First Meeting with Xiao Yan, the Wary Gu Long!

The next morning, Gu Long rose early out of habit.

The vast Dou Emperor power within him had finally been completely unsealed last night. It now flowed steadily through his meridians like a tame river.

With a single thought, he could unleash power enough to shake the entire city.

He circulated the Mysterious Turtle Breath Concealment Art and, with the Breath Concealing Jade Pendant at his waist, firmly suppressed his aura at the level of an Eight-Star Dou Practitioner.

Even among peers in the Ancient Clan, this level of strength was considered outstanding, yet it would also spare him from unnecessary trouble in Wutan City.

He walked into the courtyard and began practicing a basic Ancient Clan fist technique. His movements were unhurried, meant to familiarize himself with and control this body that had suddenly gained such immense power.

Before long, Gu Xun Er emerged as well, rubbing her eyes. She sat beneath the corridor and watched Gu Long practice his punches.

Sunlight fell over her delicate little face, giving her the adorable, dazed look of someone who had just awakened.

"Good morning, Brother Gu Long," she greeted softly.

"Morning, Xun Er." Gu Long withdrew his stance, his breathing steady. "Are you hungry? I'll go prepare breakfast."

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the little courtyard, accompanied by a young boy's curious voice.

"Excuse me, are the new guests staying here?"

Gu Long and Xun Er turned at the same time.

A boy of around eleven or twelve stood at the courtyard gate. He had delicate features and bright eyes, with a sharpness and confidence rare for someone his age between his brows.

He wore Xiao Family clothing, and a star insignia representing a Dou Practitioner was pinned to his chest. One star was embedded upon it—a One-Star Dou Practitioner!

At his age, he truly deserved to be called a genius.

Gu Long's gaze sharpened.

He had come after all—Xiao Yan.

His gaze rested on Xiao Yan for a moment before shifting to the way Xiao Yan looked at Xun Er.

That gaze was filled with undisguised amazement, along with the instinctive daze and incoherent calculations of a young boy who had seen something beautiful.

Gu Long's heart immediately tensed as the scenes in his memories overlapped with reality.

Although Xiao Yan was still only a child, what lay hidden in his eyes instantly put Gu Long, who knew the "future," on guard.

Xiao Yan truly was stunned.

He had never seen such a beautiful girl before. She was as exquisite as a porcelain doll, with a pure and translucent temperament.

She was completely different from the girls he usually saw in Wutan City.

A thought subconsciously surfaced in his heart. Who is this girl? It would be great if I could be "friends" with her!

"Hello, my name is Xiao Yan. I am the son of the Xiao Clan Leader."

Xiao Yan quickly came back to his senses. Wearing what he believed was his friendliest smile, he stepped forward to introduce himself, though his gaze still mostly rested on Xun Er.

Without making it obvious, Gu Long stepped forward half a pace, positioning himself perfectly between Xun Er and Xiao Yan and cutting off Xiao Yan's line of sight.

He wore a polite but somewhat distant smile appropriate for his age. "Hello, Young Master Xiao Yan. My name is Gu Long, and this is my younger sister, Gu Xun Er. We have only just arrived, so please take care of us in the future."

He deliberately emphasized the word "sister."

Only then did Xiao Yan turn his gaze toward Gu Long. Sensing the faint Dou Qi fluctuations around him, which were no weaker than his own, Xiao Yan was slightly startled.

This boy looked even younger than him, yet his strength was already so impressive?

It seemed their background truly was not simple.

He restrained some of the arrogance he usually displayed before people his age and smiled.

"You're too polite, Brother Gu Long. Just call me Xiao Yan. My father asked me to see whether you've settled in. If you need anything, just let me know."

"Everything is fine. Thank you to Clan Leader Xiao Zhan and you for your concern." Gu Long's tone was calm, betraying little emotion.

Xun Er hid behind Gu Long, only peeking out half her head to curiously study Xiao Yan without saying anything.

She remembered Brother Gu Long's warning to keep a low profile and not interact too much with strangers.

Seeing that Xun Er was somewhat shy, Xiao Yan felt embarrassed to keep staring at her and turned his attention back to Gu Long.

"Brother Gu Long, judging by your aura, your cultivation isn't weak. Are you interested in visiting our Xiao Family training grounds? That's where the younger generation usually trains and exchanges pointers."

He had some desire to compare himself against Gu Long, and he also wanted to use the chance to get closer to the girl named Xun Er.

Gu Long saw through his intentions immediately.

The training grounds?

It was nothing more than a young boy's trick to show off his strength and draw attention.

He sneered inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged.

"Thank you for the kind offer, but we've only just arrived and still have some luggage to sort out. Xun Er also hasn't had breakfast yet. Another day."

It was a direct refusal, leaving no room for negotiation.

The smile on Xiao Yan's face froze for a moment. He had not expected the other party to reject him so decisively.

Among Wutan City's younger generation, when had he, Xiao Yan, ever been rejected so bluntly?

However, the other party's reasons were valid, so he could not force the matter.

"I see. Then all right. You two get busy. I won't disturb you any longer."

