Taking Qing Lin Away

Xuan Jin's words were like a basin of cold water, dousing half of Yun Yun's enthusiasm.

Using a Heavenly Flame to scorch her meridians?

Just thinking about it made her scalp tingle.

But when she thought of living with that seal, like a cripple, she could not accept it.

She gritted her teeth and nodded solemnly. "I can endure it!"

"Good."

Xuan Jin wasted no time and placed his palm against her back.

"Focus your mind. Do not resist my Dou Qi."

He gave a low shout, and a cluster of deep-blue flames rose from his palm.

Sea Heart Flame!

Even from a distance, Yun Yun could sense the terrifying heat contained within those flames.

This was the legendary Heavenly Flame!

Her heart trembled once more, and she no longer had the slightest doubt about Xuan Jin's identity.

Xuan Jin's expression was focused as he carefully separated a wisp of blue flame thinner than a hair. Guided by his Dou Qi, it slowly entered Yun Yun's body.

The instant the flame entered her meridians, Yun Yun's body jolted violently.

The pain was beyond description, as though someone were scraping back and forth through her meridians with a red-hot branding iron.

She bit her lip hard to stop herself from crying out. Fine beads of cold sweat instantly covered her forehead.

Xuan Jin controlled the flame thread and slowly brought it toward the mass of purple sealing energy.

Sizzle!

The moment the blue flame touched the purple energy, a faint sound rang out from within Yun Yun's body.

Then, pain ten times more intense than before erupted all at once!

"Ugh—ah!"

Yun Yun finally could not hold it in any longer. She let out a pained groan, her body trembling violently.

Xuan Jin's brows knitted tightly.

"This won't work. Her body cannot withstand the Heavenly Flame. If this continues, her meridians will collapse under the violent energy first."

Xuan Jin could feel Yun Yun's Dou Qi beginning to run wild, clashing against the power of his Heavenly Flame.

"This is bad."

Xuan Jin cursed under his breath and decisively withdrew the Heavenly Flame.

The agony receded like a tide. Yun Yun went limp against him, gasping heavily. Her entire body was drenched in sweat, leaving her in a thoroughly disheveled state.

Xuan Jin looked at her delicate appearance and felt a headache coming on.

"I only tore open a gap in your seal. You'll have to use the Dou Qi within your body to wear down the rest slowly. In about three days, you should recover completely."

Yun Yun raised her head. Her normally noble and elegant face now looked pitifully fragile.

She looked at Xuan Jin, wanting to thank him, but she was too exhausted to say a single word.

Xuan Jin looked at her and sighed helplessly.

He had originally planned to leave as soon as the seal was removed. Now, it seemed he could not leave.

"Fine. Consider it a good deed for the day."

Xuan Jin consoled himself inwardly, took out another medicinal pill, placed it in Yun Yun's mouth, and sat down nearby.

He would have to stay for these three days.

For Yun Yun, the next three days were an unprecedentedly strange experience.

For Xuan Jin, there was not much difference. The only difference was that Xiao Yi Xian had been by his side before, while now it was Yun Yun.

Most of the time, Xuan Jin sat cross-legged in a corner of the cave, cultivating his Dou Techniques.

The Emperor Seal Art was profound and complex, making this a perfect opportunity to study it properly.

Occasionally, he would go out to catch some game, roast it with his flames, and toss half to Yun Yun.

They did speak, but not often.

Yun Yun had always been aloof by nature. Although Xuan Jin had saved her, she would not deliberately reveal herself like an ordinary woman.

The atmosphere in the cave occasionally became so quiet that it was somewhat awkward.

Yet over these days, Yun Yun had set aside her identity as sect leader and lived like an ordinary person.

After all, with her Dou Qi sealed, she could not cultivate.

Still, Yun Yun became increasingly curious about Xuan Jin's identity and background.

Although Yun Yun would not take the initiative, she did secretly observe Xuan Jin.

Whether he was focused during cultivation or casual while roasting meat, every movement he made carried a calmness and composure that did not match his age.

Over these three days, whenever Xuan Jin finished cultivating, he would chat idly with Yun Yun.

During the three days, Xuan Jin spent most of his time sitting quietly in cultivation. The paths along which his Dou Qi circulated were unlike anything Yun Yun had ever seen in the Jia Ma Empire.

