White-Hearted Gift of the Ancient God Jade? Xun Er Was Stunned!

Xiao Xun'er's hand, which had been about to lift the teacup, froze in midair. She asked in surprise:

"Why is Brother Xuan leaving so suddenly?"

Xuan Jin smiled.

"The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you do not advance, you retreat.

I have rested for quite some time as well. It is time to visit other places in the Northwest Continent."

Hearing this explanation, the surprise in Xiao Xun'er's heart slowly subsided.

Xiao Xun'er nodded and said softly:

"That is true.

Brother Xuan is only a few years older than me, yet your cultivation is already so profound. You still work this hard as well. Xun Er is truly ashamed."

She genuinely admired him a little.

Even with talent and strength like Xuan Jin's, he had not forgotten to cultivate diligently. Such resolve far surpassed that of his peers.

"Where is Brother Xuan going? Do you have any plans?"

"I will go to the Magical Beast Mountain Range first. We will see after that."

"With Brother Xuan's strength, you will surely roam freely through the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Still, please be extra careful on your journey."

Xiao Xun'er said with concern.

"I will." Xuan Jin smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Xun Er."

Xiao Xun'er returned a faint smile, then sincerely wished him well.

"Then Xun Er wishes Brother Xuan a smooth journey and a brilliant future."

"Thank you." Xuan Jin thanked her, but then suddenly changed the subject.

"Speaking of which, after talking with Xun Er these past days, I have come to feel that your knowledge and experience far exceed mine.

I happen to have an item. I can sense that it is unusual, yet I do not know what it is. I would like to ask you to take a look."

Xiao Xun'er immediately became interested upon hearing that.

What could be something that even Xuan Jin found unusual yet could not identify?

"I wonder what Brother Xuan has? If Xun Er recognizes it, I will certainly tell you everything I know."

Xuan Jin did not answer immediately. Instead, he slowly took out a Wooden Box from his Storage Ring.

Although the Wooden Box was ordinary, since Xuan Jin had taken it out, Xiao Xun'er naturally did not think it was ordinary.

At that moment, Xuan Jin's voice rang out again. His tone was casual, yet it made Xiao Xun'er's heart suddenly leap.

"Come to think of it, this item has some connection to your Xiao Family. Clan Leader Xiao Zhan gave it to me a few days ago."

"Xiao Family." "Clan Leader Xiao Zhan."

Those two key phrases connected in Xiao Xun'er's mind.

Xuan Jin had treated Xiao Yan, and Clan Leader Xiao Zhan had taken out a "treasure" as payment...

A bold conjecture, so absurd that even she found it ridiculous, suddenly arose in her heart.

Could it be... could the box contain that Tou She Ancient God Jade?

That could not be possible, could it?

How could Clan Leader Xiao Zhan hand something so important to an outsider?

And how could Brother Xuan...

Her heartbeat began to accelerate, and her breathing grew somewhat hurried.

But upon further thought, the Xiao Family had long since declined. Perhaps Uncle Xiao Zhan did not even recognize the Tou She Ancient God Jade.

Xuan Jin saw every subtle reaction from Xiao Xun'er and found it somewhat amusing.

Xun Er's composure was still lacking.

Still, that was normal. The Tou She Ancient God Jade was connected to the inheritance of a Dou Di. Forget her—even if her father, Gu Yuan, came himself, his heart would pound wildly.

Xuan Jin stopped keeping her in suspense and lightly pressed the latch on the Wooden Box.

Click.

With a soft sound, the lid slowly sprang open.

A gentle glow radiated from within. Soft golden silk lined the box, and a piece of warm, lustrous ancient jade lay quietly inside.

It really was it!

The Tou She Ancient God Jade!

Xiao Xun'er's heart nearly stopped beating at that instant.

Though she had already guessed it, seeing the ancient jade with her own eyes still left her mind completely blank.

Why had she come to the Xiao Family?

Was it not for the Tou She Ancient God Jade hidden within the Xiao Family?

Over the years, she had remained in the Xiao Family, and the task assigned by her clan had been to steal the Tou She Ancient God Jade.

But because of Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er had not obeyed her clan's orders and stolen the "key" that opened the Dou Emperor Ruins.

Yet she had never imagined that the item the Ancient Clan had painstakingly sought would be given by Clan Leader Xiao Zhan to Xuan Jin as payment.