Xiao Yan blinked awkwardly. His gaze unconsciously darted once more toward Xun Er behind Gu Long before he finally turned and left.

As he watched Xiao Yan's departing figure vanish through the courtyard gate, Gu Long's eyes slowly darkened.

"Brother Gu Long, do you not like Xiao Yan?"

Xun Er keenly sensed the change in Gu Long's mood and asked in a small voice.

Gu Long turned around and crouched down, looking into Xun Er's eyes with a serious expression.

"Xun Er, remember what Brother Gu Long tells you. Here, do not trust anyone easily, especially Xiao Yan. Try not to be alone with him, understand?"

Although Xun Er did not understand why, she had absolute trust in Gu Long and nodded firmly.

"Mm! Xun Er remembers. I'll only listen to Brother Gu Long."

"Good girl." Gu Long rubbed her hair. His heart settled slightly, but the seed of vigilance had already been deeply planted.

He knew full well about Xiao Yan's future achievements and charm. Even though he was only a child now, his intelligence and potential could not be underestimated.

Before Xiao Yan truly rose to power, he had to keep Xun Er firmly protected and completely sever any possibility of feelings developing between them.

Simply being on guard was not enough. Gu Long's eyes flickered. He needed to take a more proactive approach.

That afternoon, Gu Long took Xun Er for a walk through the Xiao Family estate under the pretense of familiarizing themselves with the surroundings.

He appeared casual, but he was deliberately guiding their route.

At a corner, they "happened upon" Xiao Zhan, who was reprimanding his subordinates.

"Clan Leader Xiao." Gu Long stepped forward with Xun Er and greeted him politely.

"Gu Long and Xun Er." Xiao Zhan waved away his subordinates with a smile. "How is it? Have you gotten used to the place?"

"Everything is well. Thank you for your concern, Clan Leader." Gu Long shifted the topic as though mentioning it casually.

"I encountered Young Master Xiao Yan this morning. He invited us to visit the training grounds, but we were busy at the time and could not accept.

"Young Master Xiao Yan is already a One-Star Dou Practitioner at such a young age. His talent truly is extraordinary."

When Xiao Zhan heard someone praise his son, the smile on his face widened with a trace of pride.

"That child Yan Er is indeed fairly diligent."

Gu Long smiled faintly, his tone carrying just the right amount of regret.

"Yes. However, judging from Young Master Xiao Yan's aura, it seems somewhat superficial, and his foundation may not be particularly stable?

"Perhaps he has been a little too eager for quick progress in his cultivation. Clan Leader Xiao should pay closer attention. A foundation is the root of cultivation; if it is unstable in the early stages, it may affect his future achievements."

His words were extremely sincere.

On the surface, he appeared to be thinking of Xiao Yan's best interests. In truth, he was making Xiao Zhan urge Xiao Yan to cultivate so he would not disturb Gu Long and Xun Er too often.

With the perspective of a Dou Emperor, he could see the tiny hidden danger caused by Xiao Yan progressing too quickly.

Xiao Zhan's expression immediately turned solemn.

He was a Da Dou Shi himself, but his perception of the details at the Dou Practitioner stage was actually not as thorough as Gu Long's, who appeared to be an "Eight-Star Dou Practitioner" but had the insight of a Dou Emperor.

After Gu Long's reminder, he thought back carefully. It did seem that his son's aura had been somewhat too outwardly displayed lately...

"Nephew Gu Long is truly observant. Your reminder is well taken!" Xiao Zhan said solemnly. "When I return, I will certainly supervise him closely and strengthen his foundation."

"You are too polite, Clan Leader Xiao. This is merely a humble junior's shallow opinion," Gu Long said modestly.

Beside him, Xun Er blinked her large eyes. Though she did not understand why Brother Gu Long had said such things, she felt that everything Brother Gu Long said was right.

This conversation appeared to be born of concern, but Gu Long had actually planted a thorn in Xiao Zhan's heart.

Your son may be talented, but there is a problem with his foundation. His future may not be so smooth.

At the same time, Gu Long had subtly displayed his own extraordinary insight, invisibly elevating his position.

After doing all this, Gu Long took Xun Er and bade farewell.

Back in the little courtyard, Gu Long sensed the abundant Dou Emperor power within him, then looked at the resources and trump cards in the System Space.

Passive defense had never been his style. Since he had entered this game of chess, he would be the one moving the pieces.

So what if Xiao Yan was the future Flame Emperor? Everything had only just begun.

He looked toward the depths of the Xiao Family, where Xiao Zhan resided and where the Tou She Ancient God Jade was stored.

"Sign in," he silently muttered in his heart.

[ Ding! Sign-in successful! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining: the introductory chapter of the soul cultivation method Soul Condensing Art. ]

Soul Power? It was perfect for scouting and surveillance.

The corners of Gu Long's lips rose slightly. The system truly understood him.

As night gradually deepened, Gu Long began cultivating the newly acquired Soul Condensing Art.

Threads of invisible Soul Power spread silently outward from him like a spiderweb, sensing every movement within the estate.

His plans had already begun to unfold in silence.