When Xun'er heard the name Xiao Yi Xian in Xiao Yuan's inner voice, her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly.
Who was Xiao Yi Xian?
Was Xiao Yuan going to look for her?
She knew that Xiao Yi Xian must be one of those so-called characters in the story, too.
If she could, she didn't want Xiao Yuan to leave her and go find that woman.
But she knew that was impossible. She couldn't change Xiao Yuan's mind, so all she could do was sigh softly to herself.
Xiao Yuan, you really are such a philanderer!
At the thought, Xun'er glared at Xiao Yuan, cheeks puffed in annoyance. He was left utterly confused.
What did I do? Why is she looking at me like that?
Hearing his thoughts again, Xun'er huffed and turned her head away, no longer looking at him.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan was overcome with emotion.
Just yesterday, he'd gotten himself caught up in Nalan Yanran's troubles. Yet today, Xiao Yuan had lent him so much money without asking a single question or attaching any conditions.
Thinking of all the encouragement and comfort he'd received over the past three years, while he'd wrapped himself up in prickles like a hedgehog...
Xiao Yan felt his nose sting.
Aside from his father and his two elder brothers, who had long since left the Xiao Clan, the only person who'd treated him with such unconditional, wholehearted kindness was this younger clansman his father had adopted.
He didn't know how to express the gratitude he felt.
So he clasped Xiao Yuan's hand tightly and said solemnly,
"Cousin Xiao Yuan, I'll always remember your kindness! I, Xiao Yan, swear that if I achieve anything in the future, I'll never forget you! I'll find a way to pay you back, too!"
To be honest, ever since Xiao Yuan had arrived in this world, he'd been waiting for Xiao Yan to make just such a promise.
If there were an affection meter, Xiao Yan's would probably have maxed out by now.
But for some reason, Xiao Yuan couldn't feel happy about it at all. He was also a little embarrassed.
"Um... I know you're not the sort of person who forgets a kindness, Cousin Xiao Yan. As for the money... there's really no need to worry so much about it..."
More than anything, I just want you to let go of my hand!
Xun'er heard every word of Xiao Yuan's silent wail. When she turned back to meet his eyes, she even saw the plea in them.
Her mood brightened considerably.
She immediately spoke up to break them apart.
"Cousin Xiao Yan, Xun'er understands how you feel right now, but please let go of Xiao Yuan's hand. Otherwise, Xun'er might get jealous~"
Her airy remark instantly made Xiao Yan break out in a cold sweat.
He hurriedly let go of Xiao Yuan's hand and explained,
"Um... Cousin Xun'er, don't get the wrong idea. I was just... just a little too excited."
Xiao Yan knew all too well how formidable this girl could be.
A few years ago, some fool from the clan had latched onto Xiao Yuan and pursued him relentlessly. Xun'er had given him such a fierce beating that, ever since, no one in the Xiao Clan had dared make a move on Xiao Yuan.
To ease the awkwardness, Xiao Yan added,
"By the way, I'm going to take a look around the market in a bit. Do you two want to come with me?"
Xiao Yuan was still thinking about the storyline involving the Xiao Clan Market when Xun'er replied, "Sure."
Then a fragrant breeze swept over him.
Someone had linked their arm through his, pressing a soft, modestly sized mound against him.
He lowered his head and saw that Xun'er's eyes had curved into slender crescents as she smiled playfully at him.
"Xiao Yuan, you'll come with Xun'er, right?"
"All right, all right. I don't have anything to do today anyway, so let's go have a look."
What reason could he possibly have to refuse?
Besides...
Who could turn down a Xun'er who was cool and aloof around everyone else, but sweet, adorable, and wonderfully clingy with him?
Once she got his agreement, Xun'er grew even happier.
She couldn't change Xiao Yuan's mind, but that didn't mean she'd give up. If anything, she'd cherish the time she got to spend with him even more.
Wutan City.
Though it was in a remote location, bordering the Magical Beast Mountain Range, it was still one of the larger cities ruled by the Jia Ma Empire.
Even beneath the blazing sun, the streets were bustling with crowds. The flow of people remained strong, and every so often, a few unusual races could be spotted.
Perhaps it was because Xiao Yuan was with her, but after leaving the clan, Xun'er became much livelier.
She dragged him from stall to stall, darting all over the place. From time to time, Xiao Yuan bought her little trinkets.
Like now: he'd just bought Xun'er a white jade hairpin.
Xun'er held the hairpin to her head and smiled sweetly.
"Xiao Yuan, does it look good?"
"Of course. My Xun'er was born beautiful. How could anything look bad on you?"
Even the stall owner praised Xun'er's beauty, saying that she and Xiao Yuan were made for each other.
The girl's laughter rang out again and again, light and clear as silver bells.
It seemed to bring a touch of coolness to the sun-scorched street.
When Xun'er had had her fill of browsing, she suddenly pulled him over to a corner of the market.
"What's wrong? Why did you suddenly bring me here?"
Xun'er said nothing. She only smiled at him, then ran her slender fingers over her Storage Ring. With a flick of her fingers, a jade scroll, entirely crimson, appeared in her hand. She held it out to him.
"What's this...?"
Xiao Yuan looked at Xun'er in confusion. She spoke softly.
"This is a fire-attributed cultivation art of the Low Earth Tier: the Mystic Flame Art! Ever since you became a Dou Zhe, Xiao Yuan, you haven't had a suitable cultivation art. So Xun'er wants to give this to you."
"Xiao Yuan, don't refuse just because you're worried about losing face. Xun'er knows you're not that stubborn, so you're not allowed to say no. Besides, Xun'er knows that you gave up some precious treasures to help her back then. This can be a little something to repay you."
With that, Xun'er forced the scroll into his arms.
Xiao Yuan looked down at the scroll, then up at Xun'er, and couldn't help smiling.
He reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair, speaking gently.
"All right, then I won't stand on ceremony with you, little rich girl."
It's just a shame the tier isn't higher. Still, the Low Earth Tier isn't bad... It was a gift from Xun'er, after all. Even if I don't practice it, I'll treasure it.
At that moment, he had the inexplicable feeling that one of his investments had finally paid off.
Xun'er naturally heard every word of his thoughts.
But she didn't find them the least bit unreasonable. She thought Xiao Yuan was right.
With a cultivation art that one was going to practice for the first time, the higher the tier, the greater the benefits. In her eyes, only a Heaven Tier art was worthy of her Xiao Yuan.
That left her feeling a little guilty.
Since she'd had to return to her clan for her coming-of-age ceremony, she hadn't brought any especially powerful cultivation arts with her when she'd first come to the Xiao Clan.
After all, cultivation arts weren't Dou Techniques. They were the foundation on which a clan stood.
Even the cultivation arts passed down through her clan weren't hers to take and give away as she pleased.
The Low Earth Tier Mystic Flame Art was the best cultivation art she could offer.