Xuan Jin's Background?

Xiao Xun'er froze. She was stumped by the question.

After hesitating for a moment, she still voiced her true thoughts.

"Father, I think Brother Xuan probably doesn't know. Otherwise, if he handed the Tou She Ancient God Jade to the Pill Tower and traded with the Ancient Families through them, the benefits he could gain would surely be even greater."

Upon hearing his daughter's answer, Gu Yuan already had his answer.

It seemed the first possibility was the correct one.

This Xuan Jin truly did not know the origins of the Ancient Jade!

Xun Er might not know that the Pill Tower also had the Lesser Pill Tower.

But Gu Yuan knew that the Lesser Pill Tower had Dou Saints as well. Although Ancient Families such as the Ancient Clan and Soul Clan were far stronger than the Pill Tower,

they also restrained one another. If the Lesser Pill Tower obtained this Tou She Ancient God Jade and put it up for trade, the benefits it could reap would be unimaginable.

Gu Yuan looked at the Ancient Jade on the table, his heart filled with complicated emotions.

No matter what Xuan Jin's intentions were, he had indeed delivered the Ancient Jade into the Ancient Clan's hands.

This favor was simply too enormous!

"Alas..." Gu Yuan let out a long sigh.

"Forget it. No matter what his intentions are, the Ancient Clan will accept this favor."

He turned toward Xiao Xun'er, his tone softening.

"Xun Er, you did very well this time. You weren't impulsive, and you didn't expose yourself.

Most importantly, you rendered great service to the clan!"

Warmth filled Xiao Xun'er's heart at her father's praise, but she did not become proud because of it.

What concerned her more was something else.

"Father, then... what about Brother Xuan..." she asked worriedly.

She feared that her father might do something detrimental to Xuan Jin in order to keep the secret.

Although she did not think her father was that kind of person, the matter was too important, and she could not help asking.

Gu Yuan glanced at her. How could he not understand his daughter's thoughts?

He found it somewhat amusing, but also somewhat gratifying.

His daughter had finally grown up and learned to care about others.

"You little girl, what kind of person do you take your father for?"

Gu Yuan said irritably,

"Someone gave us such an enormous gift. If the Ancient Clan repaid kindness with enmity, what would that make us? If word got out, where would I, Gu Yuan, put my face?"

Only then did Xiao Xun'er finally relax completely.

"Then how should we thank Brother Xuan?" she asked again.

"Thank him?" Gu Yuan stroked his chin and pondered,

"This gift is too heavy. An ordinary expression of thanks would be unpresentable."

He knew full well that what Xuan Jin wanted in exchange for the Ancient Jade was certainly not Gold Coin or ordinary pills.

What he wanted was something that could move someone at his level.

"Xun Er, what kind of person do you think this Xuan Jin is? Does he have any preferences, or is there anything he lacks?"

Gu Yuan decided to first learn more from his daughter.

Xiao Xun'er thought for a moment before saying:

"Brother Xuan... has a very steady temperament. He always acts in ways people cannot see through.

He spends most of his time cultivating or refining pills, and he seems extremely determined to improve his strength. Oh, right..."

She suddenly remembered something.

"I heard that Brother Xuan seems to suffer from some kind of hidden ailment. This is why, although many outsiders think highly of him, they still do not dare place too great a bet on him."

"A hidden ailment?" Gu Yuan raised a brow. "What kind of hidden ailment?"

"I don't know the specifics."

Xiao Xun'er shook her head.

"But when Brother Xuan spoke with me some days ago, he mentioned that he had already found a solution to his hidden ailment. He just needed some time."

"Oh?" Gu Yuan became interested.

"He even has a way to solve a hidden ailment? It seems this boy truly is extraordinary."

A young man capable of resolving his own hidden ailment possessed limitless potential. They had to build a good relationship with him.

"Father." Xiao Xun'er looked at Gu Yuan and suddenly made a suggestion.

"Would you... like to meet Brother Xuan in person?"

She added:

"Brother Xuan's talent is truly astonishing. A Dou Zong at around twenty years old, a Seventh-Rank Peak Alchemist, and I feel that this may not even be the full extent of his strength.

I believe his future achievements will be limitless.

If the Ancient Clan can befriend him, it will be a good thing for him and for us."

Gu Yuan fell into thought upon hearing this.

His daughter's suggestion tempted him somewhat.

Meet him in person?

