Battle Through the Heavens: Flame Emperor, Please Restrain Yourself, Your Elder Brother Is Really Quite Honest — Chapter 4

Xiao Zhan had wanted to say something harsh, but what Xiao Yan could see was naturally impossible to hide from his eyes.

Thinking of Zhang Yuan, he merely closed his eyes and chose to ignore it.

Seeing this, Nalan Yanran bowed once more, then called Ge Ye and the others over before walking lightly toward the door.

She had indeed acted rashly today due to her youth, but at least she had achieved her goal and gotten to see the person she had been thinking about for half a year.

Once three years had passed and she regained her freedom, she could pursue the life she wanted.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yan was gossiping with Zhang Yuan. "Cousin, what's the relationship between you and that Nalan Yanran?"

Zhang Yuan glanced at him and said calmly, "After leaving the Xiao Clan two years ago, Eldest Brother and Second Brother went to Stone Desert City to establish a mercenary group. They thought that if you were never able to recover your talent, they could at least build up something for you to rely on."

"After gaining experience in several places, I chose to join the imperial military. That place tempers people best, and as long as one earns enough military merit, one can exchange it for cultivation methods, medicinal pills, and everything I want."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately thought of the Second-grade Alchemist who had come to examine him half a year ago, and his heart was filled with emotion.

He was a visitor from Earth who had been reborn with his memories. At first, he had viewed this world with scrutiny and caution.

But his father Xiao Zhan, his biological brothers Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, and his biological cousin Zhang Yuan had warmed him with familial love, allowing him to begin accepting this world.

Especially after he became a cripple, the four of them had treated him even better. His heart had been warmed, and he had resolved to repay them with everything he had.

In the past, he could only think about it, but if he could recover his talent, he would definitely become the strongest step by step, then bring his family to glory with him!

Unaware of Xiao Yan's thoughts, Zhang Yuan continued, "Half a year ago, Greenstone Town near the Magical Beast Mountain Range suffered a Beast Tide. I was ordered to lead people there and clear out its offshoots. During that time, I helped several Misty Cloud Sect disciples who had come out to train."

"The leader of those disciples was named Yun Yan. She was the weakest among them, yet she was their leader. Later, she followed my commands for a time. That Yun Yan was Nalan Yanran."

Xiao Yan waggled his brows. "A hero saving a beauty, huh? Did anything happen between you two?"

"No." Zhang Yuan shook his head.

At the time, he had been busy growing stronger. He had no interest in chasing women.

As for whether Nalan Yanran had any special thoughts, that had nothing to do with him.

"Cousin, you really don't understand romance. If you ask me, Nalan Yanran is probably interested in you. Just look at how nervous she was earlier." Xiao Yan laughed. "Don't worry. Three years from now, I'll go easy on her and won't let her lose too badly."

Zhang Yuan: "."

As expected of you, King of Show-offs. Your talent hasn't even recovered, and you're already putting on airs in front of me.

"Then why don't I wait another three years before helping you solve your physical problem? That way, you won't have to go easy on Nalan Yanran," Zhang Yuan said teasingly.

"Cousin~" Xiao Yan deliberately dragged out his voice.

A chill ran through Zhang Yuan's heart. He thought that from now on, he should carry a Recording Stone with him and record all the future Flame Emperor's embarrassing history.

"Stop being disgusting. Close the door. It's time to deal with your problem," Zhang Yuan said.

He and Xiao Yan had already arrived at a secret chamber—a Training Room built by the Xiao Clan. Naturally, Zhang Yuan was qualified to use it.

"Understood." Xiao Yan's expression turned solemn as he closed the secret chamber door.

He then sat across from Zhang Yuan and waited for him to act.

Yet Zhang Yuan did nothing. Instead, he said, "Throw away the ring your aunt left you."

Xiao Yan froze, but out of trust in Zhang Yuan, he immediately did as told and tossed the ring far away.

Zhang Yuan stood in front of Xiao Yan and said to the ring, "You sneaky bastard. You've absorbed my cousin's Dou Qi for three years. Aren't you coming out yet?"

Xiao Yan hid behind Zhang Yuan, staring warily at the Ancient Ring.

"Interesting."

The Ancient Ring slowly floated into the air, and a transparent elderly figure emerged from within it, smiling.

Xiao Yan's pupils shrank as he cursed, "Holy shit, is this some kind of ghost story? I actually raised a ghost—and not even a beautiful female ghost, but an old ghost. I'm no longer pure."

Zhang Yuan: "."

Yao Chen: "."