After the Power Ranking Tournament ended, the pressure on Xiao Yan eased considerably. He no longer had to train desperately or challenge the rankings as before, and his whole life became much more leisurely.
Old Yao also instructed him not to cultivate in the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower during this period, so he could make thorough preparations for absorbing the Fallen Heart Flame.
Aside from his usual cultivation, Xiao Yan now had plenty of free time at his disposal.
Sometimes, he would visit the Xiao Family to see his clansmen, then head to the Black Corner Region to auction off the pills he had refined, contributing to the Xiao Family's development. His clansmen had not let down his strong support either. Several had already broken through to become Da Dou Shi, forming the backbone of the Xiao Family. Among the younger generation, several little geniuses had also emerged and caught Jia Nan Academy's eye, entering the academy ahead of schedule.
The current Xiao Family, aside from its greatly reduced numbers, had regained strength comparable to its former self—if not surpassed it somewhat.
Besides frequently visiting his clansmen, Xiao Yan also fulfilled his promise to Liuli, setting aside half an hour every day for a month to practice combat with her.
Though he had been mentally prepared, Liuli's actual combat skills were unexpectedly poor.
With their cultivation sealed and neither using cultivation techniques nor Dou Skills, Xiao Yan would often knock the Young Girl to the ground within a few exchanges. A few simple feints and deceptive movements were enough to have her spinning in circles.
Over that month, Liuli had thoroughly embarrassed herself before Xiao Yan. As a result, whenever the Young Girl saw him, she would wear a stern little face, trying to reclaim some of her Big