The Old Man in the Ring

The night was thick as ink, slowly spreading to envelop the entire world. The Xiao Family's back mountain was a place of stillness, as if forgotten by time, with only the occasional chirping of insects breaking the deathly silence.

Xiao Zhan stood quietly at the edge of the cliff, his posture as straight as a pine, hands clasped behind his back. The night breeze brushed past like a gentle hand, stirring his robes and creating a soft rustling sound. Since reaching the rank of Dou Zong, his sensory perception had been granted near-divine power, expanding significantly. Every movement within several miles, even the sliding of a dewdrop on a leaf, could not escape his eagle-sharp senses.

"Father."

From behind him came the voice of Xiao Yan, sounding slightly youthful yet tinged with a newfound firmness. Xiao Zhan turned slowly to see his son standing not far away. The moonlight, like water, spilled over Xiao Yan's face, casting a cold, clear radiance upon features that still held a trace of boyishness. Yet, his eyes were far more resolute than those of his peers, shining like stars in the night sky with an unyielding light.

"Yan'er, why aren't you resting so late?" Xiao Zhan asked gently, his voice like a spring breeze, soft and warm.

Xiao Yan walked slowly to his father's side, his fists clenching involuntarily until his knuckles turned white. "Father, today's events... I have brought shame upon you." His voice carried a trace of guilt and self-reproach, as if he had committed an unforgivable sin.

Xiao Zhan shook his head slightly, reaching out to pat his son's shoulder with a gesture full of love and encouragement. "Silly child, I have never felt you brought me shame. On the contrary, I am very proud of you. You possess a tenacious will and a spirit that never gives up; these are qualities many others lack."

"Proud?" Xiao Yan smiled bitterly, the expression filled with helplessness and self-mockery. "A piece of trash who cannot even condense Dou Zhi Qi—what is there to be proud of?"

"You are not trash." Xiao Zhan interrupted suddenly, his voice firm and powerful, echoing through the night sky like a great bell. "Yan'er, I know where your problem lies."

Xiao Yan looked up abruptly, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes like a beacon in the dark, illuminating the desolate corners of his heart. "Father knows why my Dou Zhi Qi has been disappearing?" His voice was urgent and expectant, as if he had grasped a final straw.

Xiao Zhan did not answer immediately, instead pointing slowly at the black ring on Xiao Yan's finger. Under the moonlight, the ring shimmered with a mysterious, deep light, as if hiding countless secrets. "This ring—it was left to you by your mother, wasn't it?"

Xiao Yan touched the ring subconsciously, his fingers grazing the cold surface as he nodded. "Yes, it is the only heirloom Mother left behind. Every time I see it, it feels as if she is still by my side."

"The problem lies within this ring," Xiao Zhan said in a deep, grave tone. "A soul resides inside it. For these past three years, it has been absorbing your Dou Zhi Qi, preventing you from condensing it normally."

"What?!" Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's face turned deathly pale, shock washing over him like a surging tide. He nearly dropped the ring that held so many complex emotions.

At this critical, heavy moment, the ring suddenly emitted a faint, flickering light, much like a firefly. Immediately after, an aged and slightly raspy voice drifted out: "I did not expect to be discovered..." The voice seemed to drift from the depths of a distant time and space, carrying the vicissitudes and mystery of the ages.

In an instant, a ghostly white shadow drifted slowly from the ring, condensing and transforming in the air like a wisp of smoke until it took the form of an elderly man with white hair, hovering silently in mid-air. The old man's face was kind, like the warm sun of winter, yet his eyes flashed with sharp, shrewd light, as if hiding endless wisdom and secrets.

"Venerable Yao, Yao Chen. I have long admired your name." Xiao Zhan bowed slightly, a faint smile on his lips, his tone tinged with a hint of mockery, as if teasing an old friend he hadn't seen in a long time.

A flash of surprise crossed Yao Lao's eyes, fleeting as a shooting star. "You know me?" His voice held a trace of confusion, seemingly curious about this person who had suddenly spoken his name.