Sometimes he went out hunting. When he returned, the blue Heavenly Flame rising from his fingertips could effortlessly roast the game until its aroma filled the cave.

The Heavenly Flame, considered a priceless treasure in the Jia Ma Empire, was used as casually in his hands as an ordinary candle flame.

During their chats, Xuan Jin occasionally asked about the distribution of forces in the Jia Ma Empire or the recent circumstances of the Snake People Clan in the Tager Desert. Yun Yun answered each question.

Listening to Xuan Jin speak so lightly of alchemy and Dou Qi, while watching his composed and tranquil expression, Yun Yun's curiosity toward him only grew stronger.

On the morning of the third day, when the first ray of sunlight entered the cave, Yun Yun's body suddenly trembled.

A powerful force that had been lost returned to life within her body.

Her Dou Qi had fully recovered!

She rose to her feet and felt the surging, ceaseless Dou Qi within her. The feeling of controlling everything returned to her.

Yet Yun Yun inexplicably felt a trace of loss. After today, she would once again be the leader of the Misty Cloud Sect.

Being a good sect leader was truly exhausting.

Just then, Xuan Jin, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, opened them as well.

Xuan Jin stood up and dusted off his clothes.

"It seems you've recovered well. Since that's the case, it's time for me to leave."

Xuan Jin's tone was calm, as though he were saying farewell to a stranger he had met by chance.

Yun Yun looked at him, and the reluctance in her heart deepened.

She gathered her thoughts, restored the bearing of a sect leader, and solemnly bowed to Xuan Jin.

"Young Master Xuan Jin, I will never forget your life-saving grace.

"I, Yun Yun, will remember this debt of gratitude forever. Should you ever have any command for me in the future, I would not hesitate to die ten thousand deaths!"

"If fate allows it, we will meet again." Xuan Jin's response remained indifferent.

Then, Xuan Jin took a crystal gleaming with purple light from his Storage Ring and tossed it to Yun Yun.

"This is for you. You came here for this, didn't you?"

Yun Yun caught it instinctively. It was an Amethyst Spirit Crystal.

"This..."

"Consider it a parting gift."

With that, Xuan Jin turned around and walked toward the cave entrance without looking back.

"Wait!" Yun Yun hurriedly called out. "Where are you going, Young Master?"

"The Tagor Desert."

Xuan Jin's voice came from outside the cave. The next instant, his aura vanished completely.

Only Yun Yun remained in the cave, standing there in a daze.

She lowered her head to look at the Amethyst Spirit Crystal in her hand, then raised it to look toward the empty cave entrance. Countless emotions welled within her.

"The Tagor Desert... Is he going to the Snake People Clan? What could possibly be worth his visit there?"

Yun Yun murmured to herself. She became even more curious about that enigmatic man.

And even more grateful.

The next moment, Yun Yun's expression changed, immediately returning to the cold aloofness of a sect leader.

Now, she was the leader of the Misty Cloud Sect.

But she did not want to be.

Yun Yun knew her own temperament. Becoming a qualified sect leader was truly too difficult for her.

Elsewhere, after leaving the Magical Beast Mountain Range, Xuan Jin headed west at full speed toward the Tagor Desert.

His goal was clear:

Stone Desert City, Qing Lin.

"The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, the greatest extraordinary eyes in the world, can control every snake under heaven. If she does not die young, she is certain to become a Dou Saint! The investment is small, but the return is immense."

Xuan Jin calculated inwardly.

Three days later, a massive city built upon yellow sand appeared at the end of the horizon.

He had arrived at Stone Desert City.

Dry, scorching air rushed toward him, carrying the scent of sand and wind.

Xuan Jin did not conceal his aura. Powerful Dou Qi was enough to effectively keep some flies away.

The moment he entered the city, noisy clamor poured into his ears.

On both sides of the streets were all sorts of shops and stalls. Most of the people passing by were dark-skinned mercenaries with fierce auras.

Xuan Jin did not linger. His immense Soul Power silently swept out and covered the entirety of Stone Desert City.

He was searching.

Searching for a faint yet unusual aura.

Very quickly, he found his target in a secluded alley.

A crowd had gathered there, making a racket, seemingly bullying someone.

Xuan Jin frowned and strode over.

