The Old Man in the Ring

The night spread like thick ink, slowly enveloping the entire world. The back mountain of the Xiao Clan lay silent, like a corner forgotten by time. Only the occasional chirp of insects broke the deathly stillness.

Xiao Zhan stood quietly at the edge of the cliff, ramrod straight with his hands clasped behind his back. The night breeze brushed softly past, like a gentle hand stirring his robes with a rustle. Ever since becoming a Dou Zong, his senses had been greatly enhanced, as though imbued with divine power. Every movement within several miles—even a dewdrop sliding off a leaf—escaped neither his sharp, eagle-like perception.

"Father."

Behind him came Xiao Yan's voice, still somewhat boyish, yet tinged with determination. Xiao Zhan slowly turned and saw his son standing quietly not far away. Moonlight poured over Xiao Yan's face, casting a cool glow over features that still held traces of youthful innocence. Yet his gaze was far more resolute than that of his peers, like stars shining in the night sky, radiating an unyielding light.

"Yan'er, why are you still awake so late?" Xiao Zhan asked gently, his voice like a warm spring breeze.

Xiao Yan slowly walked to his father's side. His fists clenched unconsciously, his knuckles whitening with the force. "Father, about what happened today... I brought shame upon you." His voice carried guilt and self-reproach, as though he had committed an unforgivable sin.

Xiao Zhan shook his head gently and reached out to pat his son's shoulder, his touch full of affection and encouragement. "You silly child, I've never thought you brought shame upon me. On the contrary, I'm proud of you. Your resilience and refusal to give up are things many people could never match."

"Proud?" Xiao Yan gave a bitter smile, full of helplessness and self-mockery. "What is there to be proud of in a good-for-nothing who can't even gather Dou Qi..."

"You're not a good-for-nothing." Xiao Zhan cut him off, his voice firm and powerful, ringing through the night like a great bell. "Yan'er, I know what's wrong with you."

Xiao Yan jerked his head up, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes like a lamp in the darkness, illuminating a corner of despair in his heart. "Father, you know why my Dou Qi disappeared?" His voice held urgency and expectation, as if he had seized his last lifeline.

Xiao Zhan did not answer directly. Instead, he slowly pointed to the black ring on Xiao Yan's finger. Under the moonlight, it shimmered with a mysterious, profound glow, as if concealing countless secrets. "This ring was left to you by your mother, wasn't it?"

Xiao Yan instinctively touched the ring, his finger brushing its cold surface. He nodded. "Yes. It's the only keepsake I have from Mother. Whenever I look at it, it feels as though she's still by my side."

"The problem lies inside this ring," Xiao Zhan said gravely. "A soul lives within it. For the past three years, it's been absorbing your Dou Qi, preventing you from gathering it normally."

"What?!" Xiao Yan's face instantly turned deathly pale. Shock surged across his face like a rising tide, and he nearly lost his grip and flung away the ring that held so many complicated feelings.

At that critical moment, as tension filled the air, the ring suddenly glimmered faintly, like a firefly. Then an aged, slightly hoarse voice drifted out. "I never thought I'd be discovered..." It seemed to come from the depths of some distant age, carrying the weight and mystery of time.

In an instant, a hazy white shadow slowly floated out of the ring. Like a wisp of smoke, it gathered and took shape in the air, eventually transforming into an old man with white hair, hovering quietly in midair. His face was kindly, like the warm winter sun, yet his eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence, as though they concealed endless wisdom and secrets.

"Venerable Yao, Yao Chen. I've heard much about you." Xiao Zhan cupped his hands slightly, the corners of his mouth lifted in a faint smile. A hint of teasing colored his tone, as if he were joking with an old friend he had not seen in years.

A flicker of surprise crossed Yao Lao's eyes, vanishing as quickly as a shooting star. "You know me?" His voice held a note of doubt, as though he were curious about the man who had suddenly spoken his name.

