The night deepened in the Pan Sect's area.
More precisely, in the detached little building at the southeastern corner.
The candlelight flickered gently.
Xuner sat quietly by the window, her fingertips tapping absentmindedly against the table.
Xiao Yan and Wu Hao had both won decisively today. The Pan Sect members were celebrating, and faint clamor drifted over from not far away.
Yet Xuner wore an unshakable look of melancholy. Resting her fragrant cheek on her jade-like hand, she stared blankly out the window while idly playing with a lock of her long hair.
Suddenly, the light in the corner of the room distorted slightly. An aged figure peeled away from the shadows and appeared without a sound.
"Miss."
Ling Ying bowed slightly. Seeing Xuner like this, his voice carried a complicated mix of bitterness and helplessness. "The Clan Head has sent another message urging us. Are we... still not leaving?"
Xuner came back to herself and let out a soft sigh.
"Wait a little longer, Elder Ling. At least wait until the Strong Ranking Competition is completely over. We'll talk after Brother Xiao Yan enters the top ten and obtains the qualification for Heart Flame body tempering."
Ling Ying's lips moved as though he wanted to say something, but it ultimately turned into a helpless acknowledgment. "Yes, understood. It's just..."
He hesitated before reminding her, "If we delay any longer, the clan may stop sending letters to urge us and instead send someone directly to the academy to bring you back. When that happens, there will inevitably be a bigger commotion."
"If they happen to encounter Young Master Xiao Yan, the trouble may become even greater. Young Master Xiao Yan is indeed extraordinarily talented, but it is still too early for him to come into contact with the clan..."
"Hm,