Xiao Xuan

The heavy, oppressive aura emanating from the stone tablet washed over them like a tide, seeming to freeze even the air. Xun Er's pale fingertips curled unconsciously, and even her breathing grew lighter. The gleam that had risen in her eyes from anticipation was now quietly veiled by nervousness.

This was the instinctive reverence that arose from the depths of one's soul when facing the aura of a true supreme being who had looked down upon the ages. Even she, at the Half-Saint Realm, could not entirely resist it.

Xiao Ling took in her subtle reaction. His palm tightened gently, clasping Xun Er's slightly cool hand more firmly, while his thumb deliberately brushed over the delicate skin on the back of her hand, as though silently passing warmth to her.

He turned his head, his azure eyes brimming with unmelting gentleness and nothing but a reassuring smile. Even his voice was lowered to a whisper. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. After all, I am one of the few Xiao Clan descendants still wandering the Dou Qi Continent. I doubt our ancestor would make things difficult for us."

As his words fell, he deliberately raised their clasped hands and gently squeezed her fingers, the smile in his eyes deepening further.

Feeling the strength and warmth in his palm, then meeting Xiao Ling's open and gentle gaze, the trace of panic in Xun Er's heart gradually faded.

She nodded softly, and the slightly tense line of her shoulders slowly relaxed. Even her gaze toward the stone tablet regained some composure.

Their steps did not stop as they walked side by side toward the stone tablet.

The dark brown tablet grew clearer amid the void. Faint streams of light seemed to flow through its weathered patterns, as though silently recounting ages long buried