Xiao Yan was completely stunned, as if someone had cast a Body-Binding Curse on him. He stared wide-eyed at the unbelievable scene before him, his mouth slightly open, yet unable to utter a word. "F-Father... what is..." His voice trembled with shock and confusion.

"Yan'er, this is the 'culprit' who caused your Dou Qi to disappear." Xiao Zhan smiled, his tone light and teasing. "But don't rush to blame him. This is Venerable Yao, once renowned across the Dou Qi Continent—a Eighth-Tier alchemist and a Dou Zun expert. He was a legendary figure, someone countless people looked up to."

Yao Lao's expression grew even more astonished, as though a boulder had been thrown into a still lake, sending ripples across its surface. "Clan Chief Xiao certainly knows a great deal. It's true, I did absorb your son's Dou Qi, but I had no choice. A soul needs energy to endure, and Xiao Yan's Dou Qi happened to suit me..." His voice carried a hint of helplessness, as if he were defending his actions.

"Bullshit!" Xiao Yan finally came back to his senses. Fury erupted from the depths of his heart like a volcano. His face flushed as he shouted, "Do you know what I've been through these past three years? Everyone mocked me and treated me like a joke. Their scornful stares pricked my heart like needles. Even my fiancée came to break off our engagement, humiliating me in front of everyone! It's all because of you!" His voice cracked with tears—the pain and grievance he had bottled up for three years bursting out all at once.

A trace of shame appeared on Yao Lao's face, like moonlight dimmed by clouds. "Kid, I was indeed in the wrong. But there were reasons behind it. I hope you won't take it too much to heart. Still, rest assured. With me here, I can guarantee that within three years, you'll be strong enough to defeat that little girl and wash away your humiliation."

Xiao Yan gave a cold snort, the corners of his mouth twisting into a mocking smile as biting as a winter wind. "Why should I believe you? I've suffered scorn and humiliation for three years. Do you think one promise from you can simply wipe it all away?"

"Because of this." As he spoke, Yao Lao slowly raised a hand and waved it with easy grace. In an instant, a white flame rose in his palm, like a specter from a land of absolute cold, radiating a frigid, eerie aura. The temperature around them plummeted, as if time itself had frozen. A thick layer of frost swiftly formed on the rocks, sheathing them in silvery armor.

"A Heavenly Flame?!" Xiao Zhan feigned surprise, a perfectly measured look of astonishment in his eyes. In truth, the system had already told him it was the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, and he had long since formed his own plans.

Yao Lao nodded proudly, like a collector showing off a precious treasure. "That's right. This is the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, ranked eleventh on the Heavenly Flame Ranking. Its power is boundless, and it holds countless mysteries. Kid, if you take me as your master, I'll not only teach you everything I know and show you how to cultivate so you can walk the path of the strong, but I'll also teach you alchemy and make you a respected alchemist."

A glimmer of temptation flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes, like a ray of dawn in the darkness. But he quickly grew wary, his gaze guarded like a wounded beast watching for danger. "Why would you help me? There's no such thing as a free lunch. You must want something."

"Well..." Yao Lao stroked his beard leisurely, as though pondering an easy question. "First, to make up for what you lost over the past three years, so your suffering wasn't for nothing. Second... I need an heir to carry on my legacy, so my alchemy and cultivation knowledge can live on."

Xiao Zhan suddenly smiled. Like the warm spring sun, it was gentle and bright, yet carried a deeper meaning. "Venerable Yao, surely there's a third reason? You need Yan'er to refine a body for you, help you revive, and return to this flourishing Dou Qi Continent."

Yao Lao's expression changed drastically, like the sky darkening before a storm. "You... How could you know?!" His voice trembled with alarm, as if his secret had been mercilessly laid bare.

Xiao Zhan did not answer. Instead, he suddenly released a trace of Dou Zong pressure. The force surged like a raging tide, strong enough to topple mountains and overturn seas. Though it vanished in a flash, it sent Yao Lao's soul trembling violently, like a small boat tossed in a storm, on the verge of being swallowed up. He nearly scattered apart.