What she had not expected even more was that Xuan Jin would casually take it out and ask her what it was!

This... this was simply...

For a moment, Xiao Xun'er did not even know what words could describe her feelings.

Absurd?

Outrageous?

Or was fate simply toying with her?

Xiao Xun'er forcibly suppressed the storm raging in her heart and tried her best to steady her breathing.

She knew that at a time like this, she absolutely could not reveal any flaw.

Xuan Jin's strength was unfathomable, and his mind was even more meticulous.

If Xuan Jin realized that she recognized this ancient jade and knew its true value, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Xiao Xun'er took a deep breath, pretended to be curious, leaned forward slightly, and carefully examined the ancient jade.

"This jade... does indeed look very old."

She spoke in an uncertain tone.

"The patterns on it are very strange. I have never seen anything like them."

Xuan Jin watched her struggle to play dumb and nearly laughed aloud.

Xun Er's acting was not bad.

Xuan Jin mocked inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged as he pushed the Wooden Box toward Xiao Xun'er.

"Pick it up and take a look. Perhaps you will discover something."

Xiao Xun'er reached out and cautiously lifted the ancient jade from the Wooden Box.

Her mind raced at full speed.

What should she say?

Tell Brother Xuan directly that it was the Dou Emperor Key?

No!

Absolutely not!

A common man was innocent, but possessing a treasure made him guilty.

The Tou She Ancient God Jade was far too significant. Once news leaked out, the entire Dou Qi Continent would go mad over it.

Those ancient clans... not one of them would let this jade go.

Brother Xuan was powerful, a Seventh-grade Alchemist and a Dou Zong expert, but before those colossal forces, he would still be like an egg striking a stone.

Telling him the truth would not help him. It would harm him!

She absolutely could not drag him into this.

But should she simply claim not to recognize it?

Xiao Xun'er was somewhat unwilling.

This jade was too important to the Ancient Clan.

She looked at Xuan Jin's calm face, her heart deeply conflicted.

Brother Xuan seemed to truly not know this item's origins. He merely found it unusual.

If... if I could think of a way to trade this jade out of his hands...

The moment that thought arose, she extinguished it herself.

No.

Brother Xuan had saved Brother Xiao Yan and had also guided her. How could she scheme against him?

Xiao Xun'er, Xiao Xun'er, when did you become so vile?

She silently scolded herself.

After considering it again and again, she decided that playing dumb to the end was the safest choice.

It would protect Brother Xuan and keep her from being caught in an impossible dilemma.

Having made up her mind, Xiao Xun'er placed the ancient jade back into the Wooden Box, an apologetic expression on her face.

"Brother Xuan, I am sorry. Xun Er's knowledge is limited, and I truly cannot identify this ancient jade's origins."

She paused, then added:

"However, judging by the patterns on this jade, they do not seem naturally formed. They resemble a component of some complicated mechanism, or perhaps... a key to opening some ruins?"

She deliberately made her words vague. This was the most reasonable explanation she could think of.

After hearing her, Xuan Jin nodded as though accepting the explanation.

"A key to some ruins... that is indeed possible."

Though he said that aloud, inwardly he was grading Xiao Xun'er's performance.

Hm, eighty points. No higher.

Her expression control was excellent, and her tone was just right. It was only that final addition about a "key to some ruins" that was a bit unnecessary.

Still, it had not been easy for her.

Xuan Jin reached out and made as if to put the Wooden Box back into his Storage Ring.

"Since Xun Er cannot make sense of it either, let us forget it. We can discuss it again when there is a chance in the future."

Just as the Wooden Box was about to disappear, he clearly saw Xiao Xun'er unconsciously lean forward, her lips parting as though she wanted to speak but hesitated.

Though she quickly returned to normal, that subtle movement had already revealed her true thoughts.

She could not bear to part with it.

Xuan Jin laughed inwardly.

The fish had taken the bait.

His movement paused. He took the Wooden Box back out and placed it on the stone table again.

Xiao Xun'er was stunned, unable to understand what Xuan Jin meant.

Then she saw Xuan Jin push the Wooden Box before her, a genial smile on his face.

"Xun Er."

"Ah? Brother Xuan?"

"I see that you seem very interested in this item." Xuan Jin smiled.

"We have known each other for over a month, yet I have never given you any proper gift.