By now, Xiao Yan was completely stunned, as if struck by a paralysis spell. He stared wide-eyed at the incredible scene, his mouth slightly agape, unable to utter a single word. "Fa-Father... what is this..." His voice trembled, filled with shock and bewilderment.

"Yan'er, this is the 'culprit' responsible for your disappearing Dou Zhi Qi," Xiao Zhan said with a smile, his tone light and teasing. "But don't be in a hurry to blame him. This is the legendary Venerable Yao, an eighth-tier alchemist and a Dou Zun powerhouse. He is a figure of legend on the Dou Qi Continent, someone looked up to by countless people."

Yao Lao's expression grew even more surprised, like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, sending ripples outward. "The Clan Leader of the Xiao Family knows quite a bit. True, I did absorb your son's Dou Zhi Qi, but it was a move of desperation. A soul body requires energy to sustain itself, and Xiao Yan's Dou Zhi Qi happened to be suitable..." His voice held a hint of helplessness, as if defending his actions.

"Bullshit!" Xiao Yan finally snapped out of his shock, anger erupting from his heart like a volcano. He flushed red and roared, "Do you have any idea how I've lived these past three years? Everyone mocks me, treats me like a joke; those mocking gazes pierce my heart like needles! Even my fiancée came to break off our engagement, making me lose all face in front of everyone! It's all because of you!" His voice was choked with tears, the complete eruption of three years of suppressed pain and grievance.

A look of shame appeared on Yao Lao's face, dim and apologetic like moonlight obscured by dark clouds. "Kid, this matter is indeed my fault. But there were reasons; I hope you won't hold it against me too much. However, rest assured, with me here, I can guarantee you the strength to defeat that little girl within three years, allowing you to wash away your shame."

Xiao Yan snorted coldly, a mocking curve appearing on his lips, his laughter as biting as a winter wind. "Why should I believe you? I have endured three years of cold eyes and humiliation; can that be easily erased by a single promise of yours?"

"On this." As Yao Lao spoke, he slowly raised his hand and waved it with graceful ease. In an instant, a white flame rose in his palm, the fire resembling a ghost from a land of extreme cold, emitting a chilling and eerie aura. The surrounding temperature plummeted, as if time itself had frozen, and a thick layer of white frost quickly formed on the surface of the rocks, as if dressing them in silver armor.

"A Heavenly Flame?!" Xiao Zhan feigned surprise, a perfectly measured look of astonishment flashing in his eyes, though he had long known through the system that this was the Bone Chilling Flame and had already made his plans.

Yao Lao nodded triumphantly, his expression like a collector showing off a treasure, his eyes full of pride. "Correct, this is the Bone Chilling Flame, ranked eleventh on the Heavenly Flame Ranking. This flame has infinite power and contains endless mysteries. Kid, as long as you take me as your master, I will not only teach you everything I know and guide you onto the path of the strong, but I will also teach you alchemy, making you a respected alchemist."

A flicker of temptation appeared in Xiao Yan's eyes, a glimmer of hope in the darkness. But soon, he grew vigilant again, his eyes filled with caution like a wounded beast wary of danger. "Why are you helping me? There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world; you must have an ulterior motive."

"As for that..." Yao Lao stroked his beard, his movements leisurely as if contemplating a simple question. "Firstly, it is to compensate for your losses over these three years so your suffering wasn't in vain; secondly... I also need a successor to carry on my mantle, so that my alchemy and cultivation insights may continue."

Xiao Zhan suddenly laughed, the sound warm and sunny like a spring day, yet carrying a deeper meaning. "Venerable Yao, I fear there is a third reason, isn't there? You need Yan'er to help you refine a body so you can be resurrected and return to this prosperous Dou Qi Continent."

Yao Lao's expression changed drastically, darkening instantly like the sky before a storm. "You... how could you know?!" His voice held a trace of terror, as if his secrets had been ruthlessly laid bare.

