Is it already Dou Ancestor level strength?

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

Xiao Chen stepped out of his living quarters, the morning sun spilling across his face.

After stretching his neck, he was just about to head toward the mercenary group hall when he saw Qing Lin run out from the room next door.

"Young Master."

Qing Lin ran up to him, a look of excitement on her face.

Giving her a quick once-over, Xiao Chen nodded.

Seven stages of Dou Disciple.

Going from the third stage to the seventh stage of Dou Disciple in just two days was a speed that exceeded even his own expectations.

"Young Master, I've reached the seventh stage of Dou Disciple."

Qing Lin's eyes were filled with gratitude. "It's all thanks to your help, Young Master. Otherwise, I would still be a useless person who knows nothing."

Qing Lin lowered her head, her eyes turning slightly red.

From the time she was small, everyone had despised her; no one had ever looked at her with respect.

Only the Young Master treated her like a human being, stood up for her, helped her cultivate, and even refined spirit liquid specifically for her.

She had long since etched this kindness into her heart.

Just as he was about to speak, a system notification popped up before Xiao Chen's eyes.

[Triggered Quest: Head to the Shimo City shop and copy the Profound-tier Advanced Dou Technique of the Ice Emperor, Hai Bo Dong: Profound Ice Dragon Soar.]

[Upon completion of the quest, the host will receive full mastery of this Dou Technique.]

Looking at the system panel, Xiao Chen's heart stirred.

Ice Emperor Hai Bo Dong, one of the ten strongest experts in the Jia Ma Empire, a user of ice-type Dou Qi, and once a powerhouse at the Dou Emperor level.

Although his strength had been sealed by Queen Medusa and he was currently only at the Dou Ling level, his Dou Techniques were still of great value.

Profound Ice Dragon Soar, a Profound-tier Advanced Dou Technique, possessed considerable power.

Withdrawing his thoughts, Xiao Chen closed the system panel.

"Young Master, what are you thinking about?"

Seeing him lost in thought, Qing Lin asked.

"It's nothing."

Qing Lin nodded and did not ask further.

The two of them walked together toward the mercenary group hall.

After a few steps, Qing Lin suddenly stopped, a look of worry appearing on her face.

"Young Master, I have a question I'd like to ask you."

"Speak."

"You killed the Great Elder of the Snake-Person Tribe. What if Queen Medusa comes to take revenge?"

Looking at her, Xiao Chen replied, "If she comes, I'll fight her."

Qing Lin was stunned.

If she comes, he'll fight her?

That was Queen Medusa, a peak Dou Emperor powerhouse with no equal in the entire Jia Ma Empire.

How could the Young Master say it so lightly?

"Young Master, aren't you worried?"

"Worried about what?"

"Queen Medusa is a peak Dou Emperor powerhouse," Qing Lin said. "What if she comes..."

"Then let her come."

Interrupting her, Xiao Chen's tone was very indifferent.

Qing Lin's mouth opened, but she couldn't say a single word.

She looked at Xiao Chen, her eyes filled with shock.

The Young Master's attitude toward Queen Medusa was as if she were an ordinary person, completely beneath his notice.

Could it be that the Young Master's strength has already reached the Dou Ancestor level?

Qing Lin pondered in her heart.

That's impossible, right? There are only a few Dou Ancestor powerhouses in the entire Dou Qi Continent; how could the Young Master be one at only fifteen or sixteen years old?

But if he isn't a Dou Ancestor, why is he not afraid of Queen Medusa?

Unable to figure it out and not daring to ask, Qing Lin had no choice but to keep quiet.

The two continued walking forward and soon arrived near the mercenary group hall.

Outside the main hall, a crowd of mercenaries gathered in small groups, whispering and discussing amongst themselves.

"Have you heard? Xiao Chen killed the Great Elder of the Snake-Person Tribe."

"I heard. That was a five-star Dou King, and he just killed him like that."

"It was satisfying enough when he did it, but what about the consequences?"

"What consequences?"

"Queen Medusa, of course! She is at the peak of the Dou Emperor realm. Do you really think she'll let it slide after he killed their Great Elder?"

"Exactly. Xiao Chen can just pat his backside and leave, but what about us in the Desert Iron Mercenary Group?"

"That's right. He's brought such huge trouble upon us, yet he doesn't seem worried at all."

The voices of the mercenaries grew louder and increasingly unpleasant.

Qing Lin listened to those words, her face turning pale.

She glanced at Xiao Chen and noticed that there was no expression on his face.

Inside the hall.

Xiao Ding sat in the main seat, his expression looking rather grim.

Xiao Li stood to the side, his brows tightly furrowed.

Several mercenaries stood before them, saying something.

"Commander, I think we should drive Xiao Chen out."

"What did you say?"

A flash of anger crossed Xiao Li's eyes.

"Don't be angry, Vice Commander," the mercenary said. "I am doing this for the sake of the mercenary group. Xiao Chen killed the Great Elder of the Snake-Person Tribe; Queen Medusa will definitely come for revenge. What will we do then?"

"That's right," another mercenary chimed in. "Our Desert Iron Mercenary Group has worked hard in Shimo City for years to get where we are today. We can't let everything be destroyed because of an outsider."

"Xiao Chen is not an outsider," Xiao Ding spoke up. "He is a member of my Xiao Clan, my cousin."

"Commander, we understand how you feel," the first mercenary said. "But you must also think of the brothers. We can't sacrifice the lives of hundreds of people for the sake of one person."

After a moment of silence, Xiao Ding did not respond.

"Commander, just take our advice," the mercenary said. "Before Queen Medusa arrives, drive Xiao Chen out and sever ties with him. That way, we'll have an explanation when she comes."

"An explanation?" Xiao Li sneered. "Explain to whom? To Queen Medusa?"

"Vice Commander..."

"Enough." Cutting him off, Xiao Li said, "Xiao Chen is a member of my Xiao Clan. No one is going to drive him away."

The few mercenaries looked at each other, their faces showing expressions of difficulty.

"Commander..." the mercenary tried to say something more.

"I said enough," Xiao Ding stated. "There is no need to discuss this matter further."

Seeing that they could not persuade him, the mercenaries had no choice but to shut their mouths.

Just then, Xiao Chen walked in from outside.

Qing Lin followed behind him, keeping her head low, not daring to look at the mercenaries.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly became delicate.

The mercenaries looked at Xiao Chen with dissatisfaction and hostility in their eyes, but no one dared to speak.

Glancing at them, Xiao Chen did not say a word.

Xiao Ding stood up and walked over to Xiao Chen.

"Xiao Chen, you've come at the right time," Xiao Ding said. "There is something I want to tell you."

"What is it?"

After a moment of silence, Xiao Ding seemed to be organizing his words.

"Don't take those mercenaries' words to heart," Xiao Ding said. "They are rough men who speak without thinking."

"I know."

"Rest assured, no matter what happens, the Desert Iron Mercenary Group will stand by your side."

Xiao Li also walked over and patted Xiao Chen on the shoulder.

"Big Brother is right. We are all of the Xiao Clan; we will shoulder whatever happens together."

Looking at them, Xiao Chen nodded.

The few mercenaries stood to the side listening to these words, their faces showing expressions of dissatisfaction.

But since the two commanders had already made their decision, their opposition was useless.

"You may leave."

Looking at those mercenaries, Xiao Ding spoke.

The mercenaries exchanged glances, turned around, and left the hall.