With his status as the Ancient Clan's Clan Leader, personally meeting a junior at the Dou Zong level might be somewhat inappropriate.

But if he went as Gu Xun'er's father to meet this young man, it would be entirely reasonable.

"Do you think it is appropriate for us to see him now?" Gu Yuan asked.

"I think it is."

Xiao Xun'er said firmly.

"Brother Xuan said he will leave Wutan City the day after tomorrow. If we don't go now, it will be difficult to find him later.

And we can use the excuse of 'thanking' him to probe his true depth."

"Mm... that makes sense." Gu Yuan nodded.

He had already made up his mind.

Then they would go.

He wanted to see with his own eyes just what sort of person this young man was, the one his daughter praised so highly.

"Good. Then let us go meet him."

Gu Yuan said,

"But we cannot go empty-handed. We must prepare this 'gift of thanks' properly."

He began searching through his Storage Ring.

Very quickly, a small mountain had piled up on the floor of Xun Er's room.

All kinds of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures glimmered with precious light, while scrolls radiating powerful auras left even Xiao Xun'er a little dazzled.

It was the first time she had seen her father be so "generous."

"Father, won't it be too obvious if we give him so many things?"

Xiao Xun'er was somewhat worried.

"It should be obvious!" Gu Yuan chuckled, revealing the smile of an old fox.

"This is called 'investment'! We are optimistic about his future, so we place a heavy bet on him! That way, we repay the favor while also showing that the Ancient Clan has vision and courage. We get two benefits in one stroke!"

Xiao Xun'er nodded slightly.

Looking at her father's calculating expression, she suddenly felt that she still had much to learn.

Gu Yuan picked through the pile of treasures. In the end, he selected three treasures and a heap of useful medicinal ingredients.

The first was a batch of extremely old and rare medicinal ingredients, including quite a few precious items capable of enhancing Soul Power. It also included an Eighth Rank Demon Luo Fruit, which could improve Soul Power.

"He is an alchemist. He will definitely have use for these things, and the more, the better."

The second was a scroll that recorded a High-Tier Earth Tier movement Dou Technique.

"I heard you say earlier that he traded a Low-Tier Earth Tier finger technique Dou Technique for pills, which means he also has a need for Dou Techniques.

Although this Nine Revolutions Heavenly Shadow Steps cannot compare to our clan's Heaven Tier Dou Techniques, it is still among the finest High-Tier Earth Tier techniques. Once mastered, it can rival Heaven Tier techniques."

Lastly, Gu Yuan took out another black scroll, and his expression became far more solemn.

"This is..." Xiao Xun'er stared at the black scroll in utter shock.

It was actually the Emperor Seal Art!

The Emperor Seal Art had been created by the Ancient Clan's ancestor, that Dou Di expert. It was a genuine Heaven Tier Dou Technique!

Even though Gu Yuan was only taking out the first few seals, its value far surpassed that of an ordinary High-Tier Earth Tier Dou Technique!

"Father, this Emperor Seal Art..."

Gu Yuan looked at the scroll in his hand and spoke slowly:

"He may not think much of ordinary Dou Techniques. But the Emperor Seal Art is different. It represents the Ancient Clan's sincerity!"

"Besides, I will only give him the first four seals. This is both a generous gift and a hook. If he truly achieves something in the future, giving him the fifth seal then would not violate the clan's rules."

Xiao Xun'er nodded. Her father not only possessed heaven-defying strength, but was also first-rate at calculating people's hearts.

"Alright, this will do." Gu Yuan put the items away and nodded in satisfaction.

"Come, Xun Er. Accompany your father to meet this young friend 'Xuan Jin'!"

The night was as black as ink.

The lights in Xuan Jin's courtyard burned brightly.

Ya Fei had already left to prepare his luggage and supplies for tomorrow's departure.

Xuan Jin sat alone beside the stone table. He was neither cultivating nor refining pills, merely sipping tea in silence.

He was waiting for someone.

Xuan Jin knew that after Xun Er obtained the Ancient Jade, she would certainly contact the people behind her at the fastest possible speed.

And after receiving the news, that person would certainly come to see him.

This was not merely to repay a favor, but also to test his true depth.

Sure enough, he did not have to wait long.

A faint ripple came from the restriction at the entrance of the courtyard.

The ripple was extremely subtle. If Xuan Jin's Soul Power had not far surpassed those of the same rank, he would have been unable to detect it.

