Xun Er Takes a Master

The Xiao Family of today could be considered the absolute hegemon of the Jia Ma Empire.

Aside from the border outposts of the Jia Ma Empire, which were still garrisoned by the Imperial Family, the internal commerce was almost entirely monopolized by the Xiao Family!

The Mite'er Family even took the initiative to invite members of the Xiao Family to preside over their auction houses in every city across the Jia Ma Empire, overseeing their revenue and expenditures.

Meanwhile, Yun Shan arranged for the elders and deacons of the Misty Cloud Sect to accompany and protect the Xiao clansmen.

This strange combination made observant people in other cities sense that something was amiss!

The status of the Misty Cloud Sect in the Jia Ma Empire was equal to that of the Imperial Family!

Yet, they were actually sending people to protect a group with very weak strength.

What exactly was the identity of those people?

By what right did they deserve protection from the experts of the Misty Cloud Sect?!

Every city was abuzz with discussion.

They were desperate to know the answer.

Unfortunately, those who knew the true answer were few and far between.

At the same time, the Xiao clansmen were receiving the best cultivation environment and resources on Misty Cloud Mountain!

The younger generation of the clan was even being personally guided in their cultivation by Yun Shan and Jia Xingtian!

With the instruction of two peak Dou Emperor experts, combined with the medicinal pill support from the Alchemy Hall, the cultivation progress of the Xiao clansmen had more than doubled compared to before!

Even Xiao Zhan had broken through to a four-star Dou Grandmaster in just half a month.

Xiao Yan had also reached the third stage of Dou Disciple.

Everything was developing in a positive direction.

On this day, Xiao Xuan stood on the high platform of the plaza with his hands behind his back, watching the Xiao disciples sparring with one another.

He was quite satisfied.

Just then, a girl's voice rang out beside his ear!

"Hello, Uncle."

Xiao Xuan turned his head to see a little girl dressed in a pale green dress, with fair skin and an adorable appearance.

The two shallow dimples at the corners of her mouth looked even more beautiful when she smiled!

It was not hard to imagine what a stunning, peerless beauty she would become when she reached adulthood.

Ding! Alert! Alert! Detected Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame Seed...

Detected Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame Seed...

Even without the system prompt, Xiao Xuan had long since guessed her identity.

However, he still pretended not to know.

"What is your name?"

"My name is Xiao Xun Er."

Xun Er also put on an innocent and naive expression, acting as if she did not know Xiao Xuan's true identity.

Xiao Xuan played along with the act and said:

"Ah, it's Xun Er. Is there something you need from me?"

"I heard that you are the most powerful person in the Xiao Family. Could I ask a favor of you?"

"Of course you can."

Xiao Xuan smiled.

Xun Er clapped her hands happily, her little face filled with anticipation as she asked: "That's great! Can you take me as your disciple?"

Xiao Xuan did not believe that from the moment he left the Ancient Clan, Gu Yuan had not informed his own daughter, who was far away in the Xiao Family, of this news.

Yet, not only had she not returned, she had followed the Xiao Family to Misty Cloud Mountain, and now, she even wanted Xiao Xuan to take her as his disciple!

There was... definitely a trap in this!

Xiao Xuan also wanted to see whether this was at the behest of Gu Yuan, or if it was the intention of this young girl herself!

Let's see what kind of tricks she can pull off!

He nodded and agreed, "No problem."

Xun'er immediately performed the apprenticeship ceremony.

"Master, please accept your disciple's bow."

"Hehe, come, this is a gift from your teacher for our first meeting."

Xiao Xuan played the part to the fullest.

"Thank you, Master."

Xun'er accepted the gift as if it were a priceless treasure.

Just as she was about to speak.

At this moment, Xiao Yan ran over.

"Xun'er, look, I've broken through to the third stage of Dou Disciple!"

"Oh."

Xun'er had no desire to pay him any mind.

Rebuffed, Xiao Yan did not intend to give up.

He reached out, wanting to grab Xun'er's hand.