This thing is only gathering dust with me. I might as well give it to you as a parting memento."

"What!"

Xiao Xun'er abruptly stood up. She could hardly believe her ears.

Give... give it to me?

He wanted to give the Tou She Ancient God Jade to her?

As a memento?

"No! I cannot! It is far too precious!"

Without even thinking, Xiao Xun'er refused, her voice changing pitch.

"Brother Xuan, I cannot accept it!"

Her heart was bleeding.

Her reason told her that she had to refuse.

Yet emotionally, she wanted nothing more than to immediately clutch the Wooden Box to her chest and refuse to give it to anyone.

This feeling of being torn apart left Xun Er at a loss.

Xuan Jin found Xiao Xun'er's flustered appearance particularly amusing.

If he directly shoved the jade into her hands, then the favor would feel too forced.

This way, letting her undergo an internal struggle before "reluctantly" accepting it would have the best effect.

"Precious?"

Xuan Jin raised his brows in feigned confusion.

"It is only a piece of jade whose purpose I do not know. How precious can it be? Or do you know something, Xun Er?"

His casual question kicked the ball right back to her.

Xiao Xun'er's heart suddenly tightened.

Oh no!

I reacted too strongly!

Did he become suspicious?

She quickly steadied herself and forced herself to calm down.

"No... no."

She explained somewhat haltingly.

"I merely think that since this jade was given to Brother Xuan by Clan Leader Xiao Zhan as a token of gratitude, it is meaningful in itself."

Besides, it clearly wasn't an ordinary item. How could I... how could I accept something so precious?"

That explanation was reasonably believable.

Xuan Jin did not press the matter further. He merely waved his hand and said in a nonchalant tone,

"It's only a piece of jade. It's enough that I accept Clan Chief Xiao's goodwill.

It isn't of much use to me."

Xuan Jin looked at Xiao Xun'er, and the smile on his face became even more sincere.

"On the other hand, Xun Er, you seem to truly like it.

Treasures are gifted to heroes, beauties to fair ladies.

This Ancient Jade is simple and elegant, and it suits your temperament perfectly. You call me Brother Xuan, so let this be a small token from an older brother to his younger sister, Xun Er."

Older brother... younger sister...

Hearing those two words, Xiao Xun'er's heart inexplicably warmed, only to be followed by even deeper guilt.

Brother Xuan treats me with such sincerity, yet I'm still thinking about how to scheme against him and hide things from him...

Xiao Xun'er looked at the wooden box on the table. That piece of Ancient Jade seemed to possess endless magic, drawing her toward it.

If she accepted it, she could complete the family's mission and put one concern to rest.

If she refused, her conscience would be clear, but if she missed this opportunity, who knew how long she would have to wait before getting her hands on this jade again?

Besides, Brother Xuan was about to leave Wutan City. The world was vast and the roads were long. What if he encountered some danger along the way, or accidentally exposed the Tou She Ancient God Jade...

Then it would be too late for regrets.

More than that, if Brother Xuan exposed the Ancient Jade, he would draw the attention of certain Ancient Families.

Seeing that Xiao Xun'er was still hesitating, Xuan Jin decided to add fuel to the fire.

He laughed heartily and said in a joking tone,

"How about this, Xun Er? Stop refusing."

"If you feel bad about it, then if you really find the ruins someday, just share a little of the treasure with me."

Xuan Jin spoke with extreme casualness, as though he were merely finding an excuse to make Xiao Xun'er accept the jade.

Those words finally allowed Xiao Xun'er to overcome the hurdle in her heart.

Brother Xuan has already put it this way...

He sees it as a joke, an investment, a gift from an older brother to me.

If I keep refusing, I'll only seem overly affected and ungrateful.

Besides... he's right. Perhaps this is the best way to handle it.

I'll accept it for now. If I get the chance in the future, I'll repay Brother Xuan double.

With that thought, Xiao Xun'er stopped hesitating.

She gave Xuan Jin a solemn bow.

"Since Brother Xuan has put it that way, Xun Er will gratefully accept."

She reached out. This time, without the slightest hesitation, she placed the wooden box containing the Tou She Ancient God Jade into her Storage Ring.

"Brother Xuan, I really like this gift."

She raised her head. Her voice was soft, but her tone was incomparably earnest.