"Dou Zong?!" Yao Lao's pupils widened. Terror overwhelmed his face like a burst dam, and his voice twisted with shock. "That's impossible! Just a moment ago, I sensed that you had the aura of a Da Dou Shi. How could you release the mighty pressure of a Dou Zong in the blink of an eye?!"

"Venerable Yao..." Xiao Zhan slowly withdrew his surging aura, his expression turning solemn and grave, like an ancient statue worn by time but still full of majesty. "I won't stop you from teaching Yan'er. On the contrary, I sincerely hope he'll become the finest disciple you've ever had. But there's one thing you must engrave in your heart—"

His gaze, sharp as two peerless swords, pierced straight into the depths of Yao Lao's soul, as though it would bore through his innermost thoughts. "If you dare harm Yan'er in the slightest, even if you flee to the ends of the earth and hide in the most secret, dangerous crevice on the Dou Qi Continent, I'll follow you like your shadow and make sure your soul scatters, never to be reborn!"

Yao Lao's face shifted like clouds in a changeable sky, now as dark as ancient trees in a deep valley, now as pale as the first snow of winter. Shock and helplessness warred within him. At last, he gave a wry smile and shook his head, the expression tinged with self-mockery and admiration. "Clan Chief Xiao truly knows how to keep his cards close to his chest... Very well. I agree. I'll give everything I have and teach Xiao Yan all I've learned, holding nothing back. I'll make him a top-tier powerhouse and help him shine brighter than anyone on the Dou Qi Continent."

Only then did Xiao Zhan give a slight nod, as though offering Yao Lao a solemn promise and his trust, and expressing his firm belief in what lay ahead. He then turned to Xiao Yan, who stood nearby, dumbfounded as if under a Body-Binding Curse. His gaze was full of affection and encouragement. "Yan'er, although this Venerable Yao absorbed your Dou Qi for three years and made you suffer ridicule and cold stares, he truly has extraordinary abilities and can help you grow quickly. Take him as your master. It'll do you nothing but good and give you the perfect chance to set out on the path of the strong."

Xiao Yan first looked at his father, his eyes full of trust and dependence, as though his father were the brightest beacon in a chaotic world. Then he looked at Yao Lao, his gaze now holding expectation and determination, as if he could see all the possibilities that lay ahead. Finally, he took a deep breath, as though drawing courage and strength from heaven and earth, then dropped to one knee. His voice rang out, clear and firm as a great bell. "Your disciple Xiao Yan pays his respects to Master!"

Yao Lao smiled with satisfaction, like the first flower blooming in spring, warm and radiant, like the winter sun driving away every shadow. "Good! From today on, you'll be my personal disciple, Xiao Yan! I'll teach you everything I've learned, holding nothing back, and help you cut through every obstacle on the path of cultivation!"

Once the formalities of the apprenticeship were complete, Xiao Zhan carefully took a crimson scroll from his robes. It glowed faintly, as if it held boundless power and concealed a mysterious world. He handed it to Xiao Yan, his eyes filled with love and expectation. "Yan'er, this is the cultivation method I happened upon, the Burning Heaven Technique. It's a high-grade Profound-tier method, perfectly suited to your cultivation right now. I hope you'll study its mysteries carefully and let your strength rise like a bamboo shoot breaking through the ground."

"High-grade Profound tier?" Xiao Yan took the scroll in delight. His hands trembled slightly with excitement, and his eyes shone as though he could already see the glory awaiting him. "Thank you, Father! I'll cultivate hard and won't disappoint you!"

Yao Lao glanced over the crimson scroll, then gave a slight nod, a faint smile of approval on his lips. "Good. The Burning Heaven Technique is indeed well suited to those with a fire-attribute constitution. But, kid, starting with the first ray of sunlight tomorrow morning, you'll have to devote yourself to cultivation according to my methods. The road will be full of thorns and terribly arduous. Are you fully prepared?"