Xiao Zhan did not answer, instead suddenly releasing a trace of Dou Zong aura. The pressure was like a surging tide, overwhelming and vast. Although it vanished in a flash, it caused Yao Lao's soul body to tremble violently, as if a small boat in a raging storm, nearly dissipating entirely.

"Dou Zong?!" Yao Lao's pupils dilated instantly, shock flooding his features like a burst dam. His voice was distorted by extreme disbelief. "This is impossible! Just a moment ago, I sensed you were only a Dou Grandmaster; how could you erupt with the powerful pressure of a Dou Zong in the blink of an eye?!"

"Venerable Yao," Xiao Zhan slowly retracted his raging aura, his expression turning solemn and majestic, like an ancient statue that had weathered the ages. "I do not intend to stop you from teaching Yan'er; on the contrary, I hope with all my heart that he becomes your most outstanding disciple. However, there is one thing you must engrave in your heart—"

His gaze was like two sharp, peerless swords, piercing straight into the depths of Yao Lao's soul as if to lay his inner world bare. "If you dare to do even the slightest harm to Yan'er, even if you flee to the ends of the earth or hide in the most secret, dangerous crevices of this Dou Qi Continent, I will surely follow like a shadow and ensure your soul is scattered, never to be reincarnated!"

Yao Lao's face shifted like unpredictable clouds, turning from the green of ancient valley trees to the white of winter snow, switching between shock and helplessness. Finally, he shook his head with a bitter smile, the expression mixed with self-mockery and respect. "The Clan Leader of the Xiao Family is truly full of surprises... Very well, I agree. I will surely exhaust everything I have to pass on my life's learning to Xiao Yan without reservation, and I will carve him into a top-tier powerhouse, letting him shine with the most dazzling light on this Dou Qi Continent."

Xiao Zhan nodded slightly, the gesture a solemn promise and trust, as well as a firm expectation for the future. He then turned slowly to look at Xiao Yan, who stood dumbfounded as if under a spell, his eyes filled with love and encouragement. "Yan'er, although this Venerable Yao absorbed your Dou Zhi Qi for three years and caused you to suffer mockery and cold eyes, he truly possesses extraordinary abilities that can help you grow rapidly. Take him as your master; this is of great benefit to you and is an excellent opportunity for you to embark on the path of the strong."

Xiao Yan first looked at his father, his eyes full of trust and reliance, as if his father were the brightest lighthouse in this chaotic world. Then he looked at Yao Lao, his gaze filled with expectation and firmness, as if seeing the infinite possibilities of his future. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if drawing courage and strength from heaven and earth, then knelt on one knee, his voice loud and firm, echoing like a great bell. "Disciple Xiao Yan, greets Master!"

Yao Lao smiled with satisfaction, the expression warm and brilliant like the first flower of spring, dispelling all gloom. "Good! From this day forward, you are my, Yao Chen's, final disciple! I will pass on everything I have learned to you without reservation, helping you overcome all obstacles on this path of Dou Qi and become invincible."

Once the apprenticeship ceremony was complete, Xiao Zhan carefully took a crimson scroll from his robes. The scroll emitted a faint light, as if containing endless power or a mysterious world. He handed it to Xiao Yan, his eyes filled with love and expectation. "Yan'er, this is a cultivation technique I obtained by chance, the Burning Heaven Technique. It is of the Xuan-tier high grade, perfectly suited for your current cultivation. I hope you can diligently comprehend its mysteries and let your strength rise like bamboo shoots after rain."

"Xuan-tier high grade?" Xiao Yan received the scroll with pleasant surprise, his hands trembling slightly with excitement, his eyes shining with the brilliance of his future achievements. "Thank you, Father! I will surely cultivate diligently and not let you down!"

Yao Lao's gaze swept lightly over the crimson scroll, and he nodded slightly, a faint smile on his lips containing a touch of approval. "Not bad, this Burning Heaven Technique is indeed extremely suitable for those with a fire-attribute constitution. However, kid, from the first ray of sunlight tomorrow morning, you must cultivate diligently according to my methods. This path will surely be filled with thorns and extreme hardship; are you fully prepared?"