"Rest assured, Xun Er will remember this. If I truly discover anything in the future, I certainly won't forget Brother Xuan's kindness."

"Haha, good." Xuan Jin nodded in satisfaction.

Done!

The Ancient Jade had been successfully passed on, and he had earned Xiao Xun'er an enormous favor.

Perfect.

Xuan Jin was delighted inwardly, but his face still wore that calm, detached expression.

"All right, it's only a small matter. No need to be so serious."

Xuan Jin waved his hand and picked up his teacup again.

"Come, have some tea. Try this Cloud Mist Tip. It really tastes quite good."

Xiao Xun'er sat back down as well, but her mind was no longer on the tea at all.

The scorching "hot potato" sitting in her Storage Ring left her heart in turmoil.

The two chatted casually for a few more moments. Xuan Jin did most of the talking, while Xiao Xun'er listened.

Her mind was now filled entirely with the Ancient Jade. She had no interest in discussing anything else.

Before long, Xiao Xun'er rose to take her leave.

"Brother Xuan, I suddenly remembered that I still have some matters to deal with, so I'll be leaving first."

"All right, go on."

Xuan Jin did not try to stop her.

He knew that with such a treasure, Xiao Xun'er would naturally hurry to bring it back to the Ancient Clan.

Watching Xiao Xun'er's hurried departing figure, Xuan Jin raised his teacup and drained the now slightly cooled tea in one gulp.

The piece had been played. All that remained was to see how this game would unfold.

He was not worried in the slightest that the Ancient Clan would act against him.

On the contrary, once Gu Yuan learned the full story, not only would he refrain from causing trouble for Xuan Jin, he would have to thank him in return, perhaps even offer a generous gift.

After all, he had "unknowingly" delivered the very thing the Ancient Clan had dreamed of obtaining into the hands of the Ancient Clan's princess.

That old fox Gu Yuan could not possibly refuse to acknowledge such a "favor."

A favor from someone with a Dou Di inheritance should be worth quite a few good things, right?

Xuan Jin stroked his chin and began calculating inwardly.

The Ancient Clan's foundation was far deeper than he had imagined.

The Emperor Seal Art?

High-grade pill formulas?

Or Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures?

Whatever it was, he would accept it all.

Meanwhile, Ya Fei emerged from behind the moon gate, carrying a tray filled with delicate pastries.

"Young Master, has Miss Xun Er left?"

She walked to Xuan Jin's side and set the pastries on the table.

"Yes, she left."

"She looked rather hurried just now. Did something happen?" Ya Fei asked as though casually.

"Nothing much. I just gave her a small gift," Xuan Jin said lightly.

For some reason, Ya Fei felt a sourness rise in her heart.

A small gift?

What sort of "small gift" could make even Xiao Xun'er lose her composure?

She was curious, but she also knew what she should ask and what she should not.

"Young Master truly cares for Miss Xun Er," Ya Fei said, half joking and half probing.

Xuan Jin glanced at her. How could he fail to understand what she was thinking?

He sighed, intending to tease Ya Fei a little.

"What? Are you jealous?"

"Ya Fei wouldn't dare."

A blush spread across Ya Fei's cheeks.

Meanwhile, Xiao Xun'er practically ran all the way back to the Xiao Family.

Along the way, the Xiao Family disciples she encountered all greeted her.

"Greetings, Miss Xun Er."

"Miss Xun Er, where have you been?"

Xiao Xun'er ignored them all, lowering her head as she rushed straight toward her own courtyard.

Her unusual behavior left many members of the Xiao Family deeply surprised.

In their memories, Miss Xun Er had always been gentle and gracious, impeccable in all her dealings. When had she ever been so "flustered"?

"What happened to Miss Xun Er? She seems to be in a hurry."

"Yes, it's the first time I've seen Miss Xun Er so flustered."

"Could something have happened?"

The crowd discussed it among themselves, but no one dared to step forward and ask.

At that moment, Xiao Xun'er had no attention to spare for what others thought.

She rushed back to her courtyard in one breath, then slammed the courtyard gate shut with a bang.

"Phew... phew..."

She leaned against the door, panting heavily as her chest rose and fell violently.

The courtyard was deathly quiet. Only the sound of her own heartbeat echoed like war drums.

After a long while, she finally managed to calm herself somewhat.

"Elder Ling!"