A blazing fighting spirit flared in Xiao Yan's eyes, lighting up his resolute face. "Master, rest assured. No matter how many dangers or hardships lie ahead, no matter how hard or tiring it gets, I, Xiao Yan, won't back down even half a step! Three years from now, I'll make Nalan Yanran pay dearly for today's humiliation and show her that I'm not someone she can look down on!"

Seeing his son regain his confidence and stand proud once more, Xiao Zhan smiled with satisfaction, warm and radiant as flowers blooming in spring. He slowly raised his head and gazed at the boundless starry sky, its stars glittering like gems set in a black canopy. He thought to himself, Yan'er's opportunity is all arranged. Next, it's time to carefully plan my own affairs.

After returning to his room, Xiao Zhan's expression turned serious, and he immediately summoned the system interface in his mind. It glimmered with mysterious light, as if concealing a boundless treasure trove.

"System, show me the available quests," Xiao Zhan silently said in his mind.

A prompt announcing the available quests sounded in his mind, and a list of quest information appeared clearly:

[Available Quests]

1. Take a first wife (Reward depends on the wife's quality; it could be a rare treasure or an peerless cultivation method. Anything is possible.)

2. Father a first child (Reward: 1 random Earth-tier Dou Technique scroll. It contains the mysteries of an Earth-tier Dou Technique; once mastered, it will greatly increase your strength.)

3. Special Quest: Subdue Queen Medusa (Time limit: one year. Reward: Heaven Rank Low Grade Dou Technique, Dragon Phoenix Tyrant Body; this Dou Technique possesses boundless power, and once mastered, the body will be as formidable as a Dragon Phoenix. ×1 Nine-Colored Origin Stone; mysterious and imbued with boundless power.)

Xiao Zhan raised his brows slightly, surprise and amusement flickering in his eyes. "Queen Medusa? System, you sure know how to pick a target. This won't be easy."

He rubbed his chin and fell into thought, beginning to work out a careful plan. As far as he knew, Queen Medusa should still be in the Snake-People Holy City, deep in the blazing, mysterious Tagor Desert. With his current strength, charging in head-on would be like throwing an egg at a rock—certain defeat. After all, the Snake-People Tribe had four powerful Dou Wang elders stationed there, as imposing as four towering mountains. On top of that, Queen Medusa herself was already at the Peak Dou Emperor level, her strength unfathomable. And she could even use a Heavenly Flame to evolve into a Seven-Colored Heaven-Swallowing Python. A being like that was even more terrifying...

"I'll have to come up with a foolproof plan," Xiao Zhan murmured, furrowing his brow in thought. "Maybe I can start by looking for a way in through Ya Fei? The Mittel Auction House has resources as vast as the sea, with all kinds of rare treasures. And Ya Fei herself is a stunning beauty, full of charm. If I can get on good terms with her, she might be able to help me."

Thinking of the alluring auctioneer from the original story, so captivating in every gesture, Xiao Zhan felt a warmth spread through his chest, as if an invisible flame had begun to burn. Judging by the timeline, Ya Fei should already be the chief auctioneer at the Mittel Auction House in Wutan City, a dazzling pearl radiating her unique charm amid the bustling auction house.

"I'll go meet this beauty known as the 'Empress of Gold' tomorrow." Xiao Zhan's gaze was firm as he made up his mind, almost seeing the pleasant scene of his meeting with Ya Fei bringing a turning point for the Xiao Family.

The next morning, the first ray of sunlight fell softly over the Xiao Clan compound. Xiao Zhan solemnly summoned the Xiao Family's core members for a meeting.

The atmosphere in the hall was grave and solemn. The Xiao Family's three elders, Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and the others had all assembled. After the Misty Cloud Sect's visit the day before to break off the engagement and the Jialie Family's opportunistic provocation, everyone in the Xiao Family was simmering with unspoken anger. The hall felt heavy and oppressive, like the stillness before a storm.

