In the days that followed, Xiao Yan postponed his journey to the Gu Clan.
He remained at the Flame Alliance, rooting out potential threats within its ranks with an iron hand. He consolidated its forces from the Jia Ma Empire to the surrounding regions, firmly establishing the Flame Alliance's reputation.
He also spent enormous resources to enlist Xiao Qian and another expert. Working with formation masters, they set up a grand formation at the Flame Alliance headquarters capable of withstanding attacks from an Advanced Dou Zun.
During this time, he spent as much time as he could with Cai Lin, making up for the time he had lost with her.
The two still said little to each other, but their understanding and affection deepened in the silence.
Several months later, on a night filled with stars, a newborn's piercing cry broke the stillness of the Tager Desert.
Xiao Yan and Queen Medusa's child had arrived safely!
Xiao Yan named her Xiao Xiao.
Holding the daughter who had inherited both his and Cai Lin's exceptional bloodlines—and who had been born at the Dou Zong realm—Xiao Yan felt an indescribable rush of excitement and responsibility. He also felt as though all his own cultivation had been for nothing.
From that day on, his heart had one more precious burden to bear.
Xiao Xiao's birth even drew Gu Yun's attention in the Canaan Secret Realm.
Gu Yun came to the Flame Alliance headquarters in person. It was the first time Xiao Yan had met this ancestor.
The ancestor also gave Cai Lin a piece of Nine-Colored Origin Stone and a bottle containing nine Eighth-Rank Pills.
The gifts left Xiao Yan marveling at his wealth. These were Eighth-Rank Pills made by a Nine-Star Dou Saint; their effects were in another league from the ones