The visitor was very powerful.

The corners of Xuan Jin's mouth rose slightly.

He did not stand. He remained seated calmly and even leisurely poured himself another cup of tea.

A moment later, someone gently knocked on the courtyard gate.

"Knock, knock, knock."

"Brother Xuan, are you resting? It's Xun Er."

Xiao Xun'er's voice came from outside.

"The gate isn't locked. Come in." Xuan Jin called out.

The courtyard gate was pushed open, and two figures walked inside one after the other.

Xiao Xun'er walked in front. She had changed out of her purple dress and into an elegant white gown, making her appear even more graceful and ethereal beneath the moonlight.

Following behind her was a middle-aged man dressed in luxurious robes.

The man appeared utterly ordinary, with not the slightest fluctuation of Dou Qi around him. Yet Xuan Jin could sense a faint, terrifying pressure capable of crushing heaven and earth enveloping the entire courtyard.

Was this the realm of returning to simplicity?

Seeing that Xun Er somewhat resembled this middle-aged man, Xuan Jin confirmed the visitor's identity: Gu Yuan, the Ancient Clan's Clan Leader.

"Xun Er, why have you come so late? And this is..."

His gaze fell upon Gu Yuan, carrying just the right amount of confusion and scrutiny.

Xiao Xun'er stepped forward and introduced him. "Brother Xuan, this is my father."

Then she turned to Gu Yuan and said:

"Father, this is Brother Xuan Jin, whom I mentioned to you."

"So you are Uncle."

An expression of sudden realization appeared on Xuan Jin's face. He cupped his hands toward Gu Yuan.

"This junior is Xuan Jin. Greetings, Uncle. May I ask why you have come to visit so late at night?"

Xuan Jin acted neither servile nor overbearing. He showed a junior's respect toward an elder, yet lacked any trace of fear or flattery.

Gu Yuan had been secretly observing Xuan Jin all along.

At first glance, he had already determined that the young man before him was absolutely not simple.

Especially the other party's soul—it was vast as the sea. Its strength even gave him a faint sense of alarm.

A young man of around twenty actually possessed Soul Power at the peak of the Mortal Realm. No wonder he could become a Seventh-Rank Peak Alchemist.

"This boy is no ordinary fish in a pond!"

Gu Yuan instantly gave Xuan Jin an extremely high evaluation in his heart.

The next moment, Gu Yuan was startled!

This... could this be?

The next moment, Gu Yuan was startled!

This... could this be?

Gu Yuan's entire body stiffened.

In those eyes that seemed capable of piercing through the void, every emotion froze for an instant.

As a man standing at the pinnacle of this continent, he had seen countless geniuses and sensed bloodlines too numerous to count.

Yet the faint aura around this young man caused the Dou Di Bloodline within him to resonate. It was even slightly stronger than the bloodline within his own body.

There was no mistake!

This feeling could not possibly be wrong!

This was definitely Bloodline Reversion!

Gu Yuan then recalled a rumor from more than a decade ago.

Could it be... that rumor was true?

Yes, it had to be true!

If not for Bloodline Reversion, how could Xuan Jin have reached such a level of cultivation at his age?

Talent?

Fortuitous encounters?

Before true bloodline power, all of those seemed rather pale.

If Xuan Jin's body had not harbored hidden problems, he might have reached High-Tier Dou Ancestor, or even Dou Venerable, by the age of eighteen.

Those old fellows would surely regret it—regret what they had done.

If Xuan Jin were allowed to keep growing, Gu Yuan's heartbeat quickened, and the corners of his lips rose unconsciously.

The way he viewed Xuan Jin changed in an instant.

If he had come before with the intention of befriending a future powerhouse,

then now, he looked at Xuan Jin as though he were an unparalleled uncut jade capable of changing the entire continent's balance of power!

"Xun Er, this..."

Xuan Jin was somewhat puzzled. What had made Gu Yuan lose his composure like this?

Xuan Jin's voice pulled Gu Yuan's thoughts back to reality.

"Father!"

Xiao Xun'er raised her voice slightly. She did not understand why her father was acting this way either.

Gu Yuan also realized that he had lost his composure. Somewhat embarrassed, he gave a dry laugh.

"I am Gu Yuan. I have long heard Xun Er mention you, saying that you are an accomplished young man and a dragon among men. Now that I have seen you today, your reputation is indeed well deserved!"