Xiao Yan's eyes instantly ignited with fighting spirit, the fire burning bright and illuminating his resolute face. "Master, please rest assured. No matter the dangers or the exhaustion, I, Xiao Yan, will not retreat a single step! Three years from now, I will make Nalan Yanran pay a painful price for today's humiliation and let her know that I, Xiao Yan, am not someone she can treat with contempt!"

Watching his son regain his confidence and spirit, Xiao Zhan smiled with satisfaction, the expression warm and radiant. He looked up slowly at the vast, boundless starry sky, where the stars twinkled like gems embedded in a black curtain. He pondered to himself, "Yan'er's opportunity has been arranged; next, it is time to properly plan my own affairs."

Returning to his room, Xiao Zhan's expression tightened, and he immediately summoned the system interface in his mind. The interface flickered with mysterious light, as if hiding a world of endless treasure.

"System, check available tasks," Xiao Zhan said silently in his heart.

The prompt for [Currently Available Tasks] sounded in his mind, and a list of task information appeared clearly:

1. Marry your first wife (Reward depends on the quality of the wife; may be a rare treasure or a peerless technique, anything is possible).

2. Father your first heir (Reward: Random Earth-tier Dou Technique Scroll x1; this scroll contains the mysteries of an Earth-tier technique, and once comprehended, your strength will surely increase greatly).

3. Special Task: Subdue Queen Medusa (Time limit: one year. Reward: Heaven-tier low-grade Dou Technique Dragon Phoenix Tyrant Body; this technique has infinite power, and once mastered, the body will be as formidable as a Dragon Phoenix; Nine-Colored Origin Stone x1; this origin stone is mysterious and contains endless power).

Xiao Zhan raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise and amusement crossing his eyes. "Queen Medusa? System, oh System, you certainly know how to pick a target. This is no small challenge."

He gently stroked his chin, falling into deep thought as he began to formulate a meticulous plan in his mind. As far as he knew, Queen Medusa should currently be within the scorching and mysterious holy city of the Snake-People Tribe, deep in the Tagor Desert. Given his current strength, charging in head-on would undoubtedly be like throwing an egg against a rock—there was zero chance of victory. After all, the Snake-People Tribe was guarded by four powerful Dou King elders; they were like four towering mountains that could not be underestimated. Furthermore, Queen Medusa herself was already a peak Dou Emperor, a powerhouse of unfathomable strength, and she could even harness the power of Heavenly Flames to evolve into a Seven-Colored Heaven-Swallowing Python. Such an existence was terrifying to the extreme...

"I must come up with a foolproof plan," Xiao Zhan muttered to himself, his brow slightly furrowed as his gaze turned contemplative. "Perhaps I could find a breakthrough starting with Ya Fei? After all, the Miteer Auction House possesses resources as vast as the ocean, filled with all manner of rare treasures. And Ya Fei herself—she is a peerless beauty of infinite charm and allure. If I can win her favor, I might just gain significant assistance."

Thinking of that charming and captivating auctioneer from the original story, whose every gesture exuded allure, Xiao Zhan felt a heat rise in his chest, as if an invisible flame were burning. According to the timeline, Ya Fei should already be serving as the chief auctioneer at the Miteer Auction House in Wutan City, shining like a brilliant pearl amidst the bustle of the auction house.

"I shall go and meet this beauty known as the 'Queen of Gold' tomorrow." Xiao Zhan's eyes were firm as he made up his mind, as if he could already see the bright future that would bring a turning point for the Xiao Family after engaging with Ya Fei.

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight gently bathed the Xiao Family estate, Xiao Zhan solemnly summoned the core members of the family for a meeting.

Inside the great hall, the atmosphere was grave and solemn. The three elders of the Xiao Family, along with Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and others, were all present. Following the Misty Cloud Sect's humiliating demand for a broken engagement yesterday and the Jialie Family's opportunistic provocations, the entire family was stifling a sense of indignation. The air in the hall felt heavy and oppressive, like the silence before a storm.