"Everyone..." Xiao Zhan's gaze swept steadily over the group, his deep, powerful voice ringing through the hall like a great bell. "Yesterday, the Misty Cloud Sect brazenly came to break off the engagement, and the Jialie Family took the opportunity to provoke us recklessly. I'm sure you all see the difficult position our Xiao Family is in now—we're like a small boat caught in a violent storm, in danger of capsizing at any moment."

Elder Xiao Shan sighed softly, his face full of worry. "Clan Chief, the situation really is unfavorable for us. The Misty Cloud Sect is enormous, like an immovable mountain. We..."

"Elder, there's no need to worry too much." Xiao Zhan decisively cut him off, his eyes brimming with confidence. "Our Xiao Family may be weaker for now, but that doesn't mean we have no chance to turn things around. We're like a dragon lurking in the abyss. One day, we'll soar into the sky and astonish the world."

As he spoke, he slowly took several scrolls glowing with mysterious light from his Storage Ring and placed them gently on the table, as though he were laying down not scrolls but the Xiao Family's hopes for the future. "I happened to acquire these cultivation methods and Dou Techniques. Starting today, the Xiao Family's core members may choose whatever suits their traits and needs, so you can grow stronger and protect our clan."

"Is this... the high-grade Profound-tier cultivation method, the Gale Art?" Xiao Shan eagerly picked up a scroll. When he saw the characters written on it, his eyes widened in shock as if he were looking at something unbelievable, and the scroll trembled in his hands.

Second Elder Xiao Lin hurriedly picked up another scroll. After examining it closely, he wore an expression of disbelief, his voice trembling. "An Earth-tier Low-grade Dou Technique, Dragon Flame Palm?! Clan Chief, where did you get such a precious treasure? It's like a pie falling from the sky!"

Xiao Zhan had already gone over his explanation again and again in his mind. Now, he answered calmly, "Many years ago, I was traveling abroad and came across this opportunity by chance. The clan was stable back then, and I never found a suitable time to bring them out. Now that the clan faces crisis after crisis, like a lone boat tossed in a storm, improving everyone's strength can't wait. These cultivation methods and Dou Techniques should finally be put to use."

When the brothers Xiao Ding and Xiao Li heard this, their eyes filled with anticipation. They quickly stepped forward and carefully selected cultivation methods and Dou Techniques best suited to each of them. As they gripped their scrolls, excitement they could hardly contain spread across their faces, as if they could already see themselves growing stronger and forging ahead on the path of cultivation.

"Father..." Xiao Ding hesitated, a trace of worry flickering in his eyes, but he still spoke up. "What about younger brother Yan...?"

"I've made all the necessary arrangements for Yan'er." Xiao Zhan waved a hand, his expression calm and resolute. "All you need to do is focus on cultivating, improve your strength, and protect the clan. Also, starting today, we'll reorganize the family businesses and focus on medicinal herbs and Magic Cores. These resources have always been precious and in great demand across the Dou Qi Continent. If we handle the business well, it will bring the clan substantial profits and a stronger foundation."

Everyone was full of questions, unsure what to make of this sudden change in the family's business strategy. But when they saw the priceless cultivation methods and Dou Techniques Xiao Zhan had produced, they felt as though they could see hope for the clan's rise. They chose to trust the Clan Chief's decision and nodded in agreement.

After the meeting, Xiao Zhan went alone to the training ground in the family's back courtyard. There he saw Xiao Yan undergoing grueling basic training under Yao Lao's careful guidance. Xiao Yan was already soaked through with sweat, his clothes clinging to his body, but he still gritted his teeth. His eyes were full of determination, and he gave his all with every movement.

"Clan Chief." Yao Lao saw Xiao Zhan approach and nodded in greeting, a faint smile on his face.

