er had been fostered by the Xiao Clan, the power behind her was clearly not simple. If she became involved in his affairs and drew covetous eyes toward Yao Chen, he could not imagine the consequences.

"Brother Xiao Yan, there's no need to worry." Xun'er tilted her head slightly, her tone earnest and her eyes full of resolve. "No matter what decision Sister Nalan makes, Brother Xiao Ning and I will support you. And I've always believed that Brother Xiao Yan is not meant to remain trapped in a small pond. One day, you'll make everyone see you in a new light. When that happens, perhaps Sister Nalan will be the one who regrets it." As she spoke, she pulled a small White Porcelain Bottle from her robes and pressed it into Xiao Yan's hand. The bottle was cool to the touch, with a tiny lotus pattern carved upon it. "This is the Qi Gathering Powder my grandfather gave me. It's only Mortal Grade Intermediate, but it can help stabilize your Dou Qi and ease the Stinging pain in your meridians during cultivation. Use it when you train. It might make things a little easier."

Xiao Yan held the porcelain bottle, warmth lingering in his palm from Xun'er's hand. It felt as if something had filled his heart, leaving it warm and full. Just as he was about to thank her, hurried footsteps sounded behind them, accompanied by a familiar shout. "Xiao Yan! Xun'er! I finally found you two!"

Xiao Ning carried a jug of wine as he strode quickly before them. A light sheen of sweat covered his forehead; he had clearly been searching for them for quite some time. He wore a fitted dark blue outfit, a black belt around his waist embroidered with the small character for "Xiao." His hair was bound beneath a Jade Crown, with several strands hanging over his forehead. His features were upright and proper, but his face was currently filled with worry and anger. "Xiao Yan, have you heard? Everyone outside is saying that Nalan Yanran is coming to the Xiao Clan herself in a few days to break off the engagement! Those people have such loose tongues—they're even saying you'll definitely cry and beg her to stay. It's infuriating!" As he spoke, he set the wine jug on the stone step With a sound, rolled up his sleeves, and looked ready to argue with someone at any moment. "No, if she dares say anything nasty when she comes, I'll fire right back! We of the Xiao Clan can't let her bully you like this!"

Seeing Xiao Ning's indignant expression, Xiao Yan could not help laughing. More than half of his earlier gloom vanished. "All right, stop getting angry. Let people say whatever they want. They're all irrelevant people anyway."

"How are they irrelevant?" Xiao Ning grew anxious. He moved closer to Xiao Yan and lowered his voice. "Xiao Yan, I know you've suffered these past few years, but you can't let people bully you like this! Back then, you were the pride of our Xiao Clan. You reached Dou Shi at eleven—you were even stronger than I am now! What is Nalan Yanran, anyway? She's just lucky enough to have found a good master. If we're talking talent, she might not even be better than you!" He paused, then firmly slapped Xiao Yan on the shoulder. His tone was resolute. "Don't worry. I'll definitely stand by you when the time comes. If she dares use the broken engagement to humiliate you, I'll spar with her. Even if I can't beat her, I can't let her have her way!"

Xun'er nodded as well, her gaze firm. Her little hands tightly clutched the hem of her skirt, as though she were encouraging herself. "That's right, Brother Xiao Yan. Brother Xiao Ning and I are here. And I think Sister Nalan might not truly want to break off the engagement. Perhaps the elders of the Misty Cloud Sect forced her to do it. When she arrives, talk to her properly. Maybe you can clear up the misunderstanding."

Xiao Yan looked at the two people beside him who had always believed in him, and his heart was filled with gratitude. He knew that although Xiao Ning was usually carefree, talkative, and fond of joking, he had always treated Xiao Yan as an older brother. Whenever Xiao Yan was mocked, Xiao Ning was always the first to step forward and defend him, even if it meant being dragged into the trouble himself. And Xun'er had stayed by his side from beginning to end. Even when he was at his lowest, she had never shown the slightest contempt. Instead, she often secretly came to see him under the pretense of bringing pastries or medicinal herbs, encouraging him with gentle words.

"Thank you, both of you." Xiao Yan spoke softly, emotion in his voice. He tightened his grip on the Storage Ring in his hand, his fingertips feeling the faint warmth it gave off—the proof that Yao Chen was still there. His gaze gradually hardened with resolve. "If Nalan Yanran wants to come and break off the engagement, then let her come. As for what happens next, that is not something she can decide alone. And I believe it won't be long before I make everyone understand that Xiao Yan has never truly fallen." What he did not say was that once Yao Chen awakened, he would not only restore his meridians, but also uncover who had tampered with him back then. More than that, he would make everyone who had once scorned him pay for their words and deeds.

Seeing his spirits return, Xiao Ning smiled. He picked up the wine jug, pulled out the stopper, poured two cups, and handed one to Xiao Yan. "That's more like it! Come on, let's have a drink. We're not going home until we're drunk! Once Elder Yao awakens, you'll definitely soar into the sky. Then the two of us brothers will show all of Wutan City that the Xiao Clan's genius has returned!" The "Senior Elder Yao" he spoke of was only an isolated expert Xiao Yan had briefly mentioned as guiding him. He had no idea that this expert was hidden within the Storage Ring, much less knew his true identity.

Xun'er smiled as she watched the two of them. The lantern light danced across her face as though stars were hidden within it. She did not drink, merely sitting quietly nearby as she watched Xiao Yan and Xiao Ning laugh and talk, occasionally adding more pastries for them. The evening breeze over the Training Ground remained gentle, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees. But now, the air no longer held only silence; it had gained a measure of warmth and determination.

Xiao Yan held his wine cup, savoring the rich flavor of the wine, then touched the Storage Ring at his fingertip. His heart was filled with strength. He knew that no matter what the future held, with Xiao Ning and Xun'er by his side, he had the courage to face anything. And he firmly believed that his own radiance would bloom again. The day Yao Chen awakened would be the day Xiao Yan rose. As for Nalan Yanran's breaking off the engagement, it was merely a small hurdle on his road to rise. Once he crossed it, a new world awaited him. And the Storage Ring containing Yao Chen would be his sharpest weapon and his most secret Trump Card. Until he possessed enough strength, he would guard this secret to the end, until the day he could truly control his own fate.