"Xun'er, come with me, let's go cultivate together."

Xun'er dodged, stepping back half a pace.

"Thank you, Cousin Xiao Yan, but Xun'er has matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave. Goodbye, Master."

Xun'er had originally wanted to continue speaking with Xiao Xuan.

With the clingy Xiao Yan here, Xun'er had no choice but to leave with regret.

Watching Xun'er flee as if escaping.

Xiao Yan felt unwilling, yet there was nothing he could do.

He had no choice but to return to the others of the Xiao Family.

"It seems that the thread of fate between Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er has been severed because of me!"

Xiao Xuan smiled helplessly.

"My Lord."

Yun Shan and Jia Xingtian walked over.

They looked as if they had something to say but were hesitant.

"Is something the matter?"

Jia Xingtian nudged Yun Shan.

He signaled for him to speak.

Yun Shan could only bite the bullet and say:

"Reporting to My Lord, it is like this: that young man named Xiao Yan has decent talent, but... but..."

"Speak your mind."

"It is just that his temperament is a bit too arrogant."

Jia Xingtian hurriedly corrected him, "No, it should be high-profile."

"Right, right, right, it is high-profile."

Yun Shan wiped his sweat and gave Jia Xingtian a grateful look.

Xiao Xuan looked toward Xiao Yan's direction.

At this moment, he had already forgotten about the cold shoulder he received from Xun'er and was currently enjoying Xiao Mei's flattery, his expression incomparably smug!

He even had his hands behind his back, acting like a teacher, and began pointing out the cultivation of other younger members of the Xiao Family!

Xiao Xuan said in a deep voice:

"When it comes to cultivation, one must be strict when the situation calls for it."

"Understood, My Lord, we understand."

With Xiao Xuan's imperial decree, Yun Shan and Jia Xingtian breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Xuan left the plaza and summoned Xiao Zhan and Yao Chen.

"I am leaving. From now on, for a long time to come, the Xiao Family will depend on you both."

"Ancestor, are you going to find a way to restore your physical body?"

"Mm. One day, we will clash with the Hun Clan. When that time comes, a great battle will be unavoidable. Restoring my physical body will give us a better chance of victory."

In the original story, Hun Tiandi had begun his arrangements a thousand years ago, envisioning how he would defeat anyone who broke through to become a Dou Di should they ever challenge him.

Facing an enemy such as this.

Even with a system and knowledge of the plot, Xiao Xuan had to be cautious.

"Rest assured, Ancestor. I will ensure the Xiao Family disciples train diligently so as not to hold you back!"

Xiao Xuan nodded.

He had never expected them to participate in that great battle.

He merely wished to preserve a portion of the Xiao Family bloodline!

"Keep these Red Crystal Soul-Nurturing Fruits safe; they will assist you in recovering your strength to the level of a Dou Venerable. By the time I return, it will be time for you to restore your physical body."

"Many thanks, My Lord."

Yao Chen accepted them with excitement.

"By the way, My Lord, will you be heading to the Central Plains this time?"

"I cannot say for certain."

If the progress of his physical restoration remained slow, he intended to travel to the north of the continent. There resided the Barbarian Tribe, known for their immense strength and ability to merge with beast souls; perhaps they possessed a formidable body suitable for him!

Yao Chen paused for a moment: "If you do go to the Central Plains, could you do me a favor?"

"Very well. If I go to the Central Plains, I will pay a visit to the Starfall Pavilion and inform Venerable Wind of your whereabouts!"

"Many thanks, My Lord."

"There is one more thing. While I am away, keep a close watch on a girl named Xun Er. If anything happens, tell me when I return."

Yao Chen vaguely guessed the implication.

He bowed and said:

"Rest assured, My Lord. Yao Chen will certainly not fail your commission."

Xiao Xuan flicked his sleeve, and the space before him instantly tore open into a fissure, into which he stepped with a measured pace.

Next, he would first make a trip to the Tagor Desert.

He would swallow that Green Lotus Core Flame!