Battle Through the Heavens: Obtaining the Extraction System at the Start — Section 33

After leaving the room, Xiao Ling nodded to the man and followed his lead out of the area.

After walking through the mercenary group for several minutes, they arrived before a spacious hall.

The man led Xiao Ling there, exchanged a few words with him, then turned and left.

Xiao Ling slowly walked toward the doors. Just as he was about to push one open, it creaked and was pulled from within.

Through the gap in the door, a stern-looking face suddenly appeared.

The young man wore mercenary attire. His tall, upright frame was straight and powerful, while his black eyes held both laziness and a sinister edge. His face was filled with a smile, yet beneath that smile lurked a wolf-like fierceness. Though he appeared amiable, he was clearly the sort who would not provoke others—but if provoked, would bite back even on the verge of death.

This young man was Xiao Yan's second brother, Xiao Li.

Opening the door, the young man stared at the boy who had suddenly appeared before him. He froze for a moment, looked Xiao Ling over from head to toe, then said in surprise, "Cousin Xiao Ling, you've changed so much. If my men hadn't just told me your name, I wouldn't have recognized you at first."

Xiao Ling smiled and greeted Xiao Li before replying, "I left the Xiao Family rather early. I was just a child back then, and now I'm nearly an adult. Naturally, I've changed."

As soon as Xiao Ling finished speaking, a gentle and refined voice came from inside the room. "Second Brother, quickly invite Cousin Xiao Ling inside. Don't leave him standing outside."

Xiao Li had originally intended to drag Xiao Ling to the sparring grounds for a match. After all, the two of them had yet to gather any information on Xiao Ling. In Xiao Li's eyes, Xiao Ling was still too young. No matter how monstrous his talent was, he could not be much stronger than Xiao Li.

Upon hearing his elder brother's urging, Xiao Li gave up on the idea of sparring with Xiao Ling.

"Come on, let's go in and see my elder brother first. He was quite surprised by your arrival." As he spoke, Xiao Li grabbed Xiao Ling's wrist and rushed into the hall.

Upon entering the hall, Xiao Ling's gaze fell upon the young man seated in the place of honor. The young man wore a white robe and was currently smiling at Xiao Ling as he entered. His eyes were brighter than most, carrying traces of wisdom and an almost imperceptible shrewd cunning.

This man was Xiao Yan's elder brother, the eldest young master of the Xiao Clan, one of the Eight Ancient Clans—Xiao Ding.

"Cousin Xiao Ling, I didn't expect you to have changed so much after just a few years. I nearly failed to recognize you," Xiao Ding said with a smile as he watched Xiao Ling and Xiao Li enter the hall.

Xiao Ling stepped forward as well and greeted him with a smile. "Cousin Xiao Ding has become more and more distinguished himself."

Although Xiao Ling had not had a particularly good relationship with Xiao Yan in the Xiao Family, that had mainly been because Xiao Yan had been rather temperamental at the time.

Because of Xiao Ling's easygoing nature, he had gotten along well with everyone in the Xiao Family. Back then, his cultivation had not differed much from Xiao Li's, and the two had often sparred.

Moreover, during Xiao Ling's years of study at Jia Nan Academy, he had sent quite a few resources back to the Xiao Family. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li had both learned the Cultivation Techniques and Combat Skills Xiao Ling sent back, so they could be considered beneficiaries of his help.

After Xiao Ling and Xiao Li had both taken their seats, Xiao Ding asked curiously, "Cousin Xiao Ling, shouldn't you be studying at Jia Nan Academy right now? Why have you suddenly come to our little Stone Desert City?"

Hearing Xiao Ding's question, Xiao Ling had no intention of hiding anything. He answered the two brothers, "Not long ago, my cultivation broke through to the Dou Wang realm. After several years of study, my Alchemy Art has also reached the Sixth-grade realm. I am now an elder of Jia Nan Academy's Alchemy Department. I left the academy this time to seek opportunities within the Jia Ma Empire before returning to visit the family."