Xiao Zhan watched Xiao Yan train for a while, his eyes full of satisfaction. He nodded gently. "Venerable Yao truly lives up to his reputation. This training method is remarkably effective. It focuses on building a solid foundation while also drawing out the body's hidden potential. It'll do Yan'er a great deal of good."

Yao Lao stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "Xiao Yan has excellent talent. He's also willing to endure hardship and has a determination that refuses to yield. In my opinion, defeating that little girl from the Nalan Family in three years won't be difficult."

"Master, Father, I can do it! I'll make everyone who looked down on me see me in a new light!" Xiao Yan shouted between training exercises, his eyes full of determination and confidence, the light in them seeming to pierce every obstacle.

Xiao Zhan smiled, his heart full of pride and hope for his son. He didn't disturb the master and disciple as they continued training, and turned to leave the training ground.

Walking along Wutan City's bustling streets, Xiao Zhan experienced the heightened senses that came with being a Dou Zong. The whispers of passersby drifted clearly into his ears like words borne on the breeze. The sound of bargaining from shops in the distance seemed to ring right beside him. Even the faint patter of rats scurrying underground escaped neither his perception. This remarkable sensation gave him a deeper understanding of the city and greater confidence in his plans for the future.

"So this is the power of a Dou Zong..." Xiao Zhan marveled silently. The power flowed through him like a gentle stream, giving him an extraordinarily clear sense of control over everything around him. Yet he knew very well that this was no time to reveal his strength. He had to lie low and wait for the right opportunity.

Before long, Xiao Zhan arrived at the entrance to the Mittel Auction House. The building was like a dazzling pearl set amid Wutan City's splendor, one of the most luxurious places in the city. Two fully armed guards stood ramrod straight at the entrance, imposing figures like guardian deities, exuding an awe-inspiring presence.

"May I ask what brings you here, sir?" One of the guards saw Xiao Zhan's calm bearing and distinguished manner, along with the hard-to-describe authority in his eyes, and politely asked.

"I am Xiao Zhan, Clan Chief of the Xiao Family. I've come to visit Miss Ya Fei today." Xiao Zhan's expression was calm, his voice steady and powerful, carrying an unquestionable authority.

The two guards exchanged a glance. One of them quickly turned and hurried inside to report. Before long, a captivating woman in a red qipao emerged with light, graceful steps. Every smile and frown of hers seemed to carry an irresistible charm, drawing people in without their noticing.

"Clan Chief Xiao, Ya Fei failed to welcome you properly. I hope you won't hold it against me." Her voice was soft and sultry, like a spring breeze brushing gently over the heart. Her eyes moved with endless charm, as if concealing countless secrets.

Xiao Zhan's eyes lit up. Ya Fei looked even more beautiful in person than she had been described in the original story. Her shapely figure was outlined by the close-fitting qipao, like a work of art carefully crafted by nature. Her lips parted, red as blooming roses, giving off a fatal allure that made him want to steal a kiss.

"Miss Ya Fei, you're too kind. Please forgive my presumptuous visit." Xiao Zhan cupped his hands slightly, his manner respectful yet friendly.

Ya Fei smiled radiantly, like the warm, alluring sunshine of spring. "Clan Chief Xiao, there's no need to be so formal. Please, come in. Our auction house has just received a batch of rare treasures. There may be something that catches your interest."

As he followed Ya Fei into the auction house, a faint, delicate fragrance wafted toward him. It was subtle yet captivating, like an invisible hand gently plucking at Xiao Zhan's heartstrings and making his thoughts sway.

"System, scan Ya Fei's information," Xiao Zhan silently said in his mind.

[Scan Complete]

[Name: Ya Fei]

[Age: 24]

[Cultivation: Three-Star Dou Zhe]

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

[Evaluation: A-grade potential partner. Recommended for marriage.]

Seeing the system's evaluation, Xiao Zhan's lips curled into a slight smile, brimming with confidence and anticipation. It seemed his first target was none other than her!