Farewell

...About a year ago, though she did not know the exact time, an unusual woman came to the Xiao Family.

That woman possessed exceptionally formidable Soul Power. Although she was only a Dou Wang, even Elder Ling could not conveniently make a move against her.

That alone would have been one thing, but who would have thought that woman would set her sights on Brother Xiao Yan?

If she had shown any intention of harming Brother Xiao Yan, Xun Er would have driven her away no matter what.

But...

Brother Xiao Yan had grown closer and closer to her.

Brother Xiao Yan went to see her every few days, and their relationship improved by the day.

Now that Brother Xiao Yan's cultivation talent had recovered, she even seemed to have played a role behind the scenes.

What exactly was she thinking? She was clearly a top genius among the Eight Clans, so how could she be wandering alone outside, even coming to a remote place like the Jia Ma Empire?

Even after interacting with her, Xun Er had gained nothing from it.

Damn it...

Why was this happening...?

Knock, knock, knock.

A familiar knock suddenly sounded from outside the door.

Xiao Xun Er's heart leapt with joy, and she hurriedly turned to open it.

"Brother Xiao Yan, I knew it was you..."

At the sight of her beloved, a brilliant smile appeared on Xun Er's lovely face. Yet after she carefully looked Xiao Yan over from head to toe, a faint sense of unease slowly rose within her.

Brother Xiao Yan usually dressed rather casually...

Why was he dressed so formally today?

Suddenly, an uneasy thought surfaced in Xiao Xun Er's mind.

Could it be that woman...

"Hi, Xun Er."

Xiao Yan smiled as he greeted Xun Er.

"Brother Xiao Yan, you're up so early... Why did you suddenly think to come see Xun Er today?"

For some reason, Xiao Yan sensed an inexplicable resentment in Xun Er's words, as though she were complaining that he had not taken the initiative to see her in a long time.

"Hehe... I've been busy cultivating lately... Don't blame me, Xun Er."

Xiao Yan smiled apologetically before continuing.

The slight furrow between Xun Er's brows did not last long before gradually smoothing out.

"Then what did Brother Xiao Yan come to see Xun Er for?"

"Did you come to take Xun Er out for fun? Or do you want to ask Xun Er for something?"

Xiao Yan shook his head and laughed. "Unfortunately, neither..."

"I came this time to tell Xun Er that I'm going out to gain experience."

"What? Going out to gain experience?! Just Brother Xiao Yan alone?"

"No, that's far too dangerous!"

Xun Er was stunned. Once she came to her senses, she immediately refused without a second thought. "Brother Xiao Yan may be exceptionally talented, but you're only at the Dou Zhe realm right now. Going out to gain experience like this is too dangerous—"

"It's fine."

Xiao Yan waved his hand. "I'll have a friend with me, so Xun Er needn't worry."

"A friend? Could it be Miss Wan, the one staying in the guest room?"

Xun Er pursed her lips. That woman was involved in everything now...

Xiao Yan somewhat realized that Xun Er seemed not to like Miss Wan very much, so he said nothing more and simply took it as her tacit acceptance.

"But Miss Wan..."

"Miss Wan is a Dou Wang expert. Could she not protect me?"

Xiao Yan asked in return.

Xun Er could not refute him, but she still muttered, "That may not necessarily be true..."

"Alright, I know you're worried about me, but don't worry too much. Your Brother Xiao Yan isn't some idiot who knows nothing. I'm quite quick-witted."

Xiao Yan smiled helplessly, then patted Xun Er's head.

"Brother Xiao Yan... I'm serious...!"

But seeing Xiao Yan's manner, Xiao Xun Er immediately grew anxious. She grabbed his wrist with both hands and spoke urgently.

"But am I not serious as well, Xun Er?"

Xiao Yan shook his head, his tone gentle yet firm.

"Brother Xiao Yan... Must you go?"

"Then you must promise Xun Er that you'll be cautious in everything."

Seeing that Xiao Yan had made up his mind and knowing she could not stop him, Xiao Xun Er, who had already failed to prevent Brother Xiao Yan from leaving before her eyes, could only painfully settle for the next best thing.

Seeing how serious Xun Er was, Xiao Yan could only nod lightly.

"Mm, I understand."

"It's getting late. Don't worry, I won't be gone for long. I'll be back before long."

"Mm."

Xun Er could only choose to believe him.

"But since I'm leaving, Xun Er, you must take good care of yourself in the Xiao Family too."

"...What are you saying, Brother Xiao Yan? Xun Er has long been able to take care of herself."

"..."

A set of quiet footsteps approached. Yao Wan entered Xun Er's courtyard but did not come inside, leaving them their last bit of time alone together.

"Alright, I'm leaving. Take care, Xun Er."

"Mm, Brother Xiao Yan, you too..."

Xun Er could only nod as if at ease, then watch helplessly as Xiao Yan followed that figure out of her small courtyard.

"..."

Only after the two had gone far away did an uncontrollable trace of worry and resentment finally appear on Xun Er's lovely face.

"Miss..."

A wisp of black mist slowly appeared within Xun Er's field of vision.

"That woman again! What exactly does she want to do?! Has she not meddled enough already?!"

Xun Er rarely became angry. She nearly smashed the teacup on the table.

But she still restrained herself.

"Miss seems quite hostile toward that unknown woman from the Eight Clans."

An aged voice came from within the black mist.

"...Has Elder Ling found out anything about her?"

Xun Er finally suppressed the unwillingness in her heart and turned to ask.

"Is she from the Yan Clan or the Yao Clan?"

"There has been no news from the Yan Clan, but as for the Yao Clan... there are rumors that this generation's peerless Yao Clan prodigy has run away from home for quite some time."

Ling Ying lowered his head. No wonder she could contend with him, a Dou Emperor, through Soul Power alone. The Eight Clans' prodigies all possessed terrifying talent and aptitude, but she was the first he had encountered with Soul Power so powerful.

"Ran away from home?"

Xun Er froze. If it truly was her... then she was certainly bold enough... She had dared to leave as soon as she wished despite being only a Dou Wang.

"Is the information reliable?"

"The information is reliable, but whether it is truly her, I'm afraid..."

Ling Ying trailed off.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. Then I'll have to trouble Elder Ling with a task."

"Please follow Brother Xiao Yan and that woman. Protect Brother Xiao Yan if necessary."

Upon hearing this, Ling Ying could not help but reveal a wry smile.

Protecting a little Dou Zhe under the watchful eyes of a soul body with immensely powerful Soul Power and a Dou Wang with a Heavenly Soul...

Miss's task truly was not easy to accomplish.