Upon hearing Xiao Ling's answer, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li performed the Dou Qi Continent's traditional skill—sharply drawing in a breath.

Xiao Ding was quicker-witted than Xiao Li. Upon hearing that Xiao Ling was actually a Sixth-grade Alchemist, he hurriedly asked, "Cousin Xiao Ling, since you are now a Sixth-grade Alchemist, could you help examine my third brother? His strange constitution has caused his cultivation to fall to the third stage of Dou Qi, and he has not advanced at all for two and a half years."

Xiao Li, who had still been in shock, immediately came to his senses upon hearing Xiao Ding's words. He looked at Xiao Ling eagerly and said in a rushed tone, "That's right, Cousin Xiao Ling. Since you're already a Sixth-grade Alchemist, you must be able to help Third Brother regain his cultivation talent, right? That Fourth-Rank Alchemist called Mitchell couldn't make sense of anything. As long as you can cure Third Brother, I'll do anything you ask!"

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li both loved Xiao Yan dearly. The reason they had come to the Tagor Desert to establish the Desert Iron Mercenary Group was to prepare for Xiao Yan's future. If Xiao Yan failed to reach the seventh stage of Dou Qi during the coming-of-age ceremony, he would lose his qualification to enter the Dou Qi Pavilion and seek a Dou Qi cultivation technique. He would instead be assigned to one of the family's businesses to handle ordinary affairs. This was the clan rule. Even though Xiao Yan's father was the Clan Leader, he could not change it.

After calming their somewhat impatient emotions, Xiao Ling said evenly, "Rest assured, Cousins. Once I return to the Xiao Family, I'll examine Xiao Yan's body. With Xiao Yan's talent, it won't be long before his cultivation surpasses yours."

Hearing Xiao Ling's answer, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li both breathed a sigh of relief. Sure enough, Xiao Ling was still as kind-tempered as ever. He had not held Little Yanzi's past mischief against him. Once they saw Little Yanzi again, they had to bring him to properly apologize to Xiao Ling.

After settling his agitated emotions, Xiao Ding asked curiously, "Then, Cousin Xiao Ling, when do you plan to return to the family? Searching for opportunities outside must take quite some time. You probably won't be able to return to the Xiao Family anytime soon."

Xiao Ling nodded and said, "That is indeed the case. I still have matters to deal with, so it will take a few more days. However, I have already sent a letter back to the family, asking the Clan Leader to bring the clan members back to the Imperial Capital to live. Once I finish my affairs here, I'll head directly to the Imperial Capital. By then, the Xiao Family's relocation should be complete as well."

Upon hearing Xiao Ling's account, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged looks, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Both of them had lived in the Imperial Capital for a time. Back then, their grandfather, Xiao Lin, had still been alive and was close friends with the Nalan Family's old master, Nalan Jie.

Unfortunately, after Xiao Lin passed away from his severe injuries, the Xiao Family, without a strong expert to protect it, had been forced to leave the Imperial Capital and move to the remote little city of Wutan City.

More than ten years had passed in the blink of an eye. Who would have thought that the Xiao Family would one day be able to return to the Imperial Capital? Life was truly unpredictable, and the world ever-changing.

Xiao Ding rose to his feet, bowed to Xiao Ling, and solemnly said, "Thank you, Cousin, for everything you have done for the family. As the Clan Leader's eldest son, I will thank you on behalf of my father."

Xiao Ling calmly accepted Xiao Ding's gratitude. Although taking care of the Xiao Family had been part of his plan, these contributions were genuine efforts he had made.

The Xiao Family was, after all, the place where he had been born in this life. Everyone in the family shared some degree of blood relation with him. Humans were not plants or trees; how could they be without feelings?

He had lived in the Xiao Family for eight years. Even though his mind had long since matured, he had still formed some familial attachment.

As long as they were not faced with an overwhelmingly difficult calamity, Xiao Ling would certainly protect the Xiao Family's safety.

With a slight surge of Dou Qi, Xiao Ling helped Xiao Ding up. He waved his hand and said with a smile, "I am also a member of the Xiao Family. I will do what I can."

