Taking the Nine-Colored Raw Stone

The unexpected reunion with the master and disciple, Venerable Yao and Xiao Yan, had cast a stone that stirred a thousand waves in both sides' hearts, bringing a brief moment of surprise and small talk. But both sides knew perfectly well that, at this ancient trading fair where opportunity and competition coexisted, time was precious, and each had their own clear goals and plans.

So after a brief catching up, Lin Ming politely parted ways with Yao Chen and Xiao Yan, leading the others onward along their route to continue their treasure hunt.

Yao Chen watched Lin Ming and his group leave. His gaze lingered especially long on Lin Ming's seemingly ordinary, unremarkable back—his steps calm, yet he seemed to have merged with the surrounding space, unfathomable beyond measure. A trace of emotion that was difficult to fully calm still remained on his face as he sighed softly to Xiao Yan, whose expression was grave beside him:

"That boy... is truly unfathomable, like a deep pool whose bottom cannot be seen. His speed of growth has already completely exceeded the bounds of common sense. Xiao Yan, you are uniquely blessed. You received the Xiao Clan Old Ancestor's full inheritance and awakened your Xiao Clan's long-dormant Dou Di Bloodline. To achieve this much in just a few short years is already enough to shake the ancient and dazzle the present. But you must not let that give rise to arrogance or complacency. You must know that the continent's vastness far surpasses what you and I can imagine. Strange talents, eccentric experts, hidden mighty figures, even existences like Lin Ming who cannot be measured by common sense—there are no telling how many. On the path of cultivation, one must always maintain a heart of reverence and unceasing pursuit."

Xiao Yan clenched his