However, when he saw Xiao Tianci, the wisdom and cunning in his eyes completely disappeared.
Instead, there was a bewilderment identical to that of Xiao Li just now.
Then, the young man looked at Xiao Li, his eyes seemingly filled with a question.
Xiao Li naturally noticed the look in the white-robed youth's eyes, and immediately laughed, saying, "I didn't expect that the person who came was really Xiao Tianci from our Xiao Clan!"
"Really? I didn't expect that." The young man in white robes also came to his senses, a gentle smile on his face, and looked at Xiao Tianci, exclaiming, "It's been a few years, and Tianci has grown so tall."
"Brother Xiao Ding." Xiao Tianci took a deep breath, suppressing the surprise and delight he felt at the unexpected meeting, and then his expression became calm as he spoke, "Brother Xiao Ding is becoming more and more handsome and dashing."
"Tianci, don't just stand there, sit down, sit down quickly." Xiao Ding was also a little surprised to see Xiao Tianci like this. He then waved to Xiao Tianci Xiao Tianci, gesturing for him to sit down next to him, and couldn't help but sigh.
"It seems, Tianci, you're no longer the boy we used to protect. You've been through a lot since we left."
"Yes, I've had quite a few of those experiences." Xiao Tianci nodded, then sat down next to Xiao Ding.
He could tell that both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were quite curious about his experiences.
"Tianci, according to the reports from the returning mercenaries, your strength seems to have improved a lot?" Xiao Ding said with a smile, looking at Xiao Tianci sitting next to him.
After all, they all knew that Xiao Tianci's strength was different from Xiao Yan's. Xiao Yan had extremely high talent, but due to a strange illness, his strength had always remained at the Three-Stage Dou Qi. However, Xiao Tianci was simply lacking in talent, and no matter how much he cultivated, his improvement was quite limited.
Therefore, compared to Xiao Yan's recovery of strength, Xiao Tianci's improvement in strength was even more astonishing to them.
Moreover, although they were in the Tagor Desert, they maintained regular correspondence with the Xiao Clan. Xiao Tianci's significant improvement in strength was a major event that the family could not possibly overlook.
"Yes, I have indeed had some fortuitous encounters over the years, so the Xiao Clan doesn't actually know my current strength. I hope my two elder brothers can keep this a secret for now." Xiao Tianci nodded naturally and chuckled.
Now that Xiao Ding and Xiao Li are aware of Xiao Tianci's improved strength, Xiao Tianci has nothing to hide anymore.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.
Concealing one's strength to hide one's territory is a common practice, and they can all understand it.
But Xiao Tianci hiding everything doesn't seem to do him any good. As a result, the resources his family provides him are quite limited, which doesn't seem to be conducive to his cultivation.
"Tianci, do you have some kind of conflict with the Xiao Clan?" After a while, Xiao Ding slowly asked.
"No, don't overthink it, it's just my own habit."
Xiao Tianci smiled and shook his head. He waved his hand and explained, "Besides, I don't get much attention in the Xiao Clan anyway. I'm practically invisible, so whether my strength improves or not doesn't really matter to me."
Xiao Tianci's explanation made Xiao Ding and Xiao Li nod in agreement.
Xiao Tianci's words did indeed align with their impression of Xiao Tianci.
After all, in their impression, Xiao Tianci was the kind of person who was quiet and didn't like to make a fuss about anything he did, so his choice was not unexpected.
"But to be honest, it's quite remarkable. The little guy who we had to get revenge for back then has now reached such a level and become an alchemist we all need to respect."
As he said this, Xiao Ding also noticed the Third-Grade Alchemist Badge on Xiao Tianci's chest and smiled.
"Oh, this is nothing. I'll be staying in the Tagor Desert for a while. If the Desert Iron Mercenary Group needs any pills, just let me know. If I know how, I'll do my best to refine them."
Xiao Tianci waved his hand and smiled.
He could clearly see that after he said those words, both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li showed great joy on their faces.
After all, a third- Third-Tier Alchemist is absolutely in a class of their own in Stone Desert City. Even within the Jia Ma Empire, their status is extremely high. Given the status of their Desert Iron Mercenary Group, they might be able to reach the level of a first- or Second-Rank Alchemist.
As for Third-Tier Alchemist, that's undoubtedly a pipe dream.
But now, they have this opportunity.
"Well, that's what they say, but your brother and I have been operating in Stone Desert City for so long, and the Desert Iron Mercenary Group is quite a force to be reckoned with, so naturally we won't ask for too much." Xiao Ding's smile couldn't be contained as he spoke.
On the very first night upon arriving in Stone Desert City, Xiao Tianci, who usually never drank, made an exception and had a hearty drinking session with Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and the others.
This time, Xiao Tianci did not use any of his Dou Qi to metabolize the alcohol in his body.
Therefore, being his first time drinking, he naturally couldn't outdrink Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's relentless attacks.
When Xiao Tianci groggily opened his eyes from his deep sleep, he realized that it was already broad daylight.
Xiao Tianci rubbed his aching head and then slowly sat up.
The thin blanket that had been placed over him by someone, he didn't know, slowly slipped off at that moment.
The Sun True Fire and the Samadhi True Fire within his body circulated slightly.
Instantly, the alcohol remaining in his body vanished completely, melting into liquid, and then Xiao Tianci exhaled.
The strong smell of alcohol was immediately expelled by Xiao Tianci.
"Phew, I can't drink myself into a stupor like this again."
After all the alcohol fumes had dissipated, Xiao Tianci finally let out a breath, and the dizziness he had felt earlier disappeared.
Just then, the door creaked open as someone carefully pushed it open.
Then a pretty figure quietly walked in.
However, the figure was slightly startled when it saw Xiao Tianci sitting on the bed. It quickly bowed to Xiao Tianci and said timidly, "Young Master Tianci, you're awake."