He then asked curiously, "Now that you know this, will you two cousins disband the mercenary group and return to the Xiao Family?"

Hearing Xiao Ling's question, Xiao Li waved his hand and said, "When we first came out to establish a force, we intended to prepare a way out for Little Yanzi. Even if he failed to reach the seventh stage of Dou Qi during the coming-of-age ceremony, he could still come work in the Desert Iron Mercenary Group and would not have to endure the gossip of those people in the family."

After pausing briefly, Xiao Li continued, "But things are different now. Everyone in the mercenary group has fought alongside Elder Brother and me. We share deep bonds. The Desert Iron Mercenary Group is no longer just some force we casually established. It has become our second home."

Xiao Ding echoed from the side, "That's right. There are many companions here who share our ambitions. Although life here is rather hard, we brothers are very happy. Besides, Cousin Xiao Ling, you'll soon be able to resolve Little Yanzi's strange constitution. He can stay in the family and cultivate. After all, the cultivation resources in the Imperial Capital are far better than those in this remote Stone Desert City."

"In that case, it is not a bad thing. Still, you two cousins should return to the Xiao Family when you have time. The family's relocation is no small matter," Xiao Ling said after listening to them.

Xiao Ding nodded and replied, "Of course. The Desert Iron Mercenary Group's current situation is not very optimistic, and we still have many matters to deal with. Once everything is settled and we have some free time, the two of us will definitely return to visit the Xiao Family."

After chatting a while longer, Xiao Ling saw that the sky had grown dim. He planned to return to his room and rest. He had spent the past few days running around outside and was somewhat tired.

Rising from his seat, Xiao Ling said to the two of them, "I have some pills I have no use for. I'll give them to you two cousins."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Ling took out several bottles and jars from his Ring and placed them on the table before him. There were roughly several hundred bottles. They were all low-grade pills left over from his alchemy practice, mostly ranging from first to third grade. Only the two more exquisite wooden boxes contained Fourth-grade Pills—the Three-patterned Green Spirit Pill. From Xiao Ling's senses, Xiao Li and Xiao Ding were both Dou Shi, making the Three-patterned Green Spirit Pill perfectly suited for them.

Xiao Ling had originally intended to keep these pills as spending money. He still had plenty left on him, so giving some to help Xiao Ding and Xiao Li was no issue. He could consider it a small compensation for taking Little Loli Qing Lin away.

When Xiao Ding and Xiao Li saw this, how could they not know that Xiao Ling intended to give them resources? They immediately moved to stand and stop him.

"Xiao Ling, we can't accept this. Take these pills back."

"That's right, we can't take these things."

Xiao Ling smiled and waved his hand. "There's no need to refuse, Cousins. These pills are not worth much to me, and they can no longer help me much. But they can have a good effect on the people in the mercenary group. You two cousins have only recently established your force, so you will certainly need these resources. I am already a Dou Wang, and since I have not joined the Desert Iron Mercenary Group, it would not be appropriate for me to intervene directly. Consider this my support for you."

He pointed at the two more exquisite wooden boxes and said, "Those two wooden boxes contain Fourth-grade Pills, Three-patterned Green Spirit Pills. They are only ordinary-quality Three-patterned Green Spirit Pills, but they can raise a Dou Shi's cultivation by three stars without side effects. They are quite suitable for your current realm. If taken at the Da Dou Shi realm, they can raise one's cultivation by one star. As for when to use them, that depends on your own plans."

After a brief pause, Xiao Ling continued, "Besides, I am not giving these pills away for nothing. Part of them count as lodging fees, and the rest are for taking a little girl from the Desert Iron Mercenary Group—the mixed-blood child of the Snake People Race and humans."

Upon hearing Xiao Ling's explanation, even quick-witted Xiao Ding thought Xiao Ling was simply making excuses. But since things had come this far, and the Desert Iron Mercenary Group did need these resources, he no longer refused Xiao Ling's kindness.