Gu Yuan's gaze swept over Xuan Jin, his tone filled with admiration.

Xuan Jin was rather baffled.

Was this Ancient Clan Clan Leader being a little too enthusiastic?

He replied politely,

"You flatter me, Uncle. This junior has merely been fortunate enough to encounter a few opportunities."

Xuan Jin always felt that there was something off about the way Gu Yuan looked at him.

Especially that momentary lapse when he first entered the courtyard. Though brief, it definitely had not been an act.

What exactly had shocked him?

Gu Yuan did not let this opportunity pass and asked smoothly,

"Hehe, fortuitous encounters are also part of one's strength. I hear that you are Xuan Yi of the Pill Tower's disciple. Your future is boundless, boundless indeed. I wonder whether your family still has..."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Jin grew even more confused. The Ancient Clan should have been able to investigate his background, so why was Gu Yuan asking this?

With his doubts in mind, he slowly said,

"In reply to Uncle, this junior does not know his own origins."

"Since I was old enough to remember, I have always followed my master.

My master said that he found me in a deep mountain range when I was four years old.

At the time, I was severely injured and barely clinging to life. My master saved me, and seeing that we were fated, he took me in and taught me the arts of alchemy and cultivation.

It was not until last year that I left the Pill Tower to venture out into the world."

Those words were Xuan Jin's memories from the time he first became aware of the world.

"What?"

Gu Yuan and Xiao Xun'er both froze at once.

Xiao Xun'er was simply surprised. She had not expected Brother Xuan Jin to have such a background.

But Gu Yuan was overjoyed!

Just as expected!

The rumor had to be true!

Most importantly, Xuan Jin himself seemed to know absolutely nothing about his origins!

This was practically a heaven-sent opportunity!

A descendant of a Bloodline Reversion Dou Di powerhouse, without father or mother, without attachments, and completely ignorant of his own background!

If they could recruit him into the Ancient Clan... no!

If they could make him the Ancient Clan's son-in-law!

Gu Yuan subconsciously glanced at his daughter beside him.

Yes, a talented man and a beautiful woman—truly a match made in heaven!

In an instant, an entire century-long drama had already played out in Gu Yuan's mind.

"Ahem..."

Gu Yuan cleared his throat, and the smile on his face became even more sincere and eager.

"So that is how it is. Your background is truly lamentable, young friend."

He heavily patted Xuan Jin on the shoulder, looking every bit the elder caring for a junior.

"But a hero's origins do not matter!

Whether you have a family background or not is completely irrelevant to someone like you!

Your future is destined to make the entire continent take notice!"

After saying that, he changed the subject.

"Speaking of which, I came late at night for two reasons. First, to meet the outstanding young man whom Xun Er cannot stop praising. Second, to thank you."

Gu Yuan took out an ancient Storage Ring that looked extraordinarily precious and, without allowing any refusal, stuffed it into Xuan Jin's hand.

"You have taken such good care of Xun Er, and you even gave her that... ah, that simple yet elegant jade pendant. Xun Er likes it very much. As her father, I naturally must offer a small token of appreciation."

Xuan Jin naturally tried to refuse.

"Uncle, this is absolutely unacceptable!

That jade pendant was originally a gift from Clan Leader Xiao. I merely used another's gift as my own and gave it to Xun Er as a keepsake before we parted. Your gift is far too valuable."

"It is not valuable! Not valuable at all!"

Gu Yuan's grip was immensely strong. He forcibly pressed the Storage Ring into Xuan Jin's hand, his attitude resolute.

"What kind of thank-you gift is this? This is called an investment!"

He looked at Xuan Jin with an expression that clearly said, I think highly of you.

"I have lived for so many years. I still have a good eye for people.

Young friend, your future is limitless!

Consider this little bit of treasure an early wager I am placing on you! If you think highly of me, do not refuse!"

With things having reached this point, Xuan Jin naturally had to accept. He had intended to accept it anyway; the refusal had merely been courtesy.

Xuan Jin accepted the Storage Ring and cupped his hands.

"Since that is the case, this junior will accept it with gratitude. Thank you for your generous favor, Uncle."

He swept his Soul Power into the Storage Ring, and even with his composure, he could not help drawing in a sharp breath.

What a lavish gift!

The Storage Ring's interior was enormous.

It was filled with rare medicinal herbs of extremely high age; even Seventh Grade ones were few among them!