"Get out! You Snake People bastard!"

"Don't touch me! You're filthy!"

"How can there be such a monster in the city? Hurry up and drive her out!"

The foul insults were unbearable to hear.

Xuan Jin pushed through the crowd and saw the tiny figure surrounded in the middle.

A little girl who looked only eight or nine years old, dressed in a pale-green dress washed nearly white, was curled up on the ground. Her hands tightly covered her head, and her frail body trembled without cease.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..."

The girl's crying was soft, filled with fear and helplessness.

Xuan Jin's face instantly turned cold.

He had found her—Qing Lin.

He did not waste any words. He merely uttered one word flatly.

"Scram."

He infused that word with a thread of Dou Qi.

His voice was not loud, but its intimidating force was immense.

The mercenaries and women who had been shouting insults felt their chests tighten, their breathing becoming difficult. Their legs went weak, and they nearly dropped to their knees.

They stared in terror at the black-robed young man who had suddenly appeared.

One of the sturdiest-looking mercenaries, relying on his modest strength, shouted fiercely despite his inner fear:

"Who the hell are you? How dare you interfere with the Sand Mercenary Group's busi—"

Before he could finish, he exploded into a cloud of blood mist, leaving not even a corpse behind.

"Ah!!!"

The others nearby screamed at the sight.

They fled in a panic, scrambling away as though their lives would be lost if they ran too slowly.

The noisy alley instantly became silent.

Only Xuan Jin and the little girl still lying on the ground remained.

The alley was so quiet that only the little girl's suppressed sobs could be heard.

"I'm sorry... Please... don't hit me..."

Qing Lin thought she was about to be beaten, so she buried her head even deeper.

Xuan Jin walked over to her and slowly crouched down.

His figure blocked the glaring sunlight, casting a shadow over the ground and enveloping Qing Lin's tiny body.

Qing Lin should have been around eleven years old now, yet she looked only eight or nine. It was clear that life had not been easy for her.

Sensing the light dim, Qing Lin secretly peeked through the gaps between her fingers.

A pair of black boots stopped before her.

She shuddered in fright, closed her eyes, and waited for the beating she expected.

Yet after waiting for a long while, the pain never came.

A gentle voice sounded above her head.

"They're gone. Get up."

Qing Lin froze for a moment before cautiously lowering the arms protecting her head.

She raised her head and saw a young, handsome face.

This older brother was not looking at her with the disgust and contempt everyone else had shown.

His expression was calm, even carrying a trace of gentleness she could not understand.

The girl before him was petite, with a delicate oval face that looked somewhat pale from long-term malnutrition. Tear stains and dust still clung to it, making her resemble an abandoned porcelain doll.

A pair of jade-green eyes looked at him timidly, filled with fear and unease.

"You... you're going to hit me too?" Qing Lin asked in a voice as faint as a mosquito's.

Xuan Jin's heart stirred.

So this was the legendary Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.

Yet these eyes, capable of making all snakes in the world submit, now held nothing but humility and fear.

This world had truly been far too cruel to Qing Lin.

Xuan Jin reached out his hand.

Qing Lin's body suddenly shrank back. She closed her eyes again, tears still clinging to her long lashes.

Xuan Jin's hand did not fall upon her. Instead, it gently rested atop her fluffy head and gave it a soothing rub.

"I won't hit you."

The warmth from his palm was something Qing Lin had never felt before.

It was not a shove, not a tug, and certainly not a slap.

It was a gentle touch, warm and tender.

She opened her eyes blankly, and Xuan Jin's reflection appeared in her jade-green pupils.

"What's your name?" Xuan Jin asked.

"Qing... Qing Lin."

"Qing Lin. That's a lovely name."

Xuan Jin smiled.

"My name is Xuan Jin. From today onward, follow me. I promise that no one will ever dare bully you again."

Qing Lin was completely stunned.

Ever since she was little, all she had heard were words like "monster," "bastard," and "get lost."

For the first time, someone had said her name was beautiful.

For the first time, someone had told her to follow them.

For the first time, someone had said they would protect her.

She could hardly believe her ears.

"But... I... I'm a monster..." She pointed at the few tiny green scales on her wrist, her voice trembling with tears.

"You are not a monster."

Xuan Jin's tone was very serious.

