Farewell

Gu Yuan's gaze first fell upon Xun Er and Xiao Ling. A gentle smile spread between his brows as he nodded slightly, his composed bearing as soothing as a spring breeze, silently returning their greetings.

He then turned his eyes toward Xiao Yan, who was bowing respectfully, unable to conceal the restraint in his expression. A soft chuckle suddenly escaped his lips, his voice low and warm, yet carrying a steady force that seemed to penetrate the heart.

"Born into the now-declining Xiao Clan, yet able to attain such cultivation at such a young age—truly rare. With young talents like you and Xiao Ling, the Xiao Clan's rise is already unstoppable. I imagine your gains from your recent training in the Heavenly Tomb far surpassed those of others."

As his words fell, his gaze swept over the Dou Qi circulating around Xiao Yan's body, and a trace of approval flashed through his eyes. Then his tone shifted as he slowly said,

"Hehe, speaking of which, this is already the second time you and I have met."

At Gu Yuan's words, confusion immediately rose in Xiao Yan's heart, and the fingers hanging at his sides curled slightly.

He secretly pondered it. This was clearly his first face-to-face meeting with the Gu Clan Patriarch, a figure whose name shook the continent. How could this be their "second meeting"? If he had truly met such an important figure before, how could he possibly have forgotten?

As he thought this, the restraint on Xiao Yan's face grew even more apparent. There was a trace of bewilderment in his eyes, but he still maintained his bow, not daring to show the slightest discourtesy.

Seeing his appearance, the smile on Gu Yuan's lips became gentler. Before Xiao Yan could ask, his deep voice slowly spread out,