Chatting on the Rooftop

Xiao Ni walked forward in high spirits. Just as he was about to turn left into the area where Xiao Xun'er lived, a charming figure suddenly appeared and blocked his path.

"Xiao Mei?" Xiao Ni frowned slightly at the girl who had suddenly appeared before him and asked indifferently, "Were you looking for me?"

As for Xiao Mei, he neither disliked nor liked her. If he had to describe his feelings, it was probably pity.

Xiao Mei placed too much importance on her pride and talent. If she hadn't deliberately distanced herself from Xiao Yan before, Xiao Yan wouldn't have treated her so coldly after getting back on his feet.

"I... I came to congratulate Brother Xiao Ni on becoming a Seven-Star Dou Practitioner," Xiao Mei said with her head lowered, her tone somewhat shy.

"Oh." Xiao Ni nodded. Without another word, he walked around Xiao Mei.

"Xiao..." Xiao Mei turned around, wanting to say something more, but when she saw Xiao Ni quicken his pace, she swallowed her words.

Sigh. Perhaps the distance between her and Xiao Ni, Xiao Yan, would never close again. She had brought this upon herself and had no one else to blame.

"Brother Xiao Ni, why didn't you say a few more words to her?" When Xiao Ni arrived outside Xiao Xun'er's door and was just about to knock, Xiao Xun'er's voice came from the rooftop.

The view from up there was excellent. Xiao Xun'er had clearly seen Xiao Mei block his way earlier and had heard her brief conversation with Xiao Ni.

"Why did you climb up so high, you little girl?" Xiao Ni asked with a wry smile. Without waiting for Xiao Xun'er to answer, he leaped onto the roof.

"Brother Xiao Ni, you still haven't answered my question." Seeing Xiao Ni sit down beside her, Xiao Xun'er narrowed her eyes and reminded him again.

Brother Xiao Ni wanted to avoid her question? No chance.

"I was in such a hurry to get past her because I wanted to come see you, of course." Xiao Ni gently pinched Xiao Xun'er's nose as he spoke fondly.

Teased by Xiao Ni like that, Xiao Xun'er's little face unconsciously reddened. After pondering for a moment, she asked again, "Have you finished what you needed to do, Brother Xiao Ni?"

"Mm, it's done. I came to see you because I wanted to tell you two things. First, tomorrow, just lend me another thousand gold coins. From now on, I'll support you. Second, I want you to accompany me to Black Jade Pavilion tomorrow." Xiao Ni explained his intentions sincerely.

"Brother Xiao Ni, you're going to Black Jade Pavilion so soon? Did you discover something?" Xiao Xun'er had been a little embarrassed upon hearing that Xiao Ni would support her from now on, but at his next words, her brows immediately furrowed.

She had originally thought Xiao Ni would take her to Black Jade Pavilion in around twenty days. She hadn't expected him to move it up to tomorrow. He must have discovered or experienced something when he went out today.

"Senior Chekenao came to see me last night. He told me some things about Aunt Lan. Aunt Lan's death may have had something to do with Gu He." Xiao Ni's expression turned grave. His fists unconsciously clenched, and traces of killing intent appeared in his eyes.

He had never had much goodwill toward Gu He to begin with. If Aunt Lan's death had truly been caused by Gu He, then besides Yun Shan, Yun Leng, Ge Ye, and the others, Gu He would be added to his list of people who had to die.

"What did Senior Chekenao tell you?" Xiao Xun'er's expression also grew solemn.

She rarely saw Xiao Ni like this. Senior Chekenao must have told him a great deal last night. Xiao Ni had always regarded Aunt Lan as a mother, while Gu He was an immovable mountain to the Xiao Household. Xiao Ni must have been in great pain after learning the truth.

"He told me..." Xiao Ni then recounted Chekenao's words to Xiao Xun'er as simply as he could. Xiao Xun'er kept a tight hold on his hand, and only then did his emotions settle somewhat.

"The Soul Hall people disappeared without a trace after arriving at the Cloud Mist Sect. Could someone within the Cloud Mist Sect be secretly colluding with the Soul Hall?" A flash of killing intent crossed Xiao Xun'er's eyes. Then she comforted him softly, "Don't worry, Brother Xiao Ni. Whoever is colluding with the Soul Hall, Xun'er will help you kill them along with that hypocrite Gu He."

Beneath Xiao Xun'er's gentle tone was a hint of chill, and a plan had already begun to form in her heart.

She would never allow anyone to harm Xiao Ni. Not even if there was only a one-in-ten-thousand chance!

"I believe you have the strength, but it's best if Xiao Yan and I avenge this ourselves." Xiao Ni's tone had calmed considerably. With Xun'er around, his heart could always settle easily.

"When does Brother Xiao Ni plan to tell Uncle Xiao and Brother Xiao Yan the truth? If they learn that Aunt Lan's and Grandpa Xiao Lin's deaths were both related to Gu He, they definitely won't be able to bear the blow." Xiao Xun'er's tone was gentle, and she couldn't help feeling sorry for Xiao Ni.

"For now, we'll keep it from Uncle Xiao. As for Xiao Yan, we'll play it by ear once we reach the Cloud Mist Sect." Xiao Ni sighed softly.

"Brother Xiao Ni already knows the truth, yet you still insist on going to the Cloud Mist Sect?" Xiao Xun'er frowned slightly, the worry in her heart growing stronger.

If the truth was really as Senior Chekenao had said, then Xiao Ni would be walking into a trap by going to the Cloud Mist Sect. His life could be in danger at any moment.

"Getting closer to evil people makes revenge easier, doesn't it?" Xiao Ni's cold smile carried a trace of bitterness. He was definitely going to the Cloud Mist Sect!

"I understand. Whatever Brother Xiao Ni wants to do, Xun'er will accompany you." Xiao Xun'er smiled brightly, her gaze unwavering.

"Is that so? Then if I want to sleep in your room tonight, will you accompany me too?" Xiao Ni twisted his neck and revealed a mischievous smile.

Their conversation had been too oppressive just now. It was time to lighten the mood.

"Brother Xiao Ni, you!" Xiao Xun'er withdrew her hand in feigned anger, rose to her feet, and jumped straight off the roof.

"Brother Xiao Ni, I have something to do. You should head back first." Xiao Xun'er glanced lightly at Xiao Ni, who was still sitting on the roof. Then, somewhat shyly, she spoke before quickly leaving.

She hadn't left out of embarrassment or anger. She truly had something to do.

"Hm? How did trying to lighten the mood end up chasing her away?" Xiao Ni scratched his head in confusion. Then he also jumped off the roof and found a place to cultivate.

"Come out." Xiao Xun'er arrived at an open space on the mountain and spoke coldly.

"Miss." A shadow slowly appeared behind Xiao Xun'er, then knelt down.

"From now on, go protect Brother Xiao Ni in secret."

"But..." The shadow had just begun to speak when Xiao Xun'er interrupted coldly.

"Do as I say. Otherwise, go back to the Ancient Clan right now!" Xiao Xun'er's tone and gaze were extremely domineering, frightening the shadow into immediately lowering its head.

She also wanted to be more courteous to the senior before her, but Xiao Ni's safety was at stake. She truly found it hard to remain calm.

"Yes." The shadow reluctantly yielded. After waiting a moment and seeing that Xiao Xun'er had no further orders, it gradually disappeared behind her.