"Everyone," Xiao Zhan said, his gaze sweeping steadily over the crowd. His voice was low and powerful, echoing through the hall like a tolling bell. "Yesterday, the Misty Cloud Sect came to demand a broken engagement with such arrogance, and the Jialie Family took the opportunity to provoke us. I believe you all clearly see the difficult situation our Xiao Family is in—like a small boat caught in a raging storm, at risk of capsizing at any moment."

Great Elder Xiao Shan sighed softly, his face filled with worry as he spoke slowly, "Clan Head, the current situation is indeed extremely unfavorable for us. The Misty Cloud Sect's influence is vast, like an unshakeable mountain, and we..."

"Great Elder, there is no need for excessive worry." Xiao Zhan interrupted him decisively, his eyes revealing firmness and confidence. "Although our Xiao Family is currently weak, it does not mean we lack the opportunity to turn things around. We are like a dragon lurking in the abyss; one day, we will soar into the sky and shock the world."

As he spoke, he slowly took several scrolls radiating mysterious light from his storage ring and placed them gently on the table, as if he were laying down not just scrolls, but the future hope of the Xiao Family. "These are cultivation methods and Dou techniques I obtained by chance. From today on, core members of the Xiao Family may choose those suitable for their own characteristics and needs to practice, thereby increasing their strength and protecting our family."

"This is... the Xuan-tier high-level cultivation method, Gale Art?" Xiao Shan picked up a scroll impatiently. When he saw the characters on it, his eyes widened in shock, as if he had seen something impossible, and the scroll in his hand trembled slightly.

Second Elder Xiao Lin also hurriedly picked up another scroll. After examining it closely, an expression of disbelief appeared on his face, and his voice trembled, "Earth-tier low-level Dou technique, Dragon Flame Palm?! Clan Head, where... where did you get such precious treasures? It's as if they fell from the sky!"

Xiao Zhan had already rehearsed his response in his mind and spoke calmly, "Many years ago, while traveling, I encountered this stroke of luck by chance. However, the family was stable at the time, and there was never a suitable moment to bring them out. Now that the family faces multiple crises, like a lonely boat in a storm, it is urgent that we increase everyone's strength. It is time for these techniques to serve their purpose."

Upon hearing this, brothers Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were filled with anticipation. They hurried forward to carefully select the cultivation methods and techniques most compatible with themselves. As they gripped the scrolls, their faces were instantly filled with irrepressible excitement, as if they could already see a future where their strength had surged and they were advancing unimpeded on the path of Dou Qi.

"Father," Xiao Ding hesitated slightly, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes before he spoke, "What about Brother Yan's situation..."

"I have made thorough arrangements for Yan'er's affairs." Xiao Zhan waved his hand gently, his expression steady and firm. "You need only focus on your cultivation, increase your own strength, and protect the family. Furthermore, starting today, the family's industries will be reorganized, with a focus on medicinal herbs and monster cores. These two resources have always been precious and in high demand on the Dou Qi Continent. If managed properly, they will surely bring the family abundant profits and a stronger foundation."

Although the others were full of doubts and confused by this sudden industrial adjustment, seeing the incredibly precious techniques Xiao Zhan had produced gave them hope for the family's rise. They chose to trust the Clan Head's decision and nodded in agreement.

After the meeting, Xiao Zhan walked alone to the family's rear training grounds. He saw Xiao Yan undergoing grueling basic training under the careful guidance of Yao Lao. His entire body was already soaked in sweat, his clothes clinging to him, yet he gritted his teeth, his eyes revealing an unyielding will, putting his all into every movement.

"Clan Head." Seeing Xiao Zhan approach, Yao Lao nodded slightly with a faint smile on his face.

Xiao Zhan watched Xiao Yan's training quietly for a while, his eyes filled with gratification as he nodded. "Venerable Yao is truly worthy of his reputation. This training method is exquisite, focusing on both the consolidation of foundations and the stimulation of the body's hidden potential. It is of great benefit to Yan'er's growth."