"You are special. This isn't a curse; it's a gift bestowed upon you by heaven. I'll teach you how to use this power."

Xuan Jin rose to his feet and extended his hand toward Qing Lin, who was still sitting on the ground.

"Are you willing to come with me?"

Qing Lin looked at that clean, slender hand, then raised her head to look at Xuan Jin's sincere face.

Under the sunlight, this big brother's smile was warmer than anything she had ever seen.

She hesitated for a moment before finally gathering her courage and placing her thin, dirty little hand into his palm.

Xuan Jin clasped her small hand and pulled her up from the ground.

"Let's go."

Holding this little girl's hand, he led her out of the dark alley and into the sunlight beyond.

Xuan Jin held Qing Lin's hand as they walked along the broad streets of Stone Desert City.

The mercenaries along the road all cast curious looks at this strange pair.

A black-robed young man with an extraordinary bearing, holding the hand of a filthy little child—the sight looked wrong no matter how one looked at it.

Yet no one dared approach them. The faint aura of a powerful expert around Xuan Jin made everyone with ill intentions keep their distance.

With Xuan Jin's large hand holding hers, Qing Lin kept her little head lowered, afraid to look at the people around her.

She asked softly, "Big brother... where are we going?"

"To speak with your commander."

Xuan Jin's answer was simple.

"You work for the Desert Iron Mercenary Group, right?"

Qing Lin nodded. "Mm... the commander treats me very well. Everyone bullies me... only... only the commander doesn't."

Xuan Jin nodded. Xiao Yan's eldest brother, Xiao Ding, and second brother, Xiao Li, were indeed decent men. They had treated little Qing Lin well too; otherwise, she might not have survived until now.

Before long, the two arrived at the Desert Iron Mercenary Group's headquarters.

The mercenaries guarding the entrance showed disdain when they saw Qing Lin. But upon noticing Xuan Jin beside her, they did not dare act rashly and could only block their path.

"Stop! Who are you?"

Xuan Jin ignored the gate guard's shout and merely spoke calmly.

"I'm looking for your commanders, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li."

Seeing him call their commanders by name, the gate guard's face twitched, and he was about to flare up when a companion beside him grabbed him.

The other mercenary, who was somewhat older, had much sharper judgment.

He could tell that the black-robed young man before him was utterly out of place amid Stone Desert City's endless yellow sands.

That calm composure was not something an ordinary person could possess.

What was more, he was holding the hand of that little monster everyone in the group avoided.

"Please wait a moment. I'll go report this right away."

The older mercenary did not dare delay and hurried into the compound.

Not long afterward, two figures emerged from within at a brisk pace.

The one in front was a refined-looking young man, none other than the Desert Iron Mercenary Group's commander, Xiao Ding.

Beside him stood a sturdier man with a somewhat fierce air about him: Xiao Li.

At a glance, they saw Xuan Jin standing at the entrance, as well as Qing Lin hiding behind him, only daring to peek out with half her head.

Xiao Ding's heart tightened.

The newcomer's bearing was far too steady—so steady that even he, a Da Dou Shi, felt an inexplicable pressure.

He stepped forward and cupped his fists toward Xuan Jin.

"My friend, I am Xiao Ding, commander of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group. May I ask why you have brought Qing Lin here?"

"Xuan Jin."

Xuan Jin gave his name, then went straight to the point.

"I think this child has potential, so I intend to take her with me. She told me that you have taken good care of her, so I came to inform you and offer my thanks."

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged glances, both somewhat bewildered.

Take Qing Lin away?

They had taken Qing Lin in only because they pitied her for being alone and helpless. They had given her a menial job so she could at least earn a meal.

How had that attracted such a figure?

"You are too polite, sir." Xiao Ding hurriedly waved his hand. "It was merely a small kindness. Qing Lin truly is a pitiful child."

Xiao Li was more straightforward. In a deep voice, he said, "My brother and I just couldn't bear to watch those bastards bully her to death. It hardly counts as taking care of her."

Xuan Jin looked at Qing Lin behind him.

Qing Lin shrank her neck under his gaze, but at Xuan Jin's prompting, she still gathered her courage and softly said something to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.

"Thank you... thank you, Commander and Second Commander, for taking Qing Lin in. Qing Lin will never forget the kindness of the Commander and Second Commander."