I'll Only Help You Once

Xuan Jin did not answer immediately.

The courtyard fell silent, broken only by Xuan Yao's babbling in Cai'er's arms.

Cao Ying turned sideways on the rocking chair, glanced at Gu Xun Er, then at Xuan Jin, but said nothing.

Gu Xun Er stood there with her hands folded before her, her fingertips clutching the edge of her sleeve.

She knew perfectly well how improper this request was.

Xuan Jin was a Dou Emperor. A Dou Emperor's time should not be spent looking for someone who had been missing for years.

Besides, the relationship between her and Xuan Jin amounted to little more than her father, Gu Yuan, having always thought highly of this young man. The Ancient Clan and the Pill Tower had close ties, and she had followed suit in calling him Big Brother Xuan Jin. Strictly speaking, they were not that close.

But she truly had no other path left.

Xuan Jin finally spoke.

"Xun Er, though I am already a Dou Emperor, a Dou Emperor is not omnipotent."

Gu Xun Er's fingers loosened slightly.

"The world is vast. If someone is dead and their soul has dispersed, then even if I turned the entire continent upside down, I would not be able to find them." Xuan Jin paused. "I will help you once, but only once."

Gu Xun Er stood stunned for a while before realizing that he had agreed.

"Thank you, Big Brother Xuan Jin." She lowered her head and bowed. It was a formal bow, deeper than the one she had given when she first entered the courtyard.

"There is no need for that." Xuan Jin raised a hand, signaling for her to straighten up.

Gu Xun Er rose, her voice somewhat hoarse. "Xun Er knows this request is unreasonable. Given the extent of our