Yao Lao stroked his beard and laughed heartily, "Xiao Yan has excellent talent, and he is willing to endure hardship and has a spirit that refuses to admit defeat. In my view, defeating that little girl from the Nalan family in three years will not be difficult."

"Teacher, Father, I can do it! I will definitely make those who once looked down on me see me in a new light!" Xiao Yan shouted during a break in his training, his eyes filled with determination and confidence, a light that seemed capable of piercing through any obstacle.

Xiao Zhan smiled, his heart filled with pride and expectation for his son. He did not disturb the master and apprentice as they continued their training, turning and slowly leaving the training grounds.

Walking along the bustling streets of Wutan City, Xiao Zhan felt the keen perception brought by his strength as a Dou Zong. The whispers of the people around him drifted into his ears like soft breezes; the haggling from distant shops echoed as if right beside him; even the faint scurrying of a mouse underground could not escape his senses. This marvelous sensation gave him a deeper understanding of the city and more confidence in his future plans.

"So this is the power possessed by a Dou Zong..." Xiao Zhan sighed quietly in his heart. That power surged within him like a babbling brook, bringing a sense of absolute clarity and control over the world around him. However, he knew very well that now was not the time to reveal his true strength; he needed to remain patient and wait for a more suitable opportunity.

Soon, Xiao Zhan arrived in front of the Miteer Auction House. This building, like a brilliant pearl embedded in the prosperity of Wutan City, was one of the most luxurious locations in the city. Two fully armed guards stood straight at the entrance, their postures upright and their presence extraordinary, like two guardian deities exuding an awe-inspiring aura.

"Sir, may I ask what brings you here?" One of the guards, seeing Xiao Zhan's steady demeanor and extraordinary bearing, and the indescribable majesty in his eyes, asked politely.

"This Humble One is Xiao Zhan, Clan Head of the Xiao Family. I have come today specifically to visit Miss Ya Fei." Xiao Zhan's expression was calm, his voice steady and powerful, carrying an unquestionable authority.

The two guards exchanged glances, and one of them turned and hurried inside to report. Before long, a charming woman dressed in a red qipao walked out with light, graceful steps. Every smile and every movement seemed to carry an invisible charm, making one involuntarily fall under her spell.

"Clan Head Xiao, your arrival is a great honor. Please forgive Ya Fei for not welcoming you sooner." The woman's voice was soft and sweet, like a spring breeze brushing against the heart; her eyes flickered with infinite allure, as if hiding endless secrets.

Xiao Zhan's eyes lit up. The Ya Fei before him was even more beautiful than described in the original story. Her curvaceous figure, outlined by the tight-fitting qipao, was like a work of art meticulously carved by nature; her red lips parted slightly, like a blooming rose, exuding a fatal attraction that made one want to taste her sweetness.

"Miss Ya Fei is too kind. I have come uninvited today, and I hope you will forgive me." Xiao Zhan cupped his hands slightly, his expression respectful yet carrying a hint of intimacy.

Ya Fei smiled brilliantly, a smile like the spring sunshine, warm and enchanting. "Clan Head Xiao, what are you saying? Please, come in. It just so happens that our auction house has received a new batch of rare treasures; perhaps there is something among them that might interest you."

Following Ya Fei into the auction house, a faint, elusive fragrance wafted toward him. The scent was elegant and enchanting, like an invisible hand gently plucking at Xiao Zhan's heartstrings, causing his mind to sway.

"System, scan Ya Fei's information." Xiao Zhan thought silently.

[Scan complete]

[Name: Ya Fei]

[Age: 24]

[Cultivation: Three-Star Dou Practitioner]

[Talent: Business Prodigy (Gold), Alluring Body (Purple)]

[Evaluation: A-grade potential spouse, recommended for marriage]

Seeing the system's evaluation, the corners of Xiao Zhan's mouth curled upward, a hint of confidence and anticipation in the curve. It seemed that this first target was already destined to be his!