Moreover, those two Three-patterned Green Spirit Pills would greatly help improve his and Xiao Li's cultivation. It would be a lie to say they were not tempted.

"Then we'll thank you for your help, Cousin Xiao Ling. You mean little Qing Lin, right? As long as she is willing, it is fine for you to take her away. That girl is timid by nature, though. Don't be too harsh on her," Xiao Ding said with a smile as he stored the pills in his Ring.

As for Qing Lin, Xiao Ding guessed that Xiao Ling had taken a liking to the little girl and wanted to make her his Maid. After all, she was a mixed-blood child of the Snake People Race and humans, making her identity rather special. Qing Lin was also quite adorable. At Xiao Ling's age, was it not perfectly normal for him to like that sort of thing?

If Xiao Ling had known what Xiao Ding was thinking, he would definitely have retorted, "I can't spoil Qing Lin enough. How could I possibly bully her?"

After Xiao Ding put away the pills, Xiao Ling said to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, "Then I'll go rest first. I've been running around everywhere these past few days and haven't rested properly. I'm a little tired."

"Alright, we should sleep too. We won't keep you here chatting any longer, Cousin Xiao Ling," Xiao Ding replied with a nod.

Xiao Ling gave a slight nod, then turned and walked toward the doors. Before long, he disappeared from the two men's sight.

Xiao Ding withdrew his gaze from the direction Xiao Ling had left and said to Xiao Li, "Who would have thought that in just a few short years, that child from back then would grow to this extent? Things that are extraordinarily difficult for us can be easily resolved by him. We truly owe him a great favor."

Xiao Li nodded in deep agreement. "We can only see whether we get a chance to repay this kindness in the future. Even if I must climb mountains of blades or descend into seas of fire, I, Xiao Li, will not hesitate."

Returning to the small house where Zi Yan was resting, Xiao Ling pushed open the door and headed toward the bedroom.

Stopping at the bedroom entrance, Xiao Ling looked toward Zi Yan on the large bed.

Zi Yan lay there with her eyes tightly shut, her breathing exceptionally even, like a wooden doll. One hand lightly clutched a corner of the blanket, and her expression was peaceful and serene. Her sleeping posture carried a tranquil kind of beauty that made one feel calm and at ease.

Just then, Zi Yan suddenly opened her little mouth and murmured, "Xiao Ling, Xiao Ling, quickly refine these medicinal ingredients into pills for me. My stomach is hungry."

Hearing this, Xiao Ling could not help twitching at the corner of his mouth. This Little Dragoness was thinking about food even in her sleep. Her greed knew no bounds.

Seeing that Zi Yan showed no signs of discomfort, Xiao Ling was relieved. He casually found a guest room, entered it, and lay down on the soft bed.

With Xiao Ling's current Dou Wang cultivation, minor physical fatigue could actually be relieved through cultivation.

Yet perhaps due to some influence from his previous life, whenever his body felt tired, Xiao Ling would choose to sleep. This not only relieved his physical exhaustion, but also allowed his mind to relax.

Giving up one night of cultivation to put himself in a better mood seemed quite worthwhile to Xiao Ling.

Emptying his mind of all thoughts, Xiao Ling closed his eyes and gradually drifted into sleep. Moonlight streamed through the window and fell across his body, weaving a thin blanket over him.

The next morning.

The rising sun slowly climbed into the sky, and a beam of sunlight passed through the window and fell upon Xiao Ling's face.

Before long, Xiao Ling woke from his dream.

Sitting up in bed, he stretched lazily. A series of crackling sounds came from his bones.

The feeling of lightness spreading through his body put Xiao Ling in quite a good mood.

Perhaps Xiao Ling's movements as he got up had been rather loud, because a green-clothed girl sitting outside his room noticed the activity within.

The girl crouched down, picked up a basin filled with warm water, and walked into Xiao Ling's bedroom.

Not long after Xiao Ling sat up, a delicate figure quietly entered. But upon seeing Xiao Ling sitting on the bed, she was slightly startled and hurriedly bowed to him, saying timidly, "Good morning, Young Master Xiao Ling."