Xun Er: I'm Guaranteed to Win!

Smack!

A snowy white, delicate hand slammed onto the table, leaving behind a charred handprint.

Seeing the young miss lose her composure like this for the first time, Ling Ying, who was kneeling on one knee nearby, had a chilling glint flash through his eyes. "Miss, shall I go deal with that little girl...?"

Xun Er frowned at Ling Ying, golden flames flickering in her eyes. "Elder Ling, do you think I need to use such methods to steal Xiao Yan away?"

Under that scorching gaze, capable of igniting Dou Qi, even Ling Ying, a Dou Emperor, found it hard to bear. He hurriedly said, "Please calm your anger, Miss. That Nalan Yanran is certainly no match for you. I only fear that Young Master Xiao Yan is too innocent and might be deceived by others!"

Ling Ying knew that at a time like this, only Xiao Yan's name could divert the young miss's attention.

Sure enough, as soon as he said this, Xun Er's gaze deepened.

"Brother Xiao Yan isn't that foolish. Xiao Mei has been just as attentive these past years, yet Brother Xiao Yan has never grown close to her. He can tell who is good and who is bad."

After a long while, Xun Er spoke softly, and Ling Ying finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Though he had to obey the young miss's orders, killing a little girl still made him somewhat uncomfortable.

"However, I can't just do nothing. Send word back to the clan. I need the best resources, and double the amount!"

Xun Er's cool voice echoed through the room.

"Yes, Miss!"

Ling Ying nodded. His body turned into a wisp of black smoke and slowly faded away.

After thinking for a moment, Xun Er left the room and headed toward the Back Mountain.

Meanwhile, in the Xiao Family Back Mountain, a young man held a three-foot Azure Edge Sword. A faint red glow coiled around its blade as he thrust, swept, slashed, and lifted it in his hand.

As his sword forms changed, so did his footwork. The initial awkwardness of a beginner gradually became smoother with each repetition.

Whoosh!

Xiao Yan sheathed his sword and stood still.

After three hours and dozens of practice rounds, Xiao Yan could now proficiently perform the entire set of sword forms.

But to use it in actual combat, he would undoubtedly still need long-term practice.

This sword art was called the Fire Origin Sword Canon. It contained two levels. After mastering the first level, one could unleash the Fire Origin Sunset Sword. With a single slash, it was like a great sun crashing down, and its power was formidable.

After mastering the second level, one could unleash Fire Origin: Annihilation. Combined with the blazing fire Dou Qi cultivated through the Fire Origin Art, its power rivaled a high-grade Mystic Tier Dou Skill!

The Fire Origin Sword Canon had been created by the third Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect. Based on the Wind Extreme Sword Canon, it had been modified to suit the sect's fire-attribute disciples. Thus, when Yun Yun taught Xiao Yan, she was thoroughly familiar with it, having already cultivated the Wind Extreme Sword Canon to its peak.

Still, giving Xiao Yan a mid-grade Mystic Tier Dou Skill to cultivate the moment they met—if Nalan Yanran found out about such treatment, she would probably turn green with envy.

After all, even in her previous life as the Young Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect, she could only begin cultivating low-grade Mystic Tier Dou Skills after advancing to the Dou Zhe realm.

As for profound Dou Skills like the Wind Extreme Sword Canon, she had only qualified to cultivate them after advancing to the Dou Master realm.

"At this rate, you should be able to initially grasp the first level of the Fire Origin Sword Canon in half a month at most."

Yun Yun was very satisfied with Xiao Yan's progress today, and the smile on her lips had not faded once.

Talented, hardworking, and respectful toward her—such a disciple was practically perfect.

"Alright, that's enough Dou Skill training for today. Go back and cultivate your Dou Qi first."

Yun Yun nodded slightly. Her delicate body trembled, and a pair of enormous cyan Dou Qi wings sprang out from her back.

"Teacher, are you leaving?"

Xiao Yan froze for a moment.

"Yes, I have something to take care of. I'll be back tonight. Cultivate properly."

Yun Yun smiled and reached out to rub Xiao Yan's black hair. After reminding him, she transformed into a cyan streak of light and flew into the distance.

Xiao Yan raised a hand and touched the spot Yun Yun had rubbed, his expression strange.

What a strange feeling. Did she just give me a head pat?

Even his father, Xiao Zhan, had not touched his head like that in nearly three years.

"Brother Xiao Yan, what are you thinking about? You're so absorbed. In the past, you would notice the moment Xun Er came near."

The young girl's crisp, sweet voice sounded beside his ear, carrying a hint of curiosity.

She had seen Yun Yun rub Xiao Yan's hair just now as well.

But she would not show any abnormal reaction.

"Ah, I was thinking about Mother."

Xiao Yan sighed.

Ever since his mother passed away, he had not felt a mother's care for a long time. Yun Yun's gesture just now had given him a similar feeling.

Xun Er fell silent at those words.

Her own mother had been too weak to withstand her powerful bloodline and had passed away shortly after giving birth to her.

Then her father had sent her to the Xiao Family.

Where she met Brother Xiao Yan.

"Xun Er, keep me company for a while."

Though he said they would sit for a while, Xiao Yan directly lay down on the ground, resting both hands beneath his head.

"Alright."

Xun Er lay down beside him, copying his posture and placing her hands beneath the back of her head.

She said nothing.

She merely stayed quietly by Xiao Yan's side.

Only when the sun gradually set did Xiao Yan slowly speak. "Xun Er."

"Brother Xiao Yan, I'm here."

She answered gently.

"What do you think of Nalan Yanran?"

The setting sun fell across half of Xiao Yan's face, making his expression difficult to read.

"Do you want Xun Er to tell the truth?"

Xun Er sat up and looked down at Xiao Yan, blinking her eyes.

"Mm."

Xiao Yan nodded.

"Then Xun Er will be frank. I feel that Nalan Yanran seems to have some designs on Brother Xiao Yan. I just don't know whether what she wants will harm Brother Xiao Yan."

Xun Er tilted her head in thought before speaking seriously.

"Mm, we feel about the same. We've rested enough. We should head back."

Xiao Yan smiled noncommittally, rose to his feet, and took Xun Er's hand to pull her up. His sleeve gently brushed over her dress, sweeping away the weeds.

Seeing how careful and serious Xiao Yan was, the corners of Xun Er's lips rose slightly.

Trying to steal Brother Xiao Yan from me? It won't be that easy!

But... I'll have to pay even more attention to Brother Xiao Yan from now on, so he doesn't get stolen away by other bad women!

Though her thoughts churned wildly, Xun Er revealed nothing on her face. She reached out and brushed the weeds from Xiao Yan's clothes, wrapped her arms around his arm, and blinked cutely. "Alright! Brother Xiao Yan, let's go!"

As the sun set in the west, the young man and young woman walked side by side. The evening breeze swept past like a mischievous sprite, cheerfully lifting their hair and hems. The scene